Information provision system

Abstract

To reduce food loss through promotion of consumption of food products that have passed best-before dates.SOLUTION: An information provision system disclosed herein is configured to select and output recipe information recorded in recipe information generation means 15 on the basis of best-before date information recorded in food product information recording means 14, upon receipt of a request for outputting the recipe information from a consumer terminal 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system. Specifically, it relates to an information providing system capable of reducing food loss (food waste).

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the safety of products centered on food has attracted the attention of consumers. When consumers select products, they have come to show interest even in aspects such as what the products themselves and the raw materials of the products are like.

[0003] Therefore, product providers provide products by describing information such as the components, origin, and manufacturing date of the products and their raw materials on labels attached to the product packaging or recording them on IC tags.

[0004] However, simply attaching information that is merely described or recorded to products makes it easy to tamper with or forge such information. In fact, there are also cases where information has been tampered with or forged, resulting in low credibility among consumers and making it difficult for consumers to safely select products.

[0005] Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a technique of providing food by attaching a sample of raw material powder obtained by powdering the raw materials of the food to the food, rather than simply attaching information that is merely described or recorded to the food (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, while realizing the "visualization" of food quality enables consumers to choose food with confidence, it is difficult to directly reduce "food loss," which has been regarded as a problem in recent years.

[0008] The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an information providing system capable of reducing food loss.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a consumption deadline, which is any one of them, of a predetermined food, recipe information recording means for recording the recipe information of the food, and when it is received from the consumer's terminal that the consumer wishes to output the recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food, the information on the predetermined deadline recorded in the food information recording means is confirmed, and when the expired food in which the number of remaining days until the predetermined deadline for the specific food is less than a predetermined number of days is included, recipe information selection means for selecting, from the recipe information recording means, recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food, and information output means for outputting the recipe information selected by the recipe information selection means to the consumer's terminal.

[0010] Moreover, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a consumption deadline, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food; and, on the condition that it has received from the consumer's terminal a request to output recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food, it checks the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded by the food information recording means, and if the specific food includes expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined expiration date are less than a predetermined number of days, it searches for recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food, and recipe information search means; and information output means for outputting the recipe information searched 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 in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a consumption deadline, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food; and, on the condition that it has received from the consumer's terminal a request to output recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food, it checks the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded by the food information recording means, and if the specific food includes expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined expiration date are less than a predetermined number of days, it outputs a search signal for searching for recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food to a predetermined recipe information search means, and search signal output means; and information output means for outputting the recipe information searched by the recipe information search means to the consumer's terminal.

[0012] Further, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined expiration date, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food, and, on the condition that it has received from the consumer's terminal a request to output recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food, it checks the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded in the food information recording means, and when the specific food includes expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined expiration date are less than a predetermined number of days, it generates recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food, and information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generating means to the consumer's terminal.

[0013] Further, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined expiration date, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food, and, on the condition that it has received from the consumer's terminal a request to output recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food, it checks the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded in the food information recording means, and when the specific food includes expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined expiration date are less than a predetermined number of days, it outputs a generation signal for generating recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food to a predetermined recipe information generating means, and information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generating means to the consumer's terminal.

[0014] In addition, the information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, and includes food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined expiration date, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food, and from the consumer's terminal, on the condition that a request for output of the recipe information for a specific food that is at least a part of the food has been received, the information on the predetermined expiration date recorded in the food information recording means is confirmed, and when the specific food includes expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined expiration date are less than a predetermined number of days, instruction information for inputting to a predetermined recipe information generation means, which is instruction information for generating recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food by the recipe information generation means, and information output means for outputting the instruction information created by the instruction information creating means to the consumer's terminal.

[0015] Here, when the specific food for which a request for output of the recipe information has been received includes expired food, by selecting, searching, or generating "recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food" and outputting it to the consumer's terminal, recipe information corresponding to the "shelf life of the food" or the "expiration date of the food" can be output. And by outputting recipe information corresponding to the "shelf life of the food" or the "expiration date of the food", it is possible to encourage the consumer to use (consume) the food, and it is expected to suppress the disposal of expired food (disposal of unused food).

[0016] For example, when the expired food is "food whose shelf life has passed (food whose remaining days until the shelf life are less than 0 days)" and the specific foods are "Food A, Food B, Food C", it is as follows.

[0017] When none of Food A, Food B, and Food C have reached their shelf life, [1] Recipe for using all foods without heating [2] Recipe for fully heating only Food A [3]Recipe for fully heating only Food B [4]Recipe for fully heating only Food C [5]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food B [6]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food C [7]Recipe for fully heating Food B and Food C [8]Recipe for fully heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0018] If only the expiration date of Food A has passed, [2]Recipe for fully heating only Food A [5]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food B [6]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food C [8]Recipe for fully heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0019] If only the expiration date of Food B has passed, [3]Recipe for fully heating only Food B [5]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food B [7]Recipe for fully heating Food B and Food C [8]Recipe for fully heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0020] If only the expiration date of Food C has passed, [4]Recipe for fully heating only Food C [6]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food C [7]Recipe for fully heating Food B and Food C [8]Recipe for fully heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0021] If the expiration dates of Food A and Food B have passed, [5]Recipe for fully heating Food A and Food B [8]Recipe for fully heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0022] If the expiration dates of Food A and Food C have passed, [6] Recipe for thoroughly heating Food A and Food C [8] Recipe for thoroughly heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0023] If the expiration dates of Food B and Food C have passed, [7] Recipe for thoroughly heating Food B and Food C [8] Recipe for thoroughly heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0024] If the expiration dates of all of Food A, Food B, and Food C have passed, [8] Recipe for thoroughly heating Food A, Food B, and Food C Output it.

[0025] Here, when the information providing system includes "recipe information recording means" for recording recipe information, the recipe information can be recorded in the information providing system, and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal without exchanging the recipe information with the outside (outside the information providing system).

[0026] Also, when the information providing system includes "recipe information search means" for searching for recipe information, even if the recipe information is not recorded in the information providing system, the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal by exchanging the recipe information with the outside (outside the information providing system).

[0027] Similarly, when the information providing system includes "search signal output means" for outputting a search signal for retrieving recipe information to a predetermined recipe information retrieval means, even if the recipe information is not recorded in the information providing system, it can cooperate with an external recipe information retrieval means and exchange recipe information with the outside (outside the information providing system), so as to output the recipe information from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0028] Here, when the recipe information retrieval means retrieves recipe information recorded in an external information recording means separate from the information providing system (for example, when retrieving a recording means that records only recipe information), since the search target is limited, quick retrieval can be realized and the recipe information can be retrieved smoothly.

[0029] In addition, when the recipe information retrieval means retrieves recipe information published on the Internet, it can search from a huge amount of information including the latest recipe information, and it is expected that recipe information meeting the consumer's needs can be found.

[0030] Furthermore, when the recipe information retrieval means retrieves recipe information recorded in an Internet information recording means that records information published on the Internet, in terms of the amount of information to be searched, it is inferior to the case of searching for recipe information published on the Internet (not limited to the information recorded in the Internet information recording means, but including recipe information published on the Internet). However, through creating an index for searching, the search results can be obtained faster.

[0031] Also, when the information providing system includes "recipe information generation means" for generating recipe information, even if the recipe information is not recorded in the information providing system and outside (outside the information providing system), the recipe information can be generated and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0032] Similarly, when the information providing system includes "generation signal output means" for outputting a generation signal for generating recipe information to a predetermined recipe information generation means, even if there is no recipe information recorded within the information providing system and externally (outside the information providing system), recipe information can be generated in cooperation with an external recipe information generation means, and the recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0033] Also similarly, when the information providing system includes "instruction information creation means" for creating instruction information for a predetermined recipe information generation means to generate recipe information, even if there is no recipe information recorded within the information providing system and externally (outside the information providing system), instruction information can be created, and instruction information for generating recipe information can be output from the information output means to the consumer's terminal.

[0034] Here, when the reference information generation means generates reference information (reference information for "recipe information") based on the selection criterion information, information can be obtained that is referred to when selecting "recipe information to be output" from among the "recipe information that can be an output target" generated by the recipe information generation means.

[0035] Note that the reference information generated by the reference information generation means is not only referred to when selecting "recipe information to be output" from among the "recipe information that can be an output target" generated by the recipe information generation means, but may also be referred to when selecting "recipe information to be output" from among the "recipe information that can be an output target" selected by the recipe information selection means or the "recipe information that can be an output target" searched by the recipe information search means.

[0036] Also, when the information selection means selects "recipe information to be output" based on reference information (the reference information generated by the reference information generation means or the reference information transmitted from the consumer's terminal), even if the consumer does not select specific recipe information, it is possible to select "recipe information to be output" based on the information transmitted by the consumer (the "selection criterion information" or the "reference information"). Note that the "recipe information to be output" selected by the information selection means may be singular or plural.

[0037] Also, when the consumer transmits selection criterion information as the "criterion for the information to be selected", the reference information generated based on the selection criterion information (the criterion for the information to be selected) can be regarded as "exemplary information as the information to be output (that is, the information the consumer wants to select)". Therefore, when transmitting selection criterion information as the "criterion for the information to be selected", recipe information with a high similarity to the reference information (exemplary information) will be selected.

[0038] Similarly, when the consumer transmits reference information as the "reference information for the information to be selected", recipe information with a high similarity to the reference information (exemplary information) will also be selected.

[0039] On the other hand, when the consumer transmits selection criterion information as the "criterion for the information not to be selected", the reference information generated based on the selection criterion information (the criterion for the information not to be selected) can be regarded as "negative teacher information for the information to be output (that is, the information the consumer does not want to select)". Therefore, when transmitting selection criterion information as the "criterion for the information not to be selected", recipe information with a low similarity to the reference information (negative teacher information) will be selected.

[0040] Similarly, when the consumer transmits reference information as the "reference information for the information not to be selected", recipe information with a low similarity to the reference information (negative teacher information) will also be selected.

[0041] In addition, when compared with the case of transmitting "criteria for information that one does not want to select" as selection criteria information, in the case of transmitting "criteria for information that one wants to select" as selection criteria information, consumers can more directly identify the information they want to select. Therefore, considering the point of fully reflecting the consumers' thoughts, it is preferable to transmit "criteria for information that one wants to select" as selection criteria information.

[0042] Similarly, considering the point of more directly identifying the information that consumers want to select and fully reflecting the consumers' thoughts, it is preferable to transmit "reference information for information that one wants to select" as reference information.

[0043] Also, when the recipe information generation means reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by the consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and generates the recipe information for the identified specific food, even if the consumer does not identify the specific food (the food for which the recipe information is output), the specific food can be identified based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal. That is, the consumer can identify the specific product just by reading the identification information.

[0044] Similarly, when the "recipe information selection means" reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by the consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and selects the recipe information for the identified specific food, the consumer can identify the specific food just by reading the identification information.

[0045] Also similarly, when the "recipe information search means" reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by the consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and searches for the recipe information for the identified specific food, the consumer can identify the specific food just by reading the identification information.

[0046] In addition, when the "generated signal output means" reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by means of a consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and outputs a generated signal for generating the recipe information of the identified specific food, the consumer can identify the specific food just by reading the identification information.

[0047] Similarly, when the "search signal output means" reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by means of a consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and outputs a search signal for searching the recipe information of the identified specific food, the consumer can identify the specific food just by reading the identification information.

[0048] Also similarly, when the "instruction information creation means" reads the identification information displayed on a specific food by means of a consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and creates instruction information for generating the recipe information of the identified specific food, the consumer can identify the specific food just by reading the identification information.

[0049] Incidentally, the "food" here includes both "primary products" and "secondary products". In addition, the "food" here is intended to include not only food and drink (fresh food, animal food, plant food, processed food, frozen food, favorite food, seasoning materials, health food, supplements, beverages, processing materials, etc.) for the purpose of nutrient intake and preference, but also pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs. For example, traditional Chinese medicines are also included. Also, it is intended to include those for fish and animals such as feed, aquaculture feed, dog food, etc.

[0050] Note that the "food (primary product)" here refers to fresh food, animal food, and plant food before processing. For example, vegetables such as daikon radish and cabbage, or raw meat such as chicken and beef themselves are applicable. Also, for example, fruits, beans, shellfish, and fish are also applicable.

[0051] In addition, the "food (secondary product)" here refers to products obtained by processing unprocessed fresh food, unprocessed animal food, and unprocessed plant food, such as mochi, steamed buns, pickles, stir-fried vegetables, steaks, hamburgers, ramen, boxed lunches, bread, milk, cheese, beer, wine, sake, whiskey, frozen foods, canned foods, bottled tea, juice, coffee, soft drinks, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, the "secondary product" here includes not only secondary products processed from primary products as raw materials, but also secondary products processed from secondary products as raw materials. For example, it includes omelets manufactured by purchasing seasoned eggs as raw materials and baking them.

[0053] In addition, the "best before date" here means "the period during which the food can be eaten deliciously without its quality changing", and it does not mean that the food cannot be eaten immediately even after the best before date has passed.

[0054] Also, the "expiration date" here means "the period during which the food can be eaten safely", and when the expiration date has passed, it means that the food cannot be eaten.

Advantages of the Invention

[0055] In the information providing system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce food loss.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0057] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as the "embodiment") will be described. Here, in this embodiment, based on the time point of April 21, 2022, in other words, when the expiration date is before April 20, 2022, the expiration date has passed, and when the expiration date is after April 21, 2022, it is assumed that the expiration date has not arrived, and the explanation will be given. The explanation will be carried out in the following order. 1. First Embodiment 2. Second Embodiment 3. Third Embodiment

[0058] <1. First Embodiment> [Explanation of Configuration] FIG. 1 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.

[0059] The food information providing system 11 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be able to exchange various information with a consumer terminal 13 used by a purchaser (consumer) of food products via the Internet 12.

[0060] In addition, the food information providing system 11 includes a food information recording means 14, a recipe information recording means 15, a recipe information selection means 16, a selection criterion information recording means 17, a model information generating means 18, an information selection means 19, and an information output means 20.

[0061] Here, the food information recording means 14 is configured to be able to record "information on food aaa", "information on food bbb", "information on food ccc", "information on food ddd", and "information on food eee". Note that "food aaa", "food bbb", "food ccc", "food ddd", and "food eee" here correspond to "predetermined foods".

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for food aaa under "Management Number 1", its expiration date and shelf life are recorded. Specifically, information such as "aaa" as the name, "April 20, 2022" as the expiration date, and "August 20, 2022" as the shelf life is recorded.

[0063] Also, for food bbb under "Management Number 2", its expiration date and shelf life are recorded. Specifically, information such as "bbb" as the name, "May 20, 2022" as the expiration date, and "January 20, 2023" as the shelf life is recorded.

[0064] Furthermore, for food ccc under "Management Number 3", its expiration date and shelf life are recorded. Specifically, information such as "ccc" as the name, "June 20, 2022" as the expiration date, and "October 20, 2022" as the shelf life is recorded.

[0065] Also, for food ddd under "Management Number 4", its expiration date and shelf life are recorded. Specifically, information such as "ddd" as the name, "April 20, 2022" as the expiration date, and "January 20, 2023" as the shelf life is recorded.

[0066] Furthermore, for food eee under "Management Number 5", its expiration date and shelf life are recorded. Specifically, information such as "eee" as the name, "June 20, 2022" as the expiration date, and "December 20, 2022" as the shelf life is recorded.

[0067] Also, the recipe information recording means 15 is configured to be able to record "Recipe information of food aaa", "Recipe information of food bbb", "Recipe information of food ccc", "Recipe information of food ddd", and "Recipe information of food eee".

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, the recipe information recording means 15 in this embodiment includes a recipe information recording means 15A for recording "recipe information of food aaa", a recipe information recording means 15B for recording "recipe information of food bbb", a recipe information recording means 15C for recording "recipe information of food ccc", a recipe information recording means 15D for recording "recipe information of food ddd", and a recipe information recording means 15E for recording "recipe information of food eee".

[0069] In addition, the recipe information recording means 15A separately records "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". When referring to both "recipe information 15Aa" and "recipe information 15Ab", it is referred to as "recipe information 15Aab".

[0070] Similarly, the recipe information recording means 15B separately records "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". When referring to both "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb", it is referred to as "recipe information 15Bab".

[0071] Similarly, the recipe information recording means 15C separately records "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". When referring to both "recipe information 15Ca" and "recipe information 15Cb", it is referred to as "recipe information 15Cab".

[0072] Similarly, the recipe information recording means 15D separately records "recipe information 15Da" which uses food ddd as an ingredient and includes a step of heating food ddd, and "recipe information 15Db" which uses food ddd as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating food ddd. When referring to both "recipe information 15Da" and "recipe information 15Db", it is referred to as "recipe information 15Dab".

[0073] Similarly, the recipe information recording means 15E separately records "recipe information 15Ea" which uses food eee as an ingredient and includes a step of heating food eee, and "recipe information 15Eb" which uses food eee as an ingredient and does not include a step of heating food eee. When referring to both "recipe information 15Ea" and "recipe information 15Eb", it is referred to as "recipe information 15Eab".

[0074] Also, "recipe information 15Aa" and "recipe information 15Ab" do not overlap, but "recipe information 15Aa" may overlap with "recipe information 15Bab", "recipe information 15Cab", "recipe information 15Dab", and "recipe information 15Eab", and "recipe information 15Ab" may overlap with "recipe information 15Bab", "recipe information 15Cab", "recipe information 15Dab", and "recipe information 15Eab".

[0075] Similarly, "recipe information 15Ba" and "recipe information 15Bb" do not overlap, but "recipe information 15Ba" may overlap with "recipe information 15Aab", "recipe information 15Cab", "recipe information 15Dab", and "recipe information 15Eab", and "recipe information 15Bb" may overlap with "recipe information 15Aab", "recipe information 15Cab", "recipe information 15Dab", and "recipe information 15Eab".

[0076] Similarly, "Recipe Information 15Ca" and "Recipe Information 15Cb" do not overlap, but "Recipe Information 15Ca" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Dab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab", and "Recipe Information 15Cb" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Dab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab".

[0077] Similarly, "Recipe Information 15Da" and "Recipe Information 15Db" do not overlap, but "Recipe Information 15Da" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab", and "Recipe Information 15Db" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab".

[0078] Similarly, "Recipe Information 15Ea" and "Recipe Information 15Eb" do not overlap, but "Recipe Information 15Ea" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Dab", and "Recipe Information 15Eb" may overlap with "Recipe Information 15Aab", "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Dab".

[0079] For example, "Recipe information including the steps of using foods aaa, bbb, and ccc as ingredients and heating all of foods aaa, bbb, and ccc" is recorded in "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Ba", and "Recipe Information 15Ca", and "Recipe information including the steps of using foods aaa, ddd, and eee as ingredients and heating only food aaa and not including the steps of heating foods ddd and eee" is recorded in "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Db", and "Recipe Information 15Eb", and so on.

[0080] In addition, when the recipe information selection means 16 is requested by a consumer for recipe information of food (purchased food), it checks the information on "best before date" and "expiration date" recorded in the food information recording means 14, and selects recipe information according to the check result as "output candidate recipe information".

[0081] Specifically, it is as follows.

[0082] (1. When the criterion is whether the best before date has passed) First, when a consumer requests recipe information for "food aaa, food bbb, food ccc" (when the specific food is "food aaa, food bbb, food ccc"), it checks the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14. Since the best before date of food aaa has passed, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "recipe information 15Aa", "recipe information 15Bab", and "recipe information 15Cab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0083] Next, when a consumer requests recipe information for "food aaa, food ddd, food eee" (when the specific food is "food aaa, food ddd, food eee"), it checks the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14. Since the best before dates of food aaa and food ddd have passed, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "recipe information 15Aa", "recipe information 15Da", and "recipe information 15Eab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0084] Furthermore, when a consumer requests recipe information for "food bbb, food ccc, food eee" (when the specific food is "food bbb, food ccc, food eee"), it checks the "best before date" recorded in the food information recording means 14. Since the best before date of none of the foods has arrived, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "recipe information 15Bab", "recipe information 15Cab", and "recipe information 15Eab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0085] (2. When the criterion is whether the number of remaining days until the best before date is 30 days or more) First, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc" (when the specific foods are "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc"), the expiration date recorded in the food information recording means 14 is confirmed. Since the expiration date of Food aaa has passed and the number of remaining days until the expiration date of Food bbb is 29 days, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Ba", and "Recipe Information 15Cab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0086] Next, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee" (when the specific foods are "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee"), the expiration date recorded in the food information recording means 14 is confirmed. Since the number of remaining days until the expiration date of Food bbb is 29 days, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Ba", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0087] (3. When the criterion is whether the number of remaining days until the expiration date is 6 months or more) First, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc" (when the specific foods are "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc"), the expiration date recorded in the food information recording means 14 is confirmed. Since the number of remaining days until the expiration date of Food aaa and Food ccc is less than 6 months, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Bab", and "Recipe Information 15Ca" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0088] Next, when the consumer requests recipe information for "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee" (when the specific food is "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee"), the expiration date recorded in the food information recording means 14 is confirmed. Since the number of days remaining until the expiration date of Food ccc is less than 6 months, the recipe information selection means 16 selects the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Ca", and "Recipe Information 15Eab" as the output candidate recipe information.

[0089] In addition, the selection criterion information recording means 17 records "selection criterion information for selecting recipe information of a specific food (hereinafter simply referred to as'selection criterion information')" transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 used by the consumer. In the present embodiment, the selection criterion information recording means 17 records "the criterion for recipe information of the food that the consumer wants to select" as the selection criterion information.

[0090] In addition, the exemplary information generation means 18 generates "exemplary information of recipe information of a specific food (hereinafter simply referred to as 'exemplary information')". The exemplary information generation means 18 is an example of a "reference information generation means".

[0091] Here, when the selection criterion information is recorded in the selection criterion information recording means 17, the exemplary information generation means 18 inputs the "selection criterion information" into a general-purpose generative AI (generative AI) not shown in the figure, and obtains the output result of the generative AI to generate the exemplary information. When new exemplary information is generated, it will be registered (overwritten) in place of the previous exemplary information.

[0092] For example, in the selection criterion information, (1) The explanation is given using plain expressions without using technical terms. (2) Instead of expressions such as "visual quantity", the explanation is given using specific numerical values. (3) It includes not only the finished product image but also the images of the cooking process. (4) It is recipe information for one person. When such content as (1) to (4) is recorded, the above content is input into the generative AI to generate exemplary information.

[0093] In addition, the information selection means 19 selects the "recipe information of specific food" to be output based on the exemplary information. Note that the number of pieces of recipe information selected by the information selection means 19 may be one or two or more.

[0094] Here, when the exemplary information is generated, the information selection means 19 selects the "recipe information of specific food" with a high similarity to the "exemplary information" from the "output candidate recipe information" selected by the recipe information selection means 16.

[0095] That is, when the "selection criterion information" is recorded, the exemplary information generation means 18 generates the exemplary information, and then the information selection means 19 selects the "output candidate recipe information" with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0096] (When the expiration date has passed is the criterion) First, when a consumer requests the recipe information of "food aaa, food bbb, food ccc" (when the specific food is "food aaa, food bbb, food ccc"), the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information is selected as the output target from the recipe information common to the "recipe information 15Aa", "recipe information 15Bab", and "recipe information 15Cab" selected by the recipe information selection means 16 for the output candidate recipe information.

[0097] Next, when a consumer requests the recipe information of "food aaa, food ddd, food eee" (when the specific food is "food aaa, food ddd, food eee"), the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information is selected as the output target from the recipe information common to the "recipe information 15Aa", "recipe information 15Da", and "recipe information 15Eab" selected by the recipe information selection means 16 for the output candidate recipe information.

[0098] Furthermore, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee" (when the specific food is "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee"), the recipe information selection means 16 selects, from among the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab" selected as output candidate recipe information, the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target.

[0099] (2. When the criterion is whether the number of remaining days until the expiration date is 30 days or more) First, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc" (when the specific food is "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc"), the recipe information selection means 16 selects, from among the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Ba", and "Recipe Information 15Cab" selected as output candidate recipe information, the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target.

[0100] Next, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee" (when the specific food is "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee"), the recipe information selection means 16 selects, from among the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Ba", "Recipe Information 15Cab", and "Recipe Information 15Eab" selected as output candidate recipe information, the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target.

[0101] (3. When the criterion is whether the number of remaining days until the expiration date is 6 months or more) First, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc" (when the specific food is "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc"), the recipe information selection means 16 selects, from among the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Aa", "Recipe Information 15Bab", and "Recipe Information 15Ca" selected as output candidate recipe information, the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target.

[0102] Next, when a consumer requests recipe information for "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee" (when the specific food is "Food bbb, Food ccc, Food eee"), the recipe information selection means 16 selects, from among the recipe information common to "Recipe Information 15Bab", "Recipe Information 15Ca", and "Recipe Information 15Eab" selected as output candidate recipe information, the recipe information with a high similarity to the exemplary information as the output target.

[0103] Also, the information output means 20 outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means 19 to the consumer terminal 13.

[0104] Here, when the recipe information selection means 16 checks the "expiration date" information recorded in the recipe information recording means 14 and the "expiration date" of the specific food has passed (when the specific food includes a food whose "expiration date" has passed), the information output means 20 does not output the "recipe information" but outputs that "the specific food has passed its expiration date".

[0105] In this embodiment, the description is based on the time point of April 21, 2022. That is, the "Food aaa" has passed its best - before date, and the remaining number of days until the best - before date is less than 6 months; the "Food bbb" has less than 30 days remaining until the best - before date and more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date; the "Food ccc" has 30 days or more remaining until the best - before date and less than 6 months remaining until the expiration date; the "Food ddd" has passed its best - before date and more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date; the "Food eee" has 30 days or more remaining until the best - before date and more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date. An example is given for the explanation. However, whether the "best - before date has passed or not", whether the "remaining number of days until the best - before date is 30 days or more", and whether the "remaining number of days until the expiration date is 6 months or more" will change depending on the judgment reference date. Therefore, considering the judgment reference date, for each food, after checking the best - before date and expiration date, a judgment will be made.

[0106] For example, if the food with a shelf life of May 31, 2022 is designated as Food A and the food with a shelf life of January 20, 2022 is designated as Food B, then: (1) Before January 20, 2022, both Food A and Food B fall under the category of "food whose shelf life has not expired"; (2) From January 21, 2022 to May 31, 2022, Food A falls under the category of "food whose shelf life has not expired" and Food B falls under the category of "food whose shelf life has passed"; (3) After June 1, 2022, both Food A and Food B fall under the category of "food whose shelf life has passed".

[0107] More specifically, with the day when the consumer requests information as the reference date (in other words, with the day when the recipe information determination means 16 checks the shelf life or expiration date as the reference date), for each food recorded in the food information recording means 14, it determines whether it falls under "has the shelf life passed?", "is the remaining number of days until the shelf life 30 days or more?", and "is the remaining number of days until the expiration date 6 months or more?"

[0108] Therefore, even when the information recorded in the food information recording means 14 does not change (specifically, when the shelf life or expiration date of food aaa, food bbb, food ccc, food ddd, and food eee does not change), due to the difference in the reference date for the judgment criteria such as (1), (2), and (3), the recipe information output by the information output means 20 will change.

[0109] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the usage method of the above-described food information providing system 11. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the premise that the consumer 40 who has received the food from the food provider 30 requests the provision of the recipe information of the food.

[0110] [1. Recording of Various Information] In an example of the usage method of the food information application system 11 of the present invention, in order for the consumer 40 to obtain the recipe information, various information needs to be recorded in the food information providing system 11. Therefore, the recording of various information in the food information providing system 11 will be described.

[0111] In an example of the usage method of the food information providing 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", "Food ccc", "Food ddd", and "Food eee" to the food information providing system 11 (step indicated by reference numeral (1) in FIG. 4).

[0112] Specifically, "Expiration date information of Food aaa", "Shelf life information of Food aaa", "Recipe information of Food aaa", "Expiration date information of Food bbb", "Shelf life information of Food bbb", "Recipe information of Food bbb", "Expiration date information of Food ccc", "Shelf life information of Food ccc", "Recipe information of Food ccc", "Expiration date information of Food ddd", "Shelf life information of Food ddd", "Recipe information of Food ddd", "Expiration date information of Food eee", "Shelf life information of Food eee", and "Recipe information of Food eee" are transmitted.

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

[0114] Here, only the case of recording various information about "Food aaa", "Food bbb", "Food ccc", "Food ddd", and "Food eee" provided by the food provider 30 is described. However, the information recorded in the food information providing system 11 is not limited to that regarding "Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc, Food ddd, and Food eee provided by the food provider 30", but also includes that regarding "other foods provided by the food provider 30" and "foods provided by a food provider different from the food provider 30". That is, in the present embodiment, the case where the consumer 40 obtains recipe information regarding Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc, Food ddd, and Food eee provided by the food provider 30 is taken as an example for explanation (described later). However, the food information providing system 11 can also provide information regarding "foods different from Food aaa, Food bbb, Food ccc, Food ddd, and Food eee provided by the food provider 30" and "foods provided by a food provider different from the food provider 30".

[0115] [2. Provision of Various Information] In an example of the usage method of the food information providing system 11 of the present invention, next, the food provider 30 provides a predetermined food 200 to the consumer 40. Here, the food 200 may be a primary product or a secondary product. Here, it is assumed that the food 200 is five types of foods such as "Food aaa", "Food bbb", "Food ccc", "Food ddd", and "Food eee" for explanation.

[0116] In addition, for the food provider 30 to understand the quality of the predetermined food 200 (in other words, to make the quality of the food 200 visible), together with the predetermined food 200, an accessory (for example, something involved in the production of the food 200, something involved in the production of the raw material of the food 200, food additives with the same weight as the total weight of the food additives used in the food 200, etc.) 201 is provided to the consumer 40.

[0117] That is, the food provider 30 enables the consumer 40 to grasp the quality of the predetermined food 200 by providing the accessory 201 to the consumer 40 together with the predetermined food 200.

[0118] Next, when the consumer 40 to whom the predetermined food 200 and the accessory 201 are provided wishes to provide recipe information using three types of "Food aaa", "Food bbb", and "Food ccc" among the food 200, the consumer terminal 13 (not shown in FIG. 4) is used to access the food information providing system 11 via the Internet 12 (step indicated by reference numeral (2) in FIG. 4).

[0119] Specifically, when the identification information 4A displayed on "Food aaa", the identification information 4B displayed on "Food bbb", and the identification information 4C displayed on "Food ccc" are read by the consumer terminal 13, information on "Food aaa", "Food bbb", and "Food ccc" (food information) is transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 to the food information providing system 11, and based on the food information, the foods for which the consumer 40 requests the provision of recipe information (specifically, "Food aaa", "Food bbb", and "Food ccc") are identified.

[0120] When foods that request recipe information (``Food aaa'', ``Food bbb'', and ``Food ccc'') are identified, the recipe information selection means 16 checks the information on the ``best before date'' and ``expiration date'' recorded in the food information recording means 14, and selects the ``output candidate recipe information'' according to the check result.

[0121] Also, when the identification information 4A to 4C is read by the consumer terminal 13, the ``selection criterion information'' pre-recorded in the consumer terminal 13 is transmitted to the food information providing system 11 and recorded in the selection criterion information recording means 17. For example, the following selection criterion information is transmitted: ``(1) Explanation is given using plain expressions without using technical terms, (2) Explanation is given using specific numerical values instead of expressions such as `visual quantity', (3) Not only the finished product image but also images of the cooking process are included, (4) Recipe information for one serving''.

[0122] If the ``selection criterion information'' is not recorded in the consumer terminal 13, when the identification information 4A to 4C is read, the user will be prompted to input the ``selection criterion information''.

[0123] Subsequently, when the ``selection criterion information'' is recorded in the selection criterion information recording means 17, the exemplary information generation means 18 generates exemplary information, and the information selection means 19 selects the recipe information to be output from the ``output candidate recipe information''.

[0124] When the information selection means 19 selects the output target, the information output means 20 outputs the recipe information of the output target.

[0125] [Effect] In the food information providing system 11 to which the present invention described above is applied, when a consumer requests recipe information of a food, by outputting recipe information according to the best before date and expiration date of the food, it is possible to encourage the consumer to use the food (consumption by cooking), and it is expected to reduce food loss.

[0126] In addition, since the consumer 40 only transmits "selection criterion information" and the information selection means 19 selects recipe information with a high degree of similarity to the "recipe information desired by the consumer 40", there is no need for the consumer to select specific recipe information from among a plurality of "output candidate recipe information". And since the information selection means 19 can select optimal (i.e., in line with the selection intention of the consumer 40) recipe information, it is possible to further sufficiently promote the use (consumption by cooking) of food, and a reduction in food loss can be expected.

[0127] [Modification Example 1] In the above-described first embodiment, an example is given where "selection criterion information" is transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 and the exemplary information generation means 18 generates exemplary information. However, "exemplary information" may be transmitted from the consumer terminal 13. In this case, instead of the "selection criterion information recording means 17 and the exemplary information generation means 18", an "exemplary information recording means" is provided, the "exemplary information" transmitted from the consumer terminal 13 is recorded in the exemplary information recording means, and based on the "exemplary information" recorded in the exemplary information recording means, the information selection means 19 selects recipe information.

[0128] [Modification Example 2] In the above-described first embodiment, an example is given and explained where the information selection means 19 selects recipe information based on "exemplary information". However, the information output means 20 may output the "output candidate recipe information" selected by the recipe information selection 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] [Modification Example 3] In the above-described first embodiment, by reading the identification information 4A to 4C, the food items ("Food aaa", "Food bbb", and "Food ccc") that request the provision of recipe information are specified. However, if the food items that request the provision of recipe information can be specified, that is sufficient, and it is not limited to the method of reading the identification information 4A to 4C. A consumer who accesses the food information providing system 11 may select the food items that request the provision of recipe information. Specifically, by accessing the food information providing system 11 from the consumer terminal 13, a list of food providers capable of providing 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 food items provided by the food provider 30 is displayed, and the consumer 40 selects "Food aaa", "Food bbb", and "Food ccc" from the displayed list.

[0130] <2. Second Embodiment> [Configuration of the Present Invention] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a food information providing system, which is another example of an information providing system to which the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the points different from the first embodiment, and the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0131] The food information providing system 21 shown in FIG. 5 has recipe information search means 22 (in the second embodiment, "recipe information search means 22" is provided instead of the "recipe information recording means 15" and the "recipe information selection means 16" of the first embodiment).

[0132] 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. And the recipe information recording means 23 records recipe information of food aaa, food bbb, food ccc, food ddd, and food eee (information corresponding to the recipe information recorded in the "recipe information recording means 15" in the first embodiment). The recipe information search means 22 accesses the recipe information recording means 23 to search for recipe information.

[0133] That is, when the consumer requests recipe information of food (purchased food), the recipe information search means 22 checks the information on the "shelf life" and "expiration date" recorded in the food information recording means 14, and searches for recipe information according to the check result (searches for "output candidate recipe information").

[0134] [Effect] In the food information providing system 21 to which the present invention described above is applied, since the recipe information search means 22 can search for the recipe information recorded outside the food information providing system 21 (recipe information recording means 23), even when the "recipe information of food aaa", "recipe information of food bbb", "recipe information of food ccc", "recipe information of food ddd", and "recipe information of food eee" are not recorded in the food information providing system, the information output means 20 can output the recipe information to the consumer terminal 13.

[0135] [Modification Example 4] In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the recipe information search means 22 searches the recipe information recording means 23 is taken as an example for explanation. However, it is not necessarily required that the search target be the recipe information recording means 23. For example, "recipe information published on the Internet" may be searched, or "recipe information recorded in Internet information recording means that records recipe information published on the Internet" may be searched.

[0136] [Modification Example 5] In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the recipe information search means 22 is included in the food information providing system has been described as an example. However, it is sufficient if recipe information can be searched, and the recipe information may be searched in cooperation with recipe information search means provided outside the food information providing system 21. For example, a search signal may be output from the food information providing system 21 to external recipe information search means, and the recipe information search means may search for recipe information.

[0137] <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 yet another example of an information application system to which the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the points different from the first embodiment, and the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0138] The food information providing system 31 shown in FIG. 6 includes recipe information generation means 32 (in the third embodiment, “recipe information generation means 32” is included instead of the “recipe information recording means 15” and “recipe information determination means 16” of the first embodiment).

[0139] Here, the recipe information generation means 32 is configured to be able to access a generation AI 33 provided separately from the food information providing system 31.

[0140] For example, for “recipe information using ‘Food aaa’, ‘Food bbb’, and ‘Food ccc’”, the “information on the name of Food aaa”, “information on the name of Food bbb”, “information on the name of Food ccc”, and “information on the food to be cooked by heating” are used as input information and input to a general-purpose generative AI (generation AI) 33, and by obtaining the output result of the generation AI 33, “recipe information using ‘Food aaa’, ‘Food bbb’, and ‘Food ccc’” is generated. Note that by adding information (preferences) of consumers, who are the recipients (output destinations) of the recipe information, to the input information, recipe information more suited to the needs of consumers can be generated.

[0141] That is, when the consumer requests recipe information for food (purchased food), the recipe information generation means 32 checks the information on "expiration date" and "consumption deadline" recorded in the food information recording means 14, and generates recipe information according to the check result (generates "output candidate recipe information").

[0142] [Effect] In the food information providing system 31 to which the present invention described above is applied, since the recipe information generation means 32 can generate "recipe information for food aaa", "recipe information for food bbb", "recipe information for food ccc", "recipe information for food ddd", and "recipe information for food eee", even when no recipe information is recorded inside or outside the food information providing system 31, the information output means 20 can output recipe information to the consumer terminal 13.

[0143] [Modification Example 6] In the above-described third embodiment, the case of outputting "recipe information" is taken as an example for explanation, but instead of "recipe information", "prompt (instruction information) for generating recipe information" may be output. Note that by inputting the "prompt" for generating recipe information into the generation AI 33, the "recipe information" that is the output result can be obtained. [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0144] 4 Identification information 11 Food information providing system 12 Internet 13 Consumer terminal 14 Food information recording means 15 Recipe information recording means 16 Recipe information selection determination means 17 Selection criterion information recording means 18 Model information generation means 19 Information selection means 20 Information output means 21 Food information providing system 22 Recipe information search means 23 Recipe information recording means 31 Food information providing system 32 Recipe information generation means 33 Generation AI

Claims

1. An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, comprising: food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined period, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food; recipe information recording means for recording the recipe information of the food; recipe information selection means for checking the information on the predetermined period recorded in the food information recording means on the condition that a request for outputting the recipe information of a specific food, which is at least a part of the food, is received from the consumer's terminal, and selecting, from among the recipe information recording means, recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food when the specific food contains an expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined period are less than a predetermined number of days; information output means for outputting the recipe information selected by the recipe information selection means to the consumer's terminal. An information providing system.

2. An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, comprising: food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined period, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food; recipe information search means for checking the information on the predetermined period recorded in the food information recording means on the condition that a request for outputting the recipe information of a specific food, which is at least a part of the food, is received from the consumer's terminal, and searching for recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food when the specific food contains an expired food whose remaining days until the predetermined period are less than a predetermined number of days; information output means for outputting the recipe information searched by the recipe information search means to the consumer's terminal. An information providing system.

3. An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, comprising: food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date or a predetermined period, which is any one of the expiration dates of a predetermined food; On the condition that a request for output of recipe information about a specific food that is at least part of the food has been received from the consumer's terminal, the information recorded in the food information recording means for the predetermined period is checked. When the specific food includes expired food with the number of remaining days until the predetermined period being less than a predetermined number of days, a search signal for searching for recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food is output to a predetermined recipe information search means. An information output means for outputting the recipe information retrieved by the recipe information retrieval means to the consumer's terminal. An information providing system.

4. An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, A food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined period that is either the expiration date or the consumption deadline of a predetermined food. On the condition that a request for output of recipe information about a specific food that is at least part of the food has been received from the consumer's terminal, the information recorded in the food information recording means for the predetermined period is checked. When the specific food includes expired food with the number of remaining days until the predetermined period being less than a predetermined number of days, a recipe information generating means for generating recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food. An information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generating means to the consumer's terminal. An information providing system.

5. An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, A food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined period that is either the expiration date or the consumption deadline of a predetermined food. On the condition that a request for output of recipe information about a specific food that is at least part of the food has been received from the consumer's terminal, the information recorded in the food information recording means for the predetermined period is checked. When the specific food includes expired food with the number of remaining days until the predetermined period being less than a predetermined number of days, a generation signal output means for outputting a generation signal for generating recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food to a predetermined recipe information generating means. information output means for outputting the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means to the consumer's terminal, An information providing system. **Claim 6** An information providing system that outputs recipe information in response to a request from a consumer's terminal, food information recording means for recording food information including information on a predetermined expiration date of a predetermined food or information on a predetermined period which is any one of the expiration dates, instruction information creation means for creating instruction information for inputting to the predetermined recipe information generation means, the instruction information being for generating recipe information including a step of using the specific food and heating the expired food when it is determined, upon receiving from the consumer's terminal a request for outputting recipe information for a specific food which is at least a part of the food, that the expired food with the remaining days until the predetermined period for the specific food being less than a predetermined number of days is included in the food information recorded by the food information recording means, information output means for outputting the instruction information created by the instruction information creation means to the consumer's terminal, An information providing system. **Claim 7** reference information generation means for generating reference information for the recipe information based on the selection criteria information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, the selection criteria information being for selecting the recipe information, information selection means for selecting, based on the reference information generated by the reference information generation means, the recipe information to be the output target from among the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means, The information output means outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means. The information providing system according to claim 4 or claim 5. **Claim 8** information selection means for selecting, based on reference information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, the recipe information to be the output target from among the recipe information generated by the recipe information generation means, the reference information being for selecting the recipe information, The information output means outputs the recipe information selected by the information selection means. The information providing system according to claim 4 or claim 5. **Claim 9** The recipe information generation means identifies the specific food based on information transmitted from the consumer's terminal by reading identification information displayed on the specific food with the consumer's terminal, and generates recipe information for the identified specific food. The information providing system according to claim 4 or claim 5.

10. The generated signal output means reads the identification information displayed on the specific food by the consumer's terminal, identifies the specific food based on the information transmitted from the consumer's terminal, and outputs a generated signal for generating recipe information of the identified specific food. The information providing system according to claim 4 or claim 5.

Images