Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing device receives a data group obtained from at least two different types of sensors, determines whether a first interval between measurement times of first data measured earlier and second data measured later within the data group is included in a range of a preset first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain on the basis of the result of the determination.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-48430 describes a technique in which information is acquired from a second blockchain in which transaction times and data relating to transactions performed at the transaction times are registered, aggregated data obtained by aggregating data relating to transactions performed during a predetermined period is generated using the acquired information, and when the generated aggregated data matches other aggregated data relating to transactions performed during the predetermined period in another transaction recording apparatus participating in a network, the generated aggregated data is registered in a first blockchain.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7321622 describes a technique in which body data and certificate data acquired at different timings from a body scanner are recorded on a blockchain.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-123856 describes a technique in which an identification label provided with a data logger and two indicators is enclosed with transported cargo, and the temperature information acquired from the identification label is recorded on a blockchain by reading the identification label with a terminal.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-56586 describes a technique in which, when performing biometric authentication using face information or the like in the execution of inspection processes on an inspection target by a plurality of inspectors, it is determined whether a time difference between acquisition of face information of each of the plurality of inspectors is within a predetermined time difference, and whether each person corresponding to the biometric information has authority based on the biometric information, and input of information by the persons is individually accepted according to determination results regarding the acquisition time difference and the authority.

[0006] Here, when making a determination based on information obtained from a plurality of sensors, there is a problem in that if the sensing timings deviate beyond an allowable range, the information obtained from the sensors is inappropriate as a material for determination, and an accurate determination cannot be made.

[0007] In one aspect, the objective is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can ensure that the intervals between data sets obtained from multiple sensors are within a reference period.

[0008] A first aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device including a processor, the processor receiving a data set obtained from at least two different sensors, determining whether a first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the data set falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writing the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method in which a computer receives a set of data obtained from sensors of at least two different types, determines whether a first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the set of data falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0010] A third aspect of this disclosure is an information processing program which causes a computer to receive a set of data obtained from at least two different sensors, determine whether the first time interval between the measurement of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the set of data falls within a predetermined first reference period, and write the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0011] In one respect, it can ensure that the intervals between data sets obtained from multiple sensors are within a reference period.

[0012] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system of this embodiment. This is a schematic block diagram of an example of a computer that functions as a server and user terminal in this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server in this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the recording process in the server of this embodiment.

[0013] An example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0014] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system 2. In this embodiment, the information processing system 2 that processes data obtained from multiple sensors using blockchain will be described. The information processing system 2 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20. The server 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected via a network N. The user terminal 20 is connected by wire or wireless to multiple sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C, each with a different measurement method.

[0015] Sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C are, for example, installed in a wristwatch-type wearable device worn by the user terminal 20, and measure biometric data such as body temperature, pulse rate, and arm acceleration. Server 10 is an example of an information processing device.

[0016] The data to be targeted is not limited to biometric data; it can be any data, such as medical data or inventory management data. In this embodiment, we will explain using the case where biometric data such as body temperature, pulse rate, and arm acceleration are targeted as an example.

[0017] Server 10 is, for example, a server computer capable of various information processing and information transmission / reception. Note that the device corresponding to Server 10 is not limited to a server computer; for example, it may be a personal computer. In this embodiment, Server 10 functions as an information processing device that collects measurement values ​​from multiple sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C and records them on a blockchain.

[0018] The user terminal 20 is a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. In this embodiment, the user terminal 20 functions as a device that requests the server 10 to write a data set including measurement values ​​from multiple sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C to the blockchain.

[0019] In this embodiment, the server 10 performs the recording to the blockchain, but the local user terminal 20 may also perform the recording to the blockchain. In other words, the distinction between the two is for convenience, and a single computer may perform the entire process.

[0020] <Server Configuration According to This Embodiment> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, input unit 15, display unit 16, and communication interface (I / F) 17. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 19 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0022] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. Specifically, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a working area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the program stored in the ROM 12 or storage 14. In this embodiment, the ROM 12 or storage 14 stores an information processing program for processing a data group including measurement values ​​from multiple sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C. The information processing program may be a single program or a group of programs composed of multiple programs or modules.

[0023] ROM 12 stores various programs and data. RAM 13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 14 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0024] The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used for various types of input.

[0025] The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 16 may also function as an input unit 15 by employing a touch panel system.

[0026] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® can be used.

[0027] Next, the functional configuration of server 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of server 10.

[0028] Functionally, the server 10 is configured to include a reception unit 21, a decision unit 23, a recording unit 25, and a processing unit 27, as shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The reception unit 21 receives a data set consisting of data obtained from each of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C via the user terminal 20.

[0030] The determination unit 23 determines whether the first interval between the measurement times of the first data measured earlier and the second data measured later in the data group falls within a predetermined range of the first reference period. For example, it determines whether the first interval between the measurement time of the measurement value of sensor 40A, which was measured earlier, and the measurement time of the measurement value of sensor 40B, which was measured after sensor 40A, falls within the range of the first reference period.

[0031] Furthermore, the determination unit 23 determines whether the second interval between the measurement times of the first data measured earlier in the data group and the third data measured after the second data falls within the range of the first reference period. For example, it determines whether the second interval between the measurement time of the measurement value of sensor 40A, which was measured earlier, and the measurement time of the measurement value of sensor 40C, which was measured after sensor 40B, falls within the range of the first reference period.

[0032] Here, the first reference period is the period during which the processing unit 27 can use the data with confidence in its judgment. The second reference period is the period during which the processing unit 27 can use the data after correcting it in its judgment.

[0033] The recording unit 25 writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain 50 based on the result of the judgment made by the judgment unit 23.

[0034] Furthermore, when the recording unit 25 writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain, it writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating the result of the judgment made by the judgment unit 23.

[0035] For example, if the first interval and the second interval fall within the range of the first reference period, the recording unit 25 writes the respective measurement values ​​of sensors 40A to 40C to the blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating the result of the determination that they fall within the range of the first reference period.

[0036] Furthermore, if at least the second interval is not included in the range of the first reference period but is included in the range of the second reference period, the recording unit 25 writes the measured values ​​of each of the sensors 40A to 40C to the blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating the result of the determination that it is included in the range of the second reference period.

[0037] Furthermore, if at least the second interval is not included in the range of the first reference period and is not included in the range of the second reference period, the recording unit 25 performs the following processing: The recording unit 25 writes the measured values ​​of each of the sensors 40A to 40C to the blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating the result of the determination that it is not included in the range of either the first reference period or the second reference period.

[0038] Furthermore, when the recording unit 25 writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain, it may perform the following processing when writing a flag representing the result of the judgment by the judgment unit 23 to the blockchain. That is, the recording unit 25 may write a flag representing the result of the judgment for the first interval and a flag representing the result of the judgment for the second interval to the blockchain 50.

[0039] The recording unit 25 may write the first data and the second data to the blockchain 50 if it determines that they fall within the range of the first reference period when writing them to the blockchain.

[0040] Furthermore, if the first interval is not included in the range of the first reference period, the determination unit 23 may determine whether or not the first interval is included in the range of a pre-set second reference period, and the recording unit 25 may perform the following processing when writing to the blockchain 50. That is, the recording unit 25 may write the first data and the second data to the blockchain 50 based on the result of the determination of whether or not it is included in the range of the first reference period and the result of the determination of whether or not it is included in the range of the second reference period.

[0041] Blockchain 50 is constructed from a blockchain network consisting of multiple computer terminals, and is a chronological link of blocks 51 containing data and an ID to identify the data. The recording unit 25 prevents data tampering by writing the data to a block 51 on the blockchain 50 each time it receives a data group consisting of data from sensors 40A to 40C.

[0042] The processing unit 27 reads out a data group consisting of data obtained from each of the plurality of sensors 40A to 40C recorded in the blockchain 50 together with a flag of each data, and makes a predetermined determination based on the read data group. For example, it determines the user's health condition.

[0043] At this time, if the flag indicates that the first interval and the second interval are included in the range of the first reference period, the predetermined determination is made by using the data group consisting of the data obtained from each of the plurality of sensors 40A to 40C as it is.

[0044] Furthermore, if the flag indicates that at least the second interval is included in the range of the second reference period, the predetermined determination is made after correcting the relevant data. When correcting the data, data at a measurement time included in the range of the first reference period is obtained by linear interpolation using data before and after the relevant data.

[0045] Furthermore, if the flag indicates that at least the second interval is not included even in the range of the second reference period, the predetermined determination using the relevant data is not performed.

[0046] It should be noted that the predetermined determination may be made by preferentially using a data group recorded in the blockchain 50 together with a flag indicating that the first interval and the second interval are included in the range of the first reference period.

[0047] <Configuration of User Terminal According to the Present Embodiment>

[0048] FIG. 2 described above is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 of the present embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2 described above, similarly to the server 10, the user terminal 20 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a communication interface (I / F) 17. Each component is communicatively connected to each other via a bus 19.

[0050] The ROM 12 or storage 14 stores a program for requesting data writing and data reading from the server 10. This program may be a single program, or it may be a group of programs consisting of multiple programs or modules.

[0051] The input unit 15 sequentially collects data obtained from multiple sensors 40A to 40C as data to be written to the blockchain 50. For example, it sequentially collects biometric data obtained from each of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C. The input unit 15 also receives a decision request to read data from the blockchain 50 and make a predetermined decision.

[0052] Whenever the CPU 11 receives data that it wants to write to the blockchain 50, it requests the server 10 to write that data.

[0053] When the CPU 11 receives a decision request to read data from the blockchain 50 and make a predetermined decision, it sends the decision request to the server 10.

[0054] <Operation of Server 10 According to This Embodiment> Next, the operation of Server 10 According to this Embodiment will be described.

[0055] First, the user terminal 20 requests the server 10 to write the data obtained from any of the sensors 40A to 40C to the blockchain 50 each time it acquires data to write to the blockchain 50.

[0056] At this time, in the server 10, the CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14, expands it into the RAM 13, and executes it, thereby performing the recording process shown in Figure 4.

[0057] First, in step S100, the reception unit 21 receives the first data obtained from one of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C via the user terminal 20.

[0058] Next, each time a second or subsequent data point is received from any of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C, the process described in steps S102 to S104 is repeated.

[0059] In step S102, the reception unit 21 receives the second and subsequent data obtained from any of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C via the user terminal 20.

[0060] In step S103, the determination unit 23 determines whether the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured exceeds the first reference period. If the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured does not exceed the first reference period, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured exceeds the first reference period, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0061] In step S104, the determination unit 23 determines whether the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is available. If it receives three data obtained from multiple sensors 40A to 40C, it determines that the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is available and proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it does not receive three data obtained from multiple sensors 40A to 40C, it determines that the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is not available and returns to step S102.

[0062] Next, each time data is received from any of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C that have not yet received data, the process described in steps S106 to S108 is repeated.

[0063] In step S106, the reception unit 21 receives data obtained from any of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C that have not yet received data, via the user terminal 20.

[0064] In step S107, the determination unit 23 determines whether the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured exceeds the second reference period. If the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured does not exceed the second reference period, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the interval between the time the first data was measured and the time the newly received data was measured exceeds the second reference period, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0065] In step S108, the determination unit 23 determines whether the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is available. If it receives three data obtained from multiple sensors 40A to 40C, it determines that the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is available and proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it has not received all three data obtained from multiple sensors 40A to 40C, it determines that the data necessary for the determination in the processing unit 27 is not available and returns to step S106.

[0066] In step S110, the reception unit 21 receives data obtained from any of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C that have not yet received data, via the user terminal 20.

[0067] In step S112, the recording unit 25 writes the data received in steps S102, S106, and S110 to the blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating the result of the decision in steps S104 and S107.

[0068] In step S114, the recording unit 25 saves the data received in steps S102, S106, and S110 to the storage 14 and terminates the recording process.

[0069] Next, when the user terminal 20 receives a decision request to read data from the blockchain 50 and make a predetermined decision, it sends the decision request to the server 10. In the server 10, the processing unit 27 reads the data group consisting of data obtained from each of the multiple sensors 40A to 40C recorded in the blockchain 50, along with the flag of each data, and makes a predetermined decision based on the read data group.

[0070] <Example 1> In Example 1, sensors 40A, 40B, and 40C are provided in a wristwatch-type wearable device worn by the user terminal 20, and the case where body temperature, pulse rate, and arm acceleration are measured is described. The reliable first reference period is set to within 1 ms from the arrival of the first data. If all data arrives within the first reference period, the data set and a flag indicating that all data arrived within the reliable first reference period are written to the blockchain 50 and stored in the storage 14.

[0071] A second reference period for correction and usability is set to 1.5 ms. If all data does not arrive within the reliable first reference period but arrives within the second reference period for correction and usability, the data set and a flag indicating that it arrived within the second reference period for correction and usability are written to blockchain 50 and stored in storage 14.

[0072] <Example 2> In Example 2, sensor 40A is an X-ray imaging facility at one medical institution, and sensor 40B is an MRI facility at another medical institution. The example describes a case where a health checkup is performed at these medical institutions. Due to equipment limitations at medical institutions, only X-rays can be taken at medical institution A, and only MRIs can be taken at medical institution B. A reliable first reference period of one week is set.

[0073] In Example 2, since it is not possible to correct the data from preceding and succeeding data, the second reference period for correction and usability is set to 0 seconds. First, an X-ray is taken at medical institution A and the data is sent to server 10. Within one week, an MRI is taken at medical institution B, and if server 10 receives the data, it is written to blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating that it is data within the reliable first reference period, and then saved to storage 14. If the MRI is taken at medical institution B more than one week later, the data is written to blockchain 50 along with a flag indicating that it is neither within the reliable first reference period nor within the second reference period for correction and usability, and then saved to storage 14.

[0074] Based on the above, the information processing system according to this embodiment receives data sets obtained from at least two sensors using different methods. The information processing system determines whether the first interval between the measurement times of a first data point, measured earlier, and a second data point, measured later, falls within a predetermined first reference period. Based on the result of this determination, the information processing system writes the first data point and the second data point to the blockchain. This ensures that the intervals between data sets obtained from multiple sensors are within the reference period.

[0075] In addition, along with the data received from the sensor, a flag is written to the blockchain indicating whether the data was acquired within a reliable first reference period, within a corrected and usable second reference period, or whether the data was not acquired within the set first and second reference periods. Because it is difficult to tamper with data written to the blockchain, it can be guaranteed that the data set was measured within a reliable first reference period or a corrected and usable second reference period.

[0076] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0077] For example, the various processes that the CPU reads and executes in each of the above embodiments may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of such processors include PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), and dedicated electrical circuits that have a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a particular process, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Furthermore, the recording process may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the information processing program is pre-stored (installed) in the storage 14, the invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitor storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, the program may be provided in a form downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0079] The program of this application can be provided as a program product. A program product includes all forms of products for providing a program. For example, a program product includes a program provided via a network such as the Internet, and non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs on which the program is stored.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications within the sense and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0081] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0082] (Note 1) An information processing device including a processor, wherein the processor receives a data set obtained from at least two sensors of different types, determines whether the first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the data set falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0083] (Note 2) The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein the processor writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain together with a flag representing the result of the decision when writing the first data and the second data to the blockchain.

[0084] (Note 3) The information processing apparatus described in Note 1 or 2, wherein the processor writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain when it is determined that they fall within the range of the first reference period.

[0085] (Note 4) The information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the processor further determines whether the second interval between the measurement times of the first data measured earlier in the data group and the third data measured after the second data falls within the range of the first reference period, and writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain based on the result of the determination when writing to the blockchain.

[0086] (Note 5) The information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the processor further determines whether the first interval is included in a predetermined second reference period range if the first interval is not included in the range of the first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain when writing to the blockchain, based on the result of the determination of whether it is included in the range of the first reference period range and the result of the determination of whether it is included in the range of the second reference period range.

[0087] (Note 6) The second reference period is the period during which the data can be corrected and used, as described in Note 5.

[0088] (Note 7) An information processing method in which a computer receives a set of data obtained from at least two sensors of different types, determines whether the first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the set of data falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0089] (Note 8) An information processing program that causes a computer to receive a data set obtained from at least two sensors of different types, determine whether the first interval between the measurement times of a first data set measured earlier and a second data set measured later in the data set falls within a predetermined first reference period, and write the first data set and the second data set to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

[0090] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-057160 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0091] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually described as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing device including a processor, wherein the processor receives a data set obtained from at least two sensors of different types, determines whether a first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the data set falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain together with a flag representing the result of the determination when writing the first data and the second data to the blockchain.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain when it is determined that they fall within the range of the first reference period.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor further determines whether the second interval between the measurement times of the first data measured earlier in the data group and the third data measured after the second data falls within the range of the first reference period, and writes the first data, the second data, and the third data to the blockchain based on the result of the determination when writing to the blockchain.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor further determines whether the first interval falls within a predetermined range of a second reference period if the first interval does not fall within the range of the first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to the blockchain when writing to the blockchain, based on the result of the determination of whether the interval falls within the range of the first reference period and the result of the determination of whether the interval falls within the range of the second reference period.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second reference period is a period during which the data can be corrected and used.

7. An information processing method in which a computer receives a set of data obtained from at least two sensors of different types, determines whether the first interval between the measurement times of a first data measured earlier and a second data measured later in the set of data falls within a predetermined first reference period, and writes the first data and the second data to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

8. An information processing program that causes a computer to receive a set of data obtained from at least two sensors using different methods, determine whether the first time interval between the measurement of a first data point measured earlier and a second data point measured later in the set of data points falls within a predetermined first reference period, and write the first data point and the second data point to a blockchain based on the result of the determination.

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