Edible oil deterioration prediction system and edible oil deterioration prediction method

Abstract

This prevents cooking oil that is in a condition where replacement is recommended from being used for cooking. [Solution] The measuring device measures the degradation value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank, or the degradation value and temperature of the edible oil, and transmits the measurement information, including the measurement result and the date and time of measurement, to the server. The terminal device transmits the date and time of replacement information, including the date and time of edible oil replacement, to the server. The server receives the measurement information transmitted by the measuring device and the date and time of replacement information transmitted by the terminal device, stores the received measurement information and the received date and time of replacement information in its storage unit, predicts the time until the edible oil needs to be replaced based on the received measurement information, generates a message regarding the replacement of the edible oil based on the received measurement information and the prediction result, and transmits the generated message to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the message transmitted by the server and displays the received message on its display unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an edible oil deterioration prediction system and an edible oil deterioration prediction method. [Background Art]

[0002] Most management of edible oil (also referred to as frying oil or fryer oil) used for cooking fried food provided in restaurants, ready meal stores and the like relies on visual inspection using AV (acid value) test strips. Such management is performed about once a day during a time slot that avoids the store's busy hours.

[0003] As apparatuses and systems applicable to the management of edible oil, for example, the apparatuses and systems described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7525757 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 7583210 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 6997362 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Since edible oil management is performed about once a day, even if the AV test strip does not show an AV value exceeding the reference value in the day's management, the AV test strip may show an AV value exceeding the reference value in the next day's management. In this case, edible oil in a state exceeding the reference value may be used for cooking. The reference value is a value indicating the AV value of edible oil for which replacement is recommended, and is 2.5, for example. According to the "Sanitation Code for Boxed Meals and Prepared Foods" (Kanshoku No. 161, June 29, 1979), it is stipulated that all edible oil with an AV value exceeding 2.5 shall be replaced with new edible oil.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an edible oil deterioration prediction system and an edible oil deterioration prediction method that prevent edible oil in a condition where replacement is recommended from being used for cooking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the system is an edible oil deterioration prediction system including a measuring device, a terminal device, and a server, wherein the measuring device comprises a measuring unit that measures the deterioration value of edible oil stored in an oil tank, or the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil, and a communication unit that transmits measurement information, including the measurement results of the measuring unit and the measurement date and time, to the server, and the terminal device comprises a communication unit that transmits replacement date and time information, including the date and time of edible oil replacement, to the server, and receives a message regarding the replacement of the edible oil transmitted by the server, and a display unit that displays the message received by the communication unit. The server is characterized by comprising: a communication unit that receives the measurement information transmitted by the measuring device, receives the replacement date and time information transmitted by the terminal device, and transmits the message to the terminal device; a storage unit that stores the measurement information and the replacement date and time information received by the communication unit; a prediction unit that predicts the period until the time to replace the edible oil based on the measurement information received by the communication unit; and a message generation unit that generates the message based on the measurement information received by the communication unit and the prediction result of the prediction unit.

[0008] One aspect of the method is an edible oil deterioration prediction method characterized in that a measuring device measures the deterioration value of edible oil stored in an oil tank, or the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil, and transmits measurement information including the measurement result and the date and time of measurement to a server; a terminal device transmits replacement date and time information including the date and time of edible oil replacement to the server; the server receives the measurement information transmitted by the measuring device and the replacement date and time information transmitted by the terminal device, stores the received measurement information and the received replacement date and time information in a storage unit, predicts the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced based on the received measurement information, generates a message regarding the replacement of the edible oil based on the received measurement information and the prediction result, transmits the generated message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the message transmitted by the server and displays the received message on a display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent cooking oil that is in a condition where replacement is recommended from being used for cooking. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of an edible oil deterioration prediction system. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of an edible oil degradation prediction system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a computer's hardware configuration. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of the measuring device. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates measurement information and exchange date / time information stored in the measurement information database. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates image recognition information stored in the image recognition information database. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the edible oil degradation prediction process performed by the server. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing another example of edible oil deterioration prediction processing performed by a server. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another example of edible oil deterioration prediction processing performed by a server. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an edible oil deterioration prediction system.

[0013] The edible oil deterioration prediction system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes terminal devices 2, imaging devices 3, and measurement devices 4 provided in each store (store A, store B, ...) such as restaurants and prepared food stores, and a server 5. Each of the terminal device 2, imaging device 3, and measurement device 4 provided in each store, and the server 5 are connected to a communication network 6 by wire or wirelessly. Accordingly, each of the terminal device 2, imaging device 3, and measurement device 4 provided in each store can communicate with the server 5 via the communication network 6.

[0014] The terminal device 2 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a tablet terminal. The imaging device 3 is a device that images, for example from above, edible oil stored in an oil tank 7 of a fryer used for frying food ingredients, and is, for example, a camera. The measurement device 4 is a device that measures a deterioration value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7, or the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil. The deterioration value is a value indicating the degree of deterioration of edible oil, and is, for example, an AV value. The server 5 is a device that manages edible oil stored in the oil tanks 7 of each store, and performs other processing.

[0015] The communication network 6 includes wired and / or wireless communication networks, and includes, for example, one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

[0016] It should be noted that the number of oil tanks 7 provided in each store is not limited to one, and a plurality of oil tanks may be provided. In a store provided with a plurality of oil tanks 7, an imaging device 3 may be provided for each oil tank 7. Further, the measuring device 4 may be connected to the communication network 6 via a communication device provided in the store. In this case, communication between the measuring device 4 and the communication device may be performed by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an edible oil deterioration prediction system. Note that Figure 2 only shows the functional configuration mainly related to the edible oil deterioration prediction function of the edible oil deterioration prediction system 1.

[0018] In the edible oil deterioration prediction system 1 illustrated in Figure 2, the terminal device 2 includes a communication unit 21 and a display unit 22. The communication unit 21 is configured to transmit exchange date and time information including the exchange date and time of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 of the store to the server 5, and receive a message related to exchange of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 of the store transmitted from the server 5. The display unit 22 is configured to display the message received by the communication unit 21.

[0019] The imaging device 3 includes a communication unit 31 and an imaging unit 32. The communication unit 31 is configured to sequentially transmit image data captured by the imaging unit 32 to the server 5. The imaging unit 32 is configured to image the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 of the store at a predetermined frame rate.

[0020] The measuring device 4 includes a communication unit 41 and a measuring unit 42. The communication unit 41 is configured to transmit measurement information including the measurement result of the measuring unit 42 and the measurement date and time to the server 5. The measuring unit 42 is configured to measure a deterioration value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 of the store, or the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil.

[0021] Server 5 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, an image recognition unit 53, a prediction unit 54, and a message generation unit 55. The communication unit 51 receives measurement information transmitted by the measuring device 4, receives exchange date and time information transmitted by the terminal device 2, sequentially receives image data transmitted sequentially by the imaging device 3, and transmits messages generated by the message generation unit 55 to the terminal device 2. The storage unit 52 stores the measurement information received by the communication unit 51, the exchange date and time information received by the communication unit 51, and image recognition information including the food ingredients and the start and end dates and times of frying (start date and time of frying and end date and time of frying) acquired by the image recognition unit 53. The image recognition unit 53 performs image recognition on the image data sequentially received by the communication unit 51 to acquire the food ingredients being fried in edible oil and the start and end dates and times of frying of those food ingredients represented in the image data.

[0022] The prediction unit 54 predicts the time until the cooking oil needs to be changed based on the measurement information received by the communication unit 51. Specifically, the prediction unit 54 calculates the average interval between cooking oil change dates and times based on the change date and time information stored in the storage unit 52, and predicts (calculates) the time until the cooking oil needs to be changed based on the calculated average period, the measurement date and time included in the measurement information received by the communication unit 51, and the change date and time included in the latest change date and time information stored in the storage unit 52. Alternatively, the prediction unit 54 predicts the time until the cooking oil needs to be changed using a learning model. The learning model is a machine learning model that uses the measurement information and change date and time information stored in the storage unit 52 to output the time until the cooking oil needs to be changed when the degradation value and temperature included in the measurement information received by the communication unit 51 are input. Alternatively, the learning model is a machine learning model that uses the measurement information, replacement date and time information, and image recognition information stored in the storage unit 52 to output the period until the cooking oil needs to be replaced when the following are input: the degradation value and temperature included in the measurement information received by the communication unit 51, and the food ingredients and the start and end dates of frying of the food ingredients included in the image recognition information stored in the storage unit 52, which includes the start and end dates of frying after the replacement date and time included in the latest replacement date and time information stored in the storage unit 52.

[0023] The message generation unit 55 generates a message regarding the replacement of cooking oil based on the measurement information received by the communication unit 51 and the prediction results of the prediction unit 54. For example, if the deterioration value included in the measurement information received by the communication unit 51 is below a standard value and the period until the cooking oil needs to be replaced, as predicted by the prediction unit 54, is below a standard period, the message generation unit 55 generates a message informing the user of the remaining time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced. Alternatively, if the deterioration value included in the measurement information received by the communication unit 51 exceeds a standard value and the period until the cooking oil needs to be replaced, as predicted by the prediction unit 54, is below a standard period, the message generation unit 55 generates a message prompting the user to replace the cooking oil.

[0024] In the edible oil deterioration prediction system 1 with this configuration, each of the terminal device 2 and the server 5 is implemented by a computer having the hardware configuration illustrated in Figure 3, for example. The imaging device 3 is implemented by the hardware configuration illustrated in Figure 4, for example. The measuring device 4 is implemented by the hardware configuration illustrated in Figure 5, for example.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a computer hardware configuration.

[0026] The computer 800 illustrated in Figure 3 includes a processor 801, memory 802, input device 803, output device 804, storage device 805, portable storage medium drive device 806, and communication interface 807, which are interconnected by a bus 808.

[0027] The processor 801 may be a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core processor. The processor 801 performs various processes by executing various programs such as the OS (Operating System) and applications. For example, the processor 801 of the computer 800 that implements server 5 performs the processes illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10 described later. The processor 801 of the computer 800 that implements server 5 provides, for example, the functions of the image recognition unit 53, the prediction unit 54, and the message generation unit 55.

[0028] Memory 802 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). RAM is used as a working memory area for the processor 801. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 801 and data necessary for program execution.

[0029] The input device 803 is a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel, etc. The output device 804 is a liquid crystal display, etc. The output device 804 of the computer 800 that realizes the terminal device 2 provides, for example, the functions of the display unit 22.

[0030] The storage device 805 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage device 805 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5 provides, for example, the functions of the storage unit 52. The portable storage medium drive device 806 drives the portable storage medium 806a and accesses its stored contents. The portable storage medium 806a is a memory device, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc.

[0031] The communication interface 807 is connected to a communication network (e.g., communication network 6) by wire or wireless connection and communicates with external devices via the communication network. The communication interface 807 of the computer 800 that implements the terminal device 2 provides, for example, the functions of the communication unit 21. The communication interface 807 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5 provides, for example, the functions of the communication unit 51.

[0032] In the computer 800, the programs executed by the processor 801 and the data necessary for executing those programs are not limited to the ROM of the memory 802, but may also be stored in the storage device 805 or the portable storage medium 806a, or two or more of the ROM of the memory 802, the storage device 805, and the portable storage medium 806a may be stored. Furthermore, the programs executed by the processor 801 and the data necessary for executing those programs may also be stored in either or both of the storage device 805 and the portable storage medium 806a via a communication network and communication interface 807 from an external device.

[0033] The computer 800 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3; it may be configured with multiple elements of those illustrated in Figure 3, or it may be configured without them. For example, the computer 800 that implements the server 5 may be configured without the output device 804.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the imaging device.

[0035] The imaging device 3 illustrated in Figure 4 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, a communication interface 303, and an imaging unit 304, which are interconnected by a bus 305.

[0036] The processor 301 may be a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core processor. The processor 301 performs various processes by executing various programs such as the OS and applications.

[0037] Memory 302 includes RAM and ROM. RAM is used as a working memory area for the processor 301, etc. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 301 and data necessary for program execution.

[0038] The communication interface 303 is connected to a communication network (e.g., communication network 6) by wire or wireless connection and communicates with external devices via the communication network. The communication interface 303 provides, for example, the functions of the communication unit 31.

[0039] The imaging unit 304 includes an image sensor for capturing images of a subject. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit 304 provides, for example, the functions of the imaging section 32.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the measuring device.

[0041] The measuring device 4 illustrated in Figure 5 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, a communication interface 403, a degradation value measuring unit 404, and a temperature measuring unit 405, which are interconnected by a bus 406.

[0042] The processor 401 may be a single processor, a multi-processor, or a multi-core processor. The processor 401 performs various processes by executing various programs such as the OS and applications.

[0043] Memory 402 includes RAM and ROM. RAM is used as a working memory area for the processor 401, etc. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 401 and data necessary for program execution.

[0044] The communication interface 403 is connected to a communication network (e.g., communication network 6) by wire or wireless connection and communicates with external devices via the communication network. The communication interface 403 provides, for example, the functions of the communication unit 41.

[0045] The degradation value measurement unit 404 includes a degradation value detection sensor for detecting the degradation value of the edible oil. The degradation value detection sensor is, for example, an AV detection sensor for detecting the AV value of the edible oil. The temperature measurement unit 405 includes a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the edible oil. The degradation value measurement unit 404, or the degradation value measurement unit 404 and the temperature measurement unit 405, provides, for example, the function of the measurement unit 42.

[0046] Next, we will explain the processes performed by the edible oil deterioration prediction system 1.

[0047] At each store, the measuring device 4 measures the degradation value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7, or the degradation value and temperature of the edible oil, approximately once a day, during off-peak hours. This measurement is performed, for example, by an employee placing a part of the measuring device 4 (degradation value detection sensor, or degradation value detection sensor and temperature detection sensor) into the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7. Once the measuring device 4 has measured the degradation value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7, or the degradation value and temperature of the edible oil, it transmits measurement information, including the measurement result and the date and time of measurement, to the server 5. The measurement information transmitted to the server 5 also includes the store ID, which is the identification information of the store where the measurement was performed, and the oil tank ID, which is the identification information of the oil tank 7 where the measurement was performed.

[0048] The imaging device 3 captures images of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 during business hours at a predetermined frame rate and sequentially transmits the captured image data to the server 5. As a result, while frying is being carried out in the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7, image data of the edible oil in which food is being fried is sequentially transmitted to the server 5, and when frying is not being carried out, image data of the edible oil that is not being fried is sequentially transmitted to the server 5. The image data transmitted sequentially to the server 5 includes the date and time of capture, the store ID of the store where the capture was made, and the oil tank ID of the oil tank 7 in which the capture was made.

[0049] Terminal device 2 transmits exchange date and time information, including the date and time of the exchange, to server 5 when an employee of the store exchanges the cooking oil stored in oil tank 7. This transmission is performed, for example, when an employee performs a predetermined operation on terminal device 2 when they exchange the cooking oil. In this case, the employee may directly input the exchange date and time into terminal device 2, or the date and time when the employee performs the predetermined operation may be used as the exchange date and time. The exchange date and time information transmitted to server 5 also includes the store ID of the store where the exchange took place and the oil tank ID of the oil tank 7 where the exchange took place.

[0050] When server 5 receives measurement information transmitted by measuring device 4, it stores the received measurement information in the measurement information DB (database), which is part of the storage device 805 (storage device 805 of computer 800 that implements server 5). Also, when server 5 receives exchange date and time information transmitted by terminal device 2, it stores the received exchange date and time information in the measurement information DB.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates measurement information and replacement date / time information stored in the measurement information database. However, the measurement information and replacement date / time information illustrated in Figure 6 only shows measurement information and replacement date / time information where both the store ID and oil tank ID are "1," and other measurement information and replacement date / time information are omitted from the illustration.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 6, the measurement information database stores the received measurement information (store ID, oil tank ID, measurement date and time, degradation value, and temperature) and the received replacement date and time information (store ID, oil tank ID, and replacement date and time). In addition, the replacement date and time information stored in the measurement information database is accompanied by information indicating that it is replacement date and time information ("replaced").

[0053] Furthermore, the server 5 sequentially receives the image data transmitted sequentially by the imaging device 3, performs image recognition on the received image data to obtain the food items being fried in edible oil and the start and end dates and times of frying the food items as shown in the image data, and also obtains the store ID and oil tank ID included in the image data, and stores them as image recognition information in the image recognition information DB, which is another part of the storage device 805 (storage device 805 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5).

[0054] Figure 7 illustrates image recognition information stored in the image recognition information database. However, the image recognition information illustrated in Figure 7 only shows image recognition information where both the store ID and oil tank ID are "1," and other image recognition information is omitted from the illustration.

[0055] As illustrated in Figure 7, the image recognition information database stores image recognition information (store ID, oil tank ID, frying start date and time, frying end date and time, and ingredients).

[0056] Furthermore, each time the server 5 receives measurement information transmitted by the measuring device 4, it performs an edible oil deterioration prediction process for the store ID and oil tank ID included in the measurement information (i.e., for the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 of the store with that store ID and that oil tank ID).

[0057] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the edible oil deterioration prediction process performed by the server.

[0058] In the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 8, the server 5 first extracts replacement date and time information for the past N months (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) from the measurement information DB (S11). However, the replacement date and time information extracted here is limited to that which includes the same store ID and oil tank ID as the store ID and oil tank ID included in the received measurement information. For example, if both the store ID and oil tank ID included in the received measurement information are "1", the replacement date and time information illustrated in Figure 6 is extracted.

[0059] Next, server 5 calculates the average period (e.g., average number of days) of the interval between exchange dates and times (i.e., exchange intervals) based on the exchange date and time information for the past N months extracted in S11 (S12).

[0060] Next, Server 5 calculates the elapsed time (e.g., elapsed days) from the exchange date and time included in the latest exchange date and time information stored in the measurement information DB to the measurement date and time included in the received measurement information (S13). However, the latest exchange date and time information used here includes the same store ID and oil tank ID as the store ID and oil tank ID included in the received measurement information. For example, if both the store ID and oil tank ID included in the received measurement information are "1", then the latest exchange date and time information will be the exchange date and time information with an exchange date and time of "2024 / 8 / 24 17:10" among the exchange date and time information exemplified in Figure 6.

[0061] Next, Server 5 calculates the period (e.g., number of days) until the time to change the cooking oil by subtracting the elapsed period (e.g., number of days) calculated in S13 from the average period (e.g., average number of days) calculated in S12 (S14). Note that the processes in S11 to S14 described above are also processes for predicting the time until the time to change the cooking oil.

[0062] Next, server 5 determines whether the degradation value included in the received measurement information is below the reference value and whether the period until replacement (e.g., number of days) calculated in S14 is below the reference period (e.g., reference number of days) (S15).

[0063] If the result of the S15 determination is YES, Server 5 generates a message informing the user of the remaining time until the cooking oil needs to be changed (S16). For example, Server 5 generates a message such as, "The cooking oil will need to be changed in approximately A days." Here, "A days" is the number of days calculated in S14.

[0064] On the other hand, if the result of the S15 judgment is NO, the server 5 determines whether the degradation value included in the received measurement information exceeds the standard value, and whether the period until replacement (e.g., number of days) calculated in S14 is less than or equal to the standard period (e.g., standard number of days) (S17).

[0065] If the result of the S17 judgment is YES, Server 5 generates a message prompting the user to change the cooking oil (S18). For example, Server 5 generates a message such as, "The standard value has been exceeded. Please change the cooking oil."

[0066] When processing S16 or S18 is completed, the server 5 sends the message generated in S16 or S18 to the terminal device 2 installed in the store where the measuring device 4 that sent the received measurement information is located (S19). The server 5 has previously stored information indicating the correspondence between the store and the terminal device 2 installed in that store (for example, the correspondence between the store ID and the terminal ID, which is the identification information of the terminal device 2) in a storage device 805 (storage device 805 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5), and determines the destination of the message to be sent in S18 based on this information. Specifically, the terminal device 2 with the terminal ID corresponding to the store ID included in the received measurement information is determined as the destination of the message. Although not shown in the diagram, the terminal device 2 that receives the message sent in S19 displays the received message. This notifies the store employees of the time remaining until it is time to change the cooking oil, or a message prompting them to change the cooking oil.

[0067] When S19 is completed, or if the result of S17 is NO, the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 8 is terminated.

[0068] Server 5 may perform the edible oil deterioration prediction process exemplified in Figure 9 or Figure 10 instead of the edible oil deterioration prediction process exemplified in Figure 8. In the edible oil deterioration prediction processes exemplified in Figures 9 and 10, the time until the edible oil needs to be replaced is predicted using a learning model.

[0069] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the edible oil degradation prediction process performed by the server.

[0070] In the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 9, the server 5 first inputs the deterioration value and temperature included in the received measurement information into a learning model and obtains the output of the learning model, which is the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced (e.g., in days) (S21). The learning model used here is the learning model corresponding to the oil tank ID included in the received measurement information. The server 5 has already stored a learning model for each oil tank 7 in a storage device 805, for example (storage device 805 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5). The learning model for each oil tank 7 is a learning model that has been machine-learned using the measurement information and replacement date and time information corresponding to the oil tank ID of the oil tank 7 stored in the measurement information DB, so that when the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 are input, it outputs the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced (e.g., in days). The process in S21 is also a process to predict the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced.

[0071] Next, server 5 determines whether the degradation value included in the received measurement information is below the reference value and whether the period until replacement (e.g., number of days) obtained in S21 is below the reference period (e.g., reference number of days) (S22).

[0072] If the result of the S22 check is YES, Server 5 generates a message informing the user of the remaining time until the cooking oil needs to be changed, similar to the process in S16 in Figure 8 (S23). For example, Server 5 generates a message such as, "The cooking oil will need to be changed in approximately A days." Here, "A days" refers to the number of days obtained in S21.

[0073] On the other hand, if the result of S22 is NO, server 5 determines whether the degradation value included in the received measurement information exceeds the standard value, and whether the period until replacement (e.g., number of days) obtained in S21 is less than or equal to the standard period (e.g., standard number of days) (S24).

[0074] If the result of the S24 judgment is YES, Server 5 generates a message prompting the user to change the cooking oil, similar to the process in S18 in Figure 8 (S25). For example, Server 5 generates a message such as, "The standard value has been exceeded. Please change the cooking oil."

[0075] When processing S23 or S25 is completed, the server 5 sends the message generated in S23 or S25 to the terminal device 2 located in the store where the measuring device 4 that sent the received measurement information is installed, in the same manner as processing S19 in Figure 8 (S26). Although not shown in the figure, the terminal device 2 that receives the message sent in S26 displays the received message. This notifies the store employees of the time remaining until it is time to change the cooking oil, or a message urging them to change the cooking oil.

[0076] When S26 is completed, or if the result of S24 is NO, the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 9 is terminated.

[0077] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the edible oil degradation prediction process performed by the server.

[0078] In the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 10, the server 5 first inputs the deterioration value and temperature included in the received measurement information, the start and end times of frying included in the latest replacement date and time information stored in the measurement information DB, and the ingredients and the start and end times of frying of those ingredients included in the image recognition information stored in the image recognition information DB into the learning model, and obtains the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced (e.g., in days), which is the output of the learning model (S31). The learning model used here is also a learning model corresponding to the oil tank ID included in the received measurement information. In this example as well, the server 5 has already stored a learning model for each oil tank 7 in a storage device 805 (storage device 805 of the computer 800 that implements the server 5) in advance. The learning model for each oil tank 7 is a machine learning model that, when the degradation value and temperature of the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7, the ingredients that were fried after the last oil change in the oil tank 7, and the start and end dates and times of frying, are input, outputs the period (e.g., in days) until the edible oil needs to be changed. This is done using measurement information and change date and time information corresponding to the oil tank ID of the oil tank 7 stored in the measurement information DB, and image recognition information corresponding to the oil tank ID of the oil tank 7 stored in the image recognition information DB. The process in S31 is also a process to predict the period until the edible oil needs to be changed.

[0079] Next, server 5 performs the processing in S32 to S36. The processing in S32 to S36 is the same as the processing in S22 to S26 in Figure 9, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, each time the deterioration value of the cooking oil stored in the oil tank 7, or the deterioration value and temperature, is measured in each store, the time remaining until the cooking oil needs to be replaced is displayed on the terminal device 2. Therefore, employees can time their replacement and replace the cooking oil before it reaches its replacement time. This prevents cooking oil that is in a state where replacement is recommended from being used for cooking.

[0081] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0082] For example, in the edible oil deterioration prediction process illustrated in Figure 8, Figure 9, or Figure 10, an oil tank ID may be added to the message sent by Server 5 in S18, S26, or S36. The oil tank ID to be added is the oil tank ID included in the measurement information received by Server 5. When Terminal Device 2 receives a message with an added oil tank ID, it may display the received message and indicate that the message pertains to the edible oil stored in the oil tank 7 corresponding to the added oil tank ID. This allows employees of a store with multiple oil tanks 7 to understand which oil tank 7 the displayed message pertains to. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Edible Oil Degradation Prediction System 2 Terminal devices 3. Imaging device 4. Measuring device 5 Servers 6. Communication Network 7 Oil tank 21 Communications Department 22 Display section 31 Communications Department 32 Imaging Unit 41 Communications Department 42 Measuring part 51 Communications Department 52 Storage section 53 Image Recognition Unit 54 Prediction Section 55 Message generation unit 301 Processor 302 memory 303 Communication Interface 304 Imaging Unit 305 Bus 401 Processor 402 memory 403 Communication Interface 404 Degradation Value Measurement Unit 405 Temperature Measurement Unit 406 Bus 800 Computers 801 Processor 802 memory 803 Input device 804 Output device 805 Storage device 806 Portable storage medium drive device 806a Portable storage medium 807 Communication Interface 808 Bus

Claims

1. A system for predicting the deterioration of edible oil, including a measuring device, a terminal device, and a server, The measuring device is, A measuring unit for measuring the degradation value of edible oil stored in an oil tank, or the degradation value and temperature of the edible oil, A communication unit transmits measurement information, including the measurement results and measurement date and time, from the measurement unit to the server. Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is A communication unit that transmits exchange date and time information, including the date and time of the exchange of the edible oil, to the server, and receives a message regarding the exchange of the edible oil transmitted by the server. A display unit that displays the message received by the communication unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A communication unit that receives the measurement information transmitted by the measuring device, receives the exchange date and time information transmitted by the terminal device, and transmits the message to the terminal device, A storage unit that stores the measurement information received by the communication unit and the exchange date and time information received by the communication unit, Based on the measurement information received by the communication unit, a prediction unit predicts the time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced. A message generation unit generates the message based on the measurement information received by the communication unit and the prediction result of the prediction unit. Equipped with A system for predicting the deterioration of edible oil, characterized by the following features.

2. The prediction unit calculates the average interval between the dates and times of edible oil replacement based on the replacement date and time information stored in the storage unit, and predicts the time until the edible oil needs to be replaced based on the calculated average period, the measurement date and time included in the measurement information received by the communication unit, and the replacement date and time included in the latest replacement date and time information stored in the storage unit. The edible oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

3. The prediction unit uses a learning model to predict the time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced. The learning model is a machine learning model that uses the measurement information and replacement date and time information stored in the storage unit to output the period until the time to replace the cooking oil when the deterioration value and temperature included in the measurement information received by the communication unit are input. The edible oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

4. It is further equipped with an imaging device, The imaging device is An imaging unit that images the edible oil stored in the oil tank at a predetermined frame rate, A communication unit that sequentially transmits image data captured by the imaging unit to the server. Equipped with, The communication unit of the server further receives sequentially the image data transmitted sequentially by the imaging device. The original server further, The image recognition unit performs image recognition on the image data received sequentially by the communication unit and obtains the food items being fried in the cooking oil and the start and end dates and times of frying the food items as shown in the image data. Equipped with, The storage unit further stores image recognition information, including the food ingredients and the start and end dates and times of frying the food ingredients, acquired by the image recognition unit. The prediction unit uses a learning model to predict the time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced. The learning model is a machine learning model that uses the measurement information, the replacement date and time information, and the image recognition information stored in the storage unit to output the period until the cooking oil needs to be replaced when the following are input: the degradation value and temperature included in the measurement information received by the communication unit, and the food ingredient and the start and end dates of frying of the food ingredient included in the image recognition information stored in the storage unit, which includes the start and end dates of frying after the replacement date and time included in the latest replacement date and time information stored in the storage unit. The edible oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

5. The message generation unit generates a message indicating the remaining time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced if the degradation value included in the measurement information received by the communication unit is below a reference value, and the predicted time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced, which is the prediction result of the prediction unit, is below a reference period. The edible oil deterioration prediction system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the features described herein.

6. The message generation unit generates a message prompting the replacement of the edible oil when the degradation value included in the measurement information received by the communication unit exceeds the reference value, and the period until the edible oil needs to be replaced, which is the prediction result of the prediction unit, is less than or equal to the reference period. The edible oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a feature of the present invention.

7. The measuring device is The deterioration value of the edible oil stored in the oil tank, or the deterioration value and temperature of the edible oil, are measured. The measurement information, including the measurement results and the date and time of the measurement, is sent to the server. The terminal device is The server receives replacement date and time information, including the date and time of replacement of the aforementioned cooking oil. The aforementioned server, The measuring device receives the measurement information transmitted by the measuring device and the exchange date and time information transmitted by the terminal device. The received measurement information and the received exchange date and time information are stored in the storage unit. Based on the received measurement information, the time until the cooking oil needs to be replaced is predicted. Based on the received measurement information and the prediction result of the prediction, a message regarding the replacement of the cooking oil is generated. The generated message is sent to the terminal device. The aforementioned terminal device is Upon receiving the message sent by the aforementioned server, The received message is displayed on the display unit. A method for predicting the deterioration of edible oil, characterized by the following features.

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