Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication terminal, a tracking system, a displaying method, and a non-transitory recording medium storing instructions.
In recent years, electricity produced from renewable energy source has been attracting attention. In this disclosure, the electricity produced from renewable energy source is defined as electricity produced from a subset of renewable resources such as solar (solar light or solar heat), wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydropower, and heat in the atmosphere. Compared to the case where the fossil fuel such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas is used to produce electricity, production of electricity using renewable energy source emits almost no carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a cause for global warming. That is, renewable energy is an energy resource that is environmentally friendly, from among various energy resources used for producing electricity today. By operating such as factories using the above-described power based on renewable energy source, which is environmentally friendly, companies can increase brand credibility.
There is a known method that allows an electricity consumer to purchase electricity by using a blockchain (blockchain network). In such a method, users who are to use an electricity such as electricity may desire to flexibly select energy resources that are used to produce the electricity, because the electricity produced by solar power is difficult to be obtained during a period in which days are short, and the electricity produced by oil is stable in supply but not environmentally friendly, for example.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication terminal including circuitry to receive one or more user inputs specifying conditions related to future energy consumption. The circuitry further displays, on a display, a first energy consumption recommendation that is determined based on the specified conditions and a record of past energy consumption and receives a user operation to confirm or change the first energy consumption recommendation. When the user operation is a change of the first energy consumption recommendation, the circuitry further displays a second energy consumption recommendation according to the change and receives another user operation to confirm the second energy consumption recommendation. The circuitry outputs confirmation of the first energy consumption recommendation or the second energy consumption recommendation as details of the future energy consumption.
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, with reference to the drawings.
First, overview of a configuration of a tracking system 1 is described according to one or more exemplary embodiments. In the description of one or more embodiments given below, the tracking system 1 maybe referred to as a system for managing energy consumption.
As illustrated in
Producer Aa, an example of a supplier, is an entity that produces electricity from solar light, as one example of an entity that produces electricity from renewable energy source, or renewable energy resource. In this description of one or more embodiments, electricity produced from renewable energy source, or renewable energy resource is referred to as green power.
Producer Ab, an example of a supplier, is an entity that produces electricity from oil as an example of fossil fuel. The supplier may be a union that purchases items from each producer and resells the items.
The consumer Ca, an example of a user, is an entity that consumes electricity supplied from the producer Aa or Ab. In case the asset is not consumed like electricity, such as in the case of a real estate property, the user may be an owner who currently owns the asset.
The intermediary agent Da is an entity that intermediates transfer of ownership of electricity between different entities.
The certification authority E is a public institution such as a national or local public entity that certifies a certain type of electricity production method. Electricity production methods can be determined based on, for example, a type of energy resource used to produce electricity. Assuming that the electricity production method is defined by a type of energy resource, examples of electricity production method include a production method using solar (such as solar light or solar heat), a production method using wind (such as wind power), a production method using biomass, a production method using geothermal power, a production method using hydroelectric resources, a production method using heat in the atmosphere, and a production method using nuclear power. Of those various types of electricity production methods, the electricity production methods using renewable energy resources, or renewable energy sources, such as solar light, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydropower, and heat in the atmosphere are grouped into a production method using renewable energy source. The electricity production methods using petroleum (oil), coal, and liquefied natural gas are grouped into a production method using conventional energy such as fossil fuel. Compared to the production method using conventional energy, the production method using renewable energy source emits almost no carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a cause for global warming. That is, renewable energy source is an energy resource that is environmentally friendly. In this description of one or more embodiments, as examples of renewable energy resource, solar light, or solar heat (solar power), wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydropower, and heat in the atmosphere are referred, for descriptive purposes. Further, as examples of conventional energy resource, fossil fuel, such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas are referred, for descriptive purposes.
The intermediary agent Da, as an intermediator, sends an application form to the certification authority E by mail or the like on behalf of the customer Ca, receives a production method certificate of the customer Ca from the certification authority E, and sends the production method certificate to the consumer Ca by mail or the like. The production method certificate, for example, describes a usage ratio of renewable energy source, which is a ratio that the customer Ca uses electricity produced from renewable energy source, among electricity consumed by the customer Ca. With the production method certificate, the consumer Ca can apply for public subsidy, based on the renewable energy usage ratio (or CO2 reduction rate) of the consumer Ca, or total usage of renewable energy of the consumer Ca.
The number of producers may be one or three or more. There may be multiple consumers or intermediary agents.
The substation Bx is a substation nearest to the producers Aa and Ab. The substation By is a substation nearest to the consumer Ca. The power distribution network 10, which may be referred to as the power grid 10, includes substations Bx and By, and transmission lines, and distribution lines, etc. The electricity supplied from the producers Aa and Ab is distributed to the consumer Ca via the power grid 10.
The producer Aa is equipped with a smartphone 2a, a smart meter 3a, and a power generator 4a. The producer Ab is equipped with a smartphone 2b, a smart meter 3b, and a power generator 4b. The consumer Ca is equipped with a smartphone 2c, a smart meter 3c, and an electric device 8. The intermediary agent Da manages an intermediary server 5. The intermediary agent Da may be an organization such as a corporation or an individual (for example, a president, an executive officer, or an employee such as an information technology (IT) system administrator). The number of smartphones may be two or four or more, for example, depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the smartphones 2a, 2b, and 2c may be collectively referred to as the smartphone 2. Further, the number of smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c may be two or four or more, for example, depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c may be collectively referred to as the smart meter 3. The number of power generators 4a and 4b may be one or three or more, for example, depending on the number of producers. Hereinafter, the power generators 4a and 4b may be collectively referred to as the power generator 4.
The number of intermediary servers 5 maybe two or more, for example, depending on the number of intermediary agents. Further, the intermediary server 5 maybe implemented by a single computer or a plurality of computers. The number of electric devices 8 maybe two or more, for example, depending on the number of consumers. Because further registering details for future electricity consumption (future energy consumption), or details for electricity transaction to be executed, the intermediary server 5 maybe also referred to as a “registration server”. Alternatively, in addition to the intermediary server 5, another server may be used as a registration server that registers details for a future electricity consumption.
As illustrated in
Next, the terminals and devices of the producers Aa and Ab and the consumer Ca are described.
The smartphone 2a communicates data with the smart meter 3a by short-range wireless technology such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth. Further, the smartphone 2a communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.
The smart meter 3a communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. Further, the smart meter 3a measures an amount of electricity produced by the power generator 4a every predetermined time period (for example, every 30 minutes). The smart meter 3a performs processing such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of asset that can be provided such as electric power and the ownership of such asset.
The power generator 4a is a device that generates electricity from solar light.
The smartphone 2b communicates data with the smart meter 3b by short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth. Further, the smartphone 2b communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.
The smart meter 3b communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. Further, the smart meter 3b measures an amount of electricity produced by the power generator 4b every predetermined time period (for example, every 30 minutes). The smart meter 3a performs processing such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of asset that can be provided such as electric power and the ownership of such asset.
The power generator 4b is a device that generates electricity from oil.
The smartphone 2c communicates data with the smart meter 3c by short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth. Further, the smartphone 2c communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.
The smart meter 3c communicates data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. Further, the smart meter 3c measures an amount of electricity consumed by the electric device 8 every predetermined time period (for example, every 30 minutes). The smart meter 3c performs processing such as transmitting usage information indicating the amount of electricity consumed, and a duration of time when electricity is consumed, etc., to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. In the exemplary embodiment, since the intermediary server 5 accesses the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, the smart meter 3c does not need to directly access the blockchain network 90. To access the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, the intermediary server 5 previously stores, in the storage unit 5000, a certificate of the consumer Ca that is required to access the blockchain network 90 from the smart meter 3c.
The electric device 8 is any device that is operated with electricity supplied by the consumers Aa and/or Ab.
The intermediary server 5 intermediates transaction of asset between a supplier and a user. Specifically, the intermediary agent intermediates ownership of asset between the supplier and the user. In this description of one or more embodiments, the example case in which the asset, which is an item, is electricity is described. The intermediary server 5 communicates data with each smartphone 2 and each smart meter 3 via the communication network 100. Further, the intermediary server 5 accesses the blockchain network 90 to enable tracking of transaction of asset (electricity transaction, energy transaction). In example operation, the intermediary server 5 accesses the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to communicate data with the node 9. In the example case of asset being electricity, the tracking system 1 tracks electricity from the supplier to the user.
Smartphones 2a and 2b are examples of communication terminals of the providers. The smartphone 2c is an example of a communication terminal of the user. Examples of communication terminal also include smart watches, PCs, and smart glasses. The smart meter 3 is an example of a measurement terminal.
Next, referring to
The CPU 201 controls entire operation of the smartphone 2. The ROM 202 stores a control program for operating the CPU 201 such as an Initial Program Loader (IPL). The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads or writes various data such as a control program for a smartphone under control of the CPU 201. The CMOS sensor 205 is an example of a built-in imaging device that captures an object (mainly, a self-image of a user operating the smartphone 2) under control of the CPU 201 to obtain image data. In alternative to the CMOS sensor 205, an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor can be used. The imaging element I/F 206 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration and orientation sensor 207 includes various sensors such as an electromagnetic compass or gyrocompass for detecting geomagnetism and an acceleration sensor. The media I/F 209 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a storage medium (media) 208 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite.
The smartphone 2 further includes a long-range communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an imaging element I/F 214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, an audio input/output I/F 217, a display 218, an external device connection I/F 219, a short-range communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a for the short-range communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.
The long-range communication circuit 212 is a circuit that enables the smartphone 2 to communicate with other device through the communication network 100. The CMOS sensor 213 is an example of a built-in imaging device that captures an object under control of the CPU 201 to obtain image data. The imaging element I/F 214 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts audio into an electric signal. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that generates audio such as music or voice by converting an electric signal into physical vibration. The audio input/output I/F 217 is a circuit for inputting or outputting an audio signal between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 under control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is an example of a display device that displays an image of the object, various icons, etc. Examples of the display 218 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The external device connection I/F 219 is an interface that connects the smartphone 2 to various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit that communicates in compliance with the near field communication (NFC), the Bluetooth, and the like. The touch panel 221 is an example of an input device that allows a user to operate the smartphone 2 by touching a screen of the display 218.
The smartphone 2 further includes a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus or a data bus that electrically connects the elements illustrated in
The CPU 301 controls entire operation of the smart meter 3. The ROM 302 stores a control program for driving the CPU 301 such as an IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 is a non-volatile memory that stores and reads various data such as the control program. The display 306 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image.
The measurement sensor 307 measures electricity provided or consumed by the smart meter 3. The switch 308 is turned on to close, or turned off to open, the connections in an electric circuit to cause the electric current flow or stop in the electric circuit in the smart meter 3.
The network I/F 309 is an interface for communicating data via the communication network 100 including the blockchain network 90 such as the Internet. The keypad 311 is an example of input device provided with a plurality of keys for inputting or selecting characters, numerals, or various instructions. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that enables communication based on short-range wireless technology such as NFC and Bluetooth. The bus line 310 is an address bus or a data bus, which electrically connects the hardware resources illustrated in
The CPU 501 controls entire operation of the intermediary server 5. The ROM 502 stores a control program for driving the CPU 501, such as an IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as a program. The HDD controller 505 controls reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image. The external device connection I/F 508 is an interface for connecting to various external devices. Examples of the external devices include, but not limited to, a universal serial bus (USB) memory and a printer. The network I/F 509 is an interface that controls communication of data with an external device through the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is, for example, an address bus or a data bus, which electrically connects the elements such as the CPU 501 illustrated in
The keyboard 511 is an example of an input device provided with a plurality of keys for allowing a user to input characters, numerals, or various instructions. The pointing device 512 is an example of an input device that allows a user to select or execute a specific instruction, select a target for processing, or move a cursor being displayed. The DVD-RW drive 514 reads and writes various data from and to a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable storage medium. The removable storage medium is not limited to the DVD-RW and may be a digital versatile disc-recordable (DVD-R) or Blu-ray Disc. The medium I/F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to the storage medium 515 such as a flash memory.
Next, referring to
As illustrated in
Further, the smartphone 2a includes a storage unit 2000a implemented by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the EEPROM 204 illustrated in
The transmission and reception unit 21a of the smartphone 2a, which is implemented mainly by instructions of the CPU 201 with respect to the long-range communication circuit 212, controls transmission or reception of various data (or information) to or from other device (for example, the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.
The operation input unit 22a, which is mainly implemented by instructions of the CPU 201 with respect to the touch panel 221, receives various selections or inputs from the user.
The display control unit 24a, which is mainly implemented by instructions of the CPU 201, controls the display 218 to display various images. The display control unit 24a further provides a web browser function.
The communication unit 28a, which is mainly implemented by instructions of the CPU 201 with respect to the short-range communication circuit 220, communicates various data with a communication unit 38a, to be described later, of the smart meter 3a. In the case of wired communication, the smartphone 2 is connected to the smart meter 3a via a communication cable to communicate data.
The storing and reading unit 29a, which is mainly implemented by instructions of the CPU 201, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 2000a and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 2000a.
As illustrated in
Further, the smartphone 2c includes a storage unit 2000c implemented by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the EEPROM 204 illustrated in
The respective units of the smartphone 2c (transmission and reception unit 21c, operation input unit 22c, display control unit 24c, communication unit 28c, and storing and reading unit 29c) are substantially the same in function to corresponding units of the smartphone 2a (transmission and reception unit 21a, operation input unit 22a, display control unit 24a, communication unit 28a, and storing and reading unit 29a), so that description thereof is omitted.
Similarly to the smartphone 2c, the smartphone 2b is substantially the same in function to the smartphone 2a, but
As illustrated in
The transmission and reception unit 31a of the smart meter 3a, which is implemented mainly by instructions of the CPU 301 with respect to the network I/F 309, controls transmission or reception of various data (or information) to or from other device (for example, the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.
The measurement unit 33a, which is implemented mainly by instructions of the CPU 301 with respect to the measurement sensor 307, measures the amount of electricity generated by the power generator 4a.
The display control unit 34a, which is mainly implemented by the instructions of the CPU 301, controls the display 306 to display various images.
The communication unit 38a, which is mainly implemented by the instructions of the CPU 301 with respect to the short-range communication circuit 320, communicates various data with the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a. In the case of wired communications, a communication cable is connected to the smart meter 3a for the data communication.
The storing and reading unit 39a, which is mainly implemented by instructions of the CPU 301, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000a and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000a.
As illustrated in
Further, the smart meter 3a includes a storage unit 3000c implemented by the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the NVRAM 304 illustrated in
The respective units of the smart meter 3c (transmission and reception unit 31c, measurement unit 33c, display control unit 34c, communication unit 38c, and storing and reading unit 39c) are substantially the same in function to corresponding units of the smart meter 3a (transmission and reception unit 31a, measurement unit 33a, display control unit 34a, communication unit 38a, and storing and reading unit 39a), so that description thereof is omitted.
Similarly to the smart meter 3c, the smart meter 3b is substantially the same in function to the smart meter 3a, but
For simplicity,
Further, the intermediary server 5 includes a storage unit 5000 implemented by the ROM 502 and the HD 504 illustrated in
Of these items, the user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying the user of an asset, such as the consumer Ca of electricity. The selectable supplier ID is an example of supplier identification information for identifying a supplier, such as a producer of electricity, which can be selected by the user identified with the user ID. For example, if the user's address is in Tokyo, the selectable suppliers are limited to those suppliers that have addresses in or around Tokyo.
Of these items, the supplier ID is an example of supplier identification information for identifying the supplier of asset such a producer of electricity. The production method is determined based on a type of energy resource used to produce the asset (electricity). As described above, examples of production method include a production method using solar (solar light or solar heat), a production method using wind power, a production method using biomass, a production method using geothermal power, a production method using hydroelectric power, a production method using oil, a production method using coal, and a production method using liquefied natural gas. The above-described production methods may be classified into one or more groups, such as the group of production methods using renewable energy source or the group of production methods using conventional energy such as fossil fuel. The amount that can be supplied is an amount of assets that can be supplied by a supplier for a certain time period. In case the supplier is a producer of electricity, the amount that can be supplied is an amount of electric energy that can be supplied for a unit of time (here, one hour) (kWh).
Of these, the usage start date is information indicating the date when the user such as the consumer Ca starts using the asset such as electricity. The usage end date is information indicating the date when the user ends using the asset such as electricity. The planned usage amount is the amount of asset that the user plans to use for a certain time period, and can be expressed in terms of electric energy (kWh). The renewable energy usage ratio is information indicating a ratio (%) of assets (electricity) produced from renewable energy source such as solar light, with respect to total amount of assets (electricity) to be used by the user such as the consumer Ca during a certain time period such as a period between the start date and the end date.
Of the usage history information, the same data items stored in the tables of
In this example, since the planned usage amount (for example, 20 kWh) illustrated in
Although this embodiment describes a case in which one production method uses solar light and another production method uses oil, any other type of production method (for example, production method using wind power or production method using coal) may be used. Further, the above-described production methods may be classified into one or more groups, such as the group of production methods using renewable energy source or the group of production methods using conventional energy source such as fossil fuel.
Furthermore, the production method may be determined based on a type of asset production process. When any one of processes in producing the asset such as electricity differs, the asset production processes are different, such that the production methods differ from each other. In one example, even when the same energy resource, such as solar, is used to produce electricity, if different technologies used for producing electricity (such as one using solar light and other using solar heat) differ, the resultant processes are different such that they belong to different production methods. In another example, if different machines are used or not used (such as a case when a turbine is used, or not used, to produce electricity), the resultant processes are different such that they belong to different production methods.
Next, each function unit of the intermediary server 5 is described in detail with reference to
The first determination unit 53, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 501, determines asset information indicating an ownership of the asset (the asset that the intermediary server 5 intermediates transfer of ownership) to be transferred to the user. For example, it is assumed that the intermediary agent Da intermediates transfer of ownership of asset, produced by a specific type of production method, for the consumer Ca. In such case, the first determination unit 53 determines asset information on such asset, based on “history of usage of asset produced by the specific type of production method for a specific user (customer Ca)” stored in the usage history management DB 5004, and “renewable energy usage ratio” stored in the usage plan management DB 5003. Specifically, when the renewable energy usage ratio for the consumer Ca is set to 40%, the first determination unit 53 refers to the total usage amount of solar in the usage history management DB 5004, to determine to transfer ownership of asset produced from renewable energy source, from the intermediary agent Da (managing the intermediary server 5) to the consumer Ca, until the renewable energy usage ratio reaches 40%.
The display control unit 54, which is mainly implemented by the instructions of the CPU 501, controls the display 506 to display various images, or controls the display 218 of the smartphone 2 to display various images via the communication network 100. In this case, the smartphone 2 displays various images using functions provided by the web browser of the display control unit 24 of the smartphone 2. The display control units 24a and 24c may be collectively referred to as the display control unit 24.
The second determination unit 55, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 501, makes various determinations.
The creation unit 58, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 501, creates an application form to be submitted by the intermediary agent to the certification authority E, based on the transaction information and the asset information. This application form is a predetermined application form, which is used to apply for a production method certificate, certifying that the asset is produced by a certain type of production method.
The storing and reading unit 59, which is mainly implemented by the instructions of the CPU 501, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000.
As illustrated in
The node 9 further includes a storage unit 9000, which is implemented by the ROM 902 and the HD 904 illustrated in
Next, each functional unit of the node 9 is described in detail with reference to
The verification unit 93, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 901, verifies the certificate and the provided information. The certificate verification is a process of determining whether or not a target certificate is a certificate of the entity that is registered in advance in the node 9. The verification of the provided information is a process of determining whether or not all predetermined contents are entered in predetermined format (for example, whether the supplier is entered or the provision time period is entered).
The determination unit 95, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 901, makes various determinations.
The transaction processing unit 96, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 901, performs processing such as generating transaction information indicating a transaction causing generation of asset information and storing the transaction information in the storage unit 9000.
The asset processing unit 97, which is implemented by the instructions of the CPU 901, performs processing such as generating asset information according to the transaction information and storing the asset information in the storage unit 9000.
The storing and reading unit 99, which is mainly implemented by the instructions of the CPU 901, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 9000 and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000.
Referring to
Next, referring to
As illustrated in
When the producer Aa selects a desired intermediary agent name from the plurality of intermediary agent names and presses the “OK” button, the operation input unit 22a receives the selection on the intermediary agent (S22). Here, the case where the intermediary agent Da is selected is described.
After the operation input unit 22a receives the selection, the communication unit 28a transmits information on the selected intermediary agent to the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a by short-range wireless communication (S23). The intermediary agent information includes an intermediary agent ID for identifying the selected intermediary agent and an IP address of an intermediary server of the selected intermediary agent. Accordingly, the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a receives the intermediary agent information.
Next, at the smart meter 3a, the storing and reading unit 39a registers the intermediary agent information in the storage unit 3000a (S24). With this information on the registered agent, the smart meter 3a is able to communicate with the intermediary server 5 of the registered agent to request various processing. Then, the communication unit 38a transmits registration completion information indicating that registration of the intermediary agent is completed to the smartphone 2a (S25). Accordingly, the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a receives the registration completion information.
Next, at the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a controls the display 218 to display the registration completion screen as illustrated in
The processing of registering the intermediary agent thus ends.
Next, referring to
As illustrated in
Next, at the intermediary server 5, the storing and reading unit 59 searches the user management DB 5001 (see
In the section for selecting a matter of priority, a plurality of matters of priority and a detail setting button (a “DETAILS” button) are displayed. A selected matter of priority is to be used for determining a recommendation for the future energy consumption. Further, for each of the plurality of matters of priority, a radio button for accepting the selection of a specific matter of priority among the plurality of matters of priority is displayed. The intermediary server 5 transfers one or more ownerships of electricity from among the ownerships each of which has a different type of production method, according to the selected matter of priority. In the embodiment, as examples of the matters of priority, “achieving a renewable energy usage ratio (“RENEWABLE ENERGY USAGE RATE”)”, “achieving the lowest cost (“LOW COST”)”, and “minimizing oxygen dioxide emissions (“CO2 REDUCTION”)” are used. In
Of these, a matter of priority of “achieving a renewable energy usage ratio” is selected when a user such as the consumer Ca desires to give priority to achieve a usage ratio entered by the user in the above-mentioned field for entering a renewable energy usage ratio. In this case, the intermediary server 5 transfers an ownership of the electricity (asset) that is produced with a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide emissions in order to prioritize “achieving the renewable energy usage rate of 40%”.
In addition, a matter of priority of “achieving the lowest cost” is selected when a user such as the consumer Ca desires to give priority to achieve the lowest cost for the electricity (asset). In this case, the intermediary server 5 transfers an ownership of the electricity (asset) having a low price according to electricity prices (asset prices, item prices) set in advance.
In addition, a matter of priority of “minimizing oxygen dioxide emissions” is selected when a user such as the consumer Ca desires to give priority to minimize oxygen dioxide emitted in producing the electricity (asset). In this case, the intermediary server 5 transfers an ownership of the electricity (asset) produced with the smallest carbon dioxide emissions, based on the carbon dioxide emission amount information. For example, both of “solar power” and “wind power” used for producing the asset such as the electricity do not generate carbon dioxide during the assets is being produced. However, regarding the carbon dioxide emitted in installing or constructing solar panels or wind turbines, “wind power” emits less carbon dioxide than “solar power”. Accordingly, the intermediary server 5 transfers an ownership of the electricity (asset) produced by wind power when there is the ownership having the electricity (asset) produced by wind power. The number of matters of priority for setting a production method may be two or four or more. Alternatively, without the section for selecting a matter of priority for setting a production method, the renewable energy usage ratio may be prioritized by default, for example.
The detail setting button (“DETAILS” button) is a button for displaying a usage plan setting screen for setting details regarding a selected matter of priority, after one of the plurality of matters of priority is selected.
The usage conditions registration screen further includes, at a lower part of the screen, an “OK” button to be pressed to confirm the usage conditions and the set details, and a “CANCEL” button to be pressed to cancel all the usage conditions and the set details.
Referring back to
Next, the transmission and reception unit 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits the information on the usage conditions received at S46 to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100 (S47). The information on the usage conditions may be referred to as usage condition information. Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the usage condition information.
Subsequently, at the intermediary server 5, the storing and reading unit 59 reads a record of past electricity usage that indicates the usage in a predetermined period in the past (for example, in the past one year). The record includes information on a total usage amount for each type of production method used by users (S48). Then, the storing and reading unit 59 reads the carbon dioxide emission amount information and the item price information from the storage unit 5000 (S49).
Then, the first determination unit 53 determines recommended details as a recommendation (first energy consumption recommendation) based on the information on the specified conditions for future energy consumption received at step S47, the information on the total usage amount for each type of production method read at S48, and the carbon dioxide emission amount information and the item price information read at S49. (S50). In the example case of
A description is given below of a process for finalizing or confirming a usage plan (plan for future energy consumption) with reference to
In the following description of the exemplary embodiment, the case where “achieving a renewable energy usage ratio” is selected as the matter of priority in step S46, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The “energy consumption history” corresponds to the last one year and includes records each corresponds to a type of production method. The vertical axis indicates a usage amount, and the horizontal axis indicates a month. In addition, a corresponding energy resource name is displayed for each production method.
The “recommendation”, which is recommended details, indicates a production method and a ratio of the production method for each month. The recommendation is determined by the intermediary server 5 based on the renewable energy usage ratio input in
The recommendation screen includes an “OK” button and a “CANCEL” button at a lower part of the screen. The “OK” button is pressed when a user confirms and finalizes the displayed details, and the “CANCEL” button is pressed when a user cancel the confirmation or the registration.
When the consumer Ca changes the rectangular area of a certain type of production method, for example, with his or her finger in order to change, or modify, the recommended details to the desired details, the operation input unit 22c receives the change (S53). For example, when the consumer Ca changes a dimension of the rectangular area of a certain type of production method in the horizontal direction, the period of use is changed. In addition, when the consumer Ca changes a dimension of the rectangular area of a certain type of production method in the vertical direction, the usage ratio is changed. In the example of
The transmission and reception unit 21 of the smartphone 2c transmits change information indicating the change, or the modification, which is the changed dimension, received at S53 to the intermediary server 5 (S54). Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the change information.
Subsequently, at the intermediary server 5, the first determination unit 53 newly determines a recommendation (second energy consumption recommendation) based on the change information (S55). For example, in a case where the consumer Ca extends a period of use of electricity produced by a first type (for example, solar light), the first determination unit 53 determines a recommendation (second energy consumption recommendation) in which a period of use of electricity produced by a second type (for example, hydropower) becomes shorter than that in the original recommendation (first energy consumption recommendation). Namely, a dimension (length in the horizontal direction, width of the rectangular) of a rectangular area of the second type is shortened to achieve an appropriate balance as a whole. In step S53 described above, in a case where the consumer Ca vertically extends the dimension of the rectangular area of the certain type of production method, which is “sun light” in the example, to increase the usage ratio, the first determination unit 53 determines the recommendation (second energy consumption recommendation) in a manner that a usage ratio of the electricity produced by “oil” in the corresponding period is reduced. Namely, a dimension (length in the vertical direction, height of the rectangular) of the rectangular area of the “oil” is changed to achieve an appropriate balance as a whole based on the modification performed by the consumer Ca.
Then, the display control unit 54 changes the recommendation screen in order to reflect the recommendation (second energy consumption recommendation) determined in step S55 (S56). Accordingly, the display control unit 24c of the smartphone 2c displays, on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c, a recommendation screen, similar to what is illustrated in
Then, in response to a user operation of pressing the “OK” button performed by the consumer Ca, the operation input unit 22c accepts the confirmation of the recommendation (S58). Subsequently, the transmission and reception unit 21c transmits, to the intermediary server 5, confirmation information indicating that the recommendation has been confirmed. Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the confirmation information.
At the intermediary server 5, the storage and reading unit 59 stores the recommendation determined at S55 and indicating the determined details in the usage plan management DB 5003 as a usage plan, which is namely a plan for future energy consumption (see
In a case in which a matter of priority of “achieving the lowest cost” is selected in step S46 in
As for the “price in past”, a price of the asset one year ago is displayed for each type of production method. The vertical axis indicates a price of the asset, and the horizontal axis indicates a month in a year. In addition, each energy resource name corresponding to a production method is displayed.
A display form of the “recommendation” (how the “recommendation” is displayed) is substantially in the same manner as that in the screen illustrated in
In the case in which a matter of priority of “minimizing oxygen dioxide emissions” is selected on the screen illustrated in
Each displayed amount of “oxygen dioxide emissions” for a corresponding production method is based on the latest information on an amount of oxygen dioxide emissions. In the case of the priority setting of “CO2 Reduction”, the displayed amounts of “oxygen dioxide emissions” do not have relationship with the displayed months of use in the recommendation on the recommendation screen.
A display form of the “recommendation” (how the “recommendation” is displayed) is substantially in the same manner as that in the screen illustrated in
Note that the data, or one or more records, related to past asset usage (past energy consumption) illustrated in
The processing of registering the usage plan thus ends.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Next, the verification unit 93 of the node 9a verifies the certificate and the supplier information received at S62 (S63). The following describes the example case in which the verification result indicates that verification is successful.
Next, the transaction processing unit 96 uses the supplier information received at S62 to generate transaction information as illustrated in
Of these items, the transaction ID is an example of unique identification information for identifying transaction information. The transaction type is information indicating a type of processing to be performed in relation to the asset subjected to transaction. Specifically, the transaction type indicates an instruction in relation to asset information, based on transaction information. In
Next, the asset processing unit 97 generates the asset information illustrated in
Further, the transmission and reception unit 91 of the node 9a distributes the transaction information generated at S64 as a block to the other nodes 9 (the nodes 9b, 9c, and 9d) of the blockchain network 90 (S66). Each of the other nodes 9 verifies the block, and adds the verified block to a chain of blocks already saved in each node. Each of the other nodes 9 then generates asset information in the same manner as S65 according to the transaction information, and stores the asset information in each storage area. A plurality of items of transaction information may be stored in one block.
Next, the transmission and reception unit 91 of the node 9 transmits a response to the smart meter 3a in response to the request received at S62 (S67). The response indicates whether generation of asset information is successful or fails. Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 31a of the smart meter 3a receives the response.
Next, at the smart meter 3a, the storing and reading unit 39a stores contents of the response in the storage unit 3000a (S68).
As described above, the asset information indicating that the owner of the asset is the intermediary agent Da is managed on the blockchain network, to complete processing of providing asset information from the supplier to the intermediary agent.
Processing of Providing Asset Information from the Intermediary Agent to the User:
Referring now to
First, the transmission and reception unit 31c of the smart meter 3c of the consumer Ca transmits usage information on usage of electricity, as asset, every predetermined time (for example, every 30 minutes) via the communication network 100 (S81). This usage information includes various information on electricity as asset, such as a usage status of electricity, a user ID for identifying the consumer Ca as the user, the amount of electricity being used, and a time during when electricity is used. The transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the usage information.
The transmission and reception unit 51 transmits a request for all asset information in which the intermediary agent Da of the intermediary server 5 is set as an owner, to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S82). This request includes an electronic certificate certifying that the intermediary agent Da is a legitimate registered intermediary agent, and information indicating the intermediary agent Da as an owner, so that the intermediary server 5 of the intermediary agent Da can access the blockchain network 90. Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 91 of the node 9 receives the request for all asset information.
Next, the verification unit 93 of the node 9 verifies the certificate received at S82 (S83). The certificate verification is a process of determining whether or not the received certificate is a certificate of the server (in this example, the intermediary server 5) that is registered in advance in the node 9. The following describes the example case in which the verification result indicates that verification is successful.
The storing and reading unit 99 of the node 9 reads out all items of asset information regarding assets indicating that the intermediary agent Da of the intermediary server 5 as the owner (S84). The transmission and reception unit 91 transmits all items of asset information read at S84 to the intermediary server 5 (S85). The transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives all the asset information. Accordingly, the intermediary server 5 receives all asset information with ownership that is currently assigned to the intermediary agent Da and can be allocated to the user. Next, the storing and reading unit 59 of the intermediary server 5 searches the usage plan management DB 5003 using the user ID received at S81 as a search key to read out usage plan information corresponding to the user ID (S86). Further, the storing and reading unit 59 searches the usage history management DB 5004 using the user ID received at S81 as a search key to read out total amount of asset having been used by each production method corresponding to the user ID (S87). For example, from the usage history management DB 5004 of
Next, the first determination unit 53 determines a type of production method of asset, so as to determine particular asset information to be transferred to the consumer Ca as the user, based on the usage plan information read at S86 and total usage amount of asset by each production method that is read at S87 (S88). For example, when the usage plan information indicates two types of production method “solar light” and “oil” are set for the consumer Ca, and the renewable energy usage ratio of 40% is set, since the usage history information indicates that the total usage amount is 20 kWh for solar and 160 kWh for oil (that is, the renewable energy usage ratio is less than 40%), the first determination unit 53 determines the production method to be “solar light” so as to achieve the renewable energy usage ratio of 40%. Accordingly, the first determination unit 53 selects, from among all asset information received at S85, asset information having the production method of solar light, to be transferred to the customer Ca.
The storing and reading unit 59 stores information on usage of asset produced by the production method determined at S88, that is, usage of electricity produced from solar light as indicated by the asset information determined at S88, in the usage history management DB 5004 (S89). Specifically, for example, the storing and reading unit 59 adds, to the usage history management DB 5004 (see
Next, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits a request for changing the asset information to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S90). This change request includes an asset ID for identifying the asset information indicating the asset produced from the production method that is determined at S88, from among the asset information received at S85. The change request in step S90 also includes information indicating a new owner. The information indicating the new owner may be the user ID received at S81 or the name of the user as the new owner. When there are a plurality of items of asset information on the asset produced using the specific type of production method determined at S88, the transmission and reception unit 51 determines a request for changing particular asset information, related to the asset having a valid date closet to the current date, from among the plurality of items of asset information.
Next, at the node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each item of information (asset ID, owner, consumed power) received at S90 (S91). This verification processing is for determining whether or not each item of information has a predetermined content that is written in a predetermined format. The following describes the example case in which the verification result indicates that verification is successful.
Next, the node 9 generates transaction information and changes (or generates) asset information, according to the change request received at S90 (S92).
The processing of S92 is described in detail with reference to
At S92, the transaction processing unit 96 generates the third transaction information as illustrated in
Then, the asset processing unit 97 changes the first asset information to be the second asset information as illustrated in
Thus, the processing of S92 ends.
Subsequently, returning to
Next, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits a response to the information received at S81 to the smart meter 3c (S94). Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 31c of the smart meter 3c receives the response from the intermediary server 5. This response includes contents of response (success or failure) received at S93, and is stored for management or displayed by the smart meter 3c.
Next, referring to
As illustrated in
Next, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits a request for transaction information and asset information to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S202). This request includes information on a certificate of the user (here, consumer Ca) that the intermediary server 5 previously acquires from the smartphone 2c, information indicating the user as the owner (here, consumer Ca), and a usage time period. Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 91 of the node 9 receives the request. The certificate of the intermediary server 5 has the same contents as that of the certificate transmitted from the intermediary server 5 to the node 9 at S82. Further, the usage time period information has the same contents as that of the usage time period information received at S201.
Next, the verification unit 93 of the node 9 verifies the certificate received at S202 (S203). The certificate verification is a process of determining whether or not the received certificate is a certificate of the server (in this example, the intermediary server 5) that is registered in advance in the node 9. The following describes the example case in which the verification result indicates that verification is successful.
Next, the storing and reading unit 99 reads out the transaction information and the asset information in which the consumer Ca is set as the owner, within a predetermined usage time period indicated by the usage time period information received at S202 (S204). In this case, the storing and reading unit 99 reads out particular transaction information having the usage date and time that falls within the predetermined usage time period and the new owner of the consumer Ca. Further, the storing and reading unit 99 reads the asset information having the asset ID, which is indicated by the particular transaction information that is read.
Then, the transmission and reception unit 91 of the node 9 transmits the requested transaction information and asset information to the intermediary server 5 (S205). Accordingly, the transmission and reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the transaction information and the asset information.
Next, at the intermediary server 5, the creation unit 58 creates an application form to be submitted by the intermediary agent to the certification authority E, based on the transaction information and the asset information received at S205 (S206). This application form is used to apply for a production method certificate to prove the type of production method for the asset.
Subsequently, as illustrated in
The processing of facilitating procedure for obtaining the production method certificate by the intermediary agent Da then ends. The consumer Ca is able to use the production method certificate to enhance public image of the company or apply the government for a subsidy based on use of renewable energy.
However, as mentioned above, there are multiple types of energy resources used to produce an item, or asset. In addition, there is a plurality of types of production methods for producing the item by using one of the multiple types of energy resources. Due to such complexity, the users have the difficulty to select which types of production methods to use.
According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the difficulty that the users of the item (asset) have when selecting which types of production methods to use is reduced.
According to the embodiment described above, the intermediary server 5 presents the recommended details (recommendation) as illustrated in each of
For some assets such as electricity, even though qualities of assets provided to the user are kept constant, it has been difficult to prove how the asset is produced. In view of this, according to the above-described embodiments, the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 generates asset information indicating a type of production method of asset and ownership of asset, and transaction information from which such asset information is generated. Through managing these asset information and transaction information, a production method of asset can be verified, and a production method certificate can be issued based on this verification.
Moreover, in order to encourage stable consumption of electricity, it is necessary to adjust the consumed electricity and the produced electricity in real time to make them equal. Since the blockchain is a decentralized ledger system, it takes a certain amount of time to confirm consistency of each ledger information via the network. Therefore, it is not suitable to apply the blockchain technology to track use of such asset, which requires responsiveness in real time, as in the case of electricity use. In view of this, in the exemplary embodiment, the intermediary server 5 is configured to transmit a request for changing the ownership of the asset information on the blockchain network 90 from the original owner to the user (consumer Ca), not at a time when the consumer Ca starts using the asset (electricity), but after the consumer Ca has consumed the asset (electricity) (S89). Through this processing, which allows processing like deferred payment, the blockchain technology can be applied to exchange of asset, or transfer of ownership of asset, requiring real-time processing. While the above-described embodiment uses electricity as such asset requiring real-time processing, any other type of energy, is applicable as secondary energy such as hydrogen. Moreover, since the intermediary server 5 changes the asset information managed by the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the supplier (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumer Ca, etc.), the supplier (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumers Ca, etc.) can exchange electricity, without any need to consider whether the asset information has been changed.
Further, the intermediary server 5 is able to transfer the ownership of particular asset produced with a specific production method, such that exchange of electricity produced from renewable energy source such as solar light can be effectively tracked.
In any one of the above-described embodiments, the asset information includes information on the owner of the asset, however, the asset information may not include such information on the owner. For example, when the user is consuming electricity produced by the user, such that the user is the producer of the asset, there is no need to transfer the asset to another entity (another person or another company), as long as a type of production method can be verified.
Further, in any one of the above-described embodiments, electricity is used as an example of asset, which is an item having value. Examples of asset include any other tangible asset that physically exists, and any other non-tangible asset that does not physically exist.
Examples of tangible asset include, but are not limited to, foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, marine products, or processed foods. For example, by tracking asset information including additional information on how the food is produced, determination of whether the food confirms some standards (for example, organic labeling standards) may be made easier. When the assets are grains, vegetables and fruits, the asset information includes information indicating whether or not pesticides have been used, or information indicating a producer or a place of production. When the asset is meat, the asset information includes information indicating whether or not the animal is bred using a genetically modified crop, or information indicating a producer or a place of production. When the asset is a marine product such as fish or shellfish, the asset information includes information indicating a natural product or aquaculture, or information indicating a producer (fisherman) or a production area (fishing area). When the asset is a processed product, the asset information includes information indicating an allergen, information indicating whether or not the product has been processed using a genetically modified crop, or information indicating a location of a processor or a processing plant.
Examples of non-tangible asset include, but are not limited to, real estate such as land and buildings, and movable property such as goods or quantity of goods. When the asset is real estate, the asset information includes information such as ownership of the asset. When the asset is movable property, the asset information includes information such as ownership of the asset.
On the other hand, examples of non-tangible asset include, but are not limited to, tokens (virtual currency) or quantity of tokens, carbon dioxide emission credits, intellectual property rights, and contracts. When the asset is a token, the asset information includes information on such as ownership of the asset. When the asset is a carbon dioxide emission credit, the asset information includes information on such as ownership of the asset. When the asset is a right such as an intellectual property right, the asset information includes information on such as the owner of the right, the transferee of the right, and the licensee. When the asset is a contract, the asset information includes information on such as contract conditions and contract performance. In addition or in alternative to contracts, treaties, agreements, promises, and memorandums (memos) may be treated as asset.
Further, other types of asset that can be managed in a substantially similar manner as the example case of electricity, to allow postpaid processing, include gas (other form of energy), water, and communication. In the case of gas, water, or communication, the asset information includes information such as ownership of the asset.
Each of the above-described hardware components, like CPU 201, 301, 501, and 901, may be a single device or a plurality of devices.
Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuitry. Processing circuitry includes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), System on Chip (SOC), and graphical processing unit (GPU), and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the recited functions.
Further, the power generator 4a (4b) may be additionally provided with a smart meter 3a (3b), or has a function of the smart meter 3a (3b). Alternatively or additionally, the electric device 8 maybe provided with the smart meter 3c, or has a function of the smart meter 3c.
Further, any of the above-described programs may be stored in a recording medium such as a DVD for distribution.
Further, another server or the like may relay data between the smartphone 2 (or smart meter 3), the intermediary server 5, and each node 9. The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention.
Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention.
Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2020-049304 | Mar 2020 | JP | national |
2020-062848 | Mar 2020 | JP | national |
2021-017297 | Feb 2021 | JP | national |
This patent application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/205,038, filed Mar. 18, 2021, which is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2020-049304, filed on Mar. 19, 2020, 2020-062848, filed on Mar. 31, 2020, and 2021-017297, filed on Feb. 5, 2021, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosures of each are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17205038 | Mar 2021 | US |
Child | 18607336 | US |