Food share management device, food share management system, food share management method and program

Abstract

To provide a food share management device, a food share management system, a food share management method, and program that can share food highly accurately.SOLUTION: A food share management device comprises: an actual stock data generation unit that generates actual stock data on a store for each store on the basis of quality and quantity of food to be stored in a plurality of stores; a store search unit that, when receiving a request designating at least a name, quality and quantity of food from one store, searches for other stores having the food matched to the request in stock; and a delivery unit that arranges delivery of the food from the other store having the food matched to the request in stock to the store.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a food sharing management device, a food sharing management system, a food sharing management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, food waste has become a problem, and various efforts have been made to share food ingredients.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a food ingredient management device that shares food ingredients among multiple stores, and describes how food ingredients are shared based on a sharing score that takes into account the expiration date, storage period, and quantity of the ingredients, the storage capacity and sales power of the store, and the transportation costs to the store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-166244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 shares ingredients based on inventory data (hereinafter referred to as "theoretical inventory data") that is theoretically calculated based on the quantity of ingredients, etc. Therefore, for example, in the case of ingredients that vary in size, such as fresh produce, or ingredients whose required quantity changes depending on their freshness, there is a problem that discrepancies occur between the actual inventory data (hereinafter referred to as "actual inventory data") and the theoretical inventory data. As a result, there is a problem that the quantity of shared ingredients may be less or more than the required quantity.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a food sharing management device, a food sharing management system, a food sharing management method, and a program that enable food to be shared with greater accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The food sharing management device of the present disclosure includes an actual inventory data generation unit that generates actual inventory data for each store based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores, a store search unit that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request, and a delivery arrangement unit that arranges for the delivery of the food items that match the request from the other stores that have food items in stock to the one of the stores.

[0008] The food sharing management system of the present disclosure comprises store terminals provided in each of a plurality of stores, and a food sharing management device capable of communicating with the store terminals. The food sharing management device comprises: a physical inventory data generation unit that generates physical inventory data for each store based on food information regarding the quality and quantity of food stored in the store where the store terminal is provided, which is sent from the store terminal; a store search unit that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request; and a delivery arrangement unit that arranges for the delivery of the food items that match the request from the other stores that have food items in stock to the one of the stores.

[0009] The food sharing management method of the present disclosure is a method in which a computer performs an actual inventory data generation process in which actual inventory data for each of multiple stores is generated based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process in which, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, the computer searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request; and a delivery arrangement process in which the computer arranges for delivery of the food items that match the request from the other stores that have food items in stock to the one of the stores.

[0010] The program of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute an actual inventory data generation process that generates actual inventory data for each store based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request; and a delivery arrangement process that arranges for the delivery of the food items that match the request from the other stores that have food items in stock to the one of the stores. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a food sharing management device, a food sharing management system, a food sharing management method, and a program that enable food to be shared with greater accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a food sharing management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a food sharing management method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a food sharing management system according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store terminal according to the present disclosure and an example of a device connected to the store terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a food sharing management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of store data according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of actual inventory data according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of price data according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inventory confirmation process in the food sharing management method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a food share management process in the food share management method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a food share management process in the food share management method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a food share management process in the food share management method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a computer according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiment 1 An example of the configuration of a food sharing management device 10 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. The food sharing management device 10 manages the sharing of food among multiple stores. Here, the term "store" refers not only to chain restaurants, chain stores such as convenience stores, and privately owned stores, but also to central kitchens and other facilities that handle food, such as storing, processing, and cooking food. Furthermore, the food refers to ingredients for meals served at restaurants and the like, including processed and unprocessed ingredients. The food sharing management device 10 is capable of communicating with a store terminal (not shown) installed in each store. The food sharing management device 10 includes an actual inventory data generation unit 11, a store search unit 12, and a delivery arrangement unit 13.

[0014] The actual inventory data generation unit 11 generates actual inventory data for each store based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the multiple stores. Specifically, the actual inventory data generation unit 11 receives information (hereinafter also referred to as "food information") related to the quality and quantity of food stored in the store from a store terminal (not shown) installed in each store, and generates actual inventory data for each store based on the food information. Each store is equipped with an IoT (Internet of Things) weighing scale that measures the amount of food stored in the store and a camera that captures images of the food. The camera may be a camera mounted on a smartphone or a camera mounted on a tablet device carried by a store clerk. The camera may also be installed in a predetermined location such as a storage room, refrigerator, or freezer that manages food. The actual inventory data generation unit 11 then estimates the quality of the food, such as the freshness of the food, from an RGB image obtained by capturing an image of vegetables or the like using the camera. Alternatively, the actual inventory data generating unit 11 may estimate the amount of food that cannot be used based on the estimated freshness of the food, and estimate the amount of the food by subtracting the amount that cannot be used from the amount (mass) of the food measured by the IoT weighing scale.The actual inventory data generating unit 11 then uses the estimated amount and quality (freshness, degree of ripeness, place of origin, processing state, etc.) of the food as actual inventory data.

[0015] When a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one store, the store search unit 12 searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request. Specifically, the store search unit 12 searches the actual inventory data for each store generated by the actual inventory data generation unit 11, and searches for stores that have inventory that matches the request.

[0016] The delivery arrangement unit 13 arranges for the food to be delivered to the first store from another store that has food that matches the request in stock. Specifically, the delivery arrangement unit 13 arranges for the delivery of the food based on the available delivery means and available delivery date and time of the other store. Here, the available delivery means is, for example, a vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or drone. Furthermore, the available delivery date and time is the day of the week and time period during which delivery is available.

[0017] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a food sharing management method according to the present disclosure. First, the actual inventory data generation unit 11 generates actual inventory data for each store based on food information received from each store terminal (not shown) (step S11). Next, when the store search unit 12 receives a request from a store, it searches the actual inventory data for each store generated in step S11 to search for a store that has inventory matching the request (step S12). Next, the delivery arrangement unit 13 arranges delivery of the food matching the request from another store that has the food in stock to the first store based on the other store's available delivery means and available delivery date and time (step S13), and the process ends.

[0018] In the food sharing management device 10 according to the present disclosure, the inventory of each store is managed using actual inventory data generated based on the quality and quantity of food stored at the store. This prevents the problem of the amount of food shared being less or more than the required amount when food is shared between stores. This makes it possible to provide a food sharing management device 10 that can share food with greater accuracy.

[0019] Embodiment 2 Next, an example of the configuration of a food sharing management system 100 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 3. The food sharing management system 100 includes store terminals 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, etc., installed in multiple stores, and a food sharing management device 400 capable of communicating with each of the store terminals 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, etc. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the store terminals 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, etc., they will simply be referred to as store terminals 200. Note that the number of store terminals 200 connected to the food sharing management system 100 is not limited.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 3, store terminal 200A is provided in each store belonging to a store chain. Store terminal 200B is provided in a central kitchen. Store terminals 200A and 200B and food sharing management device 400 are capable of communicating with each other via chain store inventory management device 300. Store terminals 200C and 200D are provided in independently owned stores. The functions of food sharing management device 400 may be realized by a control device and a storage device provided on the cloud.

[0021] Next, an example of the configuration of a store terminal 200 according to the present disclosure and an example of a device connected to the store terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the store terminal 200 includes a storage unit 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230, an output unit 240, and a control unit 250. The store terminal 200 is also capable of communicating with a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 510, a camera 520, a sensor 530, and an IoT weighing scale 540 provided in the store.

[0022] The memory unit 210 is a storage device that stores a program 211 for implementing each function of the store terminal 200. The memory unit 210 also stores sales information 212 of the store in which the store terminal 200 is installed. The sales information 212 is information in which dates, time periods, sales amounts for those dates and time periods, and the names of foods or meals sold are associated with each other. The memory unit 210 also stores recipe information 213, which is information about recipes for meals served at the store. The memory unit 210 also stores a share app 214 that enables food sharing between the store in which the store terminal 200 is installed and other stores. The memory unit 210 stores the sales information 212 of the store in which the store terminal 200 is installed. The memory 220 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information when the control unit 250 is operating. The communication unit 230 is a communication interface with the network.

[0023] The output unit 240 outputs the information processing result of the control unit 250. For example, the output unit 240 has a display unit 241 and an audio output unit 242. The display unit 241 is a display device that displays the information processing result of the control unit 250. The store terminal 200 may be provided with an input unit (not shown) that accepts input, and the display unit 241 and the input unit may be configured integrally like a touch panel. The audio output unit 242 includes a speaker (not shown) and outputs the information processing result of the control unit 250 by audio.

[0024] The control unit 250 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the store terminal 200. The control unit 250 loads the program 211 from the storage unit 210 into the memory 220 and executes the program 211. As a result, the control unit 250 realizes the functions of a sales calculation unit 251 and an output control unit 252. The control unit 250 also loads the share application 214 from the storage unit 210 into the memory 220 and executes the share application 214. As a result, the control unit 250 performs various processes to enable food sharing between the store where the store terminal 200 is installed and other stores.

[0025] The sales calculation unit 251 generates sales information for the store based on the payment information sent from the POS terminal 510. The sales information is information in which a date, a time period, the sales amount for that date and time period, and the name of the food or meal sold are associated with each other. The sales calculation unit 251 registers the generated sales information in the sales information 212 in the storage unit 210.

[0026] The output control unit 252 controls the output unit 240 to output the information processing result from the output unit 240. For example, the output control unit 352 causes the display unit 341 to display a predetermined alarm (described later) and causes the audio output unit 342 to output a predetermined alarm (described later) by voice.

[0027] The POS terminal 510 performs payment for a customer who has received a product or service at a store equipped with the POS terminal 510. The POS terminal 510 transmits payment information indicating the result of the payment to the store terminal 200. The POS terminal 510 may be integrated with the store terminal 200.

[0028] The camera 520 captures an image of the food and transmits the acquired RGB image of the food to the store terminal 200. The camera 520 may be a camera mounted on a smartphone, a camera mounted on a tablet terminal carried by a store clerk, or the like. The camera 520 may also be installed in a predetermined location such as a storeroom, refrigerator, or freezer where food is managed.

[0029] The sensor 530 may be, for example, a near-infrared moisture sensor that measures the moisture content of food. The sensor 530 may also be, for example, an odor sensor that measures the odor of food. The sensor 530 may also be, for example, an ultraviolet sensor that measures the brightness of fish eyes. The sensor 530 may also be any other sensor that measures the quality of food. The sensor 530 may be provided in a predetermined location such as a storeroom, refrigerator, or freezer that manages food. The sensor 530 may also be mounted on a tablet terminal carried by a store clerk. The sensor 530 transmits the measurement values ​​obtained by the measurement to the store terminal 200.

[0030] The IoT weighing scale 540 measures the amount (mass) of food stored in the store. The IoT weighing scale is placed on the food in a storehouse, refrigerator, freezer, etc. The IoT weighing scale 540 also transmits the measured amount of food to the store terminal 200.

[0031] 5 shows an example of the configuration of the food sharing management device 400. The food sharing management device 400 includes a storage unit 410, a memory 420, a communication unit 430, and a control unit 440.

[0032] The storage unit 410 is a storage device that stores a program 411 for realizing each function of the food sharing management device 400. The memory 420 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information when the control unit 440 is operating. The communication unit 430 is a communication interface with the network.

[0033] Store data 412 is pre-stored in the storage unit 410. FIG. 6 shows an example of the store data 412. As shown in FIG. 6, the store data 412 is information in which a store ID 412A, which is identification information for the store terminal 200, contact information 412B for the store, payment information 412C, and delivery information 412D are associated with each other. The contact information 412B may include the address, telephone number, email address, etc. of the store. The payment information 412C is information necessary for payment and may include the number and expiration date of the card used for payment. The delivery information 412D may include the available delivery means and available delivery dates and times at the store. Here, the available delivery means are, for example, vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, drones, etc. The available delivery dates and times include the days of the week and time periods during which delivery is possible.

[0034] Storage unit 410 stores actual inventory data 413. FIG. 7 shows an example of actual inventory data 413. Actual inventory data 413 is information in which food name 413A, quantity 413B, and quality are associated with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 7, actual inventory data 413 associates processing state 413C, freshness rank 413D, ripeness rank 413E, and place of origin 413F as food quality. Note that food quality may include other aspects, such as the storage period of the food, the difference between the expiration date and storage period of the food, the brand of the food, etc.

[0035] The storage unit 410 stores price data 414. FIG. 8 shows an example of the price data 414. As shown in FIG. 8, the price data 414 is information in which a food name 414A, a price rank 414B, and a discount rate 414C are associated with each other. Here, the discount rate 414C is the rate of the amount to be discounted from the price of the food. The price of the food is determined in advance, for example, as a standard price, and the standard price is determined, for example, based on the results of a food price trend survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

[0036] The control unit 440 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the food sharing management device 400. The control unit 440 loads the program 411 from the storage unit 410 into the memory 420 and executes the program 411. As a result, the control unit 440 realizes the functions of an actual inventory data generation unit 441, a required inventory data generation unit 442, an inventory determination unit 443, a notification unit 444, a store search unit 445, a price determination unit 446, a list generation unit 447, a delivery arrangement unit 448, and a payment unit 449.

[0037] The actual inventory data generation unit 441 generates actual inventory data for each store based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the multiple stores. Specifically, the actual inventory data generation unit 441 receives food information related to the quality and quantity of food stored in the store from the store terminal 200 installed in each store, and generates actual inventory data for each store based on the food information. More specifically, the actual inventory data generation unit 441 estimates the freshness, ripeness, processing state, and other aspects of food quality from an RGB image obtained by capturing an image of the food with the camera 520. The actual inventory data generation unit 441 also estimates the freshness, ripeness, and other aspects of food quality based on measurements taken by the sensor 530. The actual inventory data generation unit 441 may also estimate the unusable amount of food based on the estimated freshness of the food, and estimate the amount of the food by subtracting the unusable amount from the amount (mass) of the food measured by the IoT weighing scale 540. Then, the actual inventory data generation unit 441 determines the freshness rank and maturity rank of the food based on the estimated freshness and maturity. The actual inventory data generation unit 441 also sets the estimated quantity and quality (freshness rank, maturity rank, place of origin, processing state) of the food as actual inventory data.

[0038] The necessary inventory data generation unit 442 generates necessary inventory data for each store, including the amount of food needed from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each store. Specifically, the necessary inventory data generation unit 442 generates the necessary inventory data for each store based on sales information and recipe information transmitted from each store terminal 200. The sales information is information stored in the sales information 212 of each store terminal 200. Specifically, the sales information is generated by the sales calculation unit 251 based on payment information transmitted from the POS terminal 510 to the store terminal 200. More specifically, the sales information is information that associates a date, a time period, the amount of sales for that date and time period, and the name of the food or meal sold. The recipe information is information stored in the recipe information 213 of each store terminal 200. The necessary inventory data generation unit 442 then estimates the names and quantities of meals to be sold from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, for example, based on sales information for a past date and time corresponding to the date and time from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed. Then, the required inventory data generation unit 442 generates required inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a specified period of time later, based on the recipe information and the names and amounts of meals to be sold on dates and times from the present time until a specified period of time later.

[0039] The inventory determination unit 443 determines, for each store, whether there is sufficient food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time later, based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data. Specifically, the inventory determination unit 443 estimates the current food inventory based on the actual inventory data, and estimates the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time later, based on the required inventory data. Then, if the current food inventory is less than the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time later, the inventory determination unit 443 determines that there is insufficient food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time later.

[0040] When the inventory determination unit 443 determines that there is a shortage of food items in a store from the present time until a predetermined time period later, the notification unit 444 notifies the store of a predetermined alarm. Specifically, the notification unit 444 transmits the predetermined alarm to the store terminal 200 of the store. As a result, the predetermined alarm is output by at least one of the display unit 241 and the audio output unit 242 of the store terminal 200.

[0041] When a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one store, the store search unit 445 searches for other stores that have food items in stock that match the request. Specifically, the store search unit 445 searches the actual inventory data 413 for each store to search for stores that have stock that matches the request.

[0042] The price determination unit 446 determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food to be delivered from another store to the one store that made the request. Specifically, for example, when the store search unit 445 searches for another store that has food in stock that matches the request, the price determination unit 446 determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food to be delivered from the other store to the one store. More specifically, the price determination unit 446 estimates a price rank based on, for example, the quality of the food, and extracts a discount rate corresponding to the estimated price rank from the price data 414. The price determination unit 446 then determines the price of the food by subtracting an amount equivalent to the discount rate from the standard price of the food.

[0043] The list generation unit 447 generates a candidate store list, which is a list of stores searched by the store search unit 445. The candidate store list is a list that lists, for example, the names of stores that have food items matching the request in stock, the delivery means and delivery dates / times of the stores, the quality and quantity of the food items that can be delivered, the price of the delivered food items, and the degree of matching with the request. The candidate store list may also list the names of stores that have food items matching the request in stock in order of highest degree of matching. Here, the amount of food that can be delivered may be either the mass or quantity of the food that can be delivered. For example, if the name and amount of the food included in the request are "carrots" and "1 kg," and the amount of carrots that a store that has food that matches the request can deliver is "7 carrots," which corresponds to 1.05 kg, the amount of food displayed in the candidate store list may be "7 carrots." The candidate store list may also include an indication of whether the amount of food that can be delivered exceeds the amount of food included in the request (for example, an indication such as "excess"). The degree of matching with the request may also be calculated by the list generation unit 447. For example, the request may include the name, quality, and quantity of the food desired by the one store, as well as the delivery method, delivery date and time, price, and location of the one store desired by the one store. The list generation unit 447 then extracts from the store data 412 the locations, available delivery methods, and available delivery dates and times of other stores that have food items matching the request in stock. The list generation unit 447 also extracts from the actual inventory data 413 of the other stores the quality and quantity of food items that can be delivered from the other stores to the one store. The list generation unit 447 also obtains the prices of the food items that can be delivered from the other stores to the one store, as determined by the price determination unit 446. The list generation unit 447 then calculates the degree of matching by comparing the quality, quantity, and price of the food that can be delivered from the other store to the one store, as well as the location, available delivery means, and available delivery date and time of the other store, with the name, quality, and quantity of the food desired by the one store, as well as the delivery means, delivery date and time, price, and location of the one store, which are included in the request.

[0044] The delivery arrangement unit 448 arranges for delivery of the food item matching the request to the first store from another store that has the food item in stock. Specifically, the delivery arrangement unit 448 arranges for delivery of the food item based on the available delivery means and available delivery date and time of the other store from the store data 412. Here, the available delivery means refers to vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, drones, etc. Furthermore, the available delivery date and time refers to the days of the week and time periods during which delivery is available.

[0045] When delivery of food from another store to a first store is completed, the payment unit 449 performs payment based on the payment information of the first store and the other store. Specifically, the payment unit 449 acquires payment information 412C of the first store and the other store from the store data 412, and performs payment for the amount including the price of the delivered food and the delivery fee.

[0046] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the inventory confirmation process in the food sharing management method according to the present disclosure will be described. First, the actual inventory data generation unit 441 acquires food information necessary for generating actual inventory data from each store terminal 200 (step S101). Next, the actual inventory data generation unit 441 generates actual inventory data based on the food information acquired in step S101 (step S102). Next, the required inventory data generation unit 442 generates required inventory data for each store, including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on the sales data of each store (step S103). Next, the inventory determination unit 443 determines for each store whether there is sufficient food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on the actual inventory data generated in step S102 and the required inventory data generated in step S103 (step S104). If no store is determined to have insufficient inventory in step S104 (step S104; No), this process ends. In step S104, if it is determined that there is a store that is short of stock (step S104; Yes), the notification unit 444 sends a predetermined alarm to the store terminal 200 of the store that is determined to be short of stock (step S105), and this process ends. By sending the predetermined alarm to the store terminal 200 of the store that is determined to be short of stock, the predetermined alarm is output by at least one of the display unit 241 and the audio output unit 242 of the store terminal 200. This allows the store staff of the store to notice that there is a shortage of stock.

[0047] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a food sharing process in the food sharing management method according to the present disclosure will be described. First, for example, the control unit 250 of the store terminal 200 of a store determined to have insufficient stock in the inventory check process of FIG. 9 executes the share app 214 to send a request to the food sharing management device 400 (step S201). Note that in step S201, the store terminal 200 may be operated by a store clerk, causing the store terminal 200 to send a request for the food desired by the clerk to the food sharing management device 400. Next, the store search unit 445 searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock (step S202). Next, the store search unit 445 determines whether there are other stores that have food items matching the request in stock (step S203). In step S203, if the store search unit 445 determines that there are no other stores that have food items matching the request in stock (step S203; No), the process proceeds to step S210. In step S203, if the store search unit 445 determines that there are other stores that have food items matching the request in stock (step S203; Yes), the price determination unit 446 refers to the price data 414 and determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food items to be delivered from the other stores to the requesting store (step S204). Next, the list generation unit 447 generates a candidate store list and transmits the candidate store list to the store terminal 200 that made the request (step S205). Next, the output control unit 252 of the store terminal 200 displays the candidate store list on the display unit 241, and the store clerk operating the store terminal 200 selects a desired store (step S206). Next, the control unit 250 of the store terminal 200 determines whether or not a store has been selected (step S207). If a store has not been selected in step S207 (step S207; No), this process ends. If a store has been selected in step S207 (step S207; Yes), the communication unit 230 transmits a delivery arrangement request to the food sharing management device 400 (step S208).Next, the delivery arrangement unit 448 of the food sharing management device 400 refers to the store data 412 to check the delivery date and time of the store selected in step S206 and determines whether delivery is possible (step S209). If it is determined in step S209 that delivery is impossible (step S209; No), another method is searched for (step S210). Specifically, the delivery arrangement unit 448 refers to the store data 412 to obtain the location of the store that made the request, and based on the location, searches, for example, map data on the Internet, for dark stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc., around the store. If it is determined in step S209 that delivery is possible (step S209; Yes), the delivery arrangement unit 448 refers to the store data 412 to obtain available delivery means (candidate delivery methods) for the store selected in step S206 and transmits the candidate delivery methods to the store terminal 200 (step S211). Alternatively, the delivery arrangement unit 448 transmits the alternative method searched for in step S210 to the store terminal 200 (step S211). Next, the output control unit 252 of the store terminal 200 displays candidate delivery methods on the display unit 241, and the store clerk selects the desired delivery method (step S212). Alternatively, if the output control unit 252 of the store terminal 200 displays alternative methods on the display unit 241, the store clerk refers to the alternative method. Next, the communication unit 230 transmits the order including the delivery method selected in step S212 to the food sharing management device 400 (step S213). Next, the delivery arrangement unit 448 transmits a request for food delivery using the delivery method included in the received order to the store terminal 200 of the store selected in step S206 (step S214), and the food is delivered from the selected store to the requesting store. When a delivery completion report is received from the store terminal 200 of the store that made the delivery, the payment unit 449 makes a payment for the amount including the price of the delivered food and the delivery fee based on the payment information 412C of the store data 412 (step S251), and then ends this process.

[0048] In the food sharing management system 100 according to the present disclosure, the inventory of each store is managed using actual inventory data 413 generated based on the quality and quantity of food stored at that store. This prevents the problem of the amount of food shared being less or more than the required amount when food is shared between stores. This makes it possible to provide a food sharing management system 100 that can share food with greater accuracy.

[0049] The price determination unit 446 also determines the price of the food item based on the quality and quantity of the food item delivered from other stores to the requesting store. Typically, chain stores belonging to the same store chain often standardize the quality (e.g., freshness) and price of the managed food items, making food sharing easy. On the other hand, independently owned stores have difficulty sharing food items because there are no uniform standards for food quality and price with other stores. However, in the food sharing management system 100 according to the present disclosure, actual inventory data 413 including food quality is generated for each store, and food items are shared based on the actual inventory data 413, and the price is also determined by the price determination unit 446. Therefore, even between chain stores belonging to different store chains, or between a chain store and an independently owned store, uniform management of food quality and price is possible, making food sharing smooth.

[0050] Additionally, the actual inventory data 413 includes food quality such as food freshness, ripeness, place of origin, and processing state. Therefore, the candidate store list can display the food's freshness, ripeness, place of origin, and processing state as the quality of the food that can be delivered, allowing store staff to more accurately select the food they wish to share.

[0051] Furthermore, the inventory determination unit 443 determines whether there is enough food in stock for each store from the present time until a predetermined time later, thereby reducing the labor required for inventory taking by store staff at each store.

[0052] Furthermore, if the inventory determination unit 443 determines that there is insufficient food inventory for the predetermined period from the present time, the notification unit 444 transmits a predetermined alarm to the store terminal 200 of the store. This allows the store staff to become aware that there is insufficient inventory.

[0053] Furthermore, the delivery arrangement unit 448 arranges for delivery of the food to the store that made the request, which saves the staff at the store that made the request the trouble of making delivery arrangements.

[0054] In addition, the payment unit 449 settles the amount including the price of the delivered food and the delivery fee, eliminating the need for direct payment between the store that made the request and the store that provided the food, making it possible to share food more smoothly.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as a hardware configuration, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above-described functions (processing) of the food sharing management device 10, the store terminal 200, the chain store inventory management device 300, and the food sharing management device 400 may be realized by a computer 600 having the following configuration, for example.

[0056] 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer 600 that realizes the processing of the food sharing management device 10, the store terminal 200, the chain store inventory management device 300, and the food sharing management device 400. As shown in FIG. 13, the computer 600 includes a memory 601 and a processor 602.

[0057] The memory 601 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 601 is used to store programs executed by the processor 602, data used for various processes, and the like. The memory unit (not shown) of the food sharing management device 10, the memory unit 210 of the store terminal 200, the memory unit (not shown) of the chain store inventory management device 300, and the memory unit 410 of the food sharing management device 400 may be realized by the memory 601. However, these may also be realized by any other storage device.

[0058] The processor 602 reads and executes programs from the memory 601 to perform processing of each device. The processor 602 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 602 may include multiple processors.

[0059] In the above example, the program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic recording media, magneto-optical recording media, CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories. Semiconductor memories include, for example, mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transient computer-readable media. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transient computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication paths such as electrical wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0061] For example, the store terminal 200 may be installed in a dark store or a supermarket. Furthermore, the payment for the food sharing may be made in the form of points that are predetermined in the food sharing management system 100.

[0062] In addition to food, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to materials, human resources, and seat reservations that can be shared between restaurants.

[0063] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0064] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) an actual inventory data generation unit that generates actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search unit that, when receiving a request from one of the stores specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of the food, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement unit that arranges delivery of the food item that matches the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Equipped with Food sharing management device. (Appendix 2) a price determination unit that determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food; Equipped with Attachment 1: A food sharing management device. (Appendix 3) The quality of the food includes at least one of the freshness, maturity, place of origin, and processing state of the food; Attachment 1: A food sharing management device. (Appendix 4) a necessary inventory data generating unit that generates necessary inventory data for each of the stores, the necessary inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each of the stores; an inventory determination unit that determines whether or not there is sufficient food inventory for a predetermined period from the present time based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data for each store; Equipped with Attachment 1: A food sharing management device. (Appendix 5) a notification unit that notifies the store of a predetermined alarm when the inventory determination unit determines that the store does not have enough food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time period later; Equipped with 5. A food sharing management device as described in appendix 4. (Appendix 6) The delivery arrangement unit arranges delivery of the food based on information regarding the store's available delivery means and available delivery dates and times. Attachment 1: A food sharing management device. (Appendix 7) a payment unit that performs payment based on payment information of the one store and the other store when delivery of the food from the other store to the one store is completed; Equipped with Attachment 1: A food sharing management device. (Appendix 8) A food sharing system is provided, comprising: a store terminal provided in each of a plurality of stores; and a food sharing management device capable of communicating with the store terminal; The food sharing management device includes: an actual inventory data generation unit that generates actual inventory data for each store based on food information transmitted from the store terminal and relating to the quality and quantity of food stored in the store where the store terminal is installed; a store search unit that, when receiving a request from one of the stores specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of the food, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement unit that arranges delivery of the food item that matches the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Equipped with Food sharing management system. (Appendix 9) The food sharing management device includes: a price determination unit that determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food; Equipped with The food sharing management system described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 10) The quality of the food includes at least one of the freshness, maturity, place of origin, and processing state of the food; The food sharing management system described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 11) The food sharing management device includes: a necessary inventory data generating unit that generates necessary inventory data for each of the stores, the necessary inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each of the stores; an inventory determination unit that determines whether or not there is sufficient food inventory for a predetermined period from the present time based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data for each store; Equipped with The food sharing management system described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 12) The food sharing management device includes: a notification unit that notifies the store of a predetermined alarm when the inventory determination unit determines that the store does not have enough food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time period later; Equipped with The food sharing management system described in Appendix 11. (Appendix 13) The delivery arrangement unit arranges delivery of the food based on information regarding the store's available delivery means and available delivery dates and times. The food sharing management system described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 14) The food sharing management device includes: a payment unit that performs payment based on payment information of the one store and the other store when delivery of the food from the other store to the one store is completed; Equipped with The food sharing management system described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 15) The computer an actual inventory data generation process for generating actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement process that arranges for delivery of the food item matching the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; To do How to manage food sharing. (Appendix 16) The computer a pricing process that determines the price of the food product based on the quality and quantity of the food product; To do The food sharing management method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 17) The quality of the food includes at least one of the freshness, maturity, place of origin, and processing state of the food; The food sharing management method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 18) The computer a necessary inventory data generation process for generating necessary inventory data for each store, the necessary inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each store; an inventory determination process for determining whether or not there is sufficient food inventory for a predetermined period from the present time based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data for each store; To do The food sharing management method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 19) The computer a notification process for notifying the store of a predetermined alarm when it is determined in the inventory determination process that the store does not have enough food in stock from the present time until a predetermined time period later; To do The food sharing management method described in Appendix 18. (Appendix 20) The computer In the delivery arrangement process, delivery of the food is arranged based on information regarding the store's available delivery means and available delivery dates and times. The food sharing management method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 21) The computer A payment process in which, when delivery of the food from the other store to the one store is completed, payment is made based on payment information of the one store and the other store. To do The food sharing management method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 22) On the computer, an actual inventory data generation process for generating actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement process that arranges for delivery of the food item matching the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Execute program. (Appendix 23) The computer, a pricing process that determines the price of the food product based on the quality and quantity of the food product; Execute 22. The program of claim 1. (Appendix 24) The quality of the food includes at least one of the freshness, maturity, place of origin, and processing state of the food; 22. The program of claim 1. (Appendix 25) The computer, a necessary inventory data generation process for generating necessary inventory data for each store, the necessary inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each store; an inventory determination process for determining whether or not there is sufficient food inventory for a predetermined period from the present time based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data for each store; Execute 22. The program of claim 1. (Appendix 26) The computer, a notification process for notifying the store of a predetermined alarm when it is determined in the inventory determination process that the store does not have enough food in stock from the present time until a predetermined time period later; Execute 2. The program described in Appendix 25. (Appendix 27) The computer, In the delivery arrangement process, delivery of the food is arranged based on information on the store's available delivery means and available delivery dates and times. 22. The program of claim 1. (Appendix 28) The computer, A payment process in which, when delivery of the food from the other store to the one store is completed, payment is made based on payment information of the one store and the other store. Execute 22. The program of claim 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10,400 Food sharing management device 11,441 Actual inventory data generation section 12,445 Store Search Department 13,448 Delivery Arrangements Department 442 Required inventory data generation unit 443 Inventory Judgment Department 444 Notification Department 446 Pricing Department 447 List Generation Unit 449 Payment Department 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D,... Store terminal

Claims

1. an actual inventory data generation unit that generates actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search unit that, when receiving a request from one of the stores specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of the food, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement unit that arranges delivery of the food item that matches the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Equipped with Food sharing management device.

2. a price determination unit that determines the price of the food based on the quality and quantity of the food; Equipped with The food sharing management device according to claim 1 .

3. The quality of the food includes at least one of the freshness, maturity, place of origin, and processing state of the food; The food sharing management device according to claim 1 .

4. a necessary inventory data generating unit that generates necessary inventory data for each of the stores, the necessary inventory data including the amount of food required from the present time until a predetermined time period has elapsed, based on sales data for each of the stores; an inventory determination unit that determines whether or not there is sufficient food inventory for a predetermined period from the present time based on the actual inventory data and the required inventory data for each store; Equipped with The food sharing management device according to claim 1 .

5. a notification unit that notifies the store of a predetermined alarm when the inventory determination unit determines that the store does not have enough food inventory from the present time until a predetermined time period later; Equipped with The food sharing management device according to claim 4 .

6. The delivery arrangement unit arranges delivery of the food based on information regarding the store's available delivery means and available delivery dates and times. The food sharing management device according to claim 1 .

7. a payment unit that performs payment based on payment information of the one store and the other store when delivery of the food from the other store to the one store is completed; Equipped with The food sharing management device according to claim 1 .

8. A food sharing system is provided, comprising: a store terminal provided in each of a plurality of stores; and a food sharing management device capable of communicating with the store terminal; The food sharing management device includes: an actual inventory data generation unit that generates actual inventory data for each store based on food information transmitted from the store terminal and relating to the quality and quantity of food stored in the store where the store terminal is installed; a store search unit that, when receiving a request from one of the stores specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of the food, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement unit that arranges delivery of the food item that matches the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Equipped with Food sharing management system.

9. The computer an actual inventory data generation process for generating actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement process that arranges for delivery of the food item matching the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; To do How to manage food sharing.

10. On the computer, an actual inventory data generation process for generating actual inventory data for each of the stores based on the quality and quantity of food stored in the stores; a store search process that, when a request specifying at least the name, quality, and quantity of a food item is received from one of the stores, searches for other stores that have food items matching the request in stock; a delivery arrangement process that arranges for delivery of the food item matching the request to the one store from another store that has the food item in stock; Execute program.

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