Menu suggestion device, menu suggestion method, and menu suggestion program

Abstract

To solve a problem that a user cannot suggest a menu according to time to be consumed for preparation of meal.SOLUTION: A menu suggestion device comprises: food material information acquisition means which acquires usable food material information related to food materials usable for cooking stored by a user; menu suggestion means which suggests a menu according to a cooking possible time found from a scheduled delivery time, on the basis of the usable food material information, and the scheduled delivery time of the food material to the user; and food material recommendation means which recommends purchasing so as to deliver the food material required for the suggested menu at the scheduled delivery time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a menu proposal device, a menu proposal method, and a menu proposal program. [Background technology]

[0002] A user of food delivery may wish to cook using ingredients that they already own, in addition to the ingredients that are delivered.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an invention relating to a system that creates a menu based on an inventory list showing ingredients in stock owned by a user and information on ingredients on sale at a store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-193531 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to create a menu that can be cooked within the time a user can spend preparing the meal.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a menu proposal device, a menu proposal method, and a menu proposal program that are capable of proposing menus based on the amount of time a user can spend preparing a meal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a menu proposal device includes an ingredient information acquisition means for acquiring available ingredient information regarding ingredients stored by a user that can be used for cooking, a menu proposal means for proposing a menu according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, and an ingredient recommendation means for recommending the purchase of ingredients required for the proposed menu so that they can be delivered at the scheduled delivery time.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a menu suggestion method obtains available ingredient information regarding ingredients stored by a user that can be used for cooking, suggests a menu according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and a scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, and recommends purchasing ingredients required for the suggested menu so that they can be delivered at the scheduled delivery time.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the menu suggestion program causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring available ingredient information regarding ingredients stored by a user that can be used for cooking, suggesting a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, and recommending the purchase of ingredients required for the suggested menu so that they can be delivered at the scheduled delivery time. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suggest menus based on the amount of time a user can spend preparing a meal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system including a menu suggestion device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a menu suggestion device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of usable ingredient information according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu list according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a screen display of a user terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the menu proposal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a menu suggestion device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the menu proposal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the menu proposal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the menu proposal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a menu proposal device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Next, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system including a menu proposal device 1 according to the present disclosure. The menu proposal device 1 proposes menus and recommends the purchase of ingredients to a user who uses food delivery. Referring to Fig. 1, the menu proposal device 1 is connected to a user terminal 91 carried by the user, a server of a store that delivers ingredients, and a database 92.

[0014] The user terminal 91 is a terminal used by a user. A user who uses delivery services purchases ingredients using the user terminal 91. The user also uses the user terminal 91 to request delivery of the purchased ingredients. The user can then obtain information on menus proposed by the menu proposal device 1 and information on recommended ingredients via the user terminal 91. The user terminal 91 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The user terminal 91 is not limited to these. The menu proposal device 1 and the user terminal 91 are connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0015] The store server 93 is, for example, a server that manages the purchase of ingredients by the user or the delivery request. The store server 93 can also manage store information or user information. The store server 93 is installed, for example, in a store that delivers ingredients. Alternatively, the store server 93 may be installed, for example, in an establishment that collectively manages the purchase of ingredients or the delivery request. The store server 93 is connected to the menu suggestion device 1 and the user terminal 91 via a wireless network. The store server 93 does not have to manage the purchase of ingredients by the user, the delivery request, or the store information or user information described above. For example, a system built on a cloud service may be operated to manage the purchase of ingredients by the user, the delivery request, or the store information or user information.

[0016] Database 92 stores information related to menus. Database 92 may also store information related to ingredients stored by the user. The information stored in database 92 is not limited to this. Menu proposal device 1 is connected to database 92 via a wired or wireless network. Database 92 may be configured to be included in menu proposal device 1.

[0017] Each embodiment of the menu proposal device 1 of the present disclosure included in the above-mentioned system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the menu proposal device 1 according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the menu proposal device 1 includes an ingredient information acquisition unit 11, a menu proposal unit 12, and an ingredient recommendation unit 13.

[0019] The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 is one aspect of ingredient information acquisition means that acquires usable ingredient information on ingredients stored by the user that can be used for cooking. The usable ingredient information is information on ingredients stored by the user that can be used for cooking. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires the usable ingredient information.

[0020] First, ingredients include fresh foods and processed foods. Processed foods may include prepared foods, frozen foods, or seasonings. Ingredients may also include beverages. Ingredients are not limited to these. Ingredients may be any material that the user uses in cooking or that the user consumes.

[0021] Ingredients stored by the user that can be used for cooking are called usable ingredients. Usable ingredients are ingredients that are already stored when the user is considering a menu. Usable ingredients can be stored in a refrigerator, a food shelf, or a food warehouse, for example. The storage location of usable ingredients is not limited to these. A refrigerator may include a refrigeration compartment and a freezer. Refrigerators also include freezers for freezing purposes.

[0022] Next, the available ingredient information is information about available ingredients. The available ingredient information is, for example, image information of available ingredients. Alternatively, the available ingredient information may be an inventory list of available ingredients.

[0023] A method for acquiring available ingredient information will be described. First, a case where ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires image information of available ingredients will be described. Images of available ingredients are captured, for example, by a camera installed in a position where the available ingredients can be photographed. The camera and menu proposal device 1 are connected by a wired or wireless network. Thus, ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires image information of available ingredients from the camera. Here, the camera is installed, for example, in the user's refrigerator or on the user's ingredient shelf. The installation position of the camera is not limited to these. It is sufficient that the camera is installed in a position where the available ingredients can be photographed.

[0024] Alternatively, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 may acquire image information of available ingredients from a user terminal 91. A user photographs available ingredients using the user terminal 91. The menu suggestion device 1 is connected to the user terminal 91 via a wired or wireless network. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 then acquires image information of available ingredients from the user terminal 91.

[0025] The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 identifies the types of available ingredients contained in the image from the acquired image information of the available ingredients. Then, it acquires an inventory list of available ingredients. The method of identifying the types of available ingredients may use known techniques.

[0026] Alternatively, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 may acquire an inventory list of usable ingredients based on the user's purchase history, for example. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the user's purchase history from, for example, the user terminal 91 or the store server 93. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can then acquire a list of ingredients included in the user's purchase history as the inventory list of usable ingredients.

[0027] Furthermore, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 may acquire an inventory list of usable ingredients based on registration by the user. The user registers usable ingredients using, for example, the user terminal 91. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can then acquire the usable ingredients registered by the user as an inventory list of usable ingredients.

[0028] Furthermore, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can also acquire the created inventory list of usable ingredients. Usable ingredient information is stored, for example, in a database 92. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 then acquires the inventory list of usable ingredients from the database 92. The menu suggestion device 1 and the database 92 are connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0029] The stock list of usable ingredients stored in database 92 is, for example, a list created by an external device. The external device is, for example, a user terminal 91 or an information processing device (not shown). The external device is connected to the menu proposal device 1 via a wired or wireless network. The external device saves the created stock list of usable ingredients in database 92. Then, ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires the stock list of usable ingredients from database 92.

[0030] Additionally, the inventory list of usable ingredients stored in database 92 may include a list stored by ingredient information acquisition unit 11. Ingredient information acquisition unit 11 stores the acquired inventory list of usable ingredients in database 92. Then, ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can acquire usable ingredient information from database 92 as necessary.

[0031] Here, the external device may create an inventory list of usable ingredients based on, for example, the user's purchase history.The external device may also create an inventory list of usable ingredients based on registration by the user.In addition, the external device may create an inventory list of usable ingredients based on image information of the usable ingredients captured by a camera.

[0032] In addition, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 may acquire information on the weight of ingredients as the available ingredient information. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can detect the stock of ingredients from the weight information. For ingredients whose storage location is predetermined, such as eggs, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires weight information from the refrigerator.

[0033] The available ingredient information may include the remaining amount of an available ingredient. In the available ingredient information, the names of available ingredients are associated with the remaining amount of the available ingredient. For example, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can detect the stock of an ingredient from information related to weight. For an ingredient whose storage location is predetermined, such as eggs, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires weight information from the refrigerator. Then, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the remaining amount of an ingredient from the weight information. The ingredient information acquisition unit 11 may acquire the remaining amount of an ingredient from registration by the user.

[0034] The available ingredient information may include information on the storage location of the available ingredient. For example, for an available ingredient stored in a refrigerator, the available ingredient information may include information that the storage location is the refrigerator. Also, for an available ingredient stored in a location other than the user's refrigerator, the available ingredient information may include information that the storage location is a location other than the refrigerator. Additionally, the available ingredient information may include the expiration date or best before date of the available ingredient.

[0035] The remaining amount of usable ingredients, the storage location of the usable ingredients, and the expiration date or best-before date of the usable ingredients included in the usable ingredient information are obtained using one of the methods for obtaining usable ingredient information described above.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an example of an inventory list of usable ingredients, which is usable ingredient information. In the inventory list of usable ingredients shown in FIG. 3, usable ingredients are associated with the remaining amount of each usable ingredient. The remaining amount of the usable ingredients is displayed according to each usable ingredient. For example, in the case of meat, the remaining amount is displayed by weight. On the other hand, in the case of root vegetables, the remaining amount is displayed as a percentage of the whole, such as 1 / 2 cut. The display of the remaining amount in FIG. 3 is one example. Ingredients in packs may be displayed by the number of packs. Also, if the same usable ingredient is divided into packs, the weight of each pack may be displayed, or the total weight of all packs may be displayed. Also, if the remaining amount is unknown or if the remaining amount is large, no display may be done. The inventory list of usable ingredients is not limited to this example.

[0037] The menu suggestion unit 12 is one aspect of a menu suggestion means that suggests a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user. The menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a cooking time equal to or less than the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time.

[0038] Here, the scheduled delivery time of ingredients is the scheduled time when ingredients are delivered to the user. The scheduled delivery time may be specified by the user each time ingredients are purchased. The scheduled delivery time may also be a time determined in advance by the user so that deliveries are made at the same time. Alternatively, the scheduled delivery time of ingredients may be a time specified by the store that delivers the ingredients. The method of determining the scheduled delivery time is not limited to the above methods.

[0039] The available cooking time is the time that a user can spend preparing a meal. The available cooking time is calculated by subtracting the meal start time from the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients. The meal start time is the time when the user starts to eat. In this embodiment, the meal start time is the time when many people are expected to start eating. For example, in the case of dinner, it is thought that many people start eating around 7 p.m. Therefore, the meal start time is set to 7 p.m. Alternatively, for example, the meal start time can be 12 p.m. for lunch and 8 a.m. for breakfast. The meal start time is not limited to these times.

[0040] Alternatively, the meal start time may be a time estimated from the user's behavior history. A known technique may be used as a method for estimating the meal start time from the user's behavior history. The menu suggestion unit 12 may estimate the meal start time. The menu suggestion unit 12 may also obtain the meal start time estimated by an external device.

[0041] Then, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a cooking time that falls within the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time. In other words, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a cooking time that is equal to or shorter than the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time. When the available cooking time is short, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a short cooking time. On the other hand, when the available cooking time is long, the menu suggestion unit 12 can suggest not only a menu with a short cooking time but also a menu with a long cooking time.

[0042] A method of determining a menu proposed by the menu suggestion unit 12 will be described. For example, the menu suggestion unit 12 can determine a menu to be proposed depending on whether the scheduled delivery time is earlier than a predetermined time. If the scheduled delivery time is later than the predetermined time, the available cooking time is required to be short, so the menu suggestion unit 12 proposes a menu with a short cooking time. On the other hand, if the scheduled delivery time is earlier than the predetermined time, it is considered that the available cooking time may be long, so the menu suggestion unit 12 proposes a menu with a long cooking time. Here, the predetermined time is an arbitrary time before the start time of the meal. The arbitrary time is a time that can be a criterion for the menu suggestion unit 12 to propose either a menu with a long cooking time or a menu with a short cooking time. For example, the predetermined time is a time two hours before the start time of the meal. The predetermined time may be set in advance by the user.

[0043] For example, a case will be described where the specified time is one hour before the start time of the meal. If the scheduled delivery time is later than the specified time, the available cooking time is required to be less than one hour. Therefore, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a cooking time of less than one hour. On the other hand, if the scheduled delivery time is earlier than the specified time, the available cooking time is required to be one hour or more. Therefore, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu with a cooking time of one hour or more. The specified time and the cooking time of the suggested menu are not limited to the above example. It is sufficient that the cooking time of the menu suggested by the menu suggestion unit 12 falls within the available cooking time determined from the scheduled delivery time.

[0044] The menu suggestion unit 12 can also calculate the available cooking time by subtracting the scheduled delivery time from the meal start time. In this case, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu whose cooking time falls within the calculated available cooking time.

[0045] The menu suggestion unit 12 suggests menus included in a list of menus (hereinafter, menu list). The menu list may include, for example, meals that are easy to cook or process. Examples of meals that are easy to cook or process include side dishes, frozen foods, or instant noodles. The menu list includes meals that the user can take, for example, regardless of the cooking method or state of the ingredients. The menu list is stored in the database 92. In the menu list, the menus are associated with cooking times. Furthermore, the menu list also includes information on ingredients required for each menu. The menu suggestion unit 12 suggests menus whose cooking times fall within the available cooking time. When there are multiple menus whose cooking times fall within the available cooking time, all of the menus may be suggested, or any number of the menus may be suggested.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows an example of a menu list. FIG. 4 shows an example of a list of menus and ingredients needed to prepare the menus. In the menu list, each menu is associated with a cooking time. The menu list also includes ingredients needed to prepare each menu. In the example of the menu list shown in FIG. 4, the ingredients needed to prepare the menus do not include seasonings. The ingredients needed to prepare the menus may include seasonings. The menu list may also include the required amount of each ingredient needed to prepare the menus. For example, if the menu is curry, the amount of ingredients needed to prepare curry for two people may be included in the menu list.

[0047] The menu list may be a list in which the menus are classified into time periods according to the cooking time of the menu. For example, the menus are classified into four categories: menus with cooking times of less than 30 minutes, menus with cooking times of 30 minutes to less than 1 hour, menus with cooking times of 1 hour to less than 2 hours, and menus with cooking times of 2 hours or more. The menu suggestion unit 12 then suggests menus for the time periods that correspond to the cooking times available.

[0048] In addition, the menu suggestion unit 12 may suggest a combination of multiple menus. If the total cooking time of multiple menus falls within the available cooking time, the menu suggestion unit 12 can suggest a combination of multiple menus. For example, the menu suggestion unit 12 can suggest a combination of multiple menus that the user can cook in parallel.

[0049] The menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu to the user. Specifically, the menu suggestion unit 12 transmits, for example, a menu name and cooking time to the user terminal 91 as information related to the suggested menu. The menu suggestion unit 12 may transmit information on ingredients required for cooking the menu to the user terminal 91 as information related to the suggested menu. The destination to which the menu suggestion unit 12 transmits information related to the suggested menu is not limited to the user terminal 91. The destination may be any terminal at which the user can check information related to the menu suggested by the menu suggestion unit 12.

[0050] The ingredient recommendation unit 13 is one aspect of an ingredient recommendation means that recommends purchasing ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. The ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients necessary for cooking the menu proposed by the menu proposal unit 12.

[0051] The ingredients recommended for purchase by the ingredient recommendation unit 13 are, for example, ingredients necessary for the proposed menu, but not available ingredients. In other words, they are ingredients that are in short supply when the user prepares the menu proposed by the menu proposal unit 12. The ingredient recommendation unit 13 uses information on ingredients necessary for cooking, which is included in the menu list, and an inventory list of available ingredients, which is available ingredient information. The ingredient recommendation unit 13 determines ingredients to recommend for purchase based on the information on ingredients necessary for cooking and the inventory list of available ingredients.

[0052] The ingredients recommended for purchase by the ingredient recommendation unit 13 may be ingredients necessary for the proposed menu and ingredients corresponding to available ingredients. For example, even if an ingredient is stored by the user as an available ingredient, there may be a case where the remaining amount is insufficient for cooking the menu proposed by the menu proposal unit 12. In such a case, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends the purchase of an ingredient necessary for the proposed menu and ingredients corresponding to available ingredients. At this time, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 uses information on ingredients necessary for cooking, which is included in the menu list, and the remaining amount of available ingredients, which is included in the available ingredient information. The ingredient recommendation unit 13 determines the ingredients to be recommended for purchase based on the information on necessary ingredients and the remaining amount of available ingredients.

[0053] In addition, when the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a prepared dish, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 may recommend purchasing the prepared dish.

[0054] The ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends the user to purchase ingredients necessary for the proposed menu. The recommended product is a product to be delivered, and the delivery time is the scheduled delivery time used by the menu proposal unit 12 to propose the menu. Specifically, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 transmits, for example, information about the recommended ingredient to the user terminal 91. Alternatively, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 may transmit a notification to the user terminal 91 indicating that the purchase is recommended. The information about the recommended ingredient is, for example, the name and price of the ingredient. Furthermore, the information about the recommended ingredient may include a best-before date or a use-by date.

[0055] The ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time at the same timing as the menu proposal unit 12 transmits information related to the menu.

[0056] Furthermore, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients required for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time to the same terminal to which the menu proposal unit 12 transmits information related to the menu. In other words, when the menu proposal unit 12 transmits information related to the menu to the user terminal 91, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 transmits information related to the recommended ingredients for purchase or a notification indicating that the purchase is recommended. The transmission destination is not limited to the user terminal 91.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of the user terminal 91. Referring to FIG. 5, menu information proposed by the menu suggestion unit 12 and information about ingredients recommended for purchase by the ingredient recommendation unit 13 are displayed on the screen of the user terminal 91. As information about the proposed menu, the name of the menu, cooking time, and an image of the menu are displayed. As information about the ingredients recommended for purchase, the scheduled delivery time, the name of the ingredients recommended for purchase, the price of the ingredients, and a purchase button are displayed. For example, when the user presses the purchase button, the screen of the user terminal 91 transitions to a screen for carrying out the procedure for purchasing ingredients. Then, by carrying out the purchase procedure, the user can purchase ingredients required for the menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. In FIG. 5, the menu suggestion and the recommendation to purchase ingredients are performed on the same screen, but the display method is not limited to this. Furthermore, the contents displayed on the screen of the user terminal 91 are not limited to this. The display screen of the user terminal 91 may be any screen that allows the user to confirm the contents of the proposed menu. Furthermore, the display screen of the user terminal 91 may be any screen that allows the user to confirm that the ingredients are recommended for purchase.

[0058] Next, the processing operation of the menu proposal device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] First, in step S101, the ingredient information acquisition unit 11 acquires available ingredient information on ingredients that can be used for cooking and are stored by the user. Next, in step S102, the menu proposal unit 12 proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user. Then, in step S103, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients required for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. The menu proposal device 1 ends its operation.

[0060] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 1 includes an ingredient information acquisition unit 11 that acquires available ingredient information on ingredients that can be used for cooking stored by the user, a menu proposal unit 12 that proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, and an ingredient recommendation unit 13 that recommends purchasing ingredients required for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. This configuration enables the menu proposal device 1 to propose a menu according to the time that the user can spend on preparing a meal. The scheduled delivery time of ingredients to the user may reflect the time that the user can spend on cooking, that is, the available cooking time. Specifically, if the scheduled delivery time is late, the available cooking time is considered to be short. On the other hand, if the scheduled delivery time is early, the available cooking time is considered to be long. Therefore, the menu proposal unit 12 proposes a menu according to the available cooking time. As a result, the menu proposal device 1 can propose a menu according to the time that the user can spend on preparing a meal. The menu proposal by the menu proposal device 1 saves the user the trouble of thinking about the menu. Furthermore, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. With this configuration, the user can actually cook the menu proposed by the menu proposal unit 12. As described above, the configuration of the menu proposal device 1 enables the user to prepare meals more efficiently. Furthermore, by the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommending purchasing ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time, the store that delivers the ingredients can increase sales.

[0061] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 1 uses the menu proposal unit 12 means to propose a menu with a cooking time equal to or less than the available cooking time. Specifically, the menu proposal unit 12 proposes a menu with a short cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is later than the specified time. Also, the menu proposal unit 12 proposes a menu with a long cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is earlier than the specified time. This configuration enables the menu proposal device 1 to propose a menu according to the time that the user can spend preparing a meal. Specifically, since a menu with a cooking time that falls within the available cooking time is proposed, the user can cook a menu that can be cooked within the available cooking time. As a result, the user can save the effort of thinking about the menu, and the efficiency of meal preparation can be improved.

[0062] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 1 proposes a menu using ingredients that correspond to the available ingredients by the menu proposal unit 12. Then, the ingredient recommendation unit 13 recommends purchasing ingredients that are necessary for the proposed menu and that correspond to the available ingredients so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. The ingredients that correspond to the available ingredients are, in other words, ingredients stored by the user. Even if the ingredients are stored by the user, the ingredients stored by the user need to be purchased according to the remaining amount of ingredients and the menu to be cooked. Therefore, the menu proposal device 1 recommends purchasing ingredients that are necessary for the proposed menu and that correspond to the available ingredients so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. This configuration can prevent a situation in which the ingredients are insufficient when the user tries to cook and cannot cook. When ingredients are insufficient, it takes time to reconsider the menu and buy more ingredients. Therefore, the configuration of the menu proposal device 1 can reduce the effort of the user. Furthermore, the configuration of the menu proposal device 1 can improve the efficiency of cooking by the user. And, for the store that delivers ingredients, the purchase of ingredients by the user leads to an increase in sales.

[0063] In this embodiment, the menu suggestion device 1 has the menu suggestion unit 12 suggest a menu using ingredients that are not available ingredients. The ingredient recommendation unit 13 then recommends purchasing ingredients that are necessary for the proposed menu and are not available ingredients so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. Ingredients that are not available ingredients are ingredients that the user does not have in storage. In other words, the menu suggestion device 1 suggests a menu using ingredients that the user does not have in storage, and recommends the purchase of the ingredients. This configuration allows the store that delivers the ingredients to increase sales. In addition, ingredients that are not available ingredients may include ingredients that the user does not normally use in cooking. And, among the menus, there may be some menus that cannot be cooked unless ingredients that the user does not normally use in cooking are used. Therefore, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu that cannot be cooked unless ingredients that the user does not normally use in cooking are used as a menu using ingredients that are not available ingredients, thereby allowing the user to increase his / her menu repertoire.

[0064] In this embodiment, the menu suggestion device 1 has available ingredient information including information on ingredients stored in the user's refrigerator. The menu suggestion unit 12 then suggests a menu based on the available ingredient information. The ingredients stored in the refrigerator include ingredients with short expiration dates or expiry dates. In addition, the refrigerator has limited space for storing ingredients. Therefore, when a user purchases ingredients, if there is no space in the refrigerator, a problem may occur in which the newly purchased ingredients cannot be stored. Therefore, the user needs to use the ingredients stored in the refrigerator and manage the ingredients stored in the refrigerator. With the configuration of the menu suggestion device 1, the menu suggestion unit 12 suggests a menu based on the available ingredient information including information on the ingredients stored in the refrigerator. As a result, the user can use the ingredients stored in the refrigerator, improving the user's convenience. Furthermore, the menu suggestion unit 12 can suggest a menu using ingredients stored in the refrigerator, preventing the user from forgetting to use paired ingredients and discarding them.

[0065] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 1 has an ingredient information acquisition unit 11 that acquires information on ingredients stored in places other than the user's refrigerator as available ingredient information. Then, the menu proposal unit 12 proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information. A user may store ingredients in places other than the refrigerator and want to cook using ingredients stored in places other than the refrigerator. The configuration of the menu proposal device 1 allows the user to use ingredients stored in places other than the refrigerator. This improves user convenience.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Below, the description of the second embodiment will be omitted to the extent that the description of the second embodiment is not unclear.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the menu proposal device 2 according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the menu proposal device 2 further includes a request receiving unit 24, a nutrition specifying unit 25, and a store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26, in comparison with the menu proposal device 1. The menu proposal device 2 may include any one of the request receiving unit 24, the nutrition specifying unit 25, and the store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 in addition to the menu proposal device 1. The menu proposal device 2 may also include any two of the request receiving unit 24, the nutrition specifying unit 25, and the store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 in addition to the menu proposal device 1. That is, the menu proposal device 2 may include at least one of the request receiving unit 24, the nutrition specifying unit 25, and the store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 in addition to the ingredient information acquisition unit 21, the menu proposal unit 22, and the ingredient recommendation unit 23.

[0068] The request receiving unit 24 is one aspect of a request receiving means for receiving a user's request regarding a meal. Specifically, the request receiving unit 24 receives a meal start time desired by the user as the user's request regarding a meal. The request receiving unit 24 may also receive a meal duration or meal content desired by the user as the user's request regarding a meal. In other words, the request receiving unit 24 receives at least one of the user's desired meal start time, meal duration, or meal content.

[0069] First, a case will be described where the preference receiving unit 24 receives a meal start time desired by the user. The preference receiving unit 24 receives the meal start time desired by the user, and the menu suggestion unit 22 proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time and the meal start time. The menu suggestion unit 22 can calculate the available cooking time by subtracting the scheduled delivery time from the meal start time. The menu suggestion unit 22 then proposes a menu whose cooking time falls within the calculated available cooking time. The method of determining the menu to be proposed by the menu suggestion unit 22 can use any of the methods described above.

[0070] The request receiving unit 24 can receive a meal start time desired by the user through input by the user. For example, the user inputs a meal start time to the user terminal 91. The request receiving unit 24 then receives the meal start time of the user input to the user terminal 91. The terminal that receives the user's request is not limited to the user terminal 91. It is sufficient that the request receiving unit 24 is a terminal that can receive the user's request.

[0071] Next, a case where the request receiving unit 24 receives a meal time desired by the user will be described. The request receiving unit 24 receives a meal time desired by the user. Then, the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu according to the cooking time available based on the scheduled delivery time, and which can be eaten within the meal time desired by the user. The meal time desired by the user is the time the user can spend eating the food.

[0072] The menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu that the user can finish eating within the time the user can spend on the meal. The menu suggestion unit 22 suggests menus included in a menu list. At this time, the menu list includes the time required to eat each menu. Therefore, the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu that fits within the time required for the user to eat. The method of acquiring the required meal time by the request receiving unit 24 can be any of the methods of acquiring the meal start time by the request receiving unit 24.

[0073] Next, a case where the request receiving unit 24 receives the meal contents desired by the user will be described. The request receiving unit 24 receives the meal contents desired by the user. The menu suggestion unit 22 then proposes a menu according to the cooking time obtained from the scheduled delivery time based on the available ingredient information, the scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, and the meal time required. The meal contents desired by the user include, for example, a request regarding the intake amount of a specific nutrient, such as a request to consume a lot of protein or a request for a low-fat diet. The meal contents desired by the user also include a request not to use a specific ingredient, such as an ingredient that causes an allergy or an ingredient that the user dislikes. Furthermore, the request receiving unit 24 may receive a request for a meal content for religious reasons, or a request for a meal content that is suitable for vegetarians. The request receiving unit 24 may receive a request for the amount of food the user wants to cook. For example, the request receiving unit 24 may receive a request for how many people's worth of food to cook. The meal contents desired by the user are not limited to these. Other dietary preferences that users may have include a preference not to use ingredients in cooking that should be avoided during pregnancy.

[0074] The store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 is one aspect of a store recommended ingredient list acquisition means that acquires a store recommended ingredient list related to ingredients recommended by a store. The store recommended ingredient list is a list of foods that the store would like to recommend for purchase. Examples of ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list include ingredients that the store is selling, seasonal ingredients, and newly released ingredients. The store recommended ingredient list is stored, for example, in the store server 93. Alternatively, the store recommended ingredient list may be stored in a database (not shown) that is connected to the store server 93 via a wired or wireless network.

[0075] The store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 acquires a store recommended ingredient list related to ingredients recommended by the store, and the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list. The menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu that is based on the cooking time available from the scheduled delivery time and that includes the store recommended ingredient list. Specifically, when seasonal ingredients are included in the store recommended ingredient list, the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu that uses seasonal ingredients and that is based on the cooking time available.

[0076] The nutrient specifying unit 25 is one aspect of the nutrient specifying unit 25 that specifies nutrients that are lacking in the user from the available ingredient information. The nutrient specifying unit 25 specifies nutrients that are lacking in the user. The menu suggestion unit 22 then suggests a menu that uses ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list, which is a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time. Specifically, the nutrient specifying unit 25 specifies nutrients that are lacking from ingredients included in the inventory list of available ingredients, which is the available ingredient information. The menu suggestion unit 22 then suggests a menu that makes it possible to consume the lacking nutrients.

[0077] Next, the processing operation of the menu proposal device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the flowchart of Fig. 8, the menu proposal device 2 includes an ingredient information acquisition unit 21, a menu proposal unit 22, an ingredient recommendation unit 23, and a request acceptance unit 24. The case where the menu proposal device 2 includes a store-recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 or a nutrition identification unit 25 will be described later.

[0078] In Fig. 8, the same operations as those in Fig. 6 already described will not be described. Step S201 is the same as step S101. Step S204 is the same as step S103. In step S202, the request receiving unit 24 receives the user's request for a meal. In step S203, the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu according to the user's request and the available cooking time.

[0079] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a case will be described in which the menu proposal device 2 includes the store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 in addition to the ingredient information acquisition unit 21, the menu proposal unit 22, and the ingredient recommendation unit 23. Step S201 is the same as step S101. Step S204 is also the same as step S103. Furthermore, comparing FIG. 8 with FIG. 9, steps S201 and S204 are common. In step S205, which corresponds to step S202 in FIG. 8, the store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 acquires the store recommended ingredient list related to ingredients recommended by the store. Then, in step S203 in FIG. 8, the menu proposal device 2 performs the operation of step S206. In step S206, the menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list according to the available cooking time.

[0080] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a case will be described in which the menu proposal device 2 includes a nutrient identification unit 25 in addition to the ingredient information acquisition unit 21, the menu proposal unit 22, and the ingredient recommendation unit 23. Step S201 is the same as step S101. Step S204 is also the same as step S103. Furthermore, comparing FIG. 8 with FIG. 10, steps S201 and S204 are common. As a process corresponding to step S202 in FIG. 8, in step S207, the nutrient identification unit 25 identifies nutrients that are lacking in the user from the available ingredient information. Furthermore, as a process corresponding to step S203 in FIG. 8, in step S208, the menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu in which the lacking nutrients can be ingested and according to the cooking time available.

[0081] A case where the menu proposal device 2 includes two or more of the request receiving unit 24, the store recommended ingredient list obtaining unit 26, or the store recommended ingredient list obtaining unit 26 in addition to the ingredient information obtaining unit 21, the menu proposal unit 22, and the ingredient recommendation unit 23 will also be described. The menu proposal device 2 first performs the operation of step S201 in FIG. 8. Then, it performs the operation of step S202 in FIG. 8, step S205 in FIG. 9, and step S207 in FIG. 10. Then, as the operation corresponding to step S203 in FIG. 8, the menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu that includes all of the user's request received in step S202, the store recommended ingredient list obtained in step S205, and the nutrients identified in step S207. Then, the menu proposal device 2 performs the operation of step S204 in FIG. 8. Then, the menu proposal device 2 ends the operation.

[0082] The operations of steps S202, S205, and S207 may be performed before the menu suggestion unit 22 suggests a menu. Therefore, the order of execution of steps S202, S205, and S207 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9, and may be performed in any order.

[0083] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 2 includes a preference receiving unit 24 that receives a user's preference regarding a meal, and the menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu according to the user's preference. The user's preference regarding a meal includes, for example, the user's desired meal start time, the time required for the meal, or the meal contents. This configuration enables the menu proposal device 2 to propose a menu according to the user's preference.

[0084] In this embodiment, the menu suggestion device 2 has the request receiving unit 24 receive a meal start time desired by the user. Then, the menu suggestion unit 22 proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time and the meal start time. The meal start time differs from user to user. Therefore, even if the scheduled delivery time is the same, the available cooking time may be short for a user who starts the meal early, while the available cooking time may be long for a user who starts the meal late. In this way, the available cooking time also differs depending on the meal start time. Therefore, the menu suggestion unit 22 can propose a menu that is more responsive to the user's requests by calculating the available cooking time using the user's meal start time. In addition, the user can eat a meal that meets his or her requests, which can improve satisfaction.

[0085] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 2 has a preference receiving unit 24 that receives a meal time desired by the user, and a menu proposal unit 22 that further proposes a menu based on the meal time. When a user has little time to spend on a meal, the user may wish for a menu that can be eaten in a short time. Thus, the preference receiving unit 24 receives the meal time as the user's preference for a meal. Then, the menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu based on the meal time. As a result, it is possible to propose a menu that better meets the user's preference. Furthermore, the user can eat a meal that meets his or her preference, which can also improve satisfaction.

[0086] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 2 has a preference receiving unit 24 that accepts the meal contents desired by the user, and a menu proposal unit 22 that further proposes a menu based on the meal contents. The meal contents desired by the user are, for example, preferences regarding nutrients or ingredients to be ingested. The menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu based on the meal contents desired by the user. As a result, it is possible to propose a menu that is more responsive to the user's preferences. In addition, the user can eat the meal he or she desires, which can also improve satisfaction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the menu proposal device 2 includes a store recommended ingredient list acquisition unit 26 that acquires a store recommended ingredient list related to ingredients recommended by the store. The menu proposal unit 22 further proposes a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list. The ingredient recommendation unit 23 recommends purchasing ingredients required for the menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. The store recommended ingredient list is a list of ingredients recommended by the store that will make the delivery. Specifically, the store recommended ingredient list includes, for example, ingredients recommended by the store, seasonal ingredients, or newly released ingredients. The menu proposal unit 22 proposes a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list. The ingredient recommendation unit 23 recommends the purchase of ingredients, and thus the store can expect an increase in the amount of purchases by customers. This allows the store to increase its sales.

[0088] In this embodiment, the menu suggestion device 2 includes a nutrient specifying unit 25 that specifies nutrients that are lacking in the user from the available ingredient information. The menu suggestion unit 22 then suggests a menu that allows the user to ingest the lacking nutrients. It may be difficult for a user to recognize the nutrients that are lacking by themselves. In this regard, the nutrient specifying unit 25 specifies nutrients that are lacking in the user from the available ingredient information stored by the user. The menu suggestion unit 22 then suggests a menu that allows the user to ingest the lacking nutrients. As a result, the user is able to ingest the lacking nutrients.

[0089] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0090] [Hardware configuration example] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the menu proposal device 3 in the present disclosure. The menu proposal device 3 is realized by a computer.

[0091] The menu suggestion device 3 includes a processor 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a storage device 34 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 35 for inputting and outputting data, and a communication interface 36 for network connection. Each component is connected via a bus 37.

[0092] The processor 31 runs an operating system to control the entire computer. Examples of the processor 31 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor loads a program stored in, for example, the ROM 32 or the storage device 34. The processor 31 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 31 may execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0093] The ROM 32 stores application programs, programs according to the embodiments, etc. The RAM 33 is used as a work area for the processor 31.

[0094] Examples of the storage device 34 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk driver (HDD), etc. The storage device 34 stores, for example, an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to each embodiment.

[0095] The input / output interface 35 is connected to peripheral devices (not shown). The connection method may be wired or wireless.

[0096] The communication interface 36 is connected to a communication network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network may be composed of multiple communication networks. This allows the computer to be connected to an external device via the communication network.

[0097] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0098] (Appendix 1) An ingredient information acquisition means for acquiring usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that are stored by a user and that can be used for cooking; a menu suggestion means for suggesting a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the expected delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the expected delivery time of the ingredients to the user; an ingredient recommendation means for recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that the ingredients are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; A menu suggestion device comprising:

[0099] (Appendix 2) The menu suggestion means suggests a menu with a short cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is later than a predetermined time. 2. A menu suggestion device as described in appended claim 1.

[0100] (Appendix 3) The menu suggestion means suggests the menu having a long cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is earlier than the predetermined time. 3. A menu suggestion device as described in appended claim 2.

[0101] (Appendix 4) The menu suggestion means suggests a menu having a cooking time equal to or shorter than the available cooking time. 4. A menu suggestion device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0102] (Appendix 5) A request receiving means for receiving a request from the user regarding a meal, The menu suggestion means proposes a menu according to a desire of the user. 5. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0103] (Appendix 6) The request receiving means receives a meal start time requested by the user, The menu suggestion means proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time and the meal start time. 6. A menu suggestion device as described in appended claim 5.

[0104] (Appendix 7) The request receiving means receives a meal time required by the user, The menu suggestion means further suggests a menu based on the meal time required. 7. The menu suggestion device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0105] (Appendix 8) The request receiving means receives a meal content desired by the user, The menu suggestion means further suggests a menu based on the meal contents. 8. The menu suggestion device according to any one of appendix 5 to 7.

[0106] (Appendix 9) A store recommended food list acquisition means is provided for acquiring a store recommended food list relating to food ingredients recommended by a store; The menu suggestion means further suggests a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list. 9. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0107] (Appendix 10) a nutrient specification means for specifying nutrients that are lacking in the user from the usable food material information; The menu suggestion means suggests a menu that allows the lacking nutrients to be ingested. 10. The menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0108] (Appendix 11) The menu suggestion means suggests a menu using ingredients that correspond to the available ingredients, The ingredient recommendation means recommends purchasing ingredients that are necessary for the proposed menu and correspond to the available ingredients, so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. 11. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0109] (Appendix 12) The menu suggestion means suggests a menu using ingredients that do not fall under the usable ingredients, The ingredient recommendation means recommends purchasing ingredients that are necessary for the proposed menu and do not fall under the available ingredients, so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time. 12. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0110] (Appendix 13) The available ingredient information includes information about ingredients stored in the user's refrigerator. 13. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0111] (Appendix 14) The food ingredient information acquisition means acquires information about the food ingredients stored in the refrigerator using images captured by a camera installed in the refrigerator. 14. The menu suggestion device of claim 13.

[0112] (Appendix 15) The available ingredient information is information about ingredients stored in a place other than the user's refrigerator. 13. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0113] (Appendix 16) The ingredient information acquisition means acquires the available ingredient information through registration of the user. 16. The menu suggestion device of claim 15.

[0114] (Appendix 17) The ingredient information acquisition means acquires the available ingredient information based on the purchase history of the user. 17. The menu suggestion device of claim 15 or 16.

[0115] (Appendix 18) The menu suggestion means further suggests a menu according to the season. 18. A menu suggestion device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

[0116] (Appendix 19) Obtain usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that can be used for cooking and that are stored by the user; Based on the available ingredient information and a scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, a menu is proposed according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time; Recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; The menu suggestion method comprises:

[0117] (Appendix 20) On the computer, Obtain usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that can be used for cooking and that are stored by the user; Based on the available ingredient information and a scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, a menu is proposed according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time; Recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; A menu suggestion program that executes the process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1, 2, 3 menu suggestion device 11, 21 Food information acquisition department 12, 22 Menu Proposal Section 13, 23 Food Recommendation Section 24 Application Reception Department 25 Nutrition Specialist Department 26 Store Recommended Ingredient List Acquisition Department 31 Processors 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 Storage device 35 Input / Output Interface 36 Communication Interface 37 Bus 91 User terminal 92 Database 93 Store Server

Claims

1. An ingredient information acquisition means for acquiring usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that are stored by a user and that can be used for cooking; a menu suggestion means for suggesting a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the expected delivery time based on the available ingredient information and the expected delivery time of the ingredients to the user; an ingredient recommendation means for recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that the ingredients are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; A menu suggestion device comprising:

2. The menu suggestion means suggests a menu with a short cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is later than a predetermined time. The menu suggestion device of claim 1 .

3. The menu suggestion means suggests the menu having a long cooking time when the scheduled delivery time is earlier than the predetermined time. The menu suggestion device of claim 2 .

4. The menu suggestion means suggests a menu having a cooking time equal to or shorter than the available cooking time. The menu suggestion device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a request reception means for receiving a meal start time desired by the user, The menu suggestion means proposes a menu according to the available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time and the meal start time. The menu suggestion device of claim 1 .

6. The request receiving means receives a meal time required by the user, The menu suggestion means further suggests a menu based on the meal time required. The menu suggestion device of claim 5.

7. A store recommended food list acquisition means is provided for acquiring a store recommended food list relating to food ingredients recommended by a store; The menu suggestion means suggests a menu using ingredients included in the store recommended ingredient list. The menu suggestion device of claim 1 .

8. The available ingredient information is information about ingredients stored in the user's refrigerator. The menu suggestion device of claim 1 .

9. Obtain usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that can be used for cooking and that are stored by the user; Based on the available ingredient information and a scheduled delivery time of the ingredients to the user, a menu is proposed according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time; Recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; The menu suggestion method comprises:

10. On the computer, Obtain usable ingredient information regarding ingredients that can be used for cooking and that are stored by the user; Based on the available ingredient information and a scheduled delivery time of ingredients to the user, a menu is proposed according to an available cooking time calculated from the scheduled delivery time; Recommending the purchase of ingredients necessary for the proposed menu so that they are delivered at the scheduled delivery time; A menu suggestion program that executes the process.

Images