Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The information processing apparatus includes an access device that accesses a database in which a plurality of words indicating flavors or scents of a plurality of respective objects are recorded, a presentation device that sequentially presents, to a user, an object to be used in a first group of objects determined, a display control device that displays, on a display device, a plurality of words obtained from the database and indicating a flavor or scent of the object to be used, a reception device that receives a selection of a flavor or scent that the user feels using the object to be used among the plurality of words, and an input of a taste of the object to be used, and an output device that, upon receiving selections and inputs of all objects of the first group, outputs a word indicating a taste tendency of the user in response to the selections and inputs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a technology for expressing a user's preference for an object in words. BACKGROUND

[0002] A technology for visualizing a user's preference is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for visualizing a user's preference by arranging a history of a user's search content on a two-dimensional coordinate axis including a time axis.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-035189 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In Patent Literature 1, it is not possible to convert a user's preference for an object into language. In contrast, the present application provides a technology for expressing a user's preference for an object in language.

[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus includes: an access means for accessing a database that records a plurality of words expressing a flavor or an aroma of each of a plurality of objects; a presentation means for sequentially presenting, to a user, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; a display control means for causing a display means to display a plurality of words expressing a flavor or an aroma of the object to be used, obtained from the database; a reception means for receiving a selection of a flavor or an aroma that the user feels using the object to be used, among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and an output means for, in a case where the selection and the input with respect to all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects are received, outputting a word showing a preference tendency of the user, in accordance with the selection and the input.

[0010] The output means can output information for specifying another object, among the plurality of objects, which is not included in the determined set of objects, selected in accordance with the word expressing the preference tendency of the user, to recommend to the user.

[0011] The output means can recommend, to the user, as another object, an object included in a plurality of words expressing a flavor or an aroma of an object in the database and a word corresponding to the word expressing the preference tendency of the user, among the plurality of objects.

[0012] The presentation device can present to the user the object to be used determined according to the order changed based on the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user.

[0013] The display control device can cause the display device to display the word expressing the flavor or scent of the object to be used, which has been changed based on the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user.

[0014] The database can include, for each of the plurality of objects, a food name as a plurality of words classifying the flavor or scent of the object into any of a plurality of lineages.

[0015] The determined set of objects consists of N objects, the receiving device receives a designation of M (M < N) objects, the information processing device refers to the database, and the information processing device further includes a selection device for selecting the remaining (N-M) objects provided so that a distribution of a plurality of words expressing the flavor or scent of the N objects constituting the determined set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method including the steps of: accessing a database that records a plurality of words expressing the flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects; presenting to a user, in order, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; causing a display device to display a plurality of words expressing the flavor or scent of the object to be used obtained from the database; receiving a selection of the flavor or scent experienced by the user using the object to be used among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and in a case where the selection and the input are received with respect to all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects, outputting a word showing a preference tendency of the user according to the selection and the input.

[0017] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program causing a computer device to execute a process including the operations of: accessing a database that records a plurality of words expressing the flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects; presenting to a user, in order, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; causing a display device to display a plurality of words expressing the flavor or scent of the object to be used obtained from the database; receiving a selection of the flavor or scent experienced by the user using the object to be used among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and in a case where the selection and the input are received with respect to all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects, outputting a word showing a preference tendency of the user according to the selection and the input.

[0018] Technical Effects

[0019] The present application enables translation of a user's preference for an object into language. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 FIG. shows an example of a functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 FIG. shows a hardware configuration of the information processing system 1.

[0022] Figure 3 FIG. shows a flowchart of the operation of the information processing system 1.

[0023] Figure 4 FIG. shows a diagram exemplifying the database 112.

[0024] Figure 5 FIG. shows a diagram exemplifying the database 111.

[0025] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram exemplifying a UI window for receiving input of attribute information.

[0026] Figure 7 FIG. shows a diagram exemplifying a display screen showing text representing the flavor or aroma of a target Japanese sake.

[0027] Figure 8 FIG. shows the structure of a flavor diagram.

[0028] Figure 9 FIG. shows feedback information of a transmitter.

[0029] Figure 10 FIG. shows an example of a screen displayed on the customer terminal 20.

[0030] Figure 11 FIG. shows a functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the modification.

[0031] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0032] 1... information processing system, 10... server, 11... storage device, 12... presentation device,

[0033] 14... display control device, 15... reception device, 17... designation device, 18... output device,

[0034] 20... customer terminal, 91... display area, 92... display area, 93... display area, 96... display area,

[0035] 97... display area, 101... CPU, 102... memory, 103... storage, 104... communication IF,

[0036] 11... database, 12... database, 201... CPU, 202... memory, 203... storage, 204... communication IF, 205... input device, 206... output device, 921... flavor map, 931... UI object, 932... UI object DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] 1. Configuration

[0038] Figure 1 An example of a functional configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The information processing system 1 is a system that receives an input of a flavor felt by a user when actually using a set of objects, and converts a preference of the user into a language based on the input.

[0039] The information processing system 1 includes a storage device 11, an access device 12, a presentation device 13, a display device 14, a display control device 15, a reception device 16, a designation device 17, and an output device 18. The storage device 11 stores various data and programs. In this example, the storage device 11 stores a database 111. The database 111 is a database that records, for each of a plurality of objects, a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of the object. The access device 12 accesses the database 111. The presentation device 13 presents, in turn, to a user an object to be used among the determined set of objects. The number N of objects included in the set of objects is determined in advance by the information processing system 1. The display device 14 displays various information. The display control device 15 causes the display device 14 to display a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of each object to be used, which are obtained from the database 111. The reception device 16 receives a selection of a flavor or an aroma felt by the user using the object to be used, and an input of a preference for the object to be used, among the plurality of words. In response to completion of the selection and the input of all the objects constituting the set of objects, the designation device 17 designates a word that expresses a tendency of a preference of the user, in accordance with the selection and the input. The output device 18 outputs the word designated by the designation device 17.

[0040] In this example, the output device 18 outputs information for designating another object that is not included in the set of objects among a plurality of objects to be recommended to the user. The other object is an object selected in accordance with the word that expresses the tendency of the preference of the user.

[0041] Figure 2An exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 is shown. In this example, the information processing system 1 includes a server 10 and a client terminal 20. The server 10 is a computer device or an information processing device having a CPU 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, and a communication IF 104. The CPU 101 is a processing unit that performs various operations according to a program. The memory 102 is a main storage device that serves as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 103 is a secondary storage device that stores various types of data / programs, and includes at least one of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The communication IF 104 is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined standard (for example, Ethernet), and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0042] In this example, the program stored in the storage 103 includes a program for causing the computer device to function as a server of the information processing system 1 (hereinafter referred to as “server program”). When the CPU 101 executes the server program, the functions shown in the drawing are implemented in the computer device. At least one of the memory 102 and the storage 103 is an example of the storage device 11 when the CPU 101 is executing the server program. The CPU 101 is an example of the specification device 17. The CPU 101 and the communication IF 104 are examples of the access device 12, the presentation device 13, the display control device 15, the reception device 16, and the output device 18. Figure 1

[0043] The client terminal 20 is a computer device or an information processing device including a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, a communication IF 204, an input device 205, and an output device 206, and more specifically, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The CPU 201 is a processor that performs various operations according to a program. The memory 202 is a main storage device that serves as a work area when the CPU 201 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM. The storage 203 is a secondary storage device for storing various data and programs, and includes, for example, an SSD. The communication IF 204 is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined standard (for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or WiFi (registered trademark)), and includes, for example, an LTE antenna and a chipset. The input device 205 is a device for inputting data or instructions to the client terminal 20, and includes, for example, at least one of a touch screen, a keyboard, and a microphone. The output device 206 is a device for outputting information, and includes, for example, a display and a speaker.

[0044] ​In this example, the program stored in memory 203 includes a program (hereinafter referred to as the "client program") for enabling the computer device to function as a client terminal of information processing system 1. The client program is a general-purpose web browser or a dedicated application. When CPU 201 executes the client program, it is implemented in the computer device. Figure 1 The functions shown are as follows. When the CPU 201 is executing a client program, the output device 206 is an example of the display device 14.

[0045] 2. Operation

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of Information Processing System 1. Here, the operation of Information Processing System 1 will be described using the following use case. A retail store (e.g., a department store) sells tasting sets of Japanese rice wine. The tasting set includes ten bottles of Japanese rice wine in various flavors. Here, ten bottles of Japanese rice wine is an example of a set of objects (N=10). In this example, the object is food / drink, and the object of use is consuming the food / drink. The tasting set includes a promotional leaflet. In this leaflet, for example, the URL of the service site of Information Processing System 1 is described in the form of a two-dimensional image code (specifically, a QR code (registered trademark)). A user who purchased the tasting set returns home, opens the product, and accesses the service site (provided by server 10) from his / her smartphone (example of client terminal 20). In the following description, functional elements such as storage device 11 can be described as the main part of the processing, but this means that hardware elements such as CPU 101, which execute software such as server programs, cooperate with other hardware elements to perform the processing.

[0047] In step S1, server 10 receives a connection request to the service site from client terminal 20. This connection request contains the ID of the tasting kit. In information processing system 1, storage device 11 stores database 112. In database 112, ... Figure 3 The process shown previously recorded the ID of the tasting set and information used to specify the names of the sake included in the tasting set.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating database 112. Database 112 contains multiple records. Each record corresponds to a tasting set and includes information identifying the set name or name and the brand of Japanese rice wine included in the set. For example, the record in the leftmost column of the diagram shows a tasting set with ID "001" whose set name is "Ibaraki Prefecture". This tasting set includes 10 bottles of Japanese rice wine named "Azukiba", "Kusatake Hōken", "Takeo", "Meiyo", "Chi", "Korahaku", "Saba", "Funawatari", "Hitsuraku", and "Funawatari Junmai Daiginjo".

[0049] Further, in the database 112, information defining the order of drinking the Japanese rice wines in the tasting set is recorded. In the present example, the order from the top in the figure is defined as the order of drinking the Japanese rice wines. Further, although not shown, the database 112 or other databases can record attribute information of each Japanese rice wine; for example, the production place (prefecture name), the manufacturer name, the price, the link to the mail-order website, and the like.

[0050] Referring again to Figure 3 In step S2, the access device 12 accesses the database 112 and obtains the record of the tasting set having the same ID as the ID contained in the connection request received from the client terminal 20. In step S3, the access device 12 accesses the database 111 and obtains the words expressing the flavor or the aroma of the Japanese rice wines contained in the tasting set.

[0051] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the database 111. The database 111 includes a plurality of records. Each record corresponds to one Japanese rice wine and includes a numerical value expressing the strength of the connection between the Japanese rice wine and a predetermined word. The words recorded in the database 111 are classified into four types: lineage, flavor expression, metaphorical expression, and emotional expression.

[0052] The lineage is the highest classification in the present example and includes three elements: "refreshing", "heavy body", and "warmth". Numerical values expressing the composition of these three elements are recorded in the database 111. To avoid the evaluation that the balance of all the elements is equal, the sum of the numerical values expressing the balance of the three elements is set to a value that cannot be divided by 3 (for example, 7). In addition, to more easily identify the dominant element among the three elements, the values are set so that the value of any one element is maximized (for example, the balance of refreshing: heavy body: warmth = 3:3:1 cannot express the value that refreshing or heavy body is dominant). This total set value is common to all Japanese rice wines (i.e., the total value of the three elements for all Japanese rice wines is 7). For example, the Japanese rice wine "Amazake" is refreshing: heavy body: warmth = 2:4:1, and the Japanese rice wine "Taku" is refreshing: heavy body: warmth = 5:1:1.

[0053] Flavor expression is an expression of the flavor or aroma contained in a Japanese rice wine by the name of other foods or plants such as pineapple, lemon, and apple. In the database 111, the intensity of each flavor is recorded. Specifically, for a flavor that cannot be felt from the Japanese rice wine, a zero value is recorded, and for a flavor that is felt from the Japanese rice wine, a value indicating the intensity of the flavor is recorded. This value is relative, and "1" indicates the faintest flavor perceived, and the higher the flavor, the higher the value. A plurality of flavors can be felt from one bottle of Japanese rice wine. Each of the plurality of flavors belongs to a single lineage (i.e., is associated with a single lineage). For example, the flavor "kaiware" belongs to the lineage "refreshing", and the flavor "shimeji mushroom" belongs to the lineage "full-bodied". In the example shown in the figure, the Japanese rice wine "Amachūhō" has a flavor of "1" for kaiware, Japanese honey grass, peanut, beech tree, mushroom, and chestnut filling, a flavor of "2" for leaf powder and black cherry, and a flavor of "4" for shimeji mushroom. Unlike the lineage, there is no limit to the sum of the numerical values of the flavor expressions.

[0054] Metaphorical expression is an expression of the flavor or aroma of a Japanese rice wine by a noun with an adjective such as "sunset on the coast", "beach in the southern country", or "first love memories". For each Japanese rice wine, at least one metaphorical expression is recorded in the database 111. Each metaphorical expression contains one of a plurality of adjective components. In the example of the figure, the Japanese rice wine named "Amachūhō" contains the phrase "sunlight through green leaf trees" as a metaphorical expression of the "refreshing" series, and the "full-bodied" series metaphorical expression of the "full-bodied" series including the three phrases "peaceful rural landscape", "delicate dawn", and "sky of the hometown" (here, metaphorical expressions of the "warm" series are not contained). In this example, no intensity is recorded for the metaphors.

[0055] Sensory expression is an expression of the flavor or aroma of a Japanese rice wine using adjectives such as "mild" or "fresh". For each Japanese rice wine, at least one sensory expression is recorded in the database 111. In the example shown in the figure, two words "fresh aftertaste" and "soft aroma" are recorded in the Japanese rice wine called "Amachūhō". In this example, the sensory expressions are not associated with the lineage elements, and no intensity is recorded.

[0056] In this example, the numbers and phrases recorded in the database 111 are the language or quantification of the flavors or aromas actually perceived by one or a small number of experts (e.g., Japanese rice wine sommeliers) when drinking the Japanese rice wine.

[0057] At step S3, the access device 12 obtains from the database 111 the record of the Japanese rice wine contained in the tasting set. This record contains the words that express the flavor or aroma of the Japanese rice wine.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 3 In step S4, the receiving device 16 receives attribute information from the user. Specifically, the display control device 15 transmits data for displaying a UI window for inputting attribute information to the client terminal 20. The display device 14 of the client terminal 20 displays the UI window according to the data.

[0059] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a UI window for receiving input of attribute information. In this example, attribute information of four items of "residence", "gender", "age", and "frequency of drinking Japanese rice wine" is received as attribute information of the user. When the user presses a transmission button by inputting information to each item, the attribute information is transmitted to the server 10. In the server 10, the receiving device 16 receives the attribute information. The storage device 11 stores the attribute information together with the identification information temporarily assigned to the user of the session.

[0060] Referring again to Figure 3 In step S5, the presenting device 13 specifies the order in which the user drinks Japanese rice wine, that is, the Japanese rice wine drinking order. Hereinafter, the Japanese rice wine that the user should drink next is referred to as "target Japanese rice wine". The target Japanese rice wine is an example of an object to be used. The drinking order in the tasting set is defined in the database 112. In the example of the tasting set "Ibaraki", "Amakura" is specified as the first target Japanese rice wine.

[0061] In step S6, the presenting device 13 presents the target Japanese rice wine to the user. The presenting device 13 causes the display device 14 in the client terminal 20 to display, for example, the message "Please drink 'Amakura'" via the display control device 15.

[0062] In step S7, the display control device 15 causes the display device to display words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target Japanese rice wine. In this example, the presentation of the target Japanese rice wine and the display of a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma thereof are performed on one screen.

[0063] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example display screen of text indicating the flavor or aroma of the target Japanese rice wine. The display screen includes a display area 91, a display area 92, and an area 93. The display area 91 is an area for displaying the name and the emotional expression of the target Japanese rice wine. The display area 92 is an area for displaying a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target Japanese rice wine. In the display area 92, a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target Japanese rice wine are displayed on a flavor chart 921. The flavor chart includes a chart showing the balance of elements defined in the series of the target Japanese rice wine.

[0064] Figure 8The structure of the flavor map is exemplified. In the flavor map, axes corresponding to elements constituting the system are provided. In this example, three axes are provided: a refreshing axis, a body axis, and a warming axis. Each axis is provided equally in the rotational direction with respect to the origin of the flavor map, i.e., at an angle of 120° with respect to each other in this example. The intensity of each element is represented by the size of a circle centered on a reference point provided for each axis, which is a point different from the origin. In one example, if refreshing:body:warming = 2:4:1, the radius of the circle drawn in the flavor map is refreshing:body:warming = 2:4:1. The circle of each element is displayed using different colors.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 7 In the flavor map, the wording of the flavor expression is superimposed on the graph showing the balance of the system elements. In one example, the words of the flavor expression are placed in the circle of each lineage element, and the more intense the flavor expression is displayed closer to the center of the circle. The circumferential position or angle of the words in the circle is predetermined for each flavor expression. Alternatively, the angle can be determined in accordance with the number of flavor expressions contained in the system elements of the target Japanese sake (specifically, for example, a plurality of words are arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction).

[0066] In the flavor map, the words of the metaphorical expression are further displayed on the graph showing the balance of the lineage elements. In one example, the words of the metaphorical expression are displayed in an appearance (specifically, a font, a color, a size, a decoration, or a combination thereof) different from that of the words of the flavor expression. The metaphorical expression is arranged, for example, outside or on the circumference of the circle of the lineage element.

[0067] The area 93 is an area for displaying a UI object 931 and a UI object 932. The UI object 931 is a UI object for inputting the preference of the user for the target Japanese sake felt when the user drinks the target Japanese sake. In this example, the preference of the user is input by three options of "like", "indifferent", and "dislike". The UI object 932 is a UI object for instructing the server 10 to transmit information indicating the selected words and the input preference. It is to be noted that the preference is not limited to the three levels of "like", "indifferent", and "dislike". For example, the two levels of "like" and "dislike" or the degree of preference can be expressed in N levels (N is a natural number satisfying N≥4).

[0068] In step S9, the reception device 16 receives the selection of the flavor or aroma felt by the user by eating and drinking the object to be used, and the input of the preference for the object to be used. In Figure 7On the screen shown, a message "Please select the flavor or aroma you feel when you drink this Japanese sake" is displayed. The flavor or aroma that a user who consumes and drinks the target Japanese sake feels is selected by the user specifying the flavor expression or metaphorical expression displayed on the flavor map. Since each user's feeling is different from one another, for example, even though an expert judges that the Japanese sake "Amachūhō" contains eight flavors such as sprout, Japanese honey grass, peanut, beech, mushroom, chestnut, wax powder, black cherry, and shimeji, and records these flavor expressions in the database 111, a personal user does not always feel all of the eight flavors. Even if the users drink the same Japanese sake, one user can feel only the flavor of beech, and another user feels the flavors of flour and chestnut filling, so that the flavors that each user feels are different. The specification of the words is performed, for example, by the user touching the position at which the words are displayed on the touch screen.

[0069] The user's preference is input via the UI object 931. When the user instructs to send the words selected from the UI object 932 and the information indicating the input preference, the client terminal 20 sends the information to the server 10. In the server 10, the storage device 11 stores the information received from the client terminal 20. Specifically, the storage device 11 stores the identification information of the target Japanese sake and the information indicating the selected words and the input preference in association with the identification information of the session and the attribute information of the user. Hereinafter, the information indicating the selected words and the input preference input by the user is referred to as "feedback information". When the sending of the feedback information to the server 10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0070] In step S10, the presentation device 13 determines whether or not the input of the feedback information for all the Japanese sakes included in the Japanese sake tasting set has been completed. When it is determined that the input of the feedback information for all the Japanese sakes has been completed, the presentation device 13 proceeds to step Sll. When it is determined that there is a Japanese sake for which the feedback data has not been input (S10: No), the presentation device 13 returns the process to step S6.

[0071] In step Sll, the specification device 17 specifies the words indicating the tendency of the user's preference from the feedback information stored in the storage device 11 in association with the identification information of the session. Specifically, first, the specification device 17 aggregates the feedback information.

[0072] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the feedback information. For each Japanese sake, the feedback information includes the flavor expression, the metaphorical expression, and the preference that the user feels from the Japanese sake. In the example shown in the drawing, it is recorded that the user feels the flavor or aroma of blueberry from the Japanese sake "Amachūhō" that the user likes. The specification device 17 refers to the database 111 to obtain the index of each flavor expression. Figure 9The index of the flavor expression obtained from the database 111 is also shown. The specifying device 17 aggregates the index of the flavor expression of the Japanese sake that the user felt "liked" in the tasting set for each flavor expression. For example, the flavor of bean powder is contained in three Japanese sakes of "Amazake," "Funado," and "Funado Junmai Daiginjo," and the user inputs all of them as "liked." In "Amazake," "Funado," and "Funado Junmai Daiginjo," the index of the flavor of bean powder is 2, 3, and 4, respectively, for a total of 9 points. If the user inputs "disliked" for the Japanese sake "Funado Junmai Daiginjo," the flavor of bean powder in "Funado Junmai Daiginjo" is not considered.

[0073] Next, the specifying device 17 extracts the flavor expression whose total index is greater than a reference value from the aggregated feedback information. The reference value is determined in advance by the information processing system 1, and is, for example, 5. An example in which the index of bean powder and cocoa exceeds the reference value is considered, for example. Both bean powder and cocoa belong to the lineage evolution element "heavy body." Therefore, the specifying device 17 identifies that the flavor or aroma of "heavy body" in the flavor expression matches the user's preference.

[0074] Furthermore, the specifying device 17 combines these information to specify (or generate) a word that presents the tendency of the user's preference. In this example, the specifying device 17 generates the phrase "Japanese sakes that suit your preference are heavy body system, which is the flavor of bean powder and cocoa" for this user.

[0075] In step S12, the specifying device 17 specifies the Japanese sake to be recommended to the user. Specifically, the specifying device 17 searches the database 111 and extracts the Japanese sake corresponding to the text specified in step S9. That is, the specifying device 17 extracts the Japanese sake under the search condition that the user is dominant in the system element "heavy body" and includes bean powder and cocoa as the flavor expression, according to the aggregate result of the feedback information. When a plurality of Japanese sakes are extracted, the specifying device 17 gives priority to the plurality of Japanese sakes. As the priority, for example, conditions such as the following are used alone or in combination: giving priority to the Japanese sake that is not contained in the tasting set in which the feedback information is input, giving priority to the flavor expression that is relatively stronger than other flavor expressions included in the search condition (bean powder and cocoa in this example) in the search condition, and giving priority to the flavor expression that is higher than other total values of Japanese sakes included in the search condition.

[0076] This search excludes the ten bottles of Japanese sakes contained in the Japanese sake set that has just been tasted. This is to encourage the purchase of products that have never been experienced. Depending on the merchandise configuration or sales strategy of the operator, the ten bottles of Japanese sakes contained in the Japanese sake set that has been tasted can also be included in the search target.

[0077] When a Japanese rice wine to be recommended to the user is specified, the specifying device 17 can refer to the attribute information input in step S4. For example, in the case where the user is a male, a recommended Japanese rice wine is selected from among Japanese rice wines popular with males (in this case, information for specifying which Japanese rice wine is popular with males is recorded in advance in the database). Alternatively, the specifying device 17 can narrow down the range of candidate Japanese rice wines to be recommended in accordance with the user's residential location. Specifically, the candidates are Japanese rice wines produced in the vicinity of the user's place of residence or in regions far from the user's place of residence. The range of candidates of Japanese rice wines to be recommended can be narrowed down by explicit indication by the user.

[0078] In step S13, the output device 18 outputs the words indicating the tendency of the user's preference and the information indicating the Japanese rice wine specified by the specifying device 17 to the client terminal 20. Specifically, the output device 18 transmits the text specified by the specifying device 17 and data for displaying the Japanese rice wine on the display device 14 to the client terminal 20. In the client terminal 20, the display device 14 displays the words indicating the tendency of the user's preference and a screen indicating the recommended Japanese rice wine in accordance with the data received from the server 10.

[0079] Figure 10 Fig. 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the client terminal 20. The screen includes a display area 95, a display area 96, and a display area 97. The area 95 is an area for displaying words indicating the tendency of the user's preference. The area 96 is an area for displaying a Japanese rice wine recommended to the user. The area 97 is an area for displaying a link to an EC site for purchasing the Japanese rice wine recommended to the user. In the example of Fig. 9, the area 96 displays information and images related to the Japanese rice wine recommended to the user (e.g., the manufacturer of the Japanese rice wine, the price, the image of the label, etc.). Figure 10

[0080] According to the present embodiment, by inputting feedback on the flavor or aroma that the user actually experiences when consuming a predetermined set of objects, the user can obtain words indicating the tendency of the user's preference and information on a recommended object. Since the tendency of the user's preference is expressed in language, the user can easily convey his / her preference to a shop clerk when selecting the next object.

[0081] In addition, a link to an EC site for purchasing the recommended object is displayed, so that the user can easily purchase the recommended object.

[0082] 3. Modified examples

[0083] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modified examples can be possible. Some modified examples will be described below. Two or more of the following modified examples can be combined together.

[0084] 3-1. Presentation order of objects​

[0085] The presentation order of the group of objects is described in this embodiment as an example defined in the database 111, but the presentation order of the objects is not limited to this example. For example, the presentation device 13 can change the presentation order of the objects based on the flavor or scent and the preference input by the user. Specifically, the presentation device 13 can then preferentially present objects having a flavor or scent in common with the flavor or scent previously input by the user and for which the indication of the preference is "like". Alternatively, the presentation device 13 can preferentially present objects having no flavor or scent in common with the flavor or scent previously input by the user. In another example, the presentation device 13 can preferentially present objects included in a metaphorical expression or an emotional expression over objects for which the preference of "like" is input (e.g., "sunset" and "dusk", "first love" and "youth"). The similarity of words is determined, for example, by referring to a thesaurus included in the server 10 or another server. According to this example, the order in which the objects are presented to the user can be changed based on the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user. As a result, for example, it is desirable to be able to easily find a common flavor among a plurality of objects, or to be able to easily understand the difference from other objects.

[0086] 3-2. Words displayed on the flavor map

[0087] The phrases displayed on the flavor map are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments. In the embodiments, an example has been described in which all of the series, flavor expressions, metaphorical expressions, and emotional expressions contained in the record of Japanese sake displayed in the database 111 are displayed on the flavor map. However, not all of the information recorded in the database 111 needs to be displayed on the flavor map, and at least some of the information can be omitted at the time of display (or the information to be displayed can be selected). As an example, in selecting the information to be displayed, the display control device 15 can select a predetermined number of information in order from the information of which the flavor expression is strong (or, in selecting the information to be omitted, the display control device 15 can select a predetermined number of information in order from the information of which the flavor expression is weak). In another example, in selecting the information to be displayed or the information to be omitted, the display control device 15 can take into account the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user. Specifically, the display control device 15 can preferentially select, as the information to be displayed, the flavor expression of which the preference is "like" in common with the flavor or scent previously input by the user. This means that the words displayed in the flavor map change or are determined in accordance with the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user. Alternatively, the words displayed on the flavor map can be the same, but the appearance of the words can change in accordance with the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user. For example, the user can highlight the flavor or scent expression in common with the flavor or scent of which the preference is "like" previously input, or can highlight the flavor expression not in common with the flavor or scent of which the preference is "like" previously input. According to this example, the words displayed in the flavor map can change based on the flavor or scent and the preference previously input by the user. As a result, for example, it is desirable that the common flavor among a plurality of objects can be easily searched for, or that the difference can be easily understood.

[0088] 3-3. Proposal of a combination of objects

[0089] In this embodiment, although the tasting set is predefined in combination (i.e., the contents of the set) in the database 112, the server 10 can propose a new tasting set in response to a request from the user.

[0090] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present modification example. In this modification example, the information processing system 1 further includes a selection device 19. The receiving device receives M kinds (M < N) of objects designated. The number M is predetermined by the information processing system 1, for example. Alternatively, the number M can be set as an upper limit and can be selected by the user within this range. The selection device 19 refers to the database 111 and selects the remaining (N-M) kinds of objects so that the distribution of a plurality of sentences representing the flavor or scent of the N kinds of objects constituting a newly proposed set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition. Details are as follows.

[0091] Since it is difficult for the user to select all of a set of 10 bottles of Japanese rice wine, the user specifies a part of the set (e.g., three bottles of Japanese rice wine) according to his / her preference. The user inputs identification information of the three bottles of Japanese rice wine specified by the user. The receiving device 16 receives the input of the identification information. Hereinafter, the selection device 19 selects the remaining seven bottles of Japanese rice wine.

[0092] The selection device 19 first analyzes the system elements of the Japanese rice wine specified by the user. The selection device 19 selects the system elements so that the distribution of the system elements in the set of Japanese rice wine is substantially uniform. For example, in the case where the lineage elements of the three bottles of Japanese rice wine specified by the user are "light", "heavy" and "warm" in order, the selection device 19 selects at least two bottles of Japanese rice wine whose lineage element is "light", at least two bottles of Japanese rice wine whose lineage element is "heavy", and at least two bottles of Japanese rice wine whose lineage element is "warm".

[0093] In addition, the selection device 19 selects another Japanese rice wine so that a certain amount of overlap occurs between the Japanese rice wine specified by the user and the flavor expression. For example, the selection device 19 specifies one bottle of Japanese rice wine from among the Japanese rice wine specified by the user, and calculates the similarity between the flavor expression of the Japanese rice wine and the flavor expression of the Japanese rice wine as a candidate. For example, the similarity is calculated by taking the product of the intensity values of the flavor expressions and adding it to all the flavor expressions. The selection device 19 selects the Japanese rice wine whose calculated similarity is the highest. In this way, the selection device 19 selects three bottles of Japanese rice wine whose flavor expression is similar to the flavor expression of the Japanese rice wine specified by the user. In addition, the selection device 19 selects four bottles of Japanese rice wine whose flavor expression is similar to the three bottles of newly selected Japanese rice wine. Further, when the series of the three bottles of Japanese rice wine specified by the user is biased (e.g., when all of the series of Japanese rice wine are "light" series), since the series of Japanese rice wine of the "heavy" and "warm" series are not specified by the user, the selection device 19 selects one Japanese rice wine according to some method, and further selects another Japanese rice wine whose flavor expression is similar to the flavor expression of the Japanese rice wine.

[0094] According to this example, only several bottles of Japanese rice wine are specified by the user, and the remaining Japanese rice wine is automatically selected to constitute a set of Japanese rice wine suitable for the method employed in the information processing system 1. Note that the user in this example can be an ordinary consumer or an employee of a distributor. For example, an employee of a distributor can be able to determine the contents of a tasting set that conforms to the method employed in the information processing system 1 by specifying only several bottles of Japanese rice wine to be promoted.

[0095] 3-4. Specifying words indicating preference trends

[0096] The method of identifying or generating a word expressing a user preference tendency is not limited to the example described in the embodiments. An AI (artificial intelligence) or machine learning technique can be used to identify or generate an expression indicating a user preference tendency. In this case, the specifying device 17 can access a learning model (not shown). The learning model is a machine learning model having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer, and is a model in which identification information of a set (i.e., a plurality of bottles) of Japanese sake and information expressing a flavor and a preference actually experienced by a user who drank the plurality of bottles of Japanese sake are provided to the input layer based on information expressing a flavor and a preference by an expert, and a word expressing a tendency of a user preference is given to the output layer as teacher data to perform machine learning. According to this example, the database 111 can be simplified or omitted. Further, training can be performed by including attribute information of the user in the teacher data provided to the input layer.

[0097] 3-5. Specific of recommended Japanese sake

[0098] The method of identifying Japanese sake recommended to a user is not limited to the method exemplified in the embodiments. An AI or machine learning technique can be used to identify Japanese sake recommended to a user. In this case, the specifying device 17 can access a learning model (not shown). The learning model is a machine learning model having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer, and is a model in which a word expressing a tendency of a user preference is given to the input layer based on the word by an expert, and Japanese sake recommended to a user is given to the output layer as teacher data to perform machine learning. According to this example, the database 111 can be simplified or omitted. Further, training can be performed by including attribute information of the user in the teacher data given to the input layer.

[0099] 3-6. Other modifications

[0100] The method of specifying a service site in the information processing system 1 is not limited to the method shown in the embodiments. For example, an application program installed in the client terminal 20 can include information of a service site, and when the user activates the application program, the application program can automatically connect to the service site.

[0101] The data structure of the database 111 is not limited to that shown in the embodiments. For example, the metaphorical expression can belong to any one of the lineage elements. The strength of the metaphorical expression and the emotional expression can also be recorded in the database 111.

[0102] Although an example of defining the contents of the tasting set in the database 112 has been described in the embodiment, the contents of the tasting set can not be defined in the server 10. In this case, when the server 10 is accessed from the client terminal 20, the identification information of the ten bottles of Japanese sake included in the tasting set is transmitted. The identification information of the ten bottles of Japanese sake is included in, for example, a two-dimensional code described in a pamphlet included in the tasting set.

[0103] The object of the information processing system 1 is not limited to Japanese sake. It can be an alcoholic beverage other than Japanese alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer; a non-alcoholic beverage, such as coffee, black tea, or green tea; a condiment, such as olive oil or vinegar; a food, such as buckwheat or pasta; or a cosmetic, such as perfume or soap.

[0104] The display screen shown in the embodiment is merely an example. Part of the UI objects exemplified in the embodiment can be omitted, or a UI object not exemplified can be added.

[0105] The functional configuration of the information processing system 1 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. Part of the functions of the information processing system 1 can be omitted, or a function not described in the embodiment can be added. In an example, the output device 18 can simply output a word indicating the user's preference tendency, without outputting the recommendation information of Japanese sake.

[0106] The hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 and the correspondence between the hardware configuration and the functional configuration are not limited to those shown in the embodiment. For example, a plurality of computer devices can physically cooperate with each other to function as the server 10. The server 10 can be a physical server or a virtual server. In the embodiment, at least part of the functions described as the functions of the server 10 can be implemented in the client terminal 20. In this case, the client terminal 20 can function as the "information processing device" of the present application.

[0107] The flowchart shown in the embodiment is merely an example. The order of some steps can be changed, or some steps can be omitted. For example, the step of receiving the input of the attribute information of the user can be omitted. Alternatively, the step of outputting (e.g., displaying) the Japanese sake recommended to the user can be omitted.

[0108] A program executed by a processor such as the CPU 101 can be provided in a state recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or can be provided in a state downloadable via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: access means for accessing a database that records, for each of a plurality of objects, a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of the object; presentation means for sequentially presenting, to a user, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; display control means for causing a display means to display a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of the object to be used, obtained from the database; reception means for receiving a selection of a flavor or an aroma that the user experiences using the object to be used, among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and output means for, in a case where the selection and the input with respect to all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects are received, outputting a word that shows a preference tendency of the user, in accordance with the selection and the input.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs information for specifying another object, among the plurality of objects, that is not included in the determined set of objects, selected in accordance with the word that expresses the preference tendency of the user, to recommend to the user.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein recommendation means recommends, to the user, an object, among the plurality of objects, that is included in a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of an object in the database and a word that corresponds to the word that expresses the preference tendency of the user, as the another object.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the presentation means presents, to the user, the object to be used that is determined in accordance with an order that is changed based on a flavor or an aroma and a preference that the user has previously input.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control means causes the display means to display a word that expresses a flavor or an aroma of the object to be used that has been changed based on the flavor or the aroma and the preference that the user has previously input.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the database includes, as the plurality of words, a food name that classifies a flavor or an aroma of each of the plurality of objects into any of a plurality of lineages.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determined set of objects is composed of N objects, the reception means receives a designation of M objects, where M < N, the information processing apparatus refers to the database, and the information processing apparatus further includes selection means for selecting the remaining (N-M) objects that are provided so that a distribution of a plurality of words that express a flavor or an aroma of the N objects constituting the determined set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition.

8. An information processing method comprising the steps of: ​ accessing a database in which a plurality of words expressing a flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects are recorded; presenting, to a user, in turn, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; causing a display device to display a plurality of words expressing a flavor or scent of the object to be used, obtained from the database; receiving a selection of a flavor or scent that the user feels using the object to be used, among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and in a case where the selection and the input regarding all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects are received, outputting a word showing a preference tendency of the user, in accordance with the selection and the input.

9. A program that causes a computer device to execute a process, the process including the operations of: accessing a database in which a plurality of words expressing a flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects are recorded; presenting, to a user, in turn, an object to be used among a determined set of objects; causing a display device to display a plurality of words expressing a flavor or scent of the object to be used, obtained from the database; receiving a selection of a flavor or scent that the user feels using the object to be used, among the plurality of words, and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and in a case where the selection and the input regarding all of the objects constituting the determined set of objects are received, outputting a word showing a preference tendency of the user, in accordance with the selection and the input.

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