Cuisine providing device

Abstract

To provide a cuisine providing device capable of suppressing an increase in time and labor of work for bringing a user into a state suitable for having a plurality of kinds of cuisines.SOLUTION: This cuisine providing device includes a first storage that stores a first kind of cuisine at a first temperature, a second storage that stores a second kind of cuisine different from the first kind at a second temperature different from the first temperature, and a cuisine providing unit that carries and provides the first kind of cuisine and the second kind of cuisine together in combination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food serving device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, food serving devices are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a frozen food storage device (food serving device) that includes a first storage chamber that stores frozen foods at a temperature of -18°C or lower, a second storage chamber that stores frozen foods moved from the first storage chamber at a temperature of -15°C or higher and -2°C or lower that is higher than the first storage chamber, and a transport mechanism that carries out the frozen foods in the second storage chamber. The frozen food storage device of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is configured so that the frozen foods stored in the second storage chamber at a temperature of -15°C or higher and -2°C or lower are dispensed one by one. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-196575 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The frozen food storage device (food serving device) disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is configured to dispense frozen foods stored in the second storage chamber at a temperature between -15°C and -2°C one by one. Therefore, in order to eat the multiple frozen foods dispensed one by one, the user needs to thaw each frozen food one by one and warm each food (dish) to a temperature appropriate for eating. As a result, there is a problem in that the user has to work harder to prepare multiple types of dishes suitable for eating.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and one object of the present invention is to provide a food serving device that is capable of preventing an increase in the amount of work required for a user to prepare multiple types of food suitable for eating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a food serving device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first storage cabinet that stores a first type of food at a first temperature, a second storage cabinet that stores a second type of food different from the first type at a second temperature different from the first temperature, and a food serving unit that combines, transports, and serves the first type of food and the second type of food.

[0008] In the food serving device according to one aspect of the present invention, by configuring as described above, a first type of food stored at a first temperature and a second type of food stored at a second temperature are combined and served to the user together, reducing the user's effort in individually preparing the multiple types of food provided. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the amount of work required for the user to prepare the multiple types of food suitable for eating.

[0009] In the food serving device according to the above aspect, the food serving unit preferably serves the first type of food and the second type of food at different temperature ranges. With this configuration, the multiple types of food can be served at temperatures suitable for eating each of the multiple dishes, thereby reducing the user's effort to adjust the temperatures of each of the multiple dishes to an appropriate level.

[0010] The food serving device according to the above aspect preferably includes a heating unit that heats at least one of the first type of food and the second type of food, and the food serving unit serves a combination of the first type of food and the second type of food, at least one of which has been heated. With this configuration, the heating unit can heat the food from a low temperature suitable for storage to a temperature suitable for eating, so that some or all of the multiple dishes can be heated and served at a temperature suitable for eating.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable to provide a warming unit that keeps the first or second type of food heated by the heating unit warm at the third temperature. With this configuration, the food can be preheated and kept warm before being served, which makes it possible to prevent the serving time from becoming long when serving the warmed food.

[0012] The food serving device according to the above aspect preferably includes a communication unit capable of communicating with an external control device, and a control unit that performs at least one of the following controls: control to serve a combination of a first type of food and a second type of food, and control to prepare to serve a combination of the first type of food and the second type of food, based on a command from the external control device obtained by the communication unit. With this configuration, the serving of multiple dishes can be instructed from the external control device, so that the food serving device can serve or prepare to serve multiple types of dishes without directly operating the food serving device.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the external control device recommends a menu combining multiple dishes to the user and transmits a command to the communication unit, and the control unit performs at least one of control to provide a combination of the first type of dish and the second type of dish based on the command of the menu recommended by the external control device and control to prepare to provide a combination of the first type of dish and the second type of dish. With this configuration, dishes can be selected based on the recommendation of the external control device, so that a menu of a combination of dishes suited to the user can be easily provided.

[0014] The food serving device according to the above aspect preferably includes a thawing unit that thaws the first type of food from a first temperature, which is a freezing temperature zone, to a fourth temperature, which is a refrigeration temperature zone, and a third storage unit that stores the first type of food thawed by the thawing unit at the fourth temperature, and the food serving unit serves the first type of food stored in the third storage unit in combination with the second type of food. With this configuration, the first type of food stored in the freezing temperature zone can be stored at the temperature of the thawed fourth temperature zone, so there is no need to thaw the first type of food when serving it. As a result, the time it takes to serve the food can be prevented from becoming too long.

[0015] In the food serving device according to the above aspect, the first temperature is preferably any one of a heating temperature zone, a room temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, and a freezing temperature zone, and the second temperature is any one of the heating temperature zone, the room temperature zone, the chilled temperature zone, and the freezing temperature zone that is different from the first temperature. With this configuration, multiple types of food can be stored in different temperature zones and served in combination.

[0016] In the food serving device according to the above aspect, the food serving unit preferably includes a food collecting unit that collects and serves a first type of food and a second type of food as a combined menu at one serving container position. With this configuration, since the multiple dishes are collected at one serving container position, the user does not need to collect the multiple dishes by himself / herself, and therefore it is possible to prevent an increase in the effort required for the user to receive the dishes.

[0017] The food serving device according to the above aspect preferably further comprises an identifier assigning unit that assigns an identifier to the food to be served, the identifier including information about the first and second types of food to be served in combination and readable by a user's terminal. With this configuration, the user can easily check information about the food to be served by reading the identifier with the terminal.

[0018] In this case, the identifier assigning unit preferably assigns the identifier to the container of each dish to be served, to the dish to be served itself, or to a container that multiple dishes are stored in. In this configuration, the identifier is assigned near the dish to be served, so that the user can use the identifier while easily understanding the correspondence between the dish and the identifier.

[0019] In the food serving device according to the above aspect, the first storage, the second storage, and the food serving unit are preferably modularized, and a plurality of modules can be combined. With this configuration, a food serving device having functions suitable for use can be easily manufactured by combining the necessary modules. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of work required for a user to prepare a state suitable for eating multiple types of dishes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a meal management system equipped with a food serving device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a meal provided in this embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a food serving device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view for explaining the configuration of a food serving device in the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a food serving device in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram for explaining a combination of modules of the food serving device in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a food serving device in a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] The configuration of a diet management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the meal management system 100 comprises a server 1, a mobile terminal 2, a food provision device 3, and a service provision unit 4. The meal management system 100 is used when a user manages a meal with restrictions such as calorie restrictions based on the results of a health check or training, and is also used when managing a meal with no particular restrictions. The server 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are examples of an "external control device" in the claims.

[0025] The server 1 includes a computer having a storage unit that stores information, a control unit that performs control based on the information, and a communication unit.

[0026] The server 1 stores information about the user and information about meals provided to the user. The number of servers 1 is not limited to one, and multiple servers 1 may be provided. In other words, each piece of information may be managed by multiple servers 1. For example, information about the user (health information, etc.) and information about meals may be managed by different servers 1.

[0027] The information about the user includes the user's identification number (ID). In addition, in the case where the meal provided is delivered to the home, the information about the user may include information such as the user's name, address, and phone number. In addition, the information about the user may include the user's food preferences and food allergy information. In addition, the information about the user may include at least one of information about the user's health condition (health checkup results, numerical values ​​such as height, weight, and body fat, and vital data such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate), information about the user's beauty condition (skin condition, etc.), and training results. The information about the user is acquired from at least one of the user and the service providing unit 4. For example, the user's name and address may be acquired by being input by the user via the mobile terminal 2, and at least one of the user's health checkup results and training results may be acquired from the service providing unit 4. Alternatively, in addition to the user's name and address, at least one of the user's health checkup results and training results may be acquired from the mobile terminal 2. In addition, the information about the user may include the user's gender and date of birth. The information about the user also includes vital data or a PHR (Personal Health Record), also known as a lifetime electronic medical record.

[0028] The information about meals provided to the user includes information about the meal menu recommended by the server 1 and provided by the food providing device 3, and information about the provided nutritional value. The information about meals provided to the user is, for example, transmitted together with the meal menu from the service providing unit 4 that provides the menu to the server 1. Furthermore, the information about meals also includes information about recipes.

[0029] The server 1 further stores information such as the location of the service providing unit 4, meal reservation status, payment information, inventory status of the service providing unit 4, and operation status of the service providing unit 4.

[0030] The server 1 generates and recommends a meal menu to the user based on the stored information about the user. For example, a low-salt menu may be generated and recommended based on the results of a health check. Furthermore, a menu including necessary nutrients may be generated and recommended based on the results of training. The server 1 may generate and recommend only one meal menu to the user, or may generate and recommend multiple meal menus. The server 1 may be configured to recommend a different menu when the user rejects the recommended meal menu. The server 1 may also recommend a meal menu in which the calorie intake, nutrients, amount, taste, etc. are adjusted according to the user's gender and age. The server 1 may also be configured to obtain whether the rejected meal is a menu that the user dislikes, and to determine whether to remove it from the recommended meal menu. The recommended menu may be controlled by a control device (another server) separate from the server 1.

[0031] The server 1 is configured to acquire, via the mobile terminal 2, eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the meal provided by the food providing device 3, and repeatedly recommend a new meal menu to be provided to the user. The eating information is input by the user reading the identifier 6 with the mobile terminal 2. In this case, the server 1 compares data based on the identifier 6 to acquire information such as the nutritional value of the meal. Note that the eating information acquired by the server 1 may include, in addition to the fact that the meal has been completed, the nutritional value of the completed meal and the time it was eaten. When the results of the health check or training have been updated, the server 1 recommends a meal menu based on the updated contents.

[0032] The server 1 may be capable of accepting reservations for meals to be served. In other words, in this case, the user can reserve the type of meal, the serving time, etc. Also, the server 1 recommends and serves meals for the following days and beyond in addition to the meals to be served on the day.

[0033] The server 1 generates an identifier 6 (see FIG. 2) and transmits information about the identifier 6 to the food providing device 3. The identifier 6 includes information about the provided meal menu, which is information about the meal recommended by the server 1 and provided to the user by the food providing device 3. The server 1 creates the identifier 6 including information about the meal menu. In addition, a unique management number is assigned to each identifier 6. The identifier 6 is, for example, a code including a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode.

[0034] The server 1 links information about the user and information about the nutritional value of the provided meal to the management number of the identifier 6. In other words, by reading the identifier 6 with the mobile terminal 2, it is possible to obtain information about the user and information about the nutritional value of the meal from the server 1. The server 1 is configured to create a meal plan for promoting health based on information about the user and eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. A meal plan for promoting health is, for example, a meal plan for continuously consuming a balanced meal as a preventive measure when a health checkup determines that the user is in a preventive state in which there is a high possibility of developing a disease such as a lifestyle-related disease.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, server 1 communicates with mobile terminal 2, food providing device 3, and service providing unit 4 via communication means. In Fig. 1, communication is indicated by dashed lines, and information is transmitted in the direction of the arrow. Server 1 communicates using a gateway, for example.

[0036] The server 1 may be configured to manage whether or not payment for the provided meals has been completed. The server 1 may also be configured to send an email to the mobile terminal 2 to notify the mobile terminal 2 when a new food providing device 3 is installed. The server 1 may also be configured to transmit information on the inventory status of meals for each food providing device 3, sale information, special offer information, and the like to the mobile terminal 2. The server 1 may also be configured to enable the use of SNS.

[0037] The mobile terminal 2 is a terminal carried by a user. Specifically, it is a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. The mobile terminal 2 communicates with the server 1 by wireless communication. The mobile terminal 2 includes an operation unit, a display unit, a control unit, and a communication unit.

[0038] The mobile terminal 2 is capable of reading the identifier 6 attached to the meal or the container 50 in which the meal is contained. In other words, the mobile terminal 2 has the function of an identifier reader. The mobile terminal 2 accepts input of information from the user via the operation unit. When the mobile terminal 2 reads the identifier 6, eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the provided meal is transmitted to the server 1. Specifically, when the identifier 6 is read, a transmission screen for eating information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 2, and the eating information is transmitted by accepting an operation from the user via the operation unit. Note that, in addition to the eating information, an image of the finished meal may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 2.

[0039] Moreover, the mobile terminal 2 reads the identifier 6, thereby acquiring information based on the identifier 6 from the server 1, and displays the meal information on the display unit.

[0040] The mobile terminal 2 is also configured to display a meal menu provided from a plurality of recommended meal menus and accept an operation to select the meal menu. In this case, the mobile terminal 2 may be configured to accept an operation to display a menu other than the displayed menu. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 2 is configured to display the nutritional value of the selected meal menu. For example, each time a meal menu is selected, the individual nutritional value may be displayed, or the total value of the selected meal menu may be displayed. Also, a graph may be displayed in which the ingested nutritional value and the target nutritional value are superimposed.

[0041] The mobile terminal 2 is also used to register for a service using the meal management system 100. For example, a user may register for the service by downloading a dedicated application, activating the application, and registering information. The information to be registered is information about the user, including the name, address, and results of a health check. The mobile terminal 2 is also used to select a method by which the user pays for the meal. The payment method may be cash or electronic money. The payment method may be credit card payment, code payment, point payment, or the like. The mobile terminal 2 accepts an operation to select a prepayment, which is a payment made before receiving the meal, or a postpayment, which is a payment made after receiving the meal. The mobile terminal 2 is also used to select a method of providing the meal. Specifically, the user selects whether to have the meal delivered or to pick it up by himself, sets the date and time of delivery or picking up, and if picking up the meal, selects a place to pick it up. The mobile terminal 2 may also display the arrival status of the food 5, and may issue a warning when the food has not been received.

[0042] The mobile terminal 2 is configured to display the progress of the health-promoting meal plan created in the server 1. For example, the date and time since the meal plan was started, changes in health status, etc. are displayed.

[0043] The food serving device 3 serves the recommended meal to the user.

[0044] The food providing device 3 is, for example, a vending machine. The food providing device 3 stores a plurality of dishes 5 in advance in a frozen state, and provides a meal menu consisting of a single dish group 500 by combining recommended dishes 5. The meal menu consisting of a single dish group 500 is provided, for example, in a boxed lunch (see FIG. 2). The food providing device 3 also combines a plurality of dishes 5 stored at different temperature ranges and provides them to the user. For example, the food providing device 3 stores dishes 5 at a first temperature and a second temperature that are different from each other, and combines and provides the plurality of dishes 5 to the user. The first temperature is any one of the heating temperature range, the normal temperature range, the chilled temperature range, and the frozen temperature range, and the second temperature is any one of the heating temperature range, the normal temperature range, the chilled temperature range, and the frozen temperature range that is different from the first temperature. Depending on the combination of dishes 5, the plurality of dishes 5 may be in the same temperature range. In this case, all of the dishes 5 may be in the same temperature range, or a plurality of dishes 5 in two or more temperature ranges may be combined.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the service providing unit 4 performs at least one of providing health advice to the user, providing a training method to the user, and providing a dish 5 provided to the user.

[0046] The service providing unit 4 that provides health advice to the user is, for example, a health insurance association, an insurance company, etc. that provides advice on diet or exercise based on the results of the user's health check. The service providing unit 4 that provides training methods to the user is, for example, a training gym that provides training methods for the user to get in shape, a fitness club that provides training methods for overcoming lack of exercise or dieting, and a rehabilitation facility that provides training methods for rehabilitation after illness.

[0047] The service provision unit 4 that provides the food 5 provided to the user includes food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail franchise chains. The provision of food 5 includes provision of cooked meals and provision of semi-cooked food 5 (for example, food 5 that has been cooked so that the user only needs to heat it to complete the dish). Among food manufacturers, food manufacturers that provide non-cooked food 5 include meal kit manufacturers. In addition, the service provision unit 4 includes health care companies that provide recipes and food manufacturers. Health care companies include companies that manufacture health care products including body fat scales, and companies that only provide health care services (for example, beauty-related companies).

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the food providing device 3 includes a control unit 31, a detection unit 32, a communication unit 33, a freezing unit 34, a refrigeration unit 35, a warming unit 36, a thawing unit 37, a heating unit 38, a transport unit 39, a labeling unit 40, and a providing unit 41. The labeling unit 40 is an example of an "identifier assignment unit" in the claims. The providing unit 41 is an example of a "food providing unit" in the claims.

[0049] The control unit 31 is configured to control each unit of the food providing device 3. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives information from the server 1, the mobile terminal 2, and the service providing unit 4 via the communication unit 33, and controls the corresponding processing to be performed. In other words, the communication unit 33 is capable of communicating with the external server 1 and the external mobile terminal 2. The control unit 31 also acquires the detection result by the detection unit 32. The detection result by the detection unit 32 includes the temperatures of each unit of the freezing unit 34, the refrigeration unit 35, the warming unit 36, the thawing unit 37, and the heating unit 38, the reading result of the identifier 6, the image acquired by imaging, and the like. In other words, the detection unit 32 includes a temperature detection unit, a camera, an identifier reading unit, and the like. The control unit 31 also controls each unit based on the detection result by the detection unit 32.

[0050] In addition, based on instructions from the server 1 obtained by the communication unit 33, the control unit 31 performs at least one of control to combine and serve multiple dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5) and control to prepare to combine and serve multiple dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5).

[0051] That is, the server 1 recommends a menu combining multiple dishes 5 to the user and transmits a command to the communication unit 33. Then, based on the command of the menu recommended by the server 1, the control unit 31 performs at least one of control to combine and serve multiple dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5) and control to prepare to serve the multiple dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5).

[0052] The communication unit 33 may perform at least one of the following controls: a control to combine and serve a plurality of dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5) and a control to prepare to combine and serve a plurality of dishes 5 (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5) based on a command from the mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 may also recommend a menu combining a plurality of dishes 5 to the user and transmit a command to the communication unit 33.

[0053] Freezing section 34 preserves dishes 5 at a freezing temperature. Freezing section 34 includes a storage compartment for storing a plurality of dishes 5 and a cooling section for cooling the storage compartment. Freezing section 34 preserves dishes 5 at a freezing temperature range of, for example, about -30°C to -18°C.

[0054] Refrigeration section 35 preserves dishes 5 at a refrigerating temperature. Refrigeration section 35 includes a storage compartment for storing a plurality of dishes 5 and a cooling section for cooling the storage compartment. Refrigeration section 35 preserves dishes 5 at a refrigerating temperature range of, for example, about -5°C to 10°C. It is more preferable that refrigeration section 35 preserves dishes 5 thawed by thawing section 37 at a supercooling temperature range (for example, about -2°C).

[0055] The warming section 36 preserves the dishes 5 at a warming temperature. The warming section 36 includes a storage compartment for storing a plurality of dishes 5 and a heating section for heating the storage compartment. The warming section 36 preserves the dishes 5 at a warming temperature range of, for example, about 30°C to 90°C. The warming section 36 keeps the dishes 5 heated by the heating section 38 out of the plurality of dishes 5 (the first type of dishes 5 and the second type of dishes 5) warm at the warming temperature range.

[0056] The thawing unit 37 thaws the frozen food 5. The thawing unit 37 thaws the food 5 from the freezing temperature range to a refrigerated temperature range or a chilled temperature range.

[0057] Heating unit 38 heats frozen or refrigerated food 5. Heating unit 38 heats food 5, for example, to room temperature of about 20°C or to a warm temperature of 40°C or higher. In other words, heating unit 38 heats food 5 to a temperature suitable for eating. Heating unit 38 also heats at least one of the multiple dishes 5 (first type of dish 5 and second type of dish 5).

[0058] The conveying section 39 conveys the food 5. Specifically, the conveying section 39 conveys the food 5 from the freezing section 34 to the thawing section 37. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the freezing section 34 to the serving section 41. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the thawing section 37 to the refrigerating section 35. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the thawing section 37 to the serving section 41. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the refrigerating section 35 to the serving section 41. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the refrigerating section 35 to the heating section 38. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the heating section 38 to the warming section 36. The conveying section 39 also conveys the food 5 from the warming section 36 to the serving section 41.

[0059] The conveying unit 39 also serves a combination of multiple dishes (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5) at a single serving container position. The conveying unit 39 is an example of a "dish gathering unit" in the claims.

[0060] The labeling unit 40 attaches an identifier 6, readable by a user's terminal, to the dish 5 to be served. The identifier 6 includes information about the multiple dishes 5 to be served in combination (a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5). The labeling unit 40 attaches the identifier to the containers of the individual dishes 5 to be served, the dishes to be served themselves, or a container in which the multiple dishes 5 are stored.

[0061] The control unit 31 of the food providing device 3 generates an identifier 6 based on the identifier information received from the server 1, and controls the labeling unit 40 to attach the identifier 6 to the container of the food 5, the food itself, or a container 50 containing multiple dishes 5. The labeling unit 40 may, for example, attach the identifier 6 to the container 50, or may print the identifier 6 on the container 50. When attaching the identifier 6 to a meal, the labeling unit 40 may, for example, attach the identifier 6 to the skin of a fruit, or may attach the identifier 6 by branding. The food providing device 3 does not need to acquire information each time by communicating with the server 1 every time. In other words, the food providing device 3 may periodically communicate with the server 1 to update the information. This allows the appropriate meal to be served even when communication is not possible during meal serving.

[0062] The serving unit 41 is configured to combine and convey and serve a plurality of dishes 5 (a first type of dishes 5 and a second type of dishes 5). The serving unit 41 serves the plurality of dishes 5 (the first type of dishes 5 and the second type of dishes 5) at different temperature ranges. The serving unit 41 may also serve at least one of the plurality of dishes 5 (the first type of dishes 5 and the second type of dishes 5) in combination with another dish 5.

[0063] The serving section 41 combines the food 5 stored in the freezing section 34, the food 5 thawed by the thawing section 37, the food 5 stored in the refrigeration section 35, the food 5 heated by the heating section 38, and the food 5 stored in the warming section 36, and serves them to the user.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the food serving apparatus 3 includes a plurality of freezing sections 34 (34a, 34b, 34c and 34d), a plurality of refrigeration sections 35 (35a, 35b, 35c and 35d), a plurality of warming sections 36 (36a, 36b, 36c and 36d), a plurality of thawing sections 37 (37a, 37b, 37c and 37d), and a plurality of heating sections 38 (38a, 38b, 38c and 38d) in order to provide a plurality of dishes 5.

[0065] For example, the dish 5 stored in the freezing section 34a is transferred in sequence to the defrosting section 37a, the refrigerating section 35a, the heating section 38a, and the warming section 36a based on an instruction from the server 1, the mobile terminal 2, or the user, and is served as a heated dish from the warming section 36a. In other words, the dish 5 stored in the freezing section 34a is stored in the warming section 36a before being served.

[0066] Furthermore, the food 5 stored in the freezing section 34b is sequentially transported to the thawing section 37b, the refrigerating section 35b, and the heating section 38b based on an instruction from the server 1, the mobile terminal 2, or the user, and is served as a room temperature item. In other words, the food 5 stored in the freezing section 34b is stored in the refrigerating section 35b before being served. Furthermore, the food 5 that has been thawed and temporarily stored in the refrigerating section 35b may be heated by the heating section 38b and served as a heated item.

[0067] Furthermore, the dish 5 stored in the freezing section 34c is transferred in sequence to the defrosting section 37b and the refrigerating section 35b based on an instruction from the server 1, the mobile terminal 2, or the user, and is served as a refrigerated item. In other words, the dish 5 stored in the freezing section 34c is stored in the refrigerating section 38c before being served.

[0068] Furthermore, the food 5 stored in the freezer section 34d is transported at the time of serving and served as a frozen product. That is, the food 5 stored in the freezer section 34d is stored in the freezer section 34d before being served.

[0069] 5, the food serving apparatus 3 is equipped with a refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezing section 34 and the refrigerating section 35 and for keeping the heat-retaining section 36 warm. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 42, a condenser 43, expansion valves 44a and 44b, and evaporators 45a and 45b.

[0070] In the freezing section 34, air cooled by the evaporator 45b is supplied into the interior by the fan 452 to cool the stored food 5. In the refrigeration section 35, air cooled by the evaporator 45a is supplied into the interior by the fan 451 to cool the stored food 5. In the heat retention section 36, air heated by the condenser 43 is supplied into the interior by the fan 431 to keep the stored food 5 warm.

[0071] The food 5 in the freezing section 34 is transported by the transport section 341 to the thawing section 37 through a pivot door 342. The transport section 341 includes, for example, an air cylinder, and transports the food 5 on the bottom shelf by pressing it from the freezing section 34 toward the thawing section 37.

[0072] Food 5 in thawing section 37 is heated and thawed by heater 371. Food 5 in thawing section 37 is transported to refrigeration section 35 by transport section 372 through pivot door 373. Transport section 372 includes, for example, an air cylinder, and transports food 5 by pressing it from thawing section 37 toward refrigeration section 35.

[0073] The food 5 in the refrigeration section 35 is transported to the heating section 38 by the transport section 351 through a pivot door 352. The transport section 351 includes, for example, an air cylinder, and transports the food 5 by pressing it from the refrigeration section 35 toward the heating section 38.

[0074] Food 5 in heating section 38 is heated by microwaves irradiated from microwave generating section 381. Heating of food 5 by heating section 38 may be performed by electric heating wires, IH, or the like. Whether or not heating is performed by heating section 38 and the heating temperature may be obtained based on the information of identifier 6 attached to food 5. Food 5 in heating section 38 is transported to warming section 36 via rotating door 383 by transport section 382. Transport section 382 includes, for example, an air cylinder, and transports food 5 by pressing it from heating section 38 towards warming section 36.

[0075] Food 5 in warming section 36 is transported by transport section 361 to serving section 41 via pivot door 362. Transport section 361 includes, for example, an air cylinder, and transports food 5 by pressing it from warming section 36 towards serving section 41.

[0076] For example, food 5 can be stored in freezing section 34 for about several months. Food 5 can be stored in refrigeration section 35 for about several hours to several weeks. Food 5 can be stored in warming section 36 for about 1 or 2 hours.

[0077] 6, the freezing section 34, refrigeration section 35, warming section 36, thawing section 37, heating section 38, conveying section 39, labeling section 40, and serving section 41 are modularized, and multiple modules can be combined. In other words, the food serving device 3 is assembled by combining the necessary modules depending on the type of food 5 to be served.

[0078] For example, when food 5 stored in freezer section 34 is to be thawed and heated before being served, freezer section 34, refrigerated section 35, warming section 36, thawing section 37, and heating section 38 are required. Note that when the food is not to be heated before being served, warming section 36 does not need to be provided. In other words, food 5 in a frozen or refrigerated state may be heated by heating section 38 before being served.

[0079] Furthermore, when food 5 stored in freezer section 34 is to be thawed before being served, freezer section 34 and thawing section 37 or heating section 38 are required.

[0080] Furthermore, when food 5 stored in freezer section 34 is to be heated before being served, freezer section 34 and heating section 38 are required. When food 5 is defrosted from freezer section 34 by defrosting section 37 and then stored in refrigerated section 35, refrigerated section 35 and defrosting section 37 are also required. In this case, since food 5 is in a defrosted state, it is possible to shorten the heating time. As a result, it is possible to shorten the serving time of food 5.

[0081] Furthermore, when the food 5 stored in the freezer section 34 is to be served frozen, the freezer section 34 is required.

[0082] In either case, when serving the food 5, a conveying unit 39, a labeling unit 40, and a serving unit 41 are required.

[0083] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0084] In this embodiment, as described above, a first storage (freezer section 34d) that stores a first type of food 5 at a first temperature (freezing temperature), a second storage (refrigerator section 35c) that stores a second type of food 5 different from the first type at a second temperature (refrigerating temperature) different from the first temperature, and a serving section 41 that combines and conveys the first type of food 5 and the second type of food 5 and serves them. As a result, the first type of food 5 stored at the first temperature and the second type of food 5 stored at the second temperature are combined and served to the user together, reducing the effort of the user to individually prepare the multiple types of food 5 provided. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the amount of work required for the user to prepare multiple types of food to be eaten.

[0085] In this embodiment, as described above, the provision unit 41 provides the first type of food 5 and the second type of food 5 at different temperature ranges. This allows the multiple types of food 5 to be provided at temperatures suitable for eating each of the dishes 5, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to adjust the temperature of each of the multiple dishes 5 to an appropriate temperature.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, a heating unit 38 is provided that heats at least one of the first type of dishes 5 and the second type of dishes 5, and the serving unit 41 serves a combination of the first type of dishes 5 and the second type of dishes 5, at least one of which has been heated. This allows the heating unit to heat from a low temperature suitable for storage to a temperature suitable for eating, so that some or all of the dishes 5 among the multiple dishes 5 can be heated and the dishes 5 at a temperature suitable for eating can be served.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment includes a heat retention unit 36 ​​that keeps the first type of food 5 and the second type of food 5 heated by the heating unit 38 warm at the third temperature. This allows the food 5 to be preheated and kept warm before being served, thereby preventing the serving time of the heated food 5 from being long.

[0088] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment includes a communication unit 33 capable of communicating with the server 1, and a control unit 31 that performs at least one of control to provide a combination of a first type of dish 5 and a second type of dish 5, and control to prepare for providing a combination of the first type of dish 5 and the second type of dish 5, based on a command from the server 1 acquired by the communication unit 33. This allows the server 1 to instruct the provision of multiple dishes 5, so that the multiple types of dishes 5 can be provided or prepared for provision without directly operating the food provision device 3.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the server 1 recommends a menu combining multiple dishes to the user and transmits a command to the communication unit 33, and the control unit 31 performs at least one of control to provide a combination of the first type of dish 5 and the second type of dish 5 based on the command of the menu recommended by the server 1, and control to prepare to provide a combination of the first type of dish 5 and the second type of dish 5. This allows dishes 5 to be selected based on the recommendation of the server 1, so that a menu of a combination of dishes 5 suited to the user can be easily provided.

[0090] As described above, this embodiment includes a thawing unit 37 that thaws the first type of cuisine 5 from a first temperature in the freezing temperature range to a fourth temperature in the refrigeration temperature range, and a third storage unit that stores the first type of cuisine 5 thawed by the thawing unit 37 at the fourth temperature, and the serving unit 41 serves the first type of cuisine 5 stored in the third storage unit in combination with the second type of cuisine 5. This allows the first type of cuisine 5 stored in the freezing temperature range to be stored at the temperature in the fourth temperature range where it was thawed, so there is no need to thaw the first type of cuisine 5 when serving it. As a result, it is possible to prevent the serving time of the cuisine 5 from becoming longer.

[0091] In this embodiment, as described above, the providing unit 41 includes the transport unit 39 that collects and serves a menu of a first type of cuisine 5 and a second type of cuisine 5 at one serving container position. As a result, since multiple cuisines 5 are collected at one serving container position, the user does not need to collect the multiple cuisines 5 by himself / herself, and therefore it is possible to prevent an increase in the effort required for the user to receive the cuisines 5.

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment includes a labeling unit 40 that attaches an identifier 6 readable by a user's terminal to the dishes 5 to be served, the identifier 6 including information about the first and second types of dishes 5 to be served in combination. This allows the user to easily check the information about the dishes 5 to be served by reading the identifier 6 with the mobile terminal 2.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the labeling unit 40 is attached to the container of each dish 5 to be served, the dish itself to be served, or a container containing multiple dishes 5. In this way, the identifier 6 is attached near the dish 5 to be served, so that the user can use the identifier 6 while easily understanding the correspondence between the dish 5 and the identifier 6.

[0094] In this embodiment, as described above, the freezing section 34, refrigeration section 35, warming section 36, thawing section 37, heating section 38, conveying section 39, labeling section 40, and providing section 41 are modularized, and multiple modules can be combined. This makes it possible to easily manufacture a food providing device 3 having functions suitable for use by combining the necessary modules.

[0095] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a dish to be heated and served is heated and stored in a warming section before serving has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the food serving device 3a shown in Fig. 7, a frozen or refrigerated dish 5 may be heated by a heating section 38 at the time of serving and served. In this case, the heating section 38 may be configured to partially heat only the dish 5 to be heated while multiple dishes 5 are collected in one place and stored in a common container. In other words, multiple dishes 5 may be combined and then selectively heated. For example, the dish 5 to be heated may be partially heated by microwaves or IH.

[0097] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a combination of multiple dishes is proposed by an external server is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a user may select and combine preferred dishes from multiple dishes. Also, a user may select a menu from a menu of combinations (for example, set meals) set in advance.

[0098] In the above embodiment, a mobile terminal is used for payment, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, payment may be made by inserting cash into the food providing device. Furthermore, a cashless card or code may be used to make payment to the food providing device.

[0099] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which an identifier is assigned to a dish by the food serving device is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the food with an identifier assigned thereto may be supplied to the food serving device and stored therein, or an identifier may not be assigned to the food.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which food is provided to a user who has registered through an application has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, food may be provided to a user who has not registered through an application. Furthermore, food may be made available for purchase even if there is no advance order through a mobile terminal. In other words, a user may directly select and purchase a food in the food providing device. Furthermore, a user may be directed to a user registration screen based on the food identifier, and unregistered users may be prompted to register, and registered users may be linked to eating information. Once registered, advance orders and direct purchases may be possible from the next time onwards.

[0101] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a plurality of dishes are served at different temperatures is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of dishes may be served at the same temperature.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a menu combining multiple dishes is recommended by an external control device such as a server or a mobile terminal is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a menu combining multiple dishes may be recommended by a control unit of a food serving device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Server (external control device) 2. Mobile terminal (external control device) 3, 3a Food serving device 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d dishes 6 Identifiers 31 Control Unit 33 Communications Department 36 Heat retention part 37 Decompression section 38 Heating section 39 Conveying section (food collection section) 40 Labeling section (identifier assignment section) 41 Serving Department (Cooking Serving Department)

Claims

1. a first storage chamber for storing a first type of food at a first temperature; a second storage chamber for storing a second type of food different from the first type at a second temperature different from the first temperature; The food serving device includes a food serving unit that combines the first type of food and the second type of food, and delivers and serves the food.

2. The food serving device according to claim 1 , wherein the food serving unit serves the first type of food and the second type of food at different temperature ranges.

3. a heating unit for heating at least one of the first type of food and the second type of food, The food serving device according to claim 1 , wherein the food serving unit serves a combination of the first type of food and the second type of food, at least one of which is heated.

4. The food serving apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising a warming unit that warms one of the first type of food and the second type of food heated by the heating unit at a third temperature.

5. A communication unit capable of communicating with an external control device; The food serving device of claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs at least one of the following controls: control to combine and serve the first type of food and the second type of food based on instructions from the external control device obtained by the communication unit; and control to prepare to combine and serve the first type of food and the second type of food.

6. The external control device recommends a menu that combines a plurality of dishes to the user and transmits a command to the communication unit; The food serving device of claim 5, wherein the control unit performs at least one of the following controls: control to combine and serve the first type of food and the second type of food based on instructions for a menu recommended by the external control device; and control to prepare to combine and serve the first type of food and the second type of food.

7. a thawing unit that thaws the first type of food from the first temperature, which is a freezing temperature zone, to a fourth temperature, which is a refrigeration temperature zone; a third storage chamber for storing the first type of food thawed by the thawing unit at the fourth temperature; The food serving device according to claim 1 , wherein the food serving unit serves the first type of food stored in the third storage in combination with the second type of food.

8. The first temperature is any one of a heating temperature zone, a room temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, and a freezing temperature zone, The food serving device according to claim 1 , wherein the second temperature is any one of the heating temperature zone, the room temperature zone, the chilled temperature zone, and the freezing temperature zone, which is different from the first temperature.

9. The food serving device according to claim 1 , wherein the food serving unit includes a food consolidation unit that consolidates and serves the first type of food and the second type of food in a single serving container position as a combined menu.

10. The food serving device of claim 1 , further comprising an identifier assignment unit that assigns an identifier to the food to be served, the identifier including information about the first type of food and the second type of food to be served in combination and that can be read by a user's terminal.

11. The food serving device according to claim 10 , wherein the identifier assigning unit assigns an identifier to a container for each dish to be served, to the dish itself to be served, or to a container containing a plurality of dishes.

12. The food providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first storage, the second storage, and the food providing unit are modularized, and a plurality of modules can be combined.

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