Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

We provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can guarantee the quality of products or services used with the target product. [Solution] The information processing system 100 includes: a product information acquisition unit 30 that acquires product information relating to the target product 50 to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the target product 50; a user terminal 2 that acquires product identification information attached to the delivered or used target product 50 from the target product 50 or the information attached to the target product 50, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location; a determination unit 32 that determines whether the delivered or used target product 50 meets predetermined quality determination requirements based on the target product information and user information; and a display device 5 that notifies the determination result by the determination unit 32.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for managing the state of target products such as edible oil has been known. As a document describing this type of technique, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a simple colorimeter for edible oil including a test liquid container and a reference liquid container, and an edible oil management and supply system using the same. Patent Document 1 describes an edible oil management and supply system using a simple colorimeter that injects used oil into a test liquid container through a pipe to determine and manage the chromaticity, determines the blending ratio of the used oil and new oil based on the difference from a predetermined chromaticity value, and supplies an amount of frying oil with an optimal color corresponding to the ratio to an oil tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, when the target product is edible oil, fried foods or the like produced using the edible oil may be provided to customers as usage products. The quality of edible oil degrades over time, and the quality of edible oil is critical for usage products such as fried foods. This is a fact known not only to the side that provides fried foods, but also to consumers who receive the provided fried foods. However, since cooking is performed in a kitchen, general consumers cannot determine whether good edible oil is used at a store that provides fried foods.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can determine, certify, or guarantee the quality of a product or service using the target product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: product information acquisition means for acquiring product information relating to products to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the product; user information acquisition means for acquiring product identification information attached to a product that has been delivered or used, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location, from the product or its associated information; determination means for determining whether the product that has been delivered or used satisfies predetermined quality determination requirements based on the product information and the user information; and notification means for notifying the determination result of the determination means.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that includes: a product information acquisition step of acquiring product information relating to a product to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the product; a user information acquisition step of acquiring, at the time of delivery or use of the product, the product identification information attached to the product for identifying the product, from the product or its associated information, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location; and a determination step of determining, based on the product information and user information, whether the product being used at the usage location meets predetermined quality criteria.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a product information acquisition step of acquiring product information relating to a product to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the product; a user information acquisition step of acquiring the product identification information attached to the product for identifying the product, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location, from the product or its associated information at the time of delivery or use of the product; and a determination step of determining whether the product being used at the usage location satisfies predetermined quality determination requirements based on the product information and user information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can guarantee the quality of products or services that utilize the target product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system and an information processing device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of judgment and certification processes performed by an information processing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <System Configuration> First, let's describe the overall system configuration. Figure 1 shows an information processing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 100 provides a service for determining and certifying the quality of the target product 50 used by the user of the target product 50. The target product 50 is not particularly limited, but cooking oil will be used as an example. Cooking oil is, for example, a cooking oil such as frying oil.

[0014] The information processing system 100 presents judgment results and certification results to customers (users) of the target product 50, customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50, and customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50. Customers of the target product 50 are users of the target product 50, such as manufacturers of products that utilize the target product 50, such as stores and food processing plants (manufacturers of food products that utilize the target product 50) that receive the target product 50 from edible oil shipping plants. Customers of products that utilize the target product 50 are, for example, consumers who purchase fried foods, etc., using the target product 50 edible oil from users as products that utilize the target product 50. Customers of services that utilize the target product 50 are, for example, consumers who receive food and beverages such as fried foods using the target product 50 from users at stores. Customers of products or services that utilize the target product also include consumers who purchase or receive food and beverages of other fried foods, etc., that do not currently use the target product 50 edible oil, and future consumers (potential customers).

[0015] The information processing system 100 is implemented by an information processing device 1 that transmits and receives various information with user terminals 2, shipping plant terminals 3, consumer terminals 4, and display devices 5 via a communication network such as the Internet. The information processing device 1 is a computer that provides various information about edible oil to user terminals 2, shipping plant terminals 3, consumer terminals 4, and display devices 5, and functions as a server.

[0016] The user terminal 2 is an information processing device used by a user who performs cooking using edible oil at a place where dishes are provided, such as a store. The user terminal 2 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The user terminal 2 may exchange various types of information with the information processing device 1 via a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information via a web browser.

[0017] The shipping factory terminal 3 is an information processing device used by a person in charge of a shipping factory that supplies edible oil to stores. The shipping factory terminal 3 is configured by a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The shipping factory terminal 3 may exchange various types of information with the information processing device 1 via a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information via a web browser.

[0018] The consumer terminal 4 is an information processing device used by a consumer such as a customer of a store or a potential customer who may become a future customer. The consumer terminal 4 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The consumer terminal 4 may exchange various types of information with the information processing device 1 via a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information via a web browser.

[0019] The display device 5 is a display such as a liquid crystal panel or electronic paper that is arranged inside or outside the store, which is the place of use of the target product 50, and displays images. The display device 5 may be a portable tablet arranged on a table, or may be a digital signage arranged as a store signboard. The display device 5 can display information related to the store, the target product 50, used products that use the target product 50, used services, and the like, based on information transmitted from the information processing device 1 or the user terminal 2.

[0020] <Hardware Configuration> Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1, the user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, and the consumer terminal 4 will be described.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 serving as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0022] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also appropriately stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are interconnected via the bus 14. The input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0023] The output unit 16, the input unit 17, the storage unit 18, the communication unit 19, and the drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15. The output unit 16 is configured with a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various types of information as images and audio. The input unit 17 is configured with a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and inputs various types of information. The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other apparatuses via a network including the Internet.

[0024] A removable medium 21 formed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted to the drive 20. A program read from the removable medium 21 by the drive 20 is installed into the storage unit 18 as necessary. Further, the removable medium 21 can also store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0025] Next, the user terminal 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 2 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a bus 114, an input / output interface 115, a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, a drive 120, and an imaging device 122.

[0026] The CPU 111 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 112 or the program loaded into the RAM 113 from the storage unit 118. The RAM 113 also stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute these processes. The CPU 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to this bus 114.

[0027] The input / output interface 115 is connected to a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, a drive 120, and an imaging device 122. The display unit 116 consists of a display, speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 117 consists of a touch panel display, buttons, a keyboard, microphone, etc., and accepts input of various information. The storage unit 118 consists of a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 119 communicates with other devices via a network, including the Internet.

[0028] The drive 120 is appropriately equipped with removable media 121, which may consist of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. Programs read from the removable media 121 by the drive 120 are installed in the storage unit 118 as needed. The removable media 121 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 118, just like the storage unit 18. The imaging device 122 consists of a camera capable of acquiring image data.

[0029] The shipping factory terminal 3 and the consumer terminal 4 shall have the same hardware configuration as the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 and the user terminal 2 shown in Figure 3. Note that the hardware configuration described here is merely an example. The computer described in this embodiment, including the information processing device 1, user terminal 2, shipping factory terminal 3, and consumer terminal 4, may have the same configuration as those in Figures 2 and 3, or it may have a different configuration. Furthermore, the computer is not limited to a single unit; it may consist of two or more computers.

[0030] <Flow of the target products> Returning to Figure 1, let's explain the flow from the shipment of the target product 50 to its use in stores. The target product 50 is shipped from the shipping factory to the location where the user will use the target product 50. The target product 50 or its accompanying information such as the delivery slip is marked with a product identification code 51 to identify the target product 50. The product identification code 51 is an identifier that contains information that can identify the product. The identifier is composed of a combination of numbers, letters including the alphabet, symbols, colors, patterns, shapes, etc. Identifiers include, for example, QR codes (registered trademarks) and codes made up of a combination of letters and numbers.

[0031] In this embodiment, a product identification code 51 is attached to the target product 50. Furthermore, the target product 50 to which the product identification code 51 has been attached may be covered by a package 52. In this case, the target product 50 is transported to the delivery destination in a state where the product identification code 51 cannot be confirmed without opening the package 52.

[0032] At the store, the user uses the imaging device 122 on the user terminal 2 to image the product identification code 51 of the target product 50 delivered from the shipping factory. If the product identification code 51 is covered by the package 52, opening the package 52 will allow the product identification code 51 to be viewed and photographed.

[0033] In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 captures a product identification code 51 as product identification information using the imaging device 122, performs image analysis, and transmits user information to the information processing device 1 indicating that the product identification code 51 has been acquired by the user. The timing of acquisition of product identification information and user information by the user terminal 2 is, for example, when the target product 50 is delivered or used. Thus, the user terminal 2 is also a means for acquiring user information that acquires product identification information for identifying the target product 50 that has been delivered or used, from the target product 50 or information attached to the target product 50, along with user information that identifies the delivery location or usage location. Furthermore, the user information can also be the identification information of the user terminal 2, GPS information, etc.

[0034] In the store, dishes using the target product 50 are prepared by cooking equipment 6 such as a fryer. The cooking equipment 6 can also be composed of IoT (Internet of Things) products with communication functions. In this case, the cooking equipment 6 transmits information indicating the usage status of the target product 50 to the information processing device 1.

[0035] Furthermore, a camera 7 may be installed in the store. The product identification code 51 may be acquired by this camera 7, and information indicating that the product identification code 51 has been acquired by the user may be transmitted from the camera 7 to the information processing device 1. In addition, the usage status of the target product 50 may be acquired by image analysis based on the image captured by the camera 7.

[0036] Furthermore, camera 7 may capture images of the usage conditions of the target product 50, such as cooking conditions. For example, the camera may capture images of the opening, storage method, cooking method, etc., of the target product 50, and the usage conditions may be obtained through image analysis.

[0037] <Functional configuration> Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 100 and the information processing device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 1 includes a product information acquisition unit 30, a user information acquisition unit 31, a determination unit 32, a linking management unit 33, an authentication unit 34, and a notification processing unit 35 as functional units implemented on the processor (CPU 11).

[0038] The product information acquisition unit 30 is a product information acquisition means that acquires product information relating to the target product 50 to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the target product 50. The product information acquisition unit 30 acquires product information for the target product 50 from, for example, the shipping factory terminal 3.

[0039] The product information includes manufacturing and shipping information such as raw materials, manufacturing conditions, and dates. Raw materials include information indicating one or more of the following: organic raw materials, non-GM, place of origin, variety, harvest time, etc. Manufacturing conditions include information indicating one or more of the following conditions during manufacturing: temperature, pressure, time, etc., presence or absence of a specific manufacturing process, use of specific manufacturing equipment, etc. Manufacturing conditions also include information on manufacturing methods that contribute to CO2 reduction. Dates and times are one or more time information selected from the manufacturing date, manufacturing date and time, shipping date, and shipping date and time for the 50 target products. Product information also includes product name, manufacturing unit information, shipping unit information, lot information, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the product information may also include information on whether or not the product is from an abnormal lot. This information, for example, is recall information used to identify the 50 products that should be recalled.

[0041] Product identification information is information that identifies product 50, such as the ID of product 50, and corresponds to the product identification code 51 mentioned above.

[0042] The user information acquisition unit 31 acquires product identification information obtained by the user terminal 2, along with user information that identifies the user. The user information acquisition unit 31 receives product identification information and user information from the user terminal 2 via a communication network such as the Internet, and registers them in the database 90.

[0043] The user information in this embodiment includes information identifying the delivery location or usage location, as well as time information to specify the delivery time or opening time of the target product 50. The time information is used to determine the start date of use, freshness, quality, etc., of the target product 50. The time information is, for example, one or more pieces of information selected from the delivery date, delivery date and time, opening date, opening date and time, usage date, and usage date and time of the target product 50.

[0044] The determination unit 32 is a determination means that determines whether the delivered or used product 50 meets predetermined quality determination requirements based on the target product information and user information. For example, if the target product 50 is edible oil, the quality determination requirements are one or more of the following: freshness, raw materials, manufacturing method, environmental compliance, presence or absence of quality abnormalities, etc.

[0045] Freshness is a quality requirement that stipulates a short period of time between the manufacturing of the raw materials and delivery / opening. The determination unit 32 of this embodiment determines whether the target product 50 meets the freshness requirement based on the time difference between the time information of the target product information and the time information of the user information. That is, it determines whether the target product 50 was used (delivered and / or opened) within a certain period of time from the time of manufacture.

[0046] The raw materials are a quality requirement that stipulates the use of specific raw materials. The determination unit 32 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not specific raw materials are used. If the target product 50 is edible oil, the specific raw materials are one or more of the following: organic ingredients, pesticide-free, non-GM, specific production area, specific variety, harvest time, etc.

[0047] The manufacturing method is a quality requirement that the target product 50 is manufactured using a specific manufacturing method. The determination unit 32 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not the specific manufacturing method requirement is met. If the target product 50 is edible oil, the specific manufacturing method requirement is that the target product 50 is manufactured using one or more specific manufacturing methods such as oil extraction conditions, refining conditions, and filling conditions.

[0048] Environmental compliance is a quality requirement that stipulates the adoption of manufacturing and logistics methods that reduce CO2 emissions. The determination unit 32 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not it meets specific manufacturing requirements. It determines whether or not manufacturing and logistics methods that reduce CO2 emissions are adopted based on pre-set environmental standards.

[0049] The presence or absence of quality defects is a quality requirement that is conditional on the product not being from an abnormal lot where problems have occurred elsewhere. The determination unit 32 refers to the target product information and determines whether it is not from a manufacturing lot / product where problems have occurred elsewhere, or whether recall information has been set to indicate that it is a recalled product. If recall information has been set for the same manufacturing lot / product as the target product 50, the determination unit 32 determines that the target product 50 should be recalled.

[0050] The linking management unit 33 is a linking management means that manages target product information, product identification information, and user information in a linked manner. Furthermore, when the linking management unit 33 acquires information indicating an abnormal lot, it refers to the lot information of the user information registered in the past and adds or updates information indicating that it is an abnormal lot for those that correspond to an abnormal lot.

[0051] The certification unit 34 is a certification means that certifies that a customer (user) of the target product 50 meets predetermined certification criteria based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 32. It is also a certification means that will not certify and / or will revoke certification if the certification criteria are not met. The certification criteria are whether the usage status of the target product 50 has continuously met a certain level or higher in relation to the judgment result of the judgment unit 32, which is an evaluation of the target product 50 at a certain point in time. For example, this could be that 80% or more of the target product 50 used within 3 days from the date of manufacture is used, or that the raw materials of the target product 50 used are all organic raw materials.

[0052] The certification unit 34 certifies that the usage status of the target product 50 is excellent for users or stores that meet the certification criteria. The certification by the certification unit 34 may be a title such as "○○ Meister" or "○○ Master," or it may be a tiered system such as excellent, good, or average, or the quality may be indicated numerically such as 100%, 90%, or 80%. The certification result may include a certification period indicating the period during which the certification was performed. The timing of certification by the certification unit 34 may be daily, or it may be based on the results of a determination made at the time it is determined that the use of the target product 50 has begun.

[0053] Furthermore, the certification standards set by the Certification Department 34 may be changed depending on the size and circumstances of the store. For example, the level of certification standards may be different for stores using small fryers compared to stores using large fryers.

[0054] The notification processing unit 35 transmits notification information to pre-registered destinations for displaying the determination result from the determination unit 32, the certification result from the certification unit 34, or both. These destinations include, for example, the display device 5, the user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, and the consumer terminal 4. The display device 5, user terminal 2, or consumer terminal 4 displays the determination result from the determination unit 32, the certification result from the certification unit 34, or both, using images and sounds based on the notification information.

[0055] The method of transmitting notification information from the notification processing unit 35 is not particularly limited. For example, the display device 5 communicates with the information processing device 1 and updates the image to be displayed based on the notification information at a predetermined timing. The user terminal 2 and the shipping factory terminal 3 may also display an image based on the notification information at the timing when the determination unit 32 makes a determination or the certification unit 34 makes a certification. The consumer terminal 4 may also communicate with the information processing device 1 to obtain notification information by reading a QR code (registered trademark) displayed in the store using its own camera function, and display the notification information and / or an image based on the notification information.

[0056] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 35 may perform processing to display the determination result by the determination unit 32, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both, on the receipt or the like presented to the customer of the product using the target product 50. For example, the notification processing unit 35 outputs image information displaying the certification result by the certification unit 34 or both to a printing device (not shown) that outputs a receipt via the user terminal 2. The printing device adds the certification result by the certification unit 34 or both to the details of the product using the target product 50 that is printed. This allows the consumer to confirm the determination result, certification result, or both of these for the product they have selected. The notification processing unit 35 may also print information on the receipt or the like for accessing the determination result by the determination unit 32, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both. In this case, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or a QR code (registered trademark) containing the URL may be printed.

[0057] The display device 5 functions as a notification means that, based on notification information transmitted from the notification processing unit 35, notifies at least one of the customers (users) of the target product 50, customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50, and customers of products or services that utilize the products or services, of the determination results or certification results from the determination means. The user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, and the consumer terminal 4 also function similarly as notification means.

[0058] <Processing flow> Next, we will explain the flow of the judgment process and certification process. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the judgment process and certification process by the information processing system 100.

[0059] In step S11, the product information acquisition unit 30 acquires the target product information from the shipping factory terminal 3 at the time of manufacturing or shipment.

[0060] In step S12, the product information acquisition unit 30 acquires product identification information corresponding to the target product information for each of the target products 50. The product identification information may be generated on the shipping factory terminal 3 side and transmitted to the information processing device 1, or it may be generated on the information processing device 1 side and transmitted to the shipping factory terminal 3.

[0061] In step S13, the linking management unit 33 links the product identification information with the target product information and registers it in the database 90.

[0062] In step S14, the shipping factory terminal 3 performs a process to output (print, etc.) a product identification code 51 that includes at least product identification information. In this embodiment, the person in charge at the shipping factory affixes the product identification code 51 to the target product 50, and then covers it with a package 52 so that the product identification code 51 is not visible from the outside. The target product 50 is shipped to the store that is the delivery destination.

[0063] In step S15, the user terminal 2 obtains product identification information corresponding to the target product 50 that has arrived at the store. As described above, the user terminal 2 obtains product identification information by reading the product identification code 51 with the imaging device 122.

[0064] In step S16, the user information acquisition unit 31 acquires user information from the user terminal 2, along with product identification information, which is user information pre-configured on the user terminal 2.

[0065] In step S17, the linking management unit 33 links the target product information corresponding to the product identification information with the user information received from the user terminal 2 and registers it in the database 90.

[0066] In step S18, the product information acquisition unit 30 registers the date and time of manufacture and shipment based on the target product information, and the date and time of opening at the store based on the date and time when the product identification information was acquired by the user terminal 2, in the database 90.

[0067] In step S19, the determination unit 32 refers to the target product information in the database 90 and determines whether the target product 50 is an abnormal lot.

[0068] If, after referring to the target product information in the database 90, the determination unit 32 determines that the target product 50 is an abnormal lot, it proceeds to step S20 (step S19; Yes). In step S20, the notification processing unit 35 notifies the user terminal 2 and the shipping factory terminal 3 that the target product 50 is an abnormal lot and that it is in the store. Then, the person in charge at the shipping factory or the user at the store carries out the recall of the target product 50.

[0069] If the target product 50 is not an abnormal lot, the determination unit 32 proceeds to step S21 (step S19; No). In step S21, the determination unit 32 makes a determination on the target product 50 based on pre-set quality requirements such as freshness, raw materials, manufacturing method, and environmental compliance. The determination result of the determination unit 32 is registered in the database 90.

[0070] In step S22, the certification unit 34 determines whether or not a pre-set certification timing has occurred. For example, the certification unit 34 determines that a certification timing has occurred when a pre-set certification time is reached once a day. Alternatively, the certification unit 34 determines that a certification timing has occurred when the determination result has been accumulated a predetermined number of times or more.

[0071] If the certification timing has been reached, the certification unit 34 proceeds to step S23 (step S22; Yes). In step S23, the certification unit 34 performs certification processing to determine whether the predetermined certification criteria are met based on the past judgment results for the user's target product 50 within a predetermined period. In step S24, the notification processing unit 35 performs notification processing to output information for displaying information such as the date and time of manufacture and shipment, the judgment result, and the certification result to a notification destination such as the display device 5. In step S25, the display device 5 displays the date and time of manufacture and shipment, as well as the judgment result and the certification result. After this process, the process returns to step S11.

[0072] If the certification unit 34 has not yet reached the certification timing, it proceeds to step S24 (step S22; No). In this case, the certification unit 34 does not perform certification, and the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the notification processing unit 35 executes notification processing to output information for displaying information such as the date and time of manufacture and shipment, and the judgment result, to a notification recipient such as the display device 5. If there are past certification results for the user, the notification processing unit 35 may output the past certification results to the notification recipient. In step S25, the display device 5 displays the information regarding the date and time of manufacture and shipment, as well as the judgment result or certification result. After this process, the process returns to step S11.

[0073] As described above, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment includes: a product information acquisition unit 30 that acquires product information relating to the target product 50 to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the target product 50; a user terminal 2 that acquires product identification information attached to the delivered or used target product 50 from the target product 50 or the information attached to the target product 50, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location; a determination unit 32 that determines whether the delivered or used target product 50 meets predetermined quality determination requirements based on the target product information and user information; and a display device 5 that notifies the determination result by the determination unit 32.

[0074] Furthermore, the information processing method of this embodiment includes: a product information acquisition step of acquiring product information relating to the target product 50 to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the target product 50; a user information acquisition step of acquiring product identification information attached to the target product 50 for identifying the target product 50 from the target product 50 or its associated information, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location, at the time of delivery or use of the target product 50; and a determination step of determining whether the target product 50 being used at the usage location meets predetermined quality determination requirements based on the target product information and user information. Furthermore, the information processing method of this embodiment further includes a notification step of notifying the determination result from the determination step.

[0075] Furthermore, the program of this embodiment causes the computer to execute the following steps: a product information acquisition step, which acquires product information relating to the target product 50 to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the target product 50; a user information acquisition step, which acquires product identification information attached to the target product 50 from the target product 50 or its associated information, along with user information identifying the delivery location or usage location, at the time of delivery or use of the target product 50; and a determination step, which determines whether the target product 50 being used at the usage location meets predetermined quality determination requirements based on the target product information and user information. Furthermore, the program of this embodiment causes the computer to execute a notification step, which notifies the determination result from the determination step.

[0076] According to the information processing device 1, information processing method, and program of this embodiment, the quality of use of the target product 50 after shipment can be determined based on objective quality judgment criteria.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display device 5 and consumer terminal 4, which function as notification means, notify the customer (user) of the target product 50, the customer of the product or service used with the target product 50, and at least one of the customers of the product or service used, of the determination result by the determination unit 32. As a result, the customer of the target product 50 can easily understand whether the target product 50 they are using meets the quality determination requirements. In addition, it is possible to appeal to customers of the product or service used with the target product 50 that the quality determination requirements are met, and to encourage them to use the store, etc.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 further includes a linking management unit 33 that manages the linking of the user, who is the provider of the target product 50, with the product identification information. Since the product identification information and the target product information are linked, it becomes possible to check whether the oil used by the customer of the target product 50 is old or not based on the opening date and time. In addition, even if the target product 50 used in the past includes an abnormal lot, the linking management unit 33 makes it possible to detect the relevant target product 50.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target product information includes one or more time pieces of information selected from the manufacturing date, manufacturing date and time, shipping date, and shipping date and time of the target product 50, and the user information includes one or more time pieces of information selected from the delivery date, delivery date and time, opening date, opening date and time, usage date, and usage date and time of the target product 50, and the determination unit 32 determines the freshness of the target product 50 based on the time difference between the time pieces of the target product information and the time pieces of the user information. This makes it possible to reflect freshness, which has a significant impact on quality, such as in edible oil, in the determination result of the determination unit 32.

[0080] Furthermore, the product information acquisition unit 30 of this embodiment acquires information as product information regarding whether or not the target product 50 is an abnormal lot, and the determination unit 32 determines whether or not the target product 50 is an abnormal lot. As a result, even if a target product 50 is found to be an abnormal lot after shipment, the determination unit 32 can determine that it is an abnormal lot, and the provision or use of the target product 50 can be stopped in advance. In addition, by saving the determination result, even if it is found to be an abnormal lot after the provision of the target product 50 or the provision of a product using the target product 50, it is possible to check retrospectively whether or not the target product 50 was an abnormal lot, thereby improving traceability.

[0081] Furthermore, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment further includes a certification unit 34 that certifies, based on the judgment result, that the provider of the target product 50 meets predetermined certification standards, and the display device 5 presents the certification result of the certification unit 34 in addition to, or instead of, the judgment result of the judgment unit 32. This makes it possible to appeal to consumers in a way that is easier to understand regarding the quality assurance of the target product 50 at the point of use, based on the certification standards.

[0082] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the product identification code 51, which includes product identification information, is a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the target product 50, but the configuration is not limited to this. The product identification code 51 may be printed on other accompanying documents such as the specifications or delivery slip for the target product 50, in addition to the delivery slip.

[0084] Furthermore, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which the target product 50 is stored in a tanker truck and the target product 50 is dispensed from the tanker truck at the delivery destination. In this case, a product identification code 51 containing product identification information corresponding to the target product 50 in the tank may be affixed to the tanker truck.

[0085] Furthermore, the license plate of the tanker truck can also be used as product identification information. In this case, the correspondence between the target product 50 stored in the tanker truck's tank and the license plate of the tanker truck is shared between the shipping factory terminal 3 and the information processing device 1. Then, when the license plate of the tanker truck is read by the imaging device 122 or camera 7 of the user terminal 2 at the delivery destination, product identification information of the target product 50 that has arrived at the delivery destination is obtained and transmitted to the information processing device 1. With this configuration as well, it is possible to manage the shipment and delivery of the target product 50.

[0086] Furthermore, the medium containing product identification information is not limited to identifiers such as QR codes (registered trademark) or strings of characters printed on paper. The medium containing product identification information may also be an identifier such as a QR code (registered trademark) or string of characters displayed on the terminal of the driver transporting the target product 50. Alternatively, the medium containing product identification information may be an electronic component such as an RFID chip.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the notification processing unit 35 is configured to output notification information, including judgment results and certification results, to the display device 5, user terminal 2, shipping factory terminal 3, consumer terminal 4, etc., but it is not limited to these notification destinations. The judgment results and certification results may also be output to a server operating another platform, such as a gourmet website, so that the judgment results and certification results can be confirmed on the platform.

[0088] Furthermore, although the display device 5 installed in the store was described as an example of a notification means in this embodiment, it could also be a light that indicates the judgment result by color, or a speaker that outputs the judgment result or certification result by sound. Alternatively, the valve opening and closing device of the tank that stores the edible oil used at the time of delivery or the edible oil storage tank installed at the delivery destination could also be used as a notification means. For example, the valve opening and closing device could be made to open when the quality requirements or certification standards are met, and to remain closed even if an attempt is made to open the valve opening and closing device when the quality requirements or certification standards are not met.

[0089] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration described above is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing device 1 is equipped with the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this functionality is not particularly limited to the example above. Also, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the information processing device 1 may be transferred to another device, etc. Conversely, the functional block of another device may be transferred to a server, etc. Also, a single functional block may be composed of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0090] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0091] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main device to provide the programs, but also of recording media provided pre-installed in the main device. Since programs can be distributed via a network, the recording media may be installed on or accessible from a computer connected to or capable of connecting to a network.

[0092] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Information Processing Device 30 Product information acquisition department 31 User Information Acquisition Unit 32 Judgment section 33 Pegging Management Department 34 Certification Department 35. Notification Processing Unit 100 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. A product information acquisition means that acquires product information for products to be shipped, along with product identification information for identifying the product, A user information acquisition means that acquires, from the aforementioned target product or the information attached to the aforementioned target product, the product identification information attached to the delivered or used target product, together with user information that identifies the delivery location or usage location. A determination means for determining whether the delivered or used target product meets predetermined quality criteria based on the target product information and user information, A notification means for notifying the determination result of the determination means, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The notification means notifies at least one of the customers of the target product, the customers of the product or service using the target product, and the customers of the product or service using the product of the determination means of the determination result. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. A linking management means for managing the customer of the target product and the product identification information in a linked manner. To further enhance The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned product information includes one or more time pieces of information selected from the manufacturing date, manufacturing date and time, shipping date, and shipping date and time of the aforementioned product. The user information includes one or more time-related pieces of information selected from the delivery date, delivery date and time, opening date, opening date and time, usage date, and usage date and time of the target product. The determination means determines the freshness of the target product based on the time difference between the time information of the target product information and the time information of the user information. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned product information acquisition means further acquires information as the target product information regarding whether or not the target product is an abnormal lot, The determination means determines whether the target product corresponds to the abnormal lot. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A certification means for determining, based on the aforementioned determination result, that the customer of the subject product meets predetermined certification criteria. Furthermore, The notification means presents, in addition to or instead of, the determination result of the determination means, the certification result of the certification means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A product information acquisition step involves obtaining product information for the products to be shipped, along with product identification information to identify those products. A user information acquisition step in which, at the time of delivery or use of the aforementioned target product, the product identification information attached to the aforementioned target product for identifying the aforementioned target product is acquired from the aforementioned target product or the information attached to the aforementioned target product, together with user information that identifies the delivery location or the location of use, A determination step in which, based on the aforementioned target product information and user information, a determination is made to determine whether the target product being used at the aforementioned location of use meets predetermined quality determination requirements. Information processing methods including

8. A notification step that notifies the result of the determination step, The information processing method according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. A product information acquisition step involves obtaining product information for the products to be shipped, along with product identification information to identify those products. A user information acquisition step in which, at the time of delivery or use of the aforementioned target product, the product identification information attached to the aforementioned target product for identifying the aforementioned target product is acquired from the aforementioned target product or the information attached to the aforementioned target product, together with user information that identifies the delivery location or the location of use, A determination step in which, based on the aforementioned target product information and user information, a determination is made to determine whether the target product being used at the aforementioned location of use meets predetermined quality determination requirements. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

10. A notification step that notifies the result of the determination step, The program according to claim 9, further causing a computer to execute the following.

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