Information providing system and food product

Abstract

To reduce food waste through facilitating consumption of expired food.SOLUTION: An information providing system includes a food 1 and identification information 4. The identification information 4 is allowed to access a website showing recipe information according to a best-before-date of the food 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information provision system and a food product. More specifically, the present invention relates to an information provision system and a food product that can realize a reduction in food loss. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, consumers have focused on the safety of products, especially food, and when selecting a product, they have come to be interested in the product itself and what its ingredients are.

[0003] Therefore, product providers provide their products by recording information about the products they offer, such as the ingredients and origin of the product's raw materials, and the date of manufacture, on labels affixed to the product's packaging or by recording it on an IC tag.

[0004] However, simply providing written or recorded information attached to products makes it easy to tamper with or falsify that information, and in fact, falsification and falsification of information has actually been done, resulting in low trust among consumers and making it difficult for them to select products with confidence.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have proposed a technology in which, rather than simply attaching written or recorded information to food, a sample of raw material powder made from the food's ingredients is attached to the food (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-5656 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] By the way, while making food quality visible will enable consumers to make food choices with peace of mind, it is difficult to directly link this to a reduction in food waste, which has become a problem in recent years.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an information provision system and food products that can reduce food waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information for a specified food in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the provision of the specified food, and is equipped with a food information recording means for recording food information including information on a specified deadline, which is either the expiration date or the best-before date of the food, a recipe information recording means for recording recipe information for the food, a recipe information determination means for determining recipe information that can be output from the recipe information recorded in the recipe information recording means based on the information on the specified deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal, and an information output means for outputting the recipe information determined by the recipe information determination means to the consumer's terminal.

[0010] In addition, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information for a specified food in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has been provided with the food, and is equipped with a food information recording means for recording food information including information on a specified deadline, which is either the expiration date or the best-before date of the food, a recipe information search means for searching for recipe information for the food that may be subject to output based on information for identifying the food and the information on the specified deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal, and an information output means for outputting the recipe information searched for by the recipe information search means to the consumer's terminal.

[0011] Furthermore, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information for a specified food in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has been provided with the food, and is equipped with: a food information recording means for recording food information including information on a specified deadline, which is either the expiration date or the best-before date of the food; a search signal output means for outputting a search signal to a specified recipe information search means for searching for recipe information for the food that may be subject to output based on information for identifying the food and the information on the specified deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information searched by the recipe information search means to the consumer's terminal.

[0012] In addition, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has been provided with a specified food, and is equipped with a food information recording means for recording food information including information on a specified deadline, which is either the expiration date or the best-before date of the food, a recipe information generation means for generating recipe information for the food that may be subject to output based on information for identifying the food and the information on the specified deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal, and an information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means to the consumer's terminal.

[0013] In addition, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information for a specified food in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has been provided with the food, and is equipped with a food information recording means for recording food information including information on a specified deadline, which is either the expiration date or the best-before date of the food, a generation signal output means for outputting to a specified recipe information generation means a generation signal for generating recipe information for the food that may be subject to output based on information for identifying the food and the information on the specified deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal, and an information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means to the consumer's terminal.

[0014] Here, by determining, searching, or generating recipe information that can be output based on information on the specified deadline, recipe information corresponding to the "best before date of food" or the "expiration date of food" can be output. Furthermore, by outputting recipe information based on the "best before date" or "expiration date of food," it is possible to encourage consumers to use (consume) food, which is expected to prevent food waste due to expiration date (waste of unused food).

[0015] In this case, "recipe information according to the expiration date of the food product" may mean (1) recipe information that differs depending on whether the expiration date has arrived (whether the expiration date has passed) or (2) recipe information that differs depending on whether the number of days remaining until the expiration date is less than a specified number of days (e.g., 3 days).

[0016] For example, if there are still plenty of days left until the expiration date, [1] Recipes that use uncooked foods [2] Recipes that do not heat food thoroughly [3] Recipes that thoroughly heat food If all of the above are "recipes that can be output", but there are not enough days left until the expiration date (or the expiration date has passed), [3] Recipes that thoroughly heat food is the only recipe that can be output.

[0017] Similarly, "recipe information according to the expiration date of a food product" here may mean recipe information that differs depending on whether the number of days remaining until the expiration date is less than a specified number of days (e.g., 5 days).

[0018] For example, if there are still plenty of days left until the expiration date, [1] Recipes that use uncooked foods [2] Recipes that do not heat food thoroughly [3] Recipes that thoroughly heat food If all of the above are "recipes that can be output", but there are not enough days left until the expiration date, [3] Recipes that thoroughly heat food is the only recipe that can be output.

[0019] Here, when food recipe information is recorded in the "recipe information recording means" of the information providing system, the recipe information can be recorded within the information providing system, and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal without exchanging recipe information with the outside (outside the information providing system).

[0020] In addition, if the information providing system is equipped with a "recipe information search means" for searching for recipe information, even if recipe information is not recorded within the information providing system, recipe information can be exchanged with the outside (outside the information providing system) and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0021] Similarly, if the information providing system is equipped with a "search signal output means" that outputs a search signal for searching recipe information to a specified recipe information search means, even if recipe information is not recorded within the information providing system, the recipe information can be output from the information output means to a consumer's terminal by cooperating with an external recipe information search means and exchanging recipe information with the outside (outside the information providing system).

[0022] Here, when the recipe information search means searches for recipe information recorded in an external information recording means separate from the information providing system (for example, when searching a recording means that records only recipe information), since the search targets are limited, a quick search is achieved and recipe information can be searched for smoothly.

[0023] In addition, when the recipe information search means searches for recipe information published on the Internet, it can search through a huge amount of information including the latest recipe information, and it is expected that recipe information that meets the consumer's needs will be found.

[0024] Furthermore, when the recipe information search means searches for recipe information recorded in an Internet information recording means which records information that has been published on the Internet, the amount of information searched is smaller than when the recipe information search means searches for recipe information published on the Internet (recipe information published on the Internet, not limited to information recorded in the Internet information recording means), in that only information recorded in the Internet information recording means is the search target. However, by creating a search index, search results can be obtained more quickly.

[0025] Furthermore, if the information providing system is equipped with a "recipe information generation means" that generates recipe information, even if recipe information is not recorded within the information providing system or externally (outside the information providing system), recipe information can be generated and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0026] Similarly, if the information providing system is equipped with a "generation signal output means" that outputs a generation signal for generating recipe information to a specified recipe information generation means, even if recipe information is not recorded within the information providing system or externally (outside the information providing system), recipe information can be generated in cooperation with an external recipe information generation means, and recipe information can be output from the information output means to a consumer's terminal.

[0027] Here, when the reference information generating means generates reference information (reference information for "recipe information") based on the selection criteria information, it is possible to obtain information to be referenced when selecting "recipe information to be output" from the "recipe information that can be output" generated by the recipe information generating means.

[0028] The reference information generated by the reference information generating means may be referred to not only when selecting "recipe information to be output" from among the "recipe information to be output" generated by the recipe information generating means, but also when selecting "recipe information to be output" from among the "recipe information to be output" determined by the recipe information determining means or the "recipe information to be output" searched by the recipe information searching means.

[0029] Furthermore, when the information selection means selects the "recipe information to be output" based on reference information ("reference information generated by the reference information generation means" or "reference information transmitted from the consumer's terminal"), the "recipe information to be output" can be selected based on the information transmitted by the consumer ("selection criteria information" or "reference information") even if the consumer does not select specific recipe information. The information selection means may select one or more pieces of "recipe information to be output."

[0030] In addition, when a consumer sends selection criteria information as the "criteria for information to be selected," the reference information generated based on the selection criteria information (criteria for information to be selected) can be regarded as "model information to be output (i.e., the information the consumer wants to select)." Therefore, when selection criteria information is transmitted as the "criteria for information to be selected," recipe information having a high similarity to the reference information (model information) will be selected.

[0031] Similarly, when a consumer transmits reference information as "reference information for information to be selected," recipe information that is highly similar to the reference information (model information) will be selected.

[0032] On the other hand, when a consumer sends selection criteria information as a "criteria for information that the consumer does not want to select," the reference information generated based on the selection criteria information (criteria for information that the consumer does not want to select) can be regarded as "negative example information for the information to be output (i.e., information that the consumer does not want to select)." Therefore, when selection criteria information is transmitted as "criterion for information not to be selected," recipe information with a low similarity to the reference information (bad example information) will be selected.

[0033] Similarly, when a consumer submits reference information as "reference information for information that the consumer does not want to select," recipe information that has a low similarity to the reference information (bad example information) will be selected.

[0034] In addition, compared to sending "criteria for information you do not want to select" as selection criteria information, sending "criteria for information you want to select" as selection criteria information allows consumers to more directly identify the information they want to select, so in terms of fully reflecting the consumer's wishes, sending "criteria for information you want to select" as selection criteria information is preferable.

[0035] Similarly, in order to more directly specify the information that the consumer wants to select and fully reflect the consumer's wishes, it is preferable to transmit "reference information for the information to be selected" as the reference information.

[0036] Furthermore, when the recipe information generating means reads the identification information displayed on the food with the consumer's terminal, identifies the food based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, and generates recipe information for the identified food, the "target food" can be identified based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, without the consumer having to identify the "target food (food for which recipe information is output)." In other words, the consumer can identify the "target food" simply by reading the identification information.

[0037] Similarly, when the "recipe information determination means" reads the identification information displayed on a food item using the consumer's terminal, identifies the food item based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, and determines recipe information for the identified food item, the consumer can identify the "target food item" simply by reading the identification information. Similarly, when the "recipe information search means" reads the identification information displayed on a food item using the consumer's terminal, identifies the food item based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, and searches for recipe information for the identified food item, the consumer can identify the "target food item" simply by reading the identification information.

[0038] In addition, when the generation signal output means reads the identification information displayed on the food with the consumer's terminal, identifies the food based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, and outputs a generation signal for generating recipe information for the identified food, the consumer can identify the "target food" simply by reading the identification information.

[0039] Similarly, when the "search signal output means" reads identification information displayed on a food item with the consumer's terminal, identifies the food item based on the information sent from the consumer's terminal, and outputs a search signal to search for recipe information for the identified food item, the consumer can identify the "target food item" simply by reading the identification information.

[0040] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the food product of the present invention is a food product comprising a specified food and identification information displayed on the food, wherein the identification information is capable of accessing a website which lists the expiration date of the food or recipe information corresponding to the expiration date.

[0041] Furthermore, the food product of the present invention is a food product comprising a specified food, an accessory provided with the food to allow the user to ascertain the quality of the food, and identification information displayed on the accessory, wherein the identification information is capable of accessing a website which lists the expiration date of the food or recipe information corresponding to the expiration date.

[0042] Here, the consumer can be informed of recipe information corresponding to the "best before date of the food product" or the "best before date of the food product" by using identification information that enables access to a website that lists recipe information corresponding to the expiration date. Furthermore, by providing recipe information based on "food best before dates" or "food use by dates," it is possible to encourage consumers to use (consume) food, which is expected to prevent food waste due to expiration dates (waste of unused food).

[0043] Incidentally, the term "food" here includes both "primary products" and "secondary products." In addition, "food" here includes not only foods and drinks (fresh foods, animal foods, plant foods, processed foods, frozen foods, luxury foods, seasoning ingredients, health foods, supplements, beverages, processed ingredients, etc.) intended for the intake of nutrients or for personal enjoyment, but also medicines and quasi-drugs. For example, herbal medicines are included. It also includes feed, aquaculture feed, dog food, and other foods intended for fish and animals.

[0044] In this context, "food (primary products)" refers to unprocessed fresh foods, animal foods, and plant foods themselves, such as vegetables such as radishes and cabbage, and raw meats such as chicken and beef. Other examples include fruits, beans, shellfish, and fish.

[0045] Additionally, "food (secondary products)" here refers to products made from unprocessed fresh foods, unprocessed animal foods, or unprocessed plant foods, such as mochi (rice cakes), buns, pickles, stir-fried vegetables, steaks, hamburgers, ramen, bento boxes, bread, milk, cheese, beer, wine, sake, whiskey, frozen foods, canned foods, bottled tea and juice, coffee, and soft drinks.

[0046] Furthermore, "secondary products" here not only include secondary products processed using primary products as raw materials, but also secondary products processed using secondary products as raw materials. For example, it includes tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled eggs) made by purchasing seasoned eggs as raw materials and baking them. Furthermore, "secondary products" here also include secondary products purchased using secondary products as raw materials. For example, it includes boxed lunches filled with purchased tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled eggs).

[0047] Also, the "best before date" here means "the date by which the product can be eaten deliciously without any change in quality," and does not mean that the product becomes inedible immediately after the best before date.

[0048] Also, the "best before date" here means "the date by which it can be safely eaten," meaning that the food will no longer be edible after the best before date. Effect of the Invention

[0049] The information provision system and food products of the present invention make it possible to reduce food waste. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a food product. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram (1) for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a food information recording means. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a recipe information recording means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to use the food information providing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (2) for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described. Here, in this embodiment, the explanation will be given based on April 21, 2022, in other words, if the expiration date is before April 20, 2022, the expiration date has passed, and if the expiration date is after April 21, 2022, the expiration date has not arrived. The explanation will be given in the following order. 1. First embodiment 2. Second embodiment 3. Third embodiment 4. Fourth embodiment

[0052] <1. First embodiment> [Configuration Description] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a food product to which the present invention is applied, and food product A shown here is configured to include food 1. Specifically, food product A is food 1 wrapped in plastic 2 with sticker 3 affixed to plastic 2.

[0053] 1, the sticker 3 displays identification information 4 (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) that allows access to recipe information for the food product 1. Here, the identification information 4 (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode) has a URL recorded therein, and by reading the identification information 4 with a consumer terminal such as a smartphone, it is possible to access a website containing "recipe information for food 1" via the Internet.

[0054] Specifically, by reading the identification information 4 displayed on the sticker 3 with a consumer terminal, a website can be accessed that lists recipe information according to the expiration date of the food product 1.

[0055] (1. If the expiration date has not passed) If the expiration date of Food 1 has not yet arrived (for example, if the expiration date of Food 1 is May 20, 2022), the website lists both a "recipe that uses Food 1 as an ingredient and includes a step of heating Food 1" and a "recipe that uses Food 1 as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating Food 1."

[0056] (2. If the expiration date has passed) If the expiration date of Food 1 has passed (for example, if the expiration date of Food 1 is April 20, 2022), the website lists only "recipes that use Food 1 as an ingredient and include a step of heating Food 1."

[0057] [effect] In the example of a food product to which the present invention is applied described above, recipe information corresponding to the "best before date of food product 1" is posted on a website accessed via sticker 3, which encourages consumers to use food product 1 (consumption by cooking), and is expected to reduce food waste.

[0058] Incidentally, even when recipe information is posted on a website without taking into consideration the expiration date of food product 1 (for example, when certain recipe information is posted regardless of whether the expiration date has passed), a certain degree of "use of food product 1" can be expected. However, there are consumers who prefer to heat food thoroughly after its expiration date before eating it, and by meeting the needs of these consumers, it is hoped that the waste of food due to expiration date (disposal of unused food) can be reduced. Therefore, in the example of the food product according to the present embodiment, recipe information according to the "best before date of food product 1" is provided, thereby achieving a further reduction in food waste.

[0059] [Variation 1] In the first embodiment described above, an example is given of a case in which recipe information corresponding to the expiration date of food product 1 is posted based on the criterion of "whether or not the expiration date of food product 1 has passed." However, the criterion does not necessarily have to be "whether or not the expiration date of food product 1 has passed," and the criterion may also be "whether or not there are sufficient days remaining until the expiration date of food product 1." For example, recipe information posted on the website may be different for "Food 1 has more than 10 days until its expiration date" and "Food 1 has less than 10 days until its expiration date."

[0060] [Variation 2] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the explanation is given by taking as an example a case where the focus is on the "best before date", but the focus does not necessarily have to be on the best before date, and the focus may be on the "expiration date". For example, recipe information posted on the website may be different for "Food 1 has more than 30 days until its expiration date" and "Food 1 has less than 30 days until its expiration date."

[0061] <2. Second embodiment> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system, which is an example of an information providing system to which the present invention is applied.

[0062] A food information providing system 11 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be capable of exchanging various types of information with a consumer terminal 13 used by a purchaser (consumer) of a food product via the Internet 12.

[0063] In addition, the food information providing system 11 has a food information recording means 14, a recipe information recording means 15, a recipe information determination means 16, a selection criteria information recording means 17, a model information generating means 18, an information selection means 19, and an information output means 20.

[0064] Here, the food information recording means 14 is configured to be able to record "information on food aaa," "information on food bbb," and "information on food ccc."

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the best-before date and expiration date are recorded for food aaa with "control number 1." Specifically, information such as the name "aaa," the expiration date "April 20, 2022," and the best-before date "August 20, 2022" is recorded.

[0066] In addition, the best-before date and expiration date of food bbb are recorded as "control number 2." Specifically, information such as the name "bbb," the expiration date "May 20, 2022," and the best-before date "January 20, 2023" is recorded.

[0067] In addition, the best-before date and expiration date of food ccc are recorded as "control number 3." Specifically, information such as the name "ccc," the expiration date "June 20, 2022," and the best-before date "October 20, 2022" is recorded.

[0068] Furthermore, the recipe information recording means 15 is configured to be able to record "recipe information for food aaa," "recipe information for food bbb," and "recipe information for food ccc."

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the recipe information recording means 15 in this embodiment has recipe information recording means 15A that records "recipe information for food aaa," recipe information recording means 15B that records "recipe information for food bbb," and recipe information recording means 15C that records "recipe information for food ccc."

[0070] In addition, the recipe information recording means 15A distinguishes between "recipe information 15Aa that uses food aaa as an ingredient and includes a step of heating food aaa" and "recipe information 15Ab that uses food aaa as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating food aaa."

[0071] Similarly, recipe information recording means 15B distinguishes between "recipe information 15Ba that uses food bbb as an ingredient and includes a step of heating food bbb" and "recipe information 15Bb that uses food bbb as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating food bbb."

[0072] Similarly, recipe information recording means 15C distinguishes between "recipe information 15Ca that uses food ccc as an ingredient and includes a step of heating food ccc" and "recipe information 15Cb that uses food ccc as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating food ccc."

[0073] Note that "Recipe information 15Aa" and "Recipe information 15Ab" will never overlap, but "Recipe information 15Aa" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Ba," "Recipe information 15Bb," "Recipe information 15Ca," and "Recipe information 15Cb," and "Recipe information 15Ab" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Ba," "Recipe information 15Bb," "Recipe information 15Ca," and "Recipe information 15Cb."

[0074] Similarly, "Recipe information 15Ba" and "Recipe information 15Bb" will never overlap, but "Recipe information 15Ba" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Aa," "Recipe information 15Ab," "Recipe information 15Ca," and "Recipe information 15Cb," and "Recipe information 15Bb" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Aa," "Recipe information 15Ab," "Recipe information 15Ca," and "Recipe information 15Cb."

[0075] Similarly, "Recipe information 15Ca" and "Recipe information 15Cb" will never overlap, but "Recipe information 15Ca" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Aa," "Recipe information 15Ab," "Recipe information 15Ba," and "Recipe information 15Bb," and "Recipe information 15Cb" may overlap with "Recipe information 15Aa," "Recipe information 15Ab," "Recipe information 15Ba," and "Recipe information 15Bb."

[0076] For example, "recipe information that uses foods aaa, bbb, and ccc as ingredients and includes a process of heating all of foods aaa, bbb, and ccc" is recorded in "recipe information 15Aa," "recipe information 15Ba," and "recipe information 15Ca," while "recipe information that uses foods aaa, bbb, and ccc as ingredients, and heats only food aaa, and does not include a process of heating foods bbb and ccc" is recorded in "recipe information 15Aa," "recipe information 15Bb," and "recipe information 15Cb."

[0077] In addition, when a consumer requests recipe information for a food product (a food product that has already been purchased) (specifically, when the identification information 4 shown in FIG. 1 is read), the recipe information determination means 16 checks the "best before date" and "expiration date" information recorded in the food information recording means 14, and determines the recipe information according to the confirmation results as "output candidate recipe information." Specifically, the following applies:

[0078] (1. When the criterion is whether the expiration date has passed) First, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food aaa," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the best before date of food aaa has passed, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Aa" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0079] Next, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food bbb," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the best before date of food bbb has not passed, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0080] Furthermore, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food ccc," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the best before date of food ccc has not passed, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ca" and "recipe information 15Cb" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0081] (2. If the criterion is whether the remaining days until the expiration date are 30 days or more) First, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food aaa," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the best before date of food aaa has passed, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Aa" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0082] Next, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food bbb," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the number of days remaining until the best before date of food bbb is 29 days, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ba" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0083] Furthermore, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food ccc," the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the number of days remaining until the best before date of food ccc is 60 days, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ca" and "recipe information 15Cb" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0084] (3. If the criterion is whether the remaining days until the expiration date are 6 months or more) First, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food aaa," the "expiration date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the number of days remaining until the expiration date of food aaa is less than six months, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Aa" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0085] Next, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food bbb," the "expiration date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the number of days remaining until the expiration date of food bbb is six months or more, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0086] Furthermore, if the food 1 shown in Figure 1 is "food ccc," the "expiration date" recorded in the food information recording means 14 is checked, and since the number of days remaining until the expiration date of food ccc is less than six months, the recipe information determination means 16 determines "recipe information 15Ca" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0087] Furthermore, the selection criteria information recording means 17 records "selection criteria information for selecting recipe information for food 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "selection criteria information")" transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 used by the consumer. In this embodiment, the selection criteria information recording means 17 records, as the selection criteria information, "criteria for recipe information of food that the consumer wants to select."

[0088] Moreover, the model information generating means 18 generates “model information of recipe information of food 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “model information”).” The model information generating means 18 is an example of a “reference information generating means.”

[0089] Here, when the selection criteria information is recorded in the selection criteria information recording means 17, the model information generating means 18 generates model information by inputting the "selection criteria information" to a general-purpose generative AI (generation AI) (not shown) and obtaining an output result of the generation AI. Note that when new model information is generated, it is registered in place of the previous model information (overwritten).

[0090] For example, the selection criteria information may include (1) Explanations are given in simple terms, without using technical terms. (2) The explanation is given using specific figures, rather than expressions such as "eyeballing." (3) Images of the cooking process are included, not just images of the finished product. (4) The recipe information must be for one person. If the above information is recorded, the contents of (1) to (4) are input into the generation AI to generate model information.

[0091] Furthermore, the information selection means 19 selects "recipe information for food 1" to be output based on the model information. Note that the recipe information selected by the information selection means 19 may be one or two or more pieces of recipe information.

[0092] Here, when model information is generated, the information selection means 19 selects "recipe information for food 1" that has a high similarity to the "model information" from the "output candidate recipe information" determined by the recipe information determination means 16.

[0093] In other words, when the "selection criteria information" is recorded, model information is generated by the model information generation means 18, and then the information selection means 19 selects the "output candidate recipe information" that has a high similarity to the model information as the output target. Specifically, the following applies:

[0094] (1. When the criterion is whether the expiration date has passed) First, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food aaa,” recipe information that has a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Aa” that has been determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as the output candidate recipe information.

[0095] Next, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is "food bbb," recipe information that is highly similar to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb" that the recipe information determination means 16 has determined as output candidate recipe information.

[0096] Furthermore, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food ccc”, recipe information having a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Ca” and “recipe information 15Cb” determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as output candidate recipe information.

[0097] (2. If the criterion is whether the remaining days until the expiration date are 30 days or more) First, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food aaa,” recipe information that has a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Aa” that has been determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as the output candidate recipe information.

[0098] Next, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is "food bbb," recipe information that has a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in "recipe information 15Ba" that the recipe information determination means 16 has determined as the output candidate recipe information.

[0099] Furthermore, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food ccc”, recipe information having a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Ca” and “recipe information 15Cb” determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as output candidate recipe information.

[0100] (3. If the criterion is whether the remaining days until the expiration date are 6 months or more) First, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food aaa,” recipe information that has a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Aa” that has been determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as the output candidate recipe information.

[0101] Next, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is "food bbb," recipe information that is highly similar to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb" that the recipe information determination means 16 has determined as output candidate recipe information.

[0102] Furthermore, when the food 1 shown in FIG. 1 is “food ccc”, recipe information having a high similarity to the model information is selected as the output target from among the recipe information recorded in “recipe information 15Ca” determined by the recipe information determination means 16 as the output candidate recipe information.

[0103] In addition, the information output means 20 outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means 19 to the consumer terminal 13. Specifically, the recipe information selected by the information selection means 19 is posted on a website that can be accessed by the consumer terminal 13 reading the identification information 4.

[0104] Here, the recipe information determination means 16 checks the "best before date" information recorded in the food information recording means 14, and if the "best before date" of food 1 has passed, the information output means 20 does not output the "recipe information" but outputs a message stating that "food 1 has passed its best before date."

[0105] In this embodiment, the explanation is based on April 21, 2022. That is, the explanation is given by taking as an example a case where "food aaa" has passed its best-before date and the remaining days until the best-before date are less than 6 months, "food bbb" has less than 30 days left until the best-before date and the remaining days until the expiration date are more than 6 months, and "food ccc" has 30 days left until the best-before date and the remaining days until the expiration date are less than 6 months. However, since whether or not the best-before date has passed, whether or not there are 30 or more days remaining until the best-before date, and whether or not there are 6 or more months remaining until the expiration date will vary depending on the reference date, the best-before date and expiration date of each food item will be checked and a judgment will be made based on the reference date.

[0106] For example, if a food with a best-before date of May 31, 2022 is called Food A, and a food with a best-before date of January 20, 2022 is called Food B, then (1) before January 20, 2022, both Food A and Food B will be considered "foods whose best-before date has not yet arrived", (2) from January 21, 2022 to May 31, 2022, Food A will be considered "foods whose best-before date has not yet arrived" and Food B will be considered "foods whose best-before date has passed", and (3) after June 1, 2022, both Food A and Food B will be considered "foods whose best-before date has passed".

[0107] More specifically, the recipe information determination means 16 uses the date on which the consumer requested the information as the reference date (in other words, the date on which the recipe information determination means 16 checks the best-before date or expiration date as the reference date), and determines whether each food item recorded in the food information recording means 14 falls under the following categories: "whether the best-before date has passed," "whether there are 30 or more days remaining until the best-before date," and "whether there are 6 or more months remaining until the expiration date."

[0108] Therefore, even if the information recorded in the food information recording means 14 does not change (specifically, if the best-before dates and expiration dates of food aaa, food bbb, and food ccc do not change), the recipe information output by the information output means 20 will change depending on the judgment reference dates such as (1), (2), and (3).

[0109] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method of using the above-mentioned food information providing system 11. In the following, the explanation will be given on the assumption that a consumer 40 who has received a food product A from a food provider 30 requests the provision of recipe information for a food product 1.

[0110] [1. Recording of various information] In one example of a method of using the food information providing system 11 of the present invention, in order for the consumer 40 to obtain recipe information, various information needs to be recorded in the food information providing system 11. For this purpose, the recording of various information in the food information providing system 11 will be described.

[0111] In one example of a method of using the food information provision system 11 of the present invention, first, the food provider 30 uses a food provider terminal (not shown) to transmit information on "Food aaa," "Food bbb," and "Food ccc" to the food information provision system 11 (step indicated by the symbol (1) in Figure 5).

[0112] Specifically, the following will be sent: "Best before date information for food aaa," "Best before date information for food aaa," "Recipe information for food aaa," "Best before date information for food bbb," "Best before date information for food bbb," "Recipe information for food bbb," "Best before date information for food ccc," "Best before date information for food ccc," and "Recipe information for food ccc."

[0113] After the various information is recorded as described above, it becomes possible to provide the various information to the consumer 40.

[0114] Note that, here, we have only explained the case of recording various information about "Food aaa," "Food bbb," and "Food ccc" provided by food provider 30, but the information recorded in the food information provision system 11 does not only relate to "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc provided by food provider 30," but also includes information related to "other foods provided by food provider 30" and "foods provided by a food provider other than food provider 30." That is, in this embodiment, an example will be given of a case in which consumer 40 obtains recipe information regarding foods aaa, bbb, and ccc provided by food provider 30 (described later), but the food information providing system 11 can also provide information regarding "foods other than foods aaa, bbb, and ccc provided by food provider 30" and "foods provided by a food provider other than food provider 30."

[0115] [2. Provision of various information] In one example of a method of using the food information provision system 11 of the present invention, the food provider 30 then provides a predetermined food product 200 (e.g., food product A) to the consumer 40. Here, the predetermined food product 200 may be a primary product or a secondary product.

[0116] In addition, food provider 30 provides consumer 40 with accessories (e.g., items involved in the production of food 200, items involved in the production of the ingredients of food 200, food additives of the same weight as the total weight of food additives used in food 200, etc.) 201 together with the specified food 200 in order to help consumer 40 understand the quality of the specified food 200 (in other words, to make the quality of food 200 visible).

[0117] That is, the food provider 30 provides the consumer 40 with a particular food product 200 together with an accessory 201, thereby enabling the consumer 40 to understand the quality of the particular food product 200.

[0118] Next, if a consumer 40 who has been provided with a specific food 200 and accessories 201 wishes to receive recipe information for the food 1, he or she uses a consumer terminal 13 (not shown in Figure 5) to access the food information providing system 11 via the Internet 12 (step indicated by the symbol (2) in Figure 5).

[0119] Specifically, when the identification information (identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode or color code) 4 displayed on the food 1 is read by the consumer terminal 13, information about the food 1 (food information) is sent from the consumer terminal 13 to the food information providing system 11, and the food 1 provided to the consumer 40 is identified based on the food information.

[0120] Then, when the food 1 is identified, the recipe information determination means 16 checks the "best before" and "expiration date" information recorded in the food information recording means 14, and determines "output candidate recipe information" based on the confirmation results.

[0121] In addition, when the identification information 4 displayed on the food 1 is read by the consumer terminal 13, the “selection criteria information” pre-recorded in the consumer terminal 13 is transmitted to the food information providing system 11 and recorded in the selection criteria information recording means 17. For example, selection criteria information such as "(1) the explanation is given in simple terms without using technical jargon, (2) the explanation is given in concrete numerical values ​​rather than expressions such as 'eyeballing', (3) images of the cooking process are included in addition to the finished product, and (4) the recipe information is for one person" are transmitted.

[0122] In addition, if the "selection criteria information" is not recorded in the consumer terminal 13, when the identification information 4 displayed on the food 1 is read, the consumer will be prompted to input the "selection criteria information".

[0123] Next, when the "selection criteria information" is recorded in the selection criteria information recording means 17, the model information generating means 18 generates model information, and the information selecting means 19 selects recipe information to be output from the "output candidate recipe information".

[0124] Then, when the information selection means 19 selects an output target, the information output means 20 outputs the recipe information of the output target (the recipe information is posted on a website, and the recipe information is displayed on the consumer terminal 13).

[0125] [effect] In the food information providing system 11 to which the present invention is applied as described above, when a consumer requests recipe information for food 1, recipe information corresponding to the expiration date or best before date of food 1 is output, thereby encouraging the consumer to use food 1 (consumption by cooking), which is expected to reduce food waste.

[0126] Furthermore, since the consumer 40 simply transmits the "selection criteria information", the information selection means 19 selects recipe information that is highly similar to the "recipe information that the consumer 40 wishes to select", so the consumer does not need to select specific recipe information from multiple "output candidate recipe information". Furthermore, since the information selection means 19 can select optimal recipe information (i.e., in line with the selection intention of the consumer 40), it is possible to more fully encourage the use of food 1 (consumption through cooking), which is expected to reduce food waste.

[0127] [Variation 3] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example is given in which "selection criteria information" is transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 and the model information generation means 18 generates model information, but the "model information" may also be transmitted from the consumer terminal 13. In this case, a "model information recording means" is provided instead of the "selection criteria information recording means 17 and model information generating means 18", the "model information" transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 is recorded in the model information recording means, and the information selection means 19 selects recipe information based on the "model information" recorded in the model information recording means.

[0128] [Variation 4] In the above-described second embodiment, an example is given in which the information selection means 19 selects recipe information based on “model information”, but the information output means 20 may output the “output candidate recipe information” determined by the recipe information determination means 16. That is, instead of selecting from among the "output candidate recipe information", the information output means 20 may output all of the "output candidate recipe information".

[0129] [Variation 5] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example has been explained in which the food information providing system 11 is accessed by reading the identification information 4 displayed on the food 1, but it is sufficient if the food information providing system 11 can be accessed, and the food information providing system 11 may also be accessed by reading the identification information displayed on the accessory 201.

[0130] [Variation 6] In the second embodiment described above, the food 1 is identified by reading the identification information 4 displayed on the food 1, but it is sufficient if the food 1 can be identified, and the method is not limited to reading the identification information 4, and a consumer who accesses the food information providing system 11 may select the food 1. Specifically, by accessing the food information provision system 11 from the consumer terminal 13, a list of food providers who can provide information is displayed on the consumer terminal 13, and the consumer 40 selects "food provider 30" from the displayed list. Then, when "food provider 30" is selected, a list of foods provided by the food provider 30 is displayed, and the consumer 40 selects "food 1" from the displayed list, and so on.

[0131] [Variation 7] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example has been described in which an accessory 201 is provided together with food 200, but it is not necessary that the accessory 201 is provided, and only the food 200 may be provided by the food provider 30.

[0132] <3. Third embodiment> [Configuration of the present invention] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system, which is another example of the information providing system to which the present invention is applied. In the following, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the points in common with the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0133] The food information providing system 21 shown in Figure 6 has a recipe information search means 22 (instead of the "recipe information recording means 15" and the "recipe information determination means 16" of the second embodiment, the third embodiment has a "recipe information search means 22").

[0134] Here, the recipe information search means 22 is configured to be able to access a recipe information recording means 23 provided separately from the food information providing system 21. The recipe information recording means 23 records recipe information for food aaa, food bbb, and food ccc (information corresponding to the recipe information recorded in the "recipe information recording means 15" in the second embodiment), and the recipe information search means 22 accesses the recipe information recording means 23 and searches for the recipe information.

[0135] That is, when a consumer requests recipe information for a food product (a food product that has already been purchased) (specifically, when the identification information 4 shown in Figure 1 is read), the recipe information search means 22 checks the "best before date" and "expiration date" information recorded in the food information recording means 14, and searches for recipe information according to the confirmation results (searches for "output candidate recipe information").

[0136] [effect] In the food information providing system 21 to which the present invention is applied as described above, the recipe information search means 22 can search for recipe information recorded outside the food information providing system 21 (recipe information recording means 23), so that even if "recipe information for food aaa," "recipe information for food bbb," and "recipe information for food ccc" are not recorded within the food information providing system, the information output means 20 can output recipe information to the consumer terminal 13.

[0137] [Variation 8] In the above-described third embodiment, an example has been described in which recipe information search means 22 searches recipe information recording means 23, but the search target does not necessarily have to be recipe information recording means 23. For example, it is possible to search for "recipe information published on the Internet," or "recipe information recorded in Internet information recording means which records recipe information that has been published on the Internet."

[0138] [Variation 9] In the above third embodiment, an example has been given of a case in which recipe information search means 22 is provided within the food information providing system, but it is sufficient if recipe information can be searched for, and recipe information may be searched for in cooperation with recipe information search means provided outside the food information providing system 21. For example, the food information providing system 21 may output a search signal to an external recipe information searching means, and the recipe information searching means may search for recipe information.

[0139] <4. Fourth embodiment> [Configuration of the present invention] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system, which is yet another example of the information providing system to which the present invention is applied. In the following, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the points in common with the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0140] The food information providing system 31 shown in Figure 7 has a recipe information generation means 32 (instead of the "recipe information recording means 15" and the "recipe information determination means 16" of the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment has a "recipe information generation means 32").

[0141] Here, the recipe information generating means 32 is configured to be able to access a generating AI 33 provided separately from the food information providing system 31.

[0142] For example, for "recipe information for food aaa," "information on the name of food aaa" is input as input information to a general-purpose generative AI (generation AI) 33, and the "recipe information for food aaa" is generated by obtaining an output result from the generation AI 33. Note that by adding information (preferences) of the consumer who is the recipient (output destination) of the recipe information to the input information, it is possible to generate recipe information that is more in line with the consumer's needs.

[0143] In other words, when a consumer requests recipe information for a food product (a food product that has already been purchased) (specifically, when the identification information 4 shown in Figure 1 is read), the recipe information generation means 32 checks the "best before date" and "expiration date" information recorded in the food information recording means 14, and generates recipe information according to the check results (generates "output candidate recipe information").

[0144] [effect] In the food information providing system 31 to which the present invention is applied as described above, the recipe information generating means 32 can generate "recipe information for food aaa," "recipe information for food bbb," and "recipe information for food ccc," so that even if recipe information is not recorded inside or outside the food information providing system 31, the information output means 20 can output recipe information to the consumer terminal 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 food 2. Vinyl 3. Seal 4. Identification 11 Food Information System 12. Internet 13 Consumer Devices 14 Food information recording means 15 Recipe information recording means 16 Recipe information determination means 17. Means of recording selection criteria information 18 Model information generation means 19 Information Selection Methods 20 Information output means 21 Food Information System 22 Recipe information search means 23 Recipe information recording means 31 Food Information System 32 Recipe information generating means 33 Generation AI

Claims

1. An information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food product in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the food product, comprising: A food information recording means for recording food information including a predetermined expiration date, which is either an expiration date or a best-before date of the food; a recipe information recording means for recording recipe information of the food; a recipe information determination means for determining, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information of the food product is received from the consumer's terminal, the recipe information that can be output from among the recipe information recorded in the recipe information recording means, based on the information of the predetermined deadline recorded in the food product information recording means; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information determined by the recipe information determination means to a terminal of the consumer. Information provision system.

2. An information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food product in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the food product, comprising: A food information recording means for recording food information including a predetermined expiration date, which is either an expiration date or a best-before date of the food; a recipe information search means for searching for recipe information of the food that may be output based on information for identifying the food and the information of the predetermined expiration date recorded in the food information recording means, on the condition that a request for output of recipe information of the food is received from the consumer's terminal; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information searched by the recipe information search means to a terminal of the consumer. Information provision system.

3. An information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food product in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the food product, comprising: A food information recording means for recording food information including a predetermined expiration date, which is either an expiration date or a best-before date of the food; a search signal output means for outputting a search signal to a predetermined recipe information search means, for searching for recipe information of the food that may be output based on information for identifying the food and the information of the predetermined deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on condition that a request for output of recipe information of the food is received from the consumer's terminal; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information searched by the recipe information search means to a terminal of the consumer. Information provision system.

4. An information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food product in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the food product, comprising: A food information recording means for recording food information including a predetermined expiration date, which is either an expiration date or a best-before date of the food; a recipe information generating means for generating recipe information for the food that may be output based on information for identifying the food and the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded in the food information recording means, on condition that a request for output of recipe information for the food is received from the consumer's terminal; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generating means to a terminal of the consumer. Information provision system.

5. An information providing system that outputs recipe information for a food product in response to a request from a terminal of a consumer who has received the food product, comprising: A food information recording means for recording food information including a predetermined expiration date, which is either an expiration date or a best-before date of the food; a generation signal output means for outputting a generation signal to a predetermined recipe information generation means for generating recipe information of the food that may be the output target based on information for identifying the food and the information of the predetermined deadline recorded in the food information recording means, on condition that a request for output of recipe information of the food is received from the consumer's terminal; and an information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generating means to a terminal of the consumer. Information provision system.

6. The recipe information generating means When the number of days remaining until the predetermined deadline falls below a predetermined number of days, recipe information including a step of heating the food is generated.

6. The information providing system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. a reference information generating means for generating reference information for the recipe information based on selection criterion information transmitted from the consumer terminal for selecting the recipe information; an information selection means for selecting the recipe information to be output from the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means based on the reference information generated by the reference information generation means, The information output means outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means.

6. The information providing system according to claim 4 or 5.

8. an information selection means for selecting the recipe information to be output from the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means based on reference information transmitted from the consumer terminal for selecting the recipe information; The information output means outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means.

6. The information providing system according to claim 4 or 5.

9. The recipe information generating means The identification information displayed on the food is read by the consumer's terminal, and the food is identified based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and recipe information for the identified food is generated.

5. The information providing system according to claim 4.

10. The generated signal output means The identification information displayed on the food is read by the consumer's terminal, and the food is identified based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and a generation signal for generating recipe information for the identified food is output.

6. An information providing system according to claim 5.

11. The recipe information generating means The identification information displayed on an accessory provided with the food is read by the consumer's terminal in order to grasp the quality of the food, and the food is identified based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and recipe information for the identified food is generated.

5. The information providing system according to claim 4.

12. The generated signal output means The identification information displayed on an accessory provided together with the food is read by the consumer's terminal in order to grasp the quality of the food, and the food is identified based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and a generation signal for generating recipe information for the identified food is output.

6. An information providing system according to claim 5.

13. A prescribed food; and identification information displayed on the food product, The identification information is capable of accessing a website that lists recipe information according to the expiration date or the expiration date of the food product. food products.

14. A prescribed food; an accessory provided with the food product to ascertain the quality of the food product; and identification information displayed on the attachment, The identification information is capable of accessing a website that lists recipe information according to the expiration date or the expiration date of the food product. food products.

15. The website: When the remaining days until the expiration date or the expiration date falls below a predetermined number of days, recipe information including a step of heating the food is posted.

15. A food product according to claim 13 or claim 14.

Images