Meal management system

Abstract

To provide a meal management system capable of providing optimal meals and performing meal management.SOLUTION: A meal management system 100 includes a server 1 that stores information about a user and information about a meal provided to the user, and a terminal that is capable of communicating with the server 1 and is configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. The server 1 obtains the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished via the terminal and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a meal management system, and more particularly to a meal management system having a server. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a meal management system equipped with a server is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a dietary management system that includes a computer, a server, and a database. In Patent Document 1, the database stores a user's ID and details of dietary restrictions, and the system is configured to display a menu based on the details of the dietary restrictions stored in the database by accessing the server from a computer and inputting the user's ID. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-357136 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the meal provision system disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a menu is created and recommended regardless of whether the user has actually eaten a meal. Therefore, if the user eats a menu other than the recommended menu, the calorie and nutrient intake may be excessive despite dietary restrictions, due to the fact that new meals are proposed on the assumption that the user has eaten the recommended menu. As a result, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to recommend optimal meals and manage the diet.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a meal provision system capable of recommending optimal meals and performing meal management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a meal management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a server in which information about a user and information about meals provided to the user are stored, and a terminal capable of communicating with the server and configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished, and the server obtains, via the terminal, the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user.

[0008] In the diet management system according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the server obtains, via the terminal, diet information indicating that the user has finished eating the provided meal, and recommends a new meal menu to the user. By obtaining that the user has finished eating the provided meal, the server can recommend a new meal menu based on the meal menu that the user actually ate, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of calorie intake and nutritional value. As a result, optimal meals can be recommended and diet management can be performed.

[0009] In the meal management system according to the above aspect, preferably, the system further comprises a meal provision unit that provides meals of a menu recommended by the server. With this configuration, the meal provision unit provides meals of the recommended menu, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to cook the meals of the recommended menu.

[0010] In this case, preferably, the meal providing unit is configured to provide an identifier including information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit by attaching it to the meal or a container in which the meal is stored, and the terminal is configured to transmit, based on reading the identifier, eating information indicating that the meal recommended by the server and provided to the user by the meal providing unit has been finished to the server. With this configuration, the eating information can be transmitted to the server by reading the identifier by the terminal, making it easier to reflect the eating information in the server compared to the case where the eating information is all entered manually.

[0011] In the meal management system according to the above aspect, the server is preferably configured to generate an identifier and transmit information about the identifier to the meal provision unit. With this configuration, an identifier including information about the meal provided to the user can be generated by the server and attached to the meal or container by the meal provision unit, making it even easier to manage meals based on the information attached to the identifier.

[0012] In the meal management system according to the above aspect, preferably, the information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit includes a management number assigned to each menu of the meal provided. With this configuration, the user can obtain the meal information associated with the management number by reading the identifier using a terminal.

[0013] In this case, the identifier preferably includes at least one of information about the user, information about the menu of the meal which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit, and information about the nutritional value of the provided meal which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit. With this configuration, the user can obtain information about the menu or nutritional value by reading the identifier using a terminal, and can thus know the menu or nutritional value that the user can ingest from the provided meal. In addition, because the identifier includes information about the user, the meal providing unit can provide a meal that corresponds to the user who has come to receive the meal based on the identifier.

[0014] In the diet management system according to the above aspect, preferably, the system further comprises a service providing unit that provides at least one of health advice to the user, training methods to the user, beauty advice to the user, or food provided to the user, and the server is configured to obtain information about the user and information about the diet from at least one of the user or the service providing unit. With this configuration, the server can obtain information about the user, including information about the health condition, training results, or beauty, by providing a service providing unit that provides health advice to the user, training methods to the user, or beauty advice to the user, and therefore can recommend an optimal diet according to the information about the health condition, training results, or beauty of the user. In addition, information about food can be obtained from the service providing unit that provides food, so detailed information about food can be presented to the user.

[0015] In the dietary management system according to the above aspect, the terminal is preferably configured to receive an operation to select a dietary menu to be provided from a plurality of recommended dietary menus, and to display the nutritional value of the selected dietary menu. With this configuration, the user can select the provided menu, and can eat a meal that suits the user's preferences. Furthermore, by displaying the nutritional value of the selected dietary menu, the user can know the nutritional value of the meal he or she has taken in.

[0016] In the diet management system according to the above aspect, the server is preferably configured to create a diet plan for promoting health based on information about the user and eating information indicating that the provided meal has been eaten, and the terminal is configured to display a progress status of the diet plan for promoting health created by the server. With this configuration, the server creates the diet plan for promoting health, so the user does not need to create the diet plan. In addition, by displaying the progress status on the terminal, the user can know the number of days remaining in the diet plan, which can improve the user's motivation to continue diet management.

[0017] In the diet management system having the service providing unit according to the above aspect, the information on the user preferably includes at least one of information on health, training results, and beauty information. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain nutrients that should be actively consumed and nutrients that should be avoided based on the health information, training results, or beauty information, and therefore it is possible to recommend optimal meals to the user based on the obtained information.

[0018] In the meal management system having the service provision unit according to the above aspect, the server is preferably configured to obtain, via the terminal, eating information indicating that the meal provided by the meal provision unit has been finished, and to repeatedly recommend newly provided meal menus to the user. With this configuration, since meal menus are repeatedly recommended, it is possible to continuously recommend optimal meals, for example, when improving the user's health condition over a period of time.

[0019] In the meal management system equipped with the service provision unit according to the above aspect, preferably the meal provision unit includes a meal provision device that provides the recommended meal. With this configuration, by installing the meal provision devices in multiple locations, the meal recommended to the user can be provided from a meal provision device installed in a location that is easily accessible to the user, thereby reducing the burden on the user whose meal is managed.

[0020] In this case, preferably, the meal providing devices are installed in multiple locations, and the server is configured to store information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices and the operating status of the multiple meal providing devices, and is configured to determine one meal providing device that provides meals to the user based on the information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices and the operating status of the multiple meal providing devices. With this configuration, meals can be provided via a meal providing device that is used less frequently based on the operating status, so that the multiple meal providing devices can be operated evenly. Furthermore, by basing the installation location of the meal providing device on the location, meals can be provided, for example, at a meal providing device near the user's home, improving user convenience.

[0021] In a meal management system including a meal provision device according to the above aspect, the meal provision device is preferably configured to provide a plurality of ingredients as a meal menu consisting of one ingredient group, and to change the serving temperature for each ingredient included in the meal menu consisting of the ingredient group to be provided. With this configuration, when providing lunch boxes as the ingredient group, the temperature can be adjusted for each ingredient, so that a meal at an optimal temperature can be provided to the user.

[0022] In the meal management system including the meal provision device according to the above aspect, the terminal preferably includes a mobile terminal carried by the user. With this configuration, the user can transmit eating information to the server and receive meal menu recommendations from the server via the mobile terminal, allowing the user to use the meal management system even outside a specified location such as the home.

[0023] In the meal management system including the meal providing device according to the above aspect, the terminal preferably includes a fixed terminal that is fixedly installed and used. With this configuration, the user can transmit eating information to the server via the fixed terminal and receive meal menu recommendations from the server. In addition, if the fixed terminal is capable of taking images, taking a picture of the meal can recommend meals according to the user's meal amount and preferences, allowing for more effective meal management. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a diet management system capable of providing optimal diet and managing diet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a diet management system according to a first embodiment and a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a meal provided in this embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of using the diet management system in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of a server of a meal management system in this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a diet management system according to a second embodiment and a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a fixed terminal is installed in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a fixed terminal is installed in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a mobile terminal is installed in a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [First embodiment] The configuration of a diet management system 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the diet management system 100 comprises a server 1, a mobile terminal 2, a meal provision unit 3, and a service provision unit 4. The diet management system 100 is used when a user manages a diet with restrictions such as calorie restriction based on the results of a health check or training, and is also used when managing a diet with no particular restrictions. The mobile terminal 2 is an example of a "terminal" as described in the claims.

[0029] The server 1 includes a computer having a storage unit for storing information, a control unit for performing control based on the information, and a communication unit. One or more servers 1 may be provided. In this embodiment, an example in which one server 1 is provided will be described.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The information about the user includes the user's identification number (ID). The information about the user may also include the user's name, address, and phone number. The information about the user may also include the user's dietary preferences and food allergy information. The information about the user may also include at least one of health information, training results, and beauty information. The health information includes, for example, the measurement results of a health checkup and vital data measured by the user other than the health checkup. The vital data includes blood pressure measured by a blood pressure monitor, heart rate and pulse, body temperature measured by a thermometer, weight measured by a weight scale, body fat percentage measured by a body fat scale, blood glucose level measured by a blood glucose meter, or respiratory rate. The health information may also include an increase in muscle strength, improvement of chronic diseases, etc. The training results include information about physical ability. The physical ability includes muscle strength, lung capacity, or running ability. The beauty information includes beautiful skin, moisturizing, wrinkle prevention, gray hair prevention, style improvement, or posture improvement, etc. 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 information 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 information and training results may be acquired from the mobile terminal 2. Furthermore, the information about the user may include the user's gender and date of birth. Also, the information about the user includes vital data or a PHR (Personal Health Record), also known as a lifetime electronic medical record.

[0032] The information about meals provided to the user includes a management number assigned to each meal provided. Furthermore, the information about meals provided to the user includes information about the meal menu provided by the meal providing unit 3 and information about the nutritional value of the provided meal. 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. The server 1 stores the management number in association with other information about meals, for example, storing the management number in association with the meal menu and nutritional value.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 health information. Furthermore, a menu including necessary nutrients may be generated and recommended based on training results. 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.

[0035] 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 meal provider 3, and repeatedly recommend a newly provided meal menu 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. 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 content.

[0036] The server 1 is configured to accept reservations for meals to be served. In other words, in this case, the user can reserve the type of meal, the serving time, etc. Furthermore, the server 1 recommends and serves meals for the following days and beyond, in addition to the meals to be served on the current day.

[0037] The server 1 generates an identifier 6 (see FIG. 2) and transmits information about the identifier 6 to the meal provision unit 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 meal provision unit 3. The server 1 creates the identifier 6 based on information about the meal menu. The identifier 6 includes a management number linked to the provided meal menu. In addition to the management number associated with the meal, the identifier 6 may include at least one of information about the meal menu, information about the nutritional value of the provided meal, and information about the user. In this case, 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. In this case, information about the provided meal can be obtained without going through the server 1. 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.

[0038] The server 1 is configured to create a diet plan for promoting health based on information about the user and eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the provided meal. A diet plan for promoting health is, for example, a diet plan for continuously consuming a balanced diet as a preventive measure when a medical checkup determines that the user is in a preventive state where he or she is likely to develop a lifestyle-related disease or other illness.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, server 1 communicates with mobile terminal 2, food provider 3, and service provider 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.

[0040] 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 when a new meal provision device 3a of the meal provision unit 3 is installed or when a new meal provision facility 3b opens. The server 1 may also be configured to transmit to the mobile terminal 2 information such as the inventory status of meals for each meal provision unit 3, sale information, and special offer information. The server 1 may also be configured to enable the use of SNS.

[0041] The mobile terminal 2 is carried by a user. Specifically, it is a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook computer, or the like that can be carried around and used. 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 name, address, and health information. The mobile terminal 2 is also used to select a method by which the user pays for the meal. The payment method may be a commonly used payment method, such as cash, electronic money, or a credit card. The payment method may be a method in which points are awarded by the service providing unit 4 through use of the service providing unit 4, and the awarded points are used. In this case, the service providing unit 4 pays with the points. The mobile terminal 2 also accepts an operation to select prepayment, which is paid before receiving the meal, or postpayment, which is paid after receiving the meal. The mobile terminal 2 is also used to select a method of providing the meal. Specifically, the user can select whether to have the meal delivered or pick it up by himself, set the date and time of delivery or picking up, and if picking up the meal, select a place to pick it up. The mobile terminal 2 may also display the arrival status of the ingredients 5 and may issue a warning when the ingredients 5 have not been received.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The meal provision unit 3 provides the recommended meal to the user. The meal provision unit 3 includes a meal provision device 3a and a meal provision facility 3b.

[0047] The meal providing device 3a is, for example, a vending machine. The meal providing device 3a stores a plurality of ingredients 5 frozen inside, and combines menus of recommended ingredients 5 to provide a meal menu consisting of one ingredient group 500 from the plurality of ingredients 5. A meal menu consisting of one ingredient group 500 is provided, for example, in a lunch box (see FIG. 2). Here, the ingredients 5 include not only ingredients before cooking, but also dishes after cooking. In another example, the meal providing device 3a may be a showcase. In this case, the user selects recommended meals from the showcase.

[0048] The meal providing device 3a may be installed in one location or in multiple locations. Multiple locations includes the case where multiple devices are installed in the same location and the case where one or more devices are installed in multiple different locations. When the meal providing device 3a is installed in multiple locations, the server 1 is configured to store information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices 3a and the operation status of the multiple meal providing devices 3a, and is configured to determine one meal providing device 3a that will provide a meal to a user based on the information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices 3a and the operation status of the multiple meal providing devices 3a. For example, in order to make it easier for the user to receive a meal, several meal providing devices 3a within a predetermined range from the user's home are selected, and the meal is provided by the meal providing device 3a with the lowest operation status among them.

[0049] The meal providing device 3a is configured to provide a plurality of ingredients 5 as a meal menu consisting of one ingredient group 500, and to change the serving temperature for each ingredient 5 included in the meal menu consisting of the ingredient group 500 to be provided. For example, ingredients 5 (dishes) such as fried foods that are served warm are heated to a temperature higher than room temperature, and ingredients 5 (dishes) such as salads that are served at room temperature or refrigerated are heated to room temperature or lower. Specifically, the thawing method is changed for each frozen ingredient 5, and the temperature is adjusted by heating some ingredients 5.

[0050] The meal providing device 3a receives information from the server 1, the mobile terminal 2, and the service providing unit 4, and controls the device to perform corresponding processing. In other words, the meal providing device 3a is capable of communicating with the external server 1 and the external mobile terminal 2. The meal providing device 3a generates an identifier 6 based on the identifier information received from the server 1, and controls the device to attach the identifier 6 to the container 50 for the ingredients 5 or to the ingredients 5 themselves. The meal providing device 3a does not need to acquire information each time by communicating with the server 1 every time. In other words, the meal providing device 3a may periodically communicate with the server 1 to update the information. This allows the device to provide an appropriate meal even when communication is not possible when providing a meal.

[0051] The meal providing device 3a controls the provision of ingredients 5 based on the command received from the server 1. In other words, the server 1 recommends a menu that combines multiple ingredients 5 to the user and transmits the command to the meal providing device 3a. The meal providing device 3a then controls the provision of ingredients 5 based on the command for the menu recommended by the server 1.

[0052] The meal providing device 3a may control the provision of ingredients 5 based on a command from the mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 may also recommend a menu that combines a plurality of ingredients 5 to the user and send the command to the meal providing device 3a.

[0053] The food service facility 3b includes a store type having a store and a non-store type not having a store. The food service facility 3b includes a case where the food ingredients 5 are provided as cooked dishes and a case where the food ingredients 5 are provided as ingredients before cooking. Examples of the store type food service facility 3b include supermarkets, convenience stores, food courts, restaurants that only serve takeout, and restaurants where you can eat and drink inside. In addition, the non-store type is a so-called ghost kitchen that has only a cooking space and does not have a store. In the store type and non-store type, the food ingredients 5 are provided by a delivery service. In addition, in the store type, the user can also pick up the food ingredients 5 directly.

[0054] 1 and 2, the meal providing unit 3 generates an identifier 6 based on the identifier information received from the server 1, and provides the food by attaching the identifier 6 to the food ingredient 5 or a container 50 in which the food ingredient 5 is stored. When attaching the identifier 6 to the container 50, the identifier 6 may be attached to the container 50 or the identifier 6 may be printed on the container 50. When attaching the identifier 6 to the food ingredient 5, the identifier 6 may be attached to the skin of a fruit, for example, or may be attached by branding.

[0055] 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, providing beauty advice to the user, and providing food ingredients 5 to the user.

[0056] The service providing unit 4 that provides health advice to the user is, for example, a health insurance association or insurance company 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 eliminating lack of exercise or dieting, and a rehabilitation facility that provides training methods for rehabilitation after illness. The service providing unit 4 that provides beauty advice to the user is, for example, a beauty clinic or beauty salon that performs beauty treatments. Beauty advice may not only provide a meal menu, but also provide an exercise menu or massage menu combined with the meal menu.

[0057] The service providing unit 4 that provides the ingredients 5 provided to the user includes food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail franchise chains. The provision of ingredients 5 includes provision as cooked meals, provision as ingredients 5 that have not been cooked at all, and provision of semi-cooked ingredients 5 (for example, ingredients 5 that have been cooked so that the dish can be completed simply by heating it by the user). Among food manufacturers, those that provide ingredients 5 that have not been cooked include meal kit manufacturers. The service providing unit 4 also 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 provide beauty advice (health care services) such as for skin health.

[0058] Examples (business patterns) of using the diet management system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Business patterns using the diet management system 100 include an adult disease prevention / pre-disease countermeasure model, a health promotion / high health awareness model, a power couple / urban model, and a model for light users.

[0059] The adult disease prevention and anti-disease model is a model in which a user takes measures to prevent adult diseases or to prevent illness. For example, this is done when the user is judged to have a high possibility of suffering from lifestyle-related diseases or other diseases as a result of a health check. In this case, the user consults with an insurance company or a corporate health insurance association (corporate health insurance association), which is a service providing unit 4 that provides information about the user, based on the results of the health check. Then, the user himself or one of the insurance company and the corporate health insurance association transmits information about the user to the server 1 in the meal management system 100. Then, a health care service company that is affiliated with the insurance company or the corporate health insurance association devises a meal menu and transmits it to the server 1. Furthermore, a food manufacturer that is affiliated with the insurance company or the corporate health insurance association transmits information about food to the server 1. The server 1 recommends a meal menu based on information about the user and information about meals, including information about the menu and information about food. The information about food includes information about nutritional value, information about calories, and the like. The meal providing unit 3 also includes a meal providing device 3a in the employee cafeteria of the user's company or in an office building.

[0060] The health promotion / high health consciousness model is a model in which the user improves his / her health regardless of the results of a health check. In this model, an example will be described in which the user attends a sports gym or a fitness club. In this case, the user consults with the sports gym or the fitness club, which is the service providing unit 4 that provides information about the user, about a training method. Then, the user himself / herself or one of the sports gym and the fitness club transmits information about the user to the server 1 in the meal management system 100. Also, the sports gym or the fitness club devises a meal menu based on the training method and transmits it to the server 1. Furthermore, a food manufacturer transmits information about food to the server 1. The server 1 recommends a meal menu based on information about the user and information about meals including information about the menu and information about food. Also, the meal providing unit 3 includes a meal providing device 3a installed in the sports gym or the fitness club (facility) or within the user's living area, and a meal providing place 3b located in the facility or within the living area. Also, as another example, an example will be described in which a beauty clinic or an esthetic salon is used. In this case, the user consults with a beauty clinic or beauty salon, which is a service providing unit 4 that provides information about the user. Then, either the user himself or the beauty clinic or beauty salon transmits information about the user to the server 1 in the diet management system 100. The beauty clinic or beauty salon also creates a diet menu based on the beauty and transmits it to the server 1. At this time, the beauty clinic or beauty salon may transmit an exercise menu or a massage menu to the server 1 in accordance with the diet menu. Furthermore, a food manufacturer transmits information about food to the server 1. The server 1 recommends a diet menu based on information about the user and diet information including information about the menu and information about the food. At this time, the server 1 may provide the user with an exercise menu or a massage menu in accordance with the diet menu. The diet providing unit 3 also includes a diet providing device 3a installed in the beauty clinic or beauty salon or within the user's living area, and a diet providing facility 3b located in the facility or within the living area.

[0061] The power couple urban model will be described. The power couple includes a household where both spouses work. The urban model includes a household where two or more households live together. In this model, the user himself or the meal kit manufacturer from which the user receives meal menu suggestions sends information about the user to the server 1. The meal kit manufacturer also creates a meal menu and sends information about the menu and food to the server 1. The server 1 recommends a meal menu based on information about the user and information about meals, including information about the menu and information about the food. The meal provider 3 is a meal kit manufacturer, and has a store (meal provider 3b) or meal provider device 3a in front of a station or in a residential area. The user may go out to pick up the meal, or the meal may be delivered by the meal kit manufacturer.

[0062] Light users will now be described. Light users include users who are using the service for the first time. In this model, the user himself or a food manufacturer, bento shop, or restaurant from which the user receives meal menu suggestions transmits information about the user to the server 1. The food manufacturer, bento shop, or restaurant also creates a meal menu and transmits information about the menu and food to the server 1. The server 1 recommends a meal menu based on information about the user and information about meals, including information about the menu and information about the food. The meal provider 3 is a food manufacturer, bento shop, or restaurant, and has a store in a food court.

[0063] (Detailed flow of the meal management system) A detailed flow of the meal provision program using the meal management system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the transmission and reception of information is indicated by dashed lines, and the provision of meals is indicated by dashed lines.

[0064] In step S11, the user operates the mobile terminal 2 to accept registration of a meal provision program using the meal management system 100. Then, in step S12, the service provider 4, which provides information about the user, transmits the information about the user to the server 1. The source of the information about the user varies depending on the situation. For example, when a meal menu is provided based on the results of a health check, the source is an insurance company or a health insurance association, which is an example of the service provider 4 that has received approval from the user to transmit information. When a meal menu is provided according to the results of training, the source is a sports gym, a fitness club, or a rehabilitation facility, which is an example of the service provider 4. When the meal menu is based on the PHR and vital data, the source is a medical institution, which is an example of the service provider 4. When a meal menu is provided based on information about beauty, the source is an esthetic salon or a beauty clinic. In step S12, the user may transmit the information via the mobile terminal 2.

[0065] In step S13, the service providing unit 4 that provides information about the menu transmits the information about the menu to the server 1. The source of the information about the menu varies depending on the situation. For example, when a meal menu is provided based on the results of a health check, the source is a health care company, which is an example of the service providing unit 4. When a meal menu is provided in accordance with the results of training, the source is a sports gym, a fitness club, or a rehabilitation facility, which are examples of the service providing unit 4. When the information is about beauty, the source is an esthetic salon or a beauty clinic. In addition to these, the source of the information may also be a meal providing facility 3b that provides meals or a medical institution.

[0066] In step S14, the service provider 4 that provides information about food transmits the information about food to the server 1. The service provider 4 that provides information about food is a food manufacturer, a meal kit manufacturer, a bento shop, a restaurant, or the like.

[0067] In step S15, based on the information received in steps S12 to S14, the server 1 transmits a recommended meal menu to the mobile terminal 2. In step S16, a meal menu is selected by the mobile terminal 2, and the selected meal menu is transmitted to the server 1. In step S17, the server 1 transmits information about the selected meal to the meal provider 3. In addition, in step S18, the server 1 creates information about an identifier 6 associated with the selected meal and transmits it to the meal provider 3. Steps S17 and S18 may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. It is not important which one is transmitted first.

[0068] In step S19, the meal provider 3 cooks the food based on the information received in step S17. In step S20, the meal provider 3 generates an identifier 6 from the information of the identifier 6 received in step S18. In step S21, the meal provider 3 provides the meal with the identifier 6 to the user. Specifically, if the meal provider 3 is a meal provider device 3a, the user operates the meal provider device 3a to obtain the meal. The operation method may be, for example, inputting a user number, or displaying the user number on the mobile terminal 2 and reading it into the meal provider device 3a. If the meal provider 3 is a meal provider 3b, the user may directly pick up the meal, or the meal may be delivered. In this case, the product may be provided by presenting information for receiving the product, such as a user number.

[0069] In step S22, the identifier 6 is read by the mobile terminal 2 and the eating information is transmitted to the server 1. The timing at which the identifier 6 is read is not limited to after the meal is completed, but may be before the meal is started or during the meal. In either case, the mobile terminal 2 is in a state in which it can transmit the eating information.

[0070] In step S23, user information including the latest health information, training results, beauty information, and the like is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 to the server 1.

[0071] In step S24, the server 1 reflects the user information received from the mobile terminal 2 in step S23. Then, in step S25, the user information is reflected in the menu.

[0072] In step S26, a progress report on the meal provision program is created, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, a completion report is created and sent to the service provision unit 4 that provides information about the user, and in step S28, the service provision unit 4 that provides information about the user reports the results to the user via the mobile terminal 2, and the process ends.

[0073] If the purpose is to improve health, the progress of the meal program is judged based on blood test results, improved vital signs, improved muscle strength, and trends toward improvement in chronic illnesses. If the purpose is to improve physical ability, the progress of the meal program is judged based on measurements of physical abilities such as muscle strength, lung capacity, and running ability. If the purpose is beauty, the progress of the meal program is judged based on values ​​for skin condition, etc.

[0074] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0075] In the first embodiment, as described above, the system includes a server 1 that stores information about the user and information about the meal provided to the user, and a mobile terminal 2 that can communicate with the server 1 and is configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. The server 1 obtains the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished via the mobile terminal 2, and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user. By obtaining that the user has finished eating the provided meal, the server 1 can recommend a new meal menu to be provided based on the meal menu that the user actually ate, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of calorie intake and nutritional value. As a result, optimal meals can be recommended and dietary management can be performed.

[0076] Moreover, in the first embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a meal provision unit 3 that provides meals of a menu recommended by the server 1. As a result, meals of a menu recommended by the meal provision unit 3 are provided, thereby reducing the effort required of the user to cook meals of the recommended menu.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the meal providing unit 3 is configured to provide the meal by attaching an identifier 6 including information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit 3 to the meal or the container 50 in which the meal is stored, and the mobile terminal 2 is configured to transmit to the server 1 eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the meal recommended by the server 1 and provided to the user by the meal providing unit 3, based on reading the identifier 6. This allows the eating information to be transmitted to the server 1 by reading the identifier 6 by the mobile terminal 2, making it easier to reflect the eating information in the server 1 compared to the case where the eating information is all entered manually.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the server 1 is configured to generate the identifier 6 and transmit information about the identifier 6 to the meal provision unit 3. This allows the identifier 6 including information about the meal provided to the user to be generated by the server 1 and attached to the meal or container 50 by the meal provision unit 3, making it even easier to manage meals based on the information attached to the identifier 6.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the identifier 6 includes a control number assigned to each menu of meals provided, which is information related to the meals provided to the user by the meal provider 3. This allows the user to read the identifier 6 using the mobile terminal 2 to obtain information about the meals associated with the control number.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the identifier 6 contains at least one of information about the user, information about the menu of the meal which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit 3, and information about the nutritional value of the provided meal which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal providing unit 3. This allows the user to obtain information about the menu or nutritional value by reading the identifier 6 using the mobile terminal 2, and therefore the user can know the menu or nutritional value that the user can ingest from the provided meal. Furthermore, because the identifier 6 contains information about the user, the meal providing unit 3 can provide a meal that corresponds to the user who has come to receive the meal based on the identifier 6.

[0081] In the first embodiment, as described above, the server 1 further includes a service providing unit 4 that provides at least one of health advice to the user, training methods to the user, beauty advice to the user, and food ingredients 5 to the user, and the server 1 is configured to obtain information about the user and information about meals from at least one of the user and the service providing unit 4. As a result, by including the service providing unit 4 that provides health advice to the user, training methods to the user, or beauty advice to the user, the server 1 can obtain information about the user including the health condition or training results, and therefore can recommend an optimal meal according to the health condition or training results of the user. In addition, information about the food ingredients 5 can be obtained from the service providing unit 4 that provides the food ingredients 5, and detailed information about the food ingredients 5 can be presented to the user.

[0082] In the first embodiment, as described above, the mobile terminal 2 is configured to receive an operation to select a meal menu to be provided from a plurality of recommended meal menus, and is configured to display the nutritional value of the selected meal menu. This allows the user to select a menu to be provided, and therefore allows the user to eat a meal that matches the user's preferences. In addition, the nutritional value of the selected meal menu is displayed, allowing the user to know the nutritional value of the meal taken in.

[0083] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, 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 eaten, and the mobile terminal 2 is configured to display the progress of the meal plan for promoting health created by the server 1. In this way, the server 1 creates the meal plan for promoting health, so the user does not need to create the meal plan. Also, by displaying the progress on the mobile terminal 2, the user can know the number of days remaining in the meal plan, which can improve the user's motivation to continue dietary management.

[0084] In the first embodiment, as described above, the information on the user includes at least one of information on health, training results, and beauty information. This makes it possible to obtain nutrients that should be actively ingested and nutrients that should be avoided based on the health information, training results, or beauty information, and therefore to provide the user with an optimal diet based on the obtained information.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the server 1 is configured to obtain, via the mobile terminal 2, eating information indicating that the meal provided by the meal provider 3 has been finished, and repeatedly recommend a newly provided meal menu to the user. As a result, since the server 1 is configured to repeatedly recommend meal menus, it is possible to continue providing optimal meals when, for example, improving the user's health condition takes time.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the meal provision unit 3 includes a meal provision device 3a that provides recommended meals. By installing the meal provision devices 3a in multiple locations, the meal recommended to the user can be provided from the meal provision device 3a installed in a location that is easily accessible to the user, thereby reducing the burden on the user whose meals are managed.

[0087] In the first embodiment, as described above, the meal providing apparatus 3a is installed in multiple locations, and the server 1 is configured to store information about the installation locations of the multiple meal providing apparatuses 3a and the operation status of the multiple meal providing apparatuses 3a, and is configured to determine one meal providing apparatus 3a that provides meals to a user based on the information about the installation locations of the multiple meal providing apparatuses 3a and the operation status of the multiple meal providing apparatuses 3a. This allows meals to be provided by meal providing apparatuses 3a that are not in operation based on the operation status, so that the multiple meal providing apparatuses 3a can be operated evenly. Furthermore, based on the installation locations of the meal providing apparatuses 3a, meals can be provided by meal providing apparatuses 3a near the user's home, for example, which improves user convenience.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the meal providing device 3a provides a plurality of ingredients 5 as a meal menu consisting of one ingredient group 500, and is configured to change the serving temperature for each ingredient 5 included in the meal menu consisting of the provided ingredient group 500. This allows the temperature to be adjusted for each ingredient 5 when providing a lunch box as the ingredient group 500, making it possible to provide a meal at an optimum temperature for the user.

[0089] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the terminal includes a mobile terminal 2 carried by a user. This allows the user to transmit eating information to the server 1 and receive meal menu recommendations from the server 1 via the mobile terminal 2, so that the user can use the meal management system 100 even when eating outside of a designated location such as at home.

[0090] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a diet management system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. In the figures, the same components as those in the diet management system 100 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 5, the meal management system 200 includes a server 1, a terminal 202, a meal provision unit 3, and a service provision unit 4.

[0092] The terminal 202 includes a mobile terminal 2 and a fixed terminal 20. The fixed terminal 20 is a terminal capable of acquiring image information, which is installed and used in a fixed location. Specifically, it includes a computer, a camera, and the like. The computer includes a computer that can be carried and used, such as a notebook computer, and a computer that is installed and used, such as a desktop personal computer. A computer that can be carried and used may be used as the mobile terminal 2 or the fixed terminal 20.

[0093] The fixed terminal 20 includes a communication unit, a photographing unit, and a control unit. The fixed terminal 20 is configured to photograph the meal provided to the user by the photographing unit. The fixed terminal 20 is also configured to photograph the user by the photographing unit in addition to the meal provided to the user. In this case, the fixed terminal 20 may photograph the user's face, or may photograph an arm, etc. The image photographed by the fixed terminal 20 does not need to be a high-quality image as long as it is possible to determine the provided meal and the user.

[0094] The fixed terminal 20 may take an image at least once. Preferably, the image is taken twice, before and after a meal, in order to obtain the user's food intake and preferences. The fixed terminal 20 may take an image intermittently at a set timing, or may take an image continuously.

[0095] The fixed terminal 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 1. The fixed terminal 20 transmits to the server 1 a photographed image of the meal provided to the user and an image of the user.

[0096] 6, the fixed terminal 20 is placed on a table T where the user eats. The fixed terminal 20 is configured to capture images of the meal and the user. The fixed terminal 20 is placed, for example, in the user's home or in a company cafeteria used by the user.

[0097] The server 1 is configured to determine whether a user registered as a user of the meal management system 200 matches the actual user, based on an image of the user transmitted from the fixed terminal 20 and information about the user stored in the server 1. The server 1 obtains the user's intake from an image of the meal provided to the user transmitted by the fixed terminal 20. Specifically, the intake amount is obtained from the amount of the meal provided, which is obtained based on data related to the meal, and the image of the meal. The image of the fixed terminal 20 may be started based on the operation of the mobile terminal 2 by the user, or may be started by operating the fixed terminal 20. In this case, the operation of the mobile terminal 2 may be started by photographing the identifier 6, or may be performed by operating an application.

[0098] The server 1 may acquire the user's preferences based on the images of meals acquired from the fixed terminal 20. For example, the user's preferences are acquired based on the order in which the user eats and the ingredients 5 that the user leaves behind. The server 1 recommends a meal menu that the user can finish and obtain the necessary nutrients based on the amount of food eaten and the user's preferences. The server 1 also acquires the nutrition acquired by the user from the before-meal images and the after-meal images. At this time, if any meal is left behind, it is determined that the user has not taken in the amount of nutrition for the remaining meal. The server 1 then recommends a meal that includes the nutrients not taken last time. In this case, the server 1 may transmit advice or a warning regarding the nutrition to be taken to the mobile terminal 2, and the advice or warning may be displayed on the mobile terminal 2.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the progress of the meal provision program may be determined based on an image of the user obtained by the fixed terminal 20. For example, in the case of a beauty mode, at least one of the user's skin condition such as beautiful skin, moisturizing, and wrinkles, and the user's hair condition such as gray hair may be obtained from the image of the user obtained by the fixed terminal 20, and the progress may be determined. In addition, the progress of exercise training may be determined based on the user's style and posture.

[0100] The rest of the configuration of the meal management system 200 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the meal management system 100 of the first embodiment described above.

[0101] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0102] In the second embodiment, as described above, the server 1 stores information about the user and information about the meal provided to the user, and the terminal 202 is capable of communicating with the server 1 and is configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. The server 1 obtains the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished via the terminal 202, and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user. By obtaining that the user has finished eating the provided meal, the server 1 can recommend a new meal menu to be provided based on the meal menu actually eaten by the user, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of calorie intake and nutritional value. As a result, optimal meals can be recommended and dietary management can be performed.

[0103] In the second embodiment, as described above, the terminal 202 includes the fixed terminal 20 that is fixedly installed and used. This allows the user to transmit eating information to the server 1 via the fixed terminal 20 and receive meal menu recommendations from the server 1. In addition, if the fixed terminal 20 is capable of taking images, taking a picture of the meal can recommend meals according to the amount of food eaten by the user and the user's preferences, allowing for more effective management of meals.

[0104] Other effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0105] [Third embodiment] The configuration of a meal management system 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and 7. In the figures, the same components as those in the meal management system 200 according to the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, the fixed terminal 20 is installed on a ceiling C of a place where a user eats, or on a wall side close to the ceiling C. The fixed terminal 20 is configured to photograph a meal and the user. The fixed terminal 20 is installed, for example, in the user's home, a restaurant used by the user, or the like. The fixed terminal 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 1.

[0107] The places where the user eats include places where the user's use can be predicted, such as the user's home and a company cafeteria, and places that cannot be predicted. For this reason, predictable places are registered as user information in advance, and the fixed terminal 20 set for the selected place is used by selecting the place when the application of the meal management system 300 is started. For unpredictable places, for example, unique information for identifying the fixed terminal 20 is set for each place, and the fixed terminal 20 at that place is used by reading the unique information.

[0108] The fixed terminal 20 may take an image of one user or a plurality of users. For example, when a family uses the meal management system, the fixed terminal 20 may take an image of all the family members using the system.

[0109] Other configurations of the meal management system 300 of the third embodiment are similar to those of the meal management system 200 according to the second embodiment described above.

[0110] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0111] As described above, the third embodiment includes a server 1 that stores information about the user and information about the meal provided to the user, and a terminal 202 that can communicate with the server 1 and is configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. The server 1 obtains the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished via the terminal 202, and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user. By obtaining that the user has finished eating the provided meal, the server 1 can recommend a new meal menu to be provided based on the meal menu that the user actually ate, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of calorie intake and nutritional value. As a result, optimal meals can be recommended and dietary management can be performed.

[0112] Other effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0113] [Fourth embodiment] The configuration of a meal management system 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 8. In the figures, the same components as those in the meal management system 100 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0114] In the fourth embodiment, the mobile terminal 2 includes a photographing unit. Therefore, the photographing unit of the mobile terminal 2, instead of the fixed terminal 20, is used to photograph the meal provided to the user.

[0115] 8, the mobile terminal 2 is placed on a table T where a user eats a meal. The mobile terminal 2 is configured to capture images of the meal and the user. The mobile terminal 2 is placed, for example, in the user's home or in a company cafeteria used by the user.

[0116] The mobile terminal 2 is configured to capture an image of the meal provided to the user by the imaging unit. The mobile terminal 2 is also configured to be able to capture an image of the user, in addition to the meal provided to the user, by the imaging unit. In this case, the mobile terminal 2 may capture an image of the user's face, or may capture an image of a part of the user, such as an arm. The image captured by the mobile terminal 2 does not need to be of high image quality, as long as it is possible to determine the provided meal and the user.

[0117] The timing for the mobile terminal 2 to capture images may be one or more times. Preferably, the images are captured twice, before and after a meal, in order to obtain the user's food intake and preferences. The mobile terminal 2 may capture images continuously or intermittently. The mobile terminal 2 transmits to the server 1 the captured images of the meal provided to the user and an image of the user.

[0118] The server 1 is configured to determine whether a user registered as a user of the meal management system 400 matches the actual user, based on an image of the user transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 and information about the user stored in the server 1. The server 1 obtains the user's food intake from an image of the meal provided to the user transmitted by the mobile terminal 2. Specifically, the intake amount is obtained from the amount of the meal provided, which is obtained based on data related to the meal, and the image of the meal. The photographing of the mobile terminal 2 may be started based on the user's operation of the mobile terminal 2, or may be started by operating the mobile terminal 2. In this case, the operation of the mobile terminal 2 may be started by photographing the identifier 6, or may be performed by operating an application.

[0119] The server 1 may acquire the user's preferences based on the images of the meals acquired from the mobile terminal 2. For example, the user's preferences are acquired based on the order in which the user eats and the ingredients 5 that the user leaves behind. The server 1 recommends a meal menu that the user can finish and obtain the necessary nutrients based on the amount of food eaten and the user's preferences. The server 1 also acquires the nutrition acquired by the user from the pre-meal images and the post-meal images. At this time, if any meal is left behind, it is determined that the user has not taken in the nutrients for the remaining meal. The server 1 then recommends a meal that includes the nutrients not taken last time. In this case, the server 1 may transmit advice or a warning regarding the nutrients to be taken to the mobile terminal 2, and the advice or warning may be displayed on the mobile terminal 2.

[0120] In the fourth embodiment, the progress of the meal provision program may be determined based on an image of the user obtained by the mobile terminal 2. For example, in the case of a beauty mode, at least one of the user's skin condition such as beautiful skin, moisturizing, and wrinkles, and the user's hair condition such as gray hair may be obtained from the image of the user obtained by the mobile terminal 2 to determine the progress. In addition, the progress of exercise training may be determined based on the user's style and posture.

[0121] Other configurations of the meal management system 400 of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the meal management system 100 of the first embodiment described above.

[0122] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0123] As described above, the fourth embodiment includes a server 1 that stores information about the user and information about the meal provided to the user, and a mobile terminal 2 that can communicate with the server 1 and is configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished. The server 1 obtains the eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished via the mobile terminal 2, and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user. By obtaining that the user has finished eating the provided meal, the server 1 can recommend a new meal menu to be provided based on the meal menu that the user actually ate, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of calorie intake and nutritional value. As a result, optimal meals can be recommended and dietary management can be performed.

[0124] Other effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0125] [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.

[0126] For example, in the above first to fourth embodiments, the eating information is transmitted by reading the identifier 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the user may input and transmit the eating information, or the application may display a transmission screen and transmit the information without using the identifier 6.

[0127] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments, the server 1 generates the identifier 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the food provider 3 may generate the identifier 6.

[0128] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the server 1 generates the meal menu, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be such that an application downloaded by the mobile terminal 2 generates the meal menu based on information from the server 1.

[0129] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the eating data is data related to meals provided by the meal provision unit 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be data other than meals provided by the meal provision unit, for example. In this case, the user may input information via a mobile terminal.

[0130] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the eating data is acquired via the mobile terminal 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, when an average meal menu is stored in advance and eating data is not transmitted, the stored meal menu may be used as eating data.

[0131] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments, an example has been shown in which the mobile terminal and the meal provision unit communicate via a server, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may access the meal provision unit directly from the mobile terminal. In this case, the meal provision unit may directly present a recommended menu to the mobile terminal, and the selected menu may be transmitted directly from the mobile terminal to the meal provision unit. In this case, the meal provision unit may be configured to create identifier information.

[0132] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the server proposes a combination of a plurality of dishes, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the user may select and combine preferred dishes from a plurality of dishes. The user may also select a menu from a menu of preset combinations (for example, set meals).

[0133] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments, an example of a configuration in which payment is made by a mobile terminal is shown, 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, payment may be made to the food providing device using a cashless card or code.

[0134] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments, examples of configurations have been shown in which identifiers are attached to ingredients by the meal providing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, ingredients with identifiers attached may be supplied to the meal providing device and stored there, or identifiers may not be attached to dishes.

[0135] In the above first to fourth embodiments, 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. Also, food may be made available for purchase even if there is no advance order through a mobile terminal. In other words, the user may directly select and purchase food at the food providing device. Also, a user may be guided 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 ordering and direct purchase may be possible from the next time.

[0136] In the above first to fourth embodiments, an example of a configuration in which a menu combining multiple dishes is recommended by a server or a mobile terminal, which is an external control device, 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 meal providing device.

[0137] In the second to fourth embodiments, the user is photographed by the imaging unit of the fixed terminal or the mobile terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be configured so that the imaging unit of the fixed terminal or the mobile terminal does not photograph the user.

[0138] In the second and third embodiments, examples are shown in which a mobile terminal is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be configured with only a fixed terminal without providing a mobile terminal. In this case, the fixed terminal may be configured to read the identifier. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 Server 2. Mobile devices (terminals) 3. Food Service Department 3a Food serving device 4 Service Department 5. Ingredients 6 Identifiers 20 Fixed terminal (terminal) 50 containers

Claims

1. A server storing information about a user and information about meals provided to the user; a terminal capable of communicating with the server and configured to transmit eating information indicating that the provided meal has been finished; The server acquires, via the terminal, the eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the provided meal, and recommends a new meal menu to be provided to the user.

2. The meal management system according to claim 1 , further comprising a meal provision unit that provides meals of a menu recommended by the server.

3. the meal provision unit is configured to provide an identifier including information about the meal provided to the user by the meal provision unit, by attaching the identifier to the meal or a container in which the meal is contained; The meal management system of claim 2, wherein the terminal is configured to transmit to the server the eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the meal recommended by the server and provided to the user by the meal providing unit based on reading the identifier.

4. The meal management system according to claim 3 , wherein the server is configured to generate the identifier and transmit information of the identifier to the meal provision unit.

5. The meal management system according to claim 3 , wherein the identifier includes a management number assigned to each menu of meals provided, which is information regarding the meals provided to the user by the meal providing unit.

6. The meal management system of claim 5, wherein the identifier includes at least one of information about the user, information about a meal menu which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal provision unit, or information about the nutritional value of the provided meal which is information about the meal provided to the user by the meal provision unit.

7. The system further includes a service providing unit that provides at least one of health advice to the user, training methods to the user, beauty advice to the user, and food ingredients to the user, The meal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the server is configured to acquire information about the user and information about the meal from at least one of the user and the service providing unit.

8. The meal management system of claim 1, wherein the terminal is configured to accept an operation of selecting a meal menu to be provided from a plurality of recommended meal menus, and to display the nutritional value of the selected meal menu.

9. The server is configured to create a meal plan for promoting health based on information about the user and the eating information indicating that the user has finished eating the provided meal; The diet management system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal is configured to display a progress status of the diet plan for promoting health created in the server.

10. The diet management system according to claim 7 , wherein the information about the user includes at least one of information about health, training results, and information about beauty.

11. The meal management system of claim 2, wherein the server is configured to acquire, via the terminal, eating information indicating that the meal provided by the meal provision unit has been finished, and to repeatedly recommend to the user a newly provided meal menu.

12. The meal management system according to claim 2 , wherein the meal provision unit includes a meal provision device that provides the recommended meal.

13. The food providing apparatus is installed at a plurality of locations, The meal management system described in claim 12, wherein the server is configured to store information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices and the operating status of the multiple meal providing devices, and is configured to determine one of the meal providing devices that will provide meals to the user based on the information regarding the installation locations of the multiple meal providing devices and the operating status of the multiple meal providing devices.

14. The meal management system of claim 12, wherein the meal provision device is configured to provide a plurality of ingredients as a meal menu consisting of one group of ingredients, and to change the serving temperature of each individual ingredient included in the meal menu consisting of the group of ingredients provided.

15. The meal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal includes a mobile terminal carried by the user.

16. The meal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal includes a fixed terminal that is installed and used in a fixed manner.

Images