Freshness management device, freshness management method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a freshness management device, a freshness management method, and an information processing program that allow the freshness of food to be appropriately managed.SOLUTION: In an information processing system 100, a server 1 includes an acquisition unit 110, a determination unit 112, and an output unit 114. The acquisition unit 110 acquires, from another electronic apparatus via a communication interface 14, information including a freshness value relating to food freshness associated with each of distribution points in a plurality of stages in a food distribution route. The determination unit 112 determines a freshness level of food based on the information including the freshness value associated with each of the distribution points of the plurality of stages acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The output unit 114 outputs different notifications based on a determination result of the determination unit 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a freshness management device, a freshness management method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to guarantee the safety of food products distributed in the market, it is necessary to maintain the freshness of the products appropriately along the distribution route from the place of production to the store. Therefore, it is desirable to evaluate the freshness of the products at each distribution point in the food distribution route, such as the place of production, the market, the distribution center, and the store, and to maintain the freshness of the products appropriately throughout the entire distribution route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-543076 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables proper management of food freshness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires information including freshness values ​​related to the freshness of the food associated with each of a plurality of distribution points in a distribution route of the food from another electronic device via a communication interface. The determination unit determines a freshness level of the food based on the information including the freshness values ​​associated with each of the plurality of distribution points acquired by the acquisition unit. The output unit outputs different notifications based on a determination result of the determination unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a freshness measurement system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the decomposition process of a nucleic acid-related substance. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the phosphor unit in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view that illustrates the fluorescent structure in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluorescent structure shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the quenching mechanism of the aggregation induced fluorescent substance. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a summary of images obtained in the examples in which acetic acid was used as the target component. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a summary of images obtained in the examples in which triethylamine was used as the target component. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the storage time of horse mackerel and the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram including a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 and a diagram for explaining the optical sensor in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram including a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 and a diagram for explaining the optical sensor in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of freshness level determination criteria according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a freshness information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a freshness level determination criterion in the modified example according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a freshness information database according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0008] [Information Processing System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to the embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a server 1, measuring devices 21-24, and terminals 31-34. The server 1, measuring devices 21-24, and terminals 31-34 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the network is realized by at least one of the Internet, a mobile network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). Each of the measuring devices 21-24 is connected to the corresponding terminal 31-34 via the network so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the network is a LAN. The network may be a wireless network or a wired network. Note that the information processing system 100 may refer to a system including at least two of the server 1, measuring devices 21-24, and terminals 31-34. In this example, the information processing system 100 includes four measuring devices 21-24 and four terminals 31-34, but is not limited thereto. The number of measuring devices and terminals is at least one and may be any number.

[0009] The server 1 is an electronic device that collects data and processes the collected data. The server 1 is connected to the terminals 31-34 via a network for free communication. Each pair of the measuring devices 21-24 and the terminals 31-34 is used, for example, at a plurality of distribution points in a food distribution route. The food is, for example, fresh food such as fish or meat. The food may be other marine products or livestock products. The plurality of stages are stages such as a production stage, a processing stage, a distribution stage, and a sales stage along the time axis of the food distribution route. The distribution points of the plurality of stages are distribution points such as a production area, a market, a distribution center, and a store at each stage. Food or information moves through the distribution points of the plurality of stages over time in the order of production area, market, distribution center, and store. The movement of food or information over time corresponds to the trace forward (following) direction of logistics. Conversely, the movement of food or information going back in time through the distribution points of the plurality of stages corresponds to the trace back (retroactive) direction of logistics. Here, a stage going back in the traceback direction from a reference distribution point is called the immediately preceding stage or the previous stage.

[0010] The server 1 receives various data from each of the terminals 31 to 34, and outputs data processing results to each of the terminals 31 to 34. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described later.

[0011] Each of the measurement devices 21 to 24 is connected to be able to communicate freely with each of the corresponding terminals 31 to 34. An example of the configuration of the measurement device 21 will be described later. Each of the measurement devices 22 to 24 has the same configuration as the measurement device 21.

[0012] The terminals 31 to 34 are electronic devices capable of communicating with other electronic devices. Each of the terminals 31 to 34 is connected to the corresponding measuring devices 21 to 24 so as to be able to communicate with them. For example, each of the terminals 31 to 34 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), or the like. An example of the configuration of the terminal 31 will be described later. Each of the terminals 31 to 34 is similar to the example of the configuration of the terminal 31. Each of the terminals 31 to 34 is, for example, an electronic device used by a user at each distribution point. The user may be read as a producer, a manager, a responsible person, a store clerk, or a person. Each of the terminals 31 to 34 is an example of an information processing terminal. The terminals 31 to 34 are an example of an electronic device. The terminals 31 to 34 are also an example of another electronic device for the server 1.

[0013] An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described. The server 1 is an electronic device including a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication interface 14. Each component of the server 1 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 1, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0014] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads a program stored in advance in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that causes the processor 11 of the server 1 to realize or execute each unit described below. The processor 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 12 to perform various operations.

[0015] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the server 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores programs.

[0016] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0017] The auxiliary storage device 13 stores a freshness information database (DB) 131. The freshness information DB 131 includes records constituting data associating food identification information, user identification information, freshness information, freshness level information, and notification mode. The food identification information is unique identification information assigned to each measured food to individually identify the measured food to be measured for its fluorescence value. The measured food is also simply referred to as food. The food identification information is also referred to as food ID. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user to individually identify the user. The user identification information is also referred to as user ID. The freshness information includes a distribution point, a date and time, and a fluorescence value. The distribution point is a place of origin, a market, a distribution center, a store, etc. in the distribution route of the food. The date and time is the date and time when the freshness information of each food is acquired by the acquisition unit 110 described later. The fluorescence value is a value acquired by each of the measuring devices 21-24 and calculated by the terminals 31-34. The fluorescence value is a numerical value related to the freshness of the food. The fluorescence value may be the fluorescence value itself, or may be a value calculated based on the fluorescence value. The higher the fluorescence value, the better the freshness of the food, and the lower the fluorescence value. The fluorescence value corresponds to the freshness value. The freshness information corresponds to information including the freshness value. The freshness level information is information indicating the freshness level of the food. The freshness level is a level that combines any one of a plurality of first levels based on the edibility of the food classified according to the freshness of the food, and any one of a plurality of second levels based on the safety of the food classified according to the freshness of the food. The edibility of the food includes the cooking method of the food. For example, the plurality of first levels include, in descending order of freshness, a raw edible level, a heating required level, and an inedible level. The first level based on the edibility of the food is not limited to these. The number of the plurality of first levels is not limited to three. The plurality of second levels includes, in descending order of freshness, a safe level and a caution level. The second level based on the safety of the food is not limited to these. The number of the plurality of second levels is not limited to two. Each of the plurality of first levels may include a plurality of second levels, or may include any one of the plurality of second levels. Each of one or more second levels other than the second level associated with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels may include a plurality of second levels.The second level associated with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels may include any one of the plurality of second levels. For example, the raw edible level includes a safe level and a caution level. The heating level includes a safe level and a caution level. The inedible level includes only a caution level. For example, the freshness levels are "raw edible: safe", "raw edible: caution required", "heating required: safe", "heating required: caution required", "inedible: caution required", etc. The freshness level is determined based on the freshness level determination criteria described later. The notification mode is the type of notification according to the freshness level. The notification mode is, for example, "raw edible: storage condition OK", "raw edible: enhanced storage required", "not raw edible: enhanced storage required", "heating required: enhanced storage required", "inedible: improved storage required", etc. The notification mode is determined based on the freshness level determination criteria described later.

[0018] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the server 1 to other electronic devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0019] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0020] Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 11 will be described. The processor 11 implements an acquisition unit 110, a memory control unit 111, a determination unit 112, a comparison unit 113, and an output unit 114. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0021] The acquiring unit 110 acquires freshness information from each of the terminals 31-34 via the communication interface 14. For example, the acquiring unit 110 acquires information including a fluorescence value related to the freshness of food associated with each of a plurality of stages of distribution points from each of the terminals 31-34.

[0022] The memory control unit 111 stores the information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 in association with the food identifying information and the user identifying information in the auxiliary memory device 13. The memory control unit 111 stores the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112 in association with the food identifying information and the user identifying information in the auxiliary memory device 13. The memory control unit 111 stores the notification mode according to the determination result by the determination unit 112 in association with the food identifying information and the user identifying information in the auxiliary memory device 13. The memory control unit 111 stores the notification mode according to the comparison result by the comparison unit 113 in association with the food identifying information and the user identifying information in the auxiliary memory device 13. Here, "acquire" includes the meaning of receiving.

[0023] The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of each food based on the freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110. For example, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of each food based on information including fluorescence values ​​associated with each of the multiple stages of distribution points acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level according to freshness level determination criteria described below.

[0024] The comparison unit 113 compares the judgment results associated with each of the distribution points in the multiple stages with the judgment results associated with the distribution point in the previous stage among the distribution points in the multiple stages. For example, the comparison unit 113 compares the judgment results associated with the distribution points in the multiple stages for a food identified by the same food identification information. Here, the judgment results associated with the distribution points in the multiple stages to be compared are the judgment result associated with a reference distribution point and the judgment result associated with a distribution point in the stage immediately before the reference distribution point. The reference distribution point is a distribution point associated with the latest freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110. The reference distribution point is also referred to as a reference distribution point below. The judgment results to be compared may include the judgment result associated with the reference distribution point and the judgment result associated with a distribution point in the stage before the reference distribution point.

[0025] For example, assume that the comparison unit 113 compares the judgment results for a fish with food ID "0001." If the distribution points at multiple stages are a fishing port, a market, a distribution center, and a store, and the store is taken as the reference distribution point, the distribution point at the previous stage is the distribution center. In this case, the judgment results to be compared are the judgment results associated with the store for food ID "0001" and the judgment results associated with the distribution center. Note that the judgment results associated with the fishing port and market, which are distribution points at stages before the store, for food ID "0001" may also be used as comparison targets.

[0026] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminals 31-34 based on the determination result by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14. For example, the output unit 114 outputs a different notification to the terminals 31-34 based on the determination result. The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminals 31-34 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 113 via the communication interface 14. For example, the output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification depending on the comparison result. The output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification to the corresponding terminal among the terminals 31-34 associated with each of the one or more previous-stage distribution points based on the output mode of the notification. In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmit".

[0027] The acquiring unit 110, the memory control unit 111, the determining unit 112, the comparing unit 113, and the output unit 114 have been described as being implemented in the processor 11 by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0028] [Freshness measurement system] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a freshness measurement system according to an embodiment. The freshness measurement system includes a measurement device 21, a measurement container 400, a phosphor unit 500, and a terminal 31. The terminal 31 includes a processing device 310, a display device 320, and an input device 330.

[0029] The measuring device 21 measures or gauges the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520 included in the phosphor unit 500. The measuring device 21 includes, for example, a control circuit 210, an excitation light source 220, an optical sensor 230, a cut filter 240, an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) 250, a processing interface 260, and a power supply 270. In Fig. 2, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0030] The control circuit 210 is, for example, a circuit board including a drive circuit for driving the excitation light source 220. The control circuit 210 is, for example, a circuit board including wiring for connecting each part of the measurement device 21. The control circuit 210 is, for example, a circuit board including an IC (integrated circuit) used to control each part of the measurement device 21. The control circuit 210 may include at least one of an amplifier and an AD conversion circuit as necessary. The AD conversion circuit converts an analog signal output by the optical sensor 230 into a digital signal. The amplifier amplifies the signal output by the optical sensor 230.

[0031] The excitation light source 220 is a light source that emits light that excites the fluorescent structure 520. Typically, the excitation light source 220 mainly emits ultraviolet light. In this specification and claims, "light" also includes light (electromagnetic waves) with wavelengths outside the visible light region. As described above, the excitation light source 220 is an example of an irradiation unit that irradiates a phosphor with excitation light.

[0032] The optical sensor 230 is a sensor for measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520. The fluorescence intensity corresponds to a fluorescence value. The optical sensor 230 is a sensor capable of measuring the intensity of light having the same wavelength as the wavelength of the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent structure 520. The optical sensor 230 is, for example, a photodiode, a photoresistor, a phototransistor, a phototube, a photoconductive cell, a photovoltaic cell, or a camera. When the optical sensor 230 is a camera, the camera includes an image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor. The optical sensor 230 outputs a signal based on the visibility of, for example, light intensity [W (watts)], luminous intensity, brightness, or illuminance, as the light intensity. When the optical sensor 230 is a camera, the optical sensor 230 outputs, for example, an image signal. As described above, the optical sensor 230 is an example of a measurement unit that measures the fluorescence intensity emitted by the fluorescent structure 520.

[0033] The cut filter 240 is a filter that cuts light in the wavelength band of light emitted by the excitation light source 220. The cut filter 240 is typically a UV (ultraviolet) cut filter that cuts light in a wavelength range including ultraviolet light. The cut filter 240 prevents the light emitted by the excitation light source 220 from entering the optical sensor 230 by cutting ultraviolet light.

[0034] The ADC 250 converts an input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. The ADC 250 may be built in the optical sensor 230.

[0035] The processing interface 260 outputs the signal output by the ADC 250 to the processing device 310 .

[0036] The power supply 270 supplies power to each component of the measuring device 21 .

[0037] The measurement container 400 includes, for example, a tray 410 and a film 420. The measurement container 400 is used to contain food 430 or the like.

[0038] Tray 410 is, for example, a food tray for placing food 430 or the like thereon.

[0039] The film 420 is a film that wraps the tray 410 on which the food 430 is placed. The measurement container 400 wrapped in the film 420 is in a sealed state.

[0040] The food 430 is an object of inspection for measuring freshness. The food 430 is, for example, fresh food such as fish or meat.

[0041] As the food 430 loses freshness, it releases specific chemical components (hereinafter referred to as target components). The concentration of the target components can be used to evaluate the freshness of the food 430. The target components are, for example, organic acids and amine compounds.

[0042] Here, the target components will be described in detail. Fresh foods may release one or more target components into the gas phase when spoiled or deteriorated. The target components include, for example, acidic components such as aldehydes and carboxylic acids, basic components such as alcohols, ammonia, and amines, esters, and ketones. Aldehydes include, for example, hexanal, 3-methylbutanal, nonanal, isovaleraldehyde, and the like. Carboxylic acids include, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, and the like, or mixtures thereof. Amines include, for example, trimethylamine, dimethylamine, 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,3-propanediamine, 1,4-butanediamine, 1,5-pentanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, spermidine, spermine, histamine, tryptamine, or mixtures thereof. Alcohols include, for example, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-butanol, or mixtures thereof. Esters include, for example, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl propionate, etc. Ketones include, for example, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, mercaptoacetone, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contained in fresh foods such as food 430 is decomposed from ATP to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), from ADP to adenosine monophosphate (AMP), from AMP to inosine monophosphate (IMP), from IMP to inosine (HxR (hypoxanthine riboside)), and from HxR to hypoxanthine (Hx (hypoxanthine)), as shown in Fig. 3. ATP, ADP, AMP, and IMP are substances contained in highly fresh foods, and HxR and Hx are substances contained in less fresh foods.

[0044] 4 is a plan view of the phosphor unit 500. The phosphor unit 500 includes, as an example, a base 510, a phosphor structure 520, a white standard plate 530, and a black standard plate 540. The phosphor unit 500 includes the base 510, the phosphor structure 520, and the white standard plate 530.

[0045] The fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 are attached to the base 510. The material of the base 510 is preferably water-resistant, acid-resistant, and alkali-resistant. In addition, the base 510 itself is preferably a material that does not emit fluorescence, but even if it does emit fluorescence, there are no particular limitations as long as it does not affect the fluorescence measurement of the fluorescent structure 520. The base 510 is, for example, a transparent sheet-like resin.

[0046] The fluorescent structure 520 changes its fluorescence intensity in response to the target component generated from the food 430. For example, the fluorescent structure 520 has a weaker fluorescence intensity as the concentration of the target component in the gas G in the measurement container 400 increases. That is, the stronger the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520, the better the freshness of the food 430, and the weaker the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520, the worse the freshness of the food 430. Alternatively, the fluorescent structure 520 may have a stronger fluorescence intensity as the concentration of the target component in the gas G increases. That is, the fluorescent structure 520 may have a stronger fluorescence intensity as the freshness of the food 430 decreases, and the weaker the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520, the better the freshness of the food 430. The gas G may be a mixed gas containing the target component, or may be an aerosol having the target component as a dispersoid. The fluorescent structure 520 is an example of a fluorescent material whose fluorescent intensity changes depending on the concentration of a target component emitted by the test subject.

[0047] An example of the fluorescent structure 520 will now be described.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of a fluorescent structure according to an embodiment. The fluorescent structure 520 shown in Fig. 5 includes a base material 521 and a phosphor layer (not shown). Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluorescent structure shown in Fig. 5. The fluorescent structure 520 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is an example in which filter paper is used as the base material 521. A phosphor layer 522 is supported on the fibers 5211 of the base material 521. The phosphor layer 522 includes an aggregation induced phosphor 5221 fixed to the fibers 5211 of the base material 521.

[0049] There are no limitations on the shape and material of substrate 521 as long as it can be impregnated with water. Substrate 521 is, for example, a porous body or a mesh structure. Substrate 521 may be circular or polygonal as shown in FIG. 5. Substrate 521 has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. This is not particularly limited as long as the amount of fluorescence emitted from the aggregation induced phosphor can be ensured, and conversely, it is sufficient as long as the thickness is not too thick and does not hinder the reaction between the aggregation induced phosphor and decay components inside the substrate.

[0050] The substrate 521 includes, for example, synthetic fibers, inorganic fibers, natural fibers, or a mixture thereof. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyolefin-based fibers and cellulosic fibers. Examples of inorganic fibers include glass fibers, metal fibers, alumina fibers, and activated carbon fibers. Examples of natural fibers include wood pulp and hemp pulp. The substrate 521 is preferably a layer made of glass fibers.

[0051] Phosphor layer 522 includes aggregation induced phosphor 5221, and preferably consists of only aggregation induced phosphor 5221. Phosphor layer 522 is supported on substrate 521. Phosphor layer 522 is preferably supported in the form of a thin layer on the surface of fiber 5211 or the like of substrate 521.

[0052] The thickness of phosphor layer 522 is preferably such that the fluorescence intensity becomes sufficiently small when it is left in an environment at 25° C. and a relative humidity of 100%. Here, "sufficiently small fluorescence intensity" means, for example, that the fluorescence intensity when left in an environment at 25° C. and a relative humidity of 100% is 30% or less when calculated as a relative value with the fluorescence intensity when left in an environment at 10° C. and a relative humidity of 20% taken as 100%.

[0053] The thickness of the phosphor layer 522 may affect the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520. That is, if the phosphor layer 522 is made moderately thick, the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520 tends to be stronger. On the other hand, if the phosphor layer 522 is made excessively thick, the change in the fluorescence intensity according to the change in freshness becomes small. The thickness of the phosphor layer 522 is preferably 30 nm or less, and more preferably 20 nm or less. It is desirable that the thickness of the phosphor layer 522 is adjusted to a range in which the change in freshness can be easily confirmed according to the amount of the target component released due to spoilage or deterioration of the fresh food. The thickness of the phosphor layer 522 can be confirmed, for example, by a transmission electron microscope (TEM (transmission electron microscopy)).

[0054] The aggregation induced phosphor 5221 may form the phosphor layer 522 as a granular layer as shown in Fig. 6, or may form the phosphor layer 522 as a continuous film without gaps. In the phosphor layer 522 as a granular layer, each particle contains a plurality of molecules of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221, and the number of molecules of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 located on the shortest line connecting each position in the particle to the particle surface is, for example, 10 or less.

[0055] The aggregation induced phosphor 5221 preferably has a polar functional group. The aggregation induced phosphor 5221 containing a polar functional group is likely to react with a target component, and the accuracy of freshness evaluation using the phosphor unit can be improved. The polar functional group also tends to be highly soluble or dispersible in water. The polar functional group may be an acidic functional group or a basic functional group. Examples of the acidic functional group include a carboxyl group and a sulfo group. Examples of the basic functional group include a hydroxyl group and an amino group. The aggregation induced phosphor 5221 may contain multiple types of acidic functional groups or basic functional groups. The aggregation induced phosphor 5221 preferably contains two or more carboxyl groups in one molecule.

[0056] As aggregation-induced phosphor 5221, a compound having a tetraphenylethylene skeleton shown in structural formula (2), a silole skeleton shown in structural formula (3), or a phosphole oxide skeleton shown in structural formula (4) can be used. Each of these compounds may be a cis isomer, a trans isomer, or a mixture of a cis isomer and a trans isomer.

[0057] [ka]

[0058] [ka]

[0059] [ka]

[0060] Aggregation induced phosphor 5221 preferably contains a tetraphenylethylene derivative represented by the following general formula (I): The compound represented by the following general formula (I) has excellent reactivity with the target component.

[0061] [ka]

[0062] (Wherein, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently -L1M1, -(CH2) m -L2M2, -X-(CH2) n -L3M3, -Y-(CH2) o -Z-(CH2) p -L4M4 (wherein L1, L2, L3 and L4 each independently represent -CO2- or -SO3-; M1, M2, M3 and M4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a cation; X, Y and Z each independently represent -O-, -NH- or -S-; and m, n, o and p each independently represent an integer of 1 to 6), a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a nitro group, a carbamoyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a carbon atom, a carboxylic acid group ... and at least two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of a haloalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, an amino group, an alkylamino group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and a heteroaryl group having 5 to 10 carbon atoms; m -L2M2, -X-(CH2) n -L3M3 and -Y-(CH2) o -Z-(CH2) p -L4M4 (wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, M1, M2, M3, M4, X, Y, Z, m, n, o, and p are as defined above). Specific examples of the tetraphenylethylene derivative include the compounds represented by the following structural formulas (5), (7), (9), and (10).

[0063] [ka]

[0064] [ka]

[0065] [ka]

[0066] [ka]

[0067] The fluorescent structure 520 is manufactured, for example, by the following method.

[0068] First, aggregation induced phosphor 5221 is dissolved in an organic solvent to prepare a treatment liquid. The type of organic solvent may be any that can dissolve aggregation induced phosphor 5221, and is preferably one with a low evaporation temperature. For example, ethanol is used as the organic solvent. The concentration of aggregation induced phosphor 5221 in the treatment liquid is set to 50 μM (molar) or more and 1 mM (molar) or less when the compound shown in the structural formula (7) is used.

[0069] Next, the substrate 521 is immersed in the treatment liquid to be impregnated with the treatment liquid, and then the substrate 521 is pulled out of the treatment liquid and dried. The treatment liquid may be dripped into the substrate 521 using a dropper or the like to impregnate the substrate 521 with the treatment liquid. In this manner, the fluorescent structure 520 is obtained. The fluorescent structure 520 typically does not contain an organic solvent.

[0070] The white standard plate 530 and the black standard plate 540 serve as references for measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520 .

[0071] The white standard plate 530 is a white plate or sheet that diffusely reflects light. The higher the reflectance of the white standard plate 530, the better. An ideal white standard plate 530 has a reflectance of 100%. The black standard plate 540 is a black plate or sheet. The lower the reflectance of the black standard plate 540, the better. An ideal black standard plate 540 has a reflectance of 0%.

[0072] Furthermore, the phosphor unit 500 holds water. For example, the phosphor structure 520 holds water. Alternatively, the phosphor structure 520 and the base 510 hold water. In the phosphor unit 500, the ratio of the mass of water to the mass of the aggregation-inducing phosphor 5221 is, for example, 0.5 or more.

[0073] In manufacturing the phosphor unit 500, first, the fluorescent structure 520 is immersed in water to be impregnated with water, and then the fluorescent structure 520 is pulled out of the water. The fluorescent structure 520 may be impregnated with water by dropping water using a dropper or the like, or the fluorescent structure 520 may be exposed to water vapor to impregnate the fluorescent structure 520 with water. The type of water that may be used may be distilled water, pure water, ion-exchanged water, or a mixture thereof.

[0074] The fluorescent structure 520 is attached to the base 510 using a joining member such as an adhesive or an adhesive tape after being pulled out of the water. Alternatively, a cut or a through hole may be provided in a part of the base 510, and the fluorescent structure 520 may be fitted and fixed in the cut or through hole. In this manner, the phosphor unit 500 is obtained. Alternatively, the fluorescent structure 520 and the base 510 may be integrated together, and then the integrated structure may be immersed in water to obtain the phosphor unit 500.

[0075] As described above, the phosphor unit 500 according to the embodiment includes the fluorescent structure 520 and water supported on the base material 521. The water content may be an amount that makes the fluorescence of the phosphor unit 500 weak or non-fluorescent. In other words, when the fluorescent structure 520 contains water, it makes the fluorescence weak or non-fluorescent.

[0076] Figures 11 and 12 include a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2 and a diagram for explaining the optical sensor 230. The cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement container 400 and the phosphor unit 500. Figures 11 and 12 also show a portion of the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. Target component X is also shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the phosphor unit 500 is attached to the film 420 so that the fluorescent structure 520 faces the side where the food 430 is located. This is because the fluorescent structure 520 needs to be exposed to or come into contact with the gas G in the measurement container 400 and come into contact with the target component X. In addition, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the white standard plate 530 and the black standard plate 540 are preferably located on the opposite side of the fluorescent structure 520 across the base 510. That is, the white standard plate 530 and the black standard plate 540 are preferably located on the opposite side of the food 430 across the base 510. This is to prevent the white standard plate 530 and the black standard plate 540 from being exposed to the gas G. This prevents the white standard plate 530 and the black standard plate 540 from being deteriorated or stained by exposure to the gas G.

[0078] The phosphor unit 500 may be placed in the measurement container 400 without being attached to the film 420. However, the phosphor unit 500 should be placed so that the phosphor layer 522 is visible from outside the measurement container 400.

[0079] Phosphor unit 500 is capable of quantifying the freshness of food 430 by irradiating it with excitation light such as ultraviolet light and measuring the fluorescence intensity (brightness). In this example, it is assumed that target components that occur in food 430 as the freshness decreases are acidic components, and aggregation-inducing phosphor 5221 contains an acidic functional group as a polar functional group.

[0080] When food 430 is fresh, the concentration of the target component in gas G is low. In this case, the target component has little effect on the molecular arrangement of aggregation induced phosphor 5221. Therefore, in this case, aggregation induced phosphor 5221 does not emit fluorescence with high intensity even when irradiated with excitation light.

[0081] When the freshness of the food 430 decreases, the concentration of the target component in the gas G increases. When the concentration of the target component in the gas G increases, a part of the target component dissolves in the water contained in the phosphor unit 500. Since this aqueous solution has the same polarity as the polar functional group of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221, when the concentration of the target component in this aqueous solution increases, the affinity or solubility of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 in the aqueous solution decreases. Therefore, when the concentration of the target component in the gas G increases, the molecular arrangement of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 approaches a state in which no water is present. Therefore, when the freshness of the food 430 decreases, it is considered that the fluorescence intensity emitted by the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 by irradiation with excitation light increases.

[0082] For example, an ultraviolet (UV) lamp is used to irradiate the phosphor unit 500 with excitation light. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light varies depending on the type of aggregation-inducing phosphor 5221, but is, for example, 350 nm or more and 530 nm or less. For example, a photodetector or an image sensor is used to measure the fluorescence intensity, as described above. For example, first, a fluorescent image is captured using a digital camera or the like while irradiating the phosphor unit 500 with a UV lamp.

[0083] As described above, when aggregation-inducing phosphor 5221 having an acidic functional group is used and the target component is an acidic component, the fluorescence of phosphor unit 500 becomes stronger in response to an increase in the concentration of the target component.

[0084] As described above, by using phosphor unit 500, the freshness of food 430 can be quantified by a simple method of irradiating it with excitation light such as ultraviolet light and measuring the intensity of the fluorescence. Moreover, this quantification of freshness can be performed with high accuracy.

[0085] Next, another method of using the phosphor unit 500 according to the embodiment will be described. The phosphor unit 500 may further include an acid. The phosphor unit 500 further including an acid is hereinafter referred to as a phosphor unit 501. The phosphor unit 501 has the same structure as the phosphor unit 500 not including an acid, except that it further includes an acid. That is, the phosphor unit 501 includes a fluorescent structure 520, a base 510, and water and an acid (not shown). The fluorescent structure 520 supports water and an acid (not shown). In other words, the fluorescent structure 520 supports an acidic aqueous solution. For example, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, or a mixture thereof is used as the acid. From the viewpoint of safety, it is preferable to use acetic acid as the acid. In addition, the polar functional group of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 is preferably an acidic functional group. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the polar functional group of the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 is an acidic functional group.

[0086] The phosphor unit 501 is obtained, for example, by exposing the phosphor unit 500, which does not further contain an acid, to steam containing a high concentration of an acid. The content of the acid in the phosphor unit 501 can be adjusted according to the desired fluorescence intensity.

[0087] Since phosphor unit 501 contains an acid, it is considered that the molecular arrangement of aggregation induced phosphor 5221 is close to a state in which no water is contained, or the presence of an acid component changes the conformation of aggregation induced phosphor 5221. Therefore, phosphor unit 501 exhibits stronger fluorescence than phosphor unit 500 which does not further contain an acid.

[0088] The fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit 501 decreases when it comes into contact with a basic target component, and becomes non-fluorescent when it comes into contact with a certain amount or more of the basic target component. The phosphor unit 500 may be distributed without containing water or the like, and may contain water or the like at the site where it is sealed in a sealed container together with the food 430. In this case, the phosphor unit 500 may be distributed as a phosphor unit kit containing the phosphor unit 500 and one or more liquids to be contained therein, that is, water, acid, or a combination of water and acid. When a combination of water and acid is contained in the phosphor unit kit, the water and acid may be contained in separate containers, or may be mixed and contained in a single container as an aqueous solution.

[0089] Alternatively, the phosphor unit 500 may be impregnated with water or the like, and the resulting phosphor unit may be distributed and sealed in a sealed container together with food.

[0090] The fluorescent structure according to the embodiment described above includes a phosphor layer fixed to a substrate. Therefore, a phosphor unit can be prepared by impregnating the fluorescent structure with water. A phosphor unit containing water is less affected by water in the gas phase, and therefore can evaluate the freshness of food with higher accuracy than a phosphor unit containing an organic solvent.

[0091] An example of the phosphor unit 500 is shown below.

[0092] 1. Example using acetic acid as the target component The phosphor unit 500 was prepared by the following method. First, the aggregation induced phosphor 5221 was dissolved in ethanol to prepare a treatment liquid. After the base material 521 was immersed in the treatment liquid, the base material 521 was pulled out of the treatment liquid, placed on a glass plate, and dried. The compound shown in the structural formula (5) above was used as the aggregation induced phosphor 5221. A circular glass fiber filter was used as the base material 521. In this manner, the fluorescent structure 520 shown in FIG. 5 was obtained. When the phosphor layer 522 provided on the surface of the glass fiber in the fluorescent structure 520 was observed by TEM, the thickness was 20 nm. When the fluorescent structure 520 was observed while irradiating ultraviolet rays from a UV lamp, it was confirmed that strong fluorescence was emitted. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the UV lamp was 365 nm. The fluorescent structure 520 at this time was photographed using a digital camera, and digital image data was recorded.

[0093] Next, this fluorescent structure 520 was immersed in pure water, and then pulled out of the pure water to allow the base material 521 to be impregnated with water. In this manner, a phosphor unit 500 was obtained. The base portion 510 is omitted. Hereinafter, this phosphor unit is referred to as phosphor unit 501. When the phosphor unit 501 was observed while being irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp, it was confirmed that it was non-fluorescent. In addition, the phosphor unit 501 at this time was photographed using a digital camera, and digital image data was recorded.

[0094] Next, the two phosphor units 501 were placed in a sealed container of acetic acid water vapor and a sealed container of pure water vapor, respectively, and exposed to the acetic acid water and pure water vapor. A mixture of 20 μL of acetic acid and 200 μL of water was used as the acetic acid water. In addition, 1 g of pure water was placed in each sealed container for moisture retention. The containers used were plastic sealed containers with a capacity of about 100 mL. A circular phosphor unit 501 with a diameter of 21 mm was placed in the container with a gap therebetween so as not to be directly wetted by the acetic acid water or water.

[0095] After one hour had passed, the phosphor units 501 were taken out of each container and observed while being irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp to confirm the fluorescence intensity. As a result, the phosphor unit 501 placed in the container in which the steam of acetic acid water was sealed exhibited a fluorescence intensity equivalent to that of the fluorescent structure 520. In contrast, the phosphor unit 501 placed in the container in which the steam of pure water was sealed remained non-fluorescent. In addition, the phosphor units 501 at this time were photographed using a digital camera, and digital image data was recorded.

[0096] Fig. 8 is a table summarizing images obtained in an embodiment in which acetic acid was used as a target component. From Fig. 8, it can be seen that the fluorescence intensity of phosphor unit 501 is not affected by pure water, but is only affected by acetic acid water. Therefore, by using phosphor unit 501, when acetic acid is used as a target component, it is possible to quantify freshness with high accuracy.

[0097] 2. Example using trimethylamine as the target component First, the phosphor unit 501 was produced in the same manner as above. The phosphor unit 501 was sealed in a container containing acetic acid water vapor and exposed to the acetic acid water vapor for a sufficient period of time to obtain the phosphor unit 500. Hereinafter, the phosphor unit 500 is referred to as the phosphor unit 502. As the acetic acid water, a mixture of 20 μL of acetic acid and 200 μL of water was used. In addition, 1 g of pure water was placed in the sealed container for moisture retention. When the phosphor unit 502 was observed while irradiating it with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp, it was confirmed that it emitted strong fluorescence. In addition, the phosphor unit 502 at this time was photographed using a digital camera, and digital image data was recorded.

[0098] Next, the two phosphor units 502 were placed in a container containing trimethylamine water vapor and a container containing pure water vapor, respectively, and exposed to the trimethylamine water vapor and the pure water vapor. As the trimethylamine water, a mixture containing 10 μL of trimethylamine, 30 μL of ethanol, and 160 μL of water was used. In addition, 1 g of pure water was placed in each sealed container to keep the moisture.

[0099] After one hour had passed, the phosphor units 502 were taken out of each container and observed while being irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp to confirm the fluorescence intensity. As a result, the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit 502 placed in the container in which the trimethylamine water vapor was sealed was significantly lower than that before the test. In contrast, the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit 502 placed in the container in which the pure water vapor was sealed was almost the same as that before the test. In addition, the phosphor units 502 at this time were photographed using a digital camera and recorded using digital image data.

[0100] Figure 9 is a table summarizing images obtained in an example in which triethylamine was used as the target component. From Figure 9, it can be seen that the fluorescence intensity of phosphor unit 502 is not affected by pure water, but is only affected by trimethylamine water. Therefore, by using phosphor unit 502, when trimethylamine is used as the target component, it is possible to quantify freshness with high accuracy.

[0101] 3. Example using fresh fish First, a measurement container 400 containing food 430 was prepared. Horse mackerel was used as food 430. The above-mentioned phosphor unit 502 was used as the phosphor unit 500. This measurement container 400 was stored in an environment of 25°C, and the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit 502 was measured for each storage time shown in Table 1 below. The fluorescence intensity was quantified by calculating RGB (red, green, and blue) gradation values ​​using image processing software based on image data obtained when irradiating ultraviolet light from a UV lamp, and then calculating the arithmetic mean. The results are shown in FIG. 10.

[0102] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the storage time of horse mackerel and the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor unit. When the horse mackerel samples used in the test were examined for odor components using gas chromatography, trimethylamine was detected in samples with reduced freshness.

[0103] The optical sensor 230 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0104] The optical sensor 230 is movable in the horizontal direction H as shown in Fig. 11, for example. By moving, the optical sensor 230 measures the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540. Alternatively, the optical sensor 230 may be capable of changing the measurement direction by rotating, etc. In this case, the optical sensor 230 measures the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 by changing the measurement direction.

[0105] Alternatively, the measurement device 21 includes three optical sensors 230: an optical sensor 230-1, an optical sensor 230-2, and an optical sensor 230-3. The optical sensor 230-1 measures the brightness of the fluorescent structure 520. The optical sensor 230-2 measures the brightness of the white standard plate 530. The optical sensor 230-3 measures the brightness of the black standard plate 540.

[0106] Alternatively, when the light sensor 230 is a camera, the measurement device 21 uses one fixed light sensor 230 to measure the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540.

[0107] As described above, the optical sensor 230 measures the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540. The brightness of the fluorescent structure 520 indicates the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520.

[0108] Hereinafter, the operation of the freshness measurement system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 etc. Note that the contents of the process in the following operation description are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processing device 310. The processing device 310 executes this processing based on a program stored in, for example, a ROM or an auxiliary storage device.

[0109] The processing device 310 starts the process shown in FIG. 13, for example, when the freshness measurement application is executed.

[0110] The processing device 310 generates a measurement screen (not shown) (ACT11). Then, the processing device 310 instructs the display device 320 to display the generated image. In response to the display instruction, the display device 320 displays the measurement screen.

[0111] The processing device 310 judges whether or not to start measurement (ACT12). The processing device 310 judges to start measurement in response to an operation to start measurement being performed on the measurement screen. If the processing device 310 does not judge to start measurement (ACT12: NO), the process transitions from ACT12 to ACT13.

[0112] The processing device 310 judges whether or not a type of measurement food has been selected (ACT13). The processing device 310 judges that a type of measurement food has been selected, for example, in response to a measurement food being selected by an operation on the measurement screen. If the processing device 310 does not judge that a type of measurement food has been selected (ACT13: NO), the processing returns from ACT13 to ACT12. Thus, the processing device 310 repeats ACT12 and ACT13 until it judges to start measurement or judges that a type of food to be measured has been selected.

[0113] When the processing device 310 is in a standby state in ACT12 and ACT13 and a type of food to be measured is selected (ACT13: YES), the processing transitions from ACT13 to ACT14.

[0114] The processing device 310 acquires data corresponding to the selected measurement food from the auxiliary storage device (ACT14). The processing device 310 also controls the display device 320 to update the measurement screen according to the type of the selected measurement food.

[0115] The processing device 310 judges whether or not the fluorescence intensity has been measured (ACT15). If the fluorescence intensity has not been measured (ACT15: NO), the processing device 310 returns from ACT15 to ACT12.

[0116] When the processing device 310 determines to start measurement during the standby state of ACT12 and ACT13 (ACT12: YES), the process transitions from ACT12 to ACT16.

[0117] The processing device 310 controls the measuring device 21 to turn on the excitation light source 220 (ACT16). Based on this control, the control circuit 210 of the measuring device 21 turns on the excitation light source 220. When the excitation light source 220 is turned on, the fluorescent structure 520 emits fluorescence.

[0118] The processing device 310 controls the measuring device 21 to measure the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 (ACT17). Based on this control, the control circuit 210 of the measuring device 21 measures the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 by the optical sensor 230. The optical sensor 230 outputs a signal indicating the measurement result. This signal is input to the processing device 310 via the ADC 250 and the processing interface 260.

[0119] When the optical sensor 230 is a camera, the image signal input to the processing device 310 is, for example, an image signal. In this case, the processing device 310 obtains the brightness of each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 from the image based on the gradation values ​​such as lightness or luminance for each of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540. When the optical sensor 230 is a camera using a color type imaging element, the processing device 310 obtains the fluorescence intensity as, for example, the average or weighted average of the gradation values ​​of the brightness of each color component such as RGB. In this case, the fluorescence intensity may be a value obtained by normalizing the average or weighted average of the gradation values.

[0120] The processing device 310 controls the measuring device 21 so as to turn off the excitation light source 220 (ACT18). Based on this control, the control circuit 210 of the measuring device 21 turns off the excitation light source 220.

[0121] The processing device 310 calculates the fluorescence intensity ratio Ip [%] as the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent structure 520 from the measured brightness values ​​of the fluorescent structure 520, the white standard plate 530, and the black standard plate 540 (ACT19). For example, the processing device 310 calculates the fluorescence intensity ratio Ip by the following formula (B). The fluorescence intensity ratio Ip is an example of a value indicating the fluorescence intensity. Ip = (Sp-Sk) / (Sw-Sk) (B) Sp: Phosphor emission intensity (a measure of the brightness of the fluorescent structure 520) Sk: White reflection intensity (measurement of the brightness of the white standard plate 530) Sw: Black reflection intensity (measurement of the brightness of black standard plate 540)

[0122] The processing device 310 instructs the display device 320 to display the fluorescence intensity (ACT20). Upon receiving the display instruction, the display device 320 displays the fluorescence intensity.

[0123] [Freshness level criteria] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a freshness level determination criterion in the server 1 according to the embodiment.

[0124] The freshness level determination criterion is a criterion for determining the freshness level based on the fluorescence value. Each of the multiple first levels is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​according to the freshness. The raw edible level is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​of "75% or more and 100% or less". The heating level is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​of "50% or more and less than 75%" that are fresher than the raw edible level. The inedible level is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​of "less than 50%" that are fresher than the heating level. Each of the multiple second levels is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​according to the freshness. The safe level included in the raw edible level is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​of "80% or more and 100% or less". The caution level included in the raw edible level is associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​of "75% or more and less than 80%" that are fresher than the safe level. The safe level included in the heating level corresponds to a range of fluorescence values ​​lower in freshness than the caution level included in the edible raw level, "60% or more and less than 75%". The caution level included in the heating level corresponds to a range of fluorescence values ​​lower in freshness than the safe level, "50% or more and less than 60%". The caution level included in the inedible level corresponds to a range of fluorescence values ​​lower in freshness than the caution level included in the heating level, "less than 50%". The freshness level determination criteria are stored in the auxiliary memory device 13. The freshness level determination criteria may be updated as appropriate.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 14, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level based on the fluorescence value. Specifically, when the fluorescence value is "80% or more and 100% or less", the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "Eatable raw: safe". "Eatable raw: safe" indicates that the food can be eaten raw and there is no problem with the freshness level for eating raw. When the fluorescence value is "75% or more and less than 80%", the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "Eatable raw: caution required". "Eatable raw: caution required" indicates that the food can be eaten raw, but the freshness level is low for eating raw and is close to the level of needing heating. When the fluorescence value is "60% or more and less than 75%", the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "Needs heating: safe". "Needs heating: safe" indicates that the food needs to be cooked and there is no problem with the freshness level assuming cooking. If the fluorescence value is "50% or more but less than 60%," the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level to be "Needs heating: Caution required." "Needs heating: Caution required" indicates that the food needs to be cooked, and that even assuming cooking, the freshness is low and close to an inedible level. If the fluorescence value is "less than 50%," the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level to be "Inedible: Caution required." "Inedible: Caution required" indicates that the food is not suitable for eating.

[0126] Furthermore, the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode of the notification output by the output unit 114 based on the freshness level. Specifically, when the freshness level is "Eatable raw: Safe", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "Eatable raw: OK storage state". "Eatable raw: OK storage state" indicates that the food can be eaten raw and that the storage state for maintaining the freshness of the food is good. When the freshness level is "Eatable raw: Caution required", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "Eatable raw: Improved storage required". "Eatable raw: Improved storage required" indicates that the food can be eaten raw, but the freshness of the food is low, so that the storage for maintaining the freshness of the food needs to be improved. When the freshness level is "Must be heated: Safe", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "Not eatable raw: Improved storage required". "Not eatable raw: Improved storage required" indicates that the food needs to be cooked and cannot be eaten raw, so that the storage for maintaining the freshness of the food needs to be improved. When the freshness level is "Needs heating: Caution required", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "Needs heating: Improved storage required". "Needs heating: Improved storage required" indicates that the food needs to be cooked and that the freshness assuming cooking is low, so that the food needs to be better preserved. When the freshness level is "Inedible: Caution required", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "Inedible: Improved storage required". "Inedible: Improved storage required" indicates that the food is in an inedible state and that the food needs to be better preserved. Here, the notification output by the output unit 114 corresponds to feedback to each distribution point regarding the freshness level of the food. Note that the determination unit 112 does not determine that the measured food is "edible raw" regardless of its freshness, depending on the type of food. In this case, the freshness level determination criterion appropriately updates the part corresponding to "edible raw".

[0127] [Example of freshness information DB131 configuration] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the freshness information DB 131 according to the embodiment. The freshness information DB131 includes a "food ID" item, a "user ID" item, a "distribution point" item, a "date and time" item, a "fluorescence value" item, a "freshness level information" item, and a "notification mode" item. The "food ID" item is an item for setting a food ID that identifies each food. The "user ID" item is an item for setting a user ID that identifies each user. The "distribution point" item is an item for setting a distribution point name that identifies each distribution point. The distribution point name is, for example, A fishing port, B market, C distribution center, D supermarket, etc. The "date and time" item is the date and time when the acquisition unit 110 acquired freshness information of each food from each distribution point. The "fluorescence value" item is an item for setting the fluorescence value of a food associated with each food ID. The "distribution point" item, the "date and time" item, and the "fluorescence value" item correspond to freshness information. The "freshness level information" item is an item for setting freshness level information of a food associated with each food ID. The freshness level information is information indicating the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112 according to the freshness level determination criteria. The "notification mode" item is an item for setting the notification mode for the food associated with each food ID. The notification mode is information indicating the notification mode determined by the determination unit 112 according to the freshness level determination criteria.

[0128] Each food ID is associated with a user ID, distribution point, date and time, fluorescence value, freshness level information, and notification mode as a freshness record by freshness information DB 131. Every time freshness information is acquired from each of terminals 31-34, memory control unit 111 stores the freshness information in freshness information DB 131. Freshness information DB 131 stores the freshness information. Memory control unit 111 updates freshness information DB 131 as appropriate.

[0129] [Processing procedure by information processing system 100] In the following description, which focuses on the server 1, the server 1 may be read as the processor 11. The process procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process procedure described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0130] Here, it is assumed that the freshness level of fresh fish with food ID "0001" is determined at multiple distribution points. The multiple distribution points are fishing port A, market B, distribution center C, and supermarket D. Fresh fish "0001" is distributed in the order of fishing port A, market B, distribution center C, and supermarket D according to the time axis of the distribution route. In this example, it is assumed that a pair of measuring device 21 and terminal 31, a pair of measuring device 22 and terminal 32, a pair of measuring device 23 and terminal 33, and a pair of measuring device 24 and terminal 34 are installed at fishing port A, market B, distribution center C, and supermarket D, respectively. At fishing port A, market B, distribution center C, and supermarket D, respectively, a user acquires the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001".

[0131] The server 1 performs the following information processing in response to the user acquiring the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001." The server 1 may also perform the following information processing in response to the user inputting an instruction to determine the freshness level of fresh fish "0001." "In response" may be read as "based on."

[0132] The procedure of information processing by the server 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server 1 according to the embodiment. The acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information from the terminal 31 associated with the fishing port A via the communication interface 14 (ACT101). In ACT101, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information on the freshness of fresh fish "0001" associated with the fishing port A from the terminal 31. For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001" from the terminal 31.

[0133] The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" based on the freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (ACT102). In ACT102, for example, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion based on the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001". For example, when the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001" acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is "98%, " the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "safe to eat raw".

[0134] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal 31 based on the determination result by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14 (ACT103). In ACT103, for example, the output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal 31 based on the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112. For example, when the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" determined by the determination unit 112 is "Eatable raw: safe", the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Eatable raw: storage condition OK" to the terminal 31 in accordance with the freshness level determination criteria.

[0135] According to this example, the output unit 114 can output a notification regarding freshness management of food according to the determination result by the determination unit 112 to the terminal of the distribution point based on the freshness information associated with the distribution point. This allows the server 1 to prompt the user to check whether the freshness management of food is appropriate. Also, the user can appropriately manage the freshness of food based on the notification.

[0136] The acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information from the terminal 32 associated with Market B via the communication interface 14 (ACT104). In ACT104, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information on the freshness of fresh fish "0001" associated with Market B from the terminal 32. For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001" from the terminal 32.

[0137] The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" based on the freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (ACT105). In ACT105, for example, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion based on the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001". For example, when the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001" acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is "95%, " the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "safe to eat raw".

[0138] The comparison unit 113 compares the determination result by the determination unit 112 associated with the reference distribution point with the determination result associated with the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage (ACT106). In this example, the reference distribution point is Market B, and the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage is Fishing Port A. In ACT106, for example, the comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Market B determined by the determination unit 112 with the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Fishing Port A. The output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification depending on the comparison result of the comparison unit 113.

[0139] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Market B determined by the determination unit 112 is "Can be eaten raw: Safe", and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Fishing Port A is "Can be eaten raw: Safe". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with Market B with the freshness level associated with Fishing Port A and determines that the freshness levels are the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately previous stage are the same (ACT106: YES), the process transitions from ACT106 to ACT108. In this case, the output unit 114 does not output a notification.

[0140] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Market B determined by the determination unit 112 is "Can be eaten raw: Caution" and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with Fishing Port A is "Can be eaten raw: Safe". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with Market B with the freshness level associated with Fishing Port A and determines that the freshness levels are not the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately preceding stage are not the same (ACT106: NO), the process transitions from ACT106 to ACT107. In this case, the output unit 114 outputs a notification in accordance with ACT107.

[0141] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal based on the determination result associated with the reference distribution point determined by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14 (ACT 107). In ACT 107, for example, the output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal 32 associated with the reference distribution point based on the freshness level associated with the reference distribution point. In the following description, the notification based on the freshness level associated with the reference distribution point is also referred to as a notification about the reference distribution point. In addition, the output unit 114 outputs a notification about the reference distribution point to the terminal 31 associated with the distribution point of the previous stage.

[0142] For example, when the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" associated with Market B determined by the determination unit 112 is "Can be eaten raw: Caution required", the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Can be eaten raw: Improved storage required" to the terminal 32 in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion. Also, the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Can be eaten raw: Improved storage required" about Market B to the terminal 31 associated with Fishing Port A.

[0143] According to this example, the output unit 114 can output a notification regarding freshness management of food to a terminal of a distribution point in response to a comparison between a judgment result based on freshness information associated with a distribution point and a judgment result associated with a distribution point in a previous stage of the distribution point. This allows the server 1 to prompt the user to check whether the freshness management of food is appropriate. Furthermore, the output unit 114 can output a notification regarding freshness management of food to a terminal of a distribution point in a previous stage of the distribution point. This allows the server 1 to prompt the user of a distribution point in the traceback direction to check whether the freshness management of food is appropriate. Therefore, users of distribution points in multiple stages can appropriately manage the freshness of food based on the notification. Furthermore, the output unit 114 can output a notification when the judgment result associated with the distribution point in the previous stage differs from the judgment result associated with the distribution point in question. This allows the server 1 to enable the user to identify a change in the storage state and prompt the user to take measures such as improving and strengthening freshness management. Furthermore, the output unit 114 can omit outputting the notification when the judgment result associated with the distribution point in the previous stage is the same as the judgment result associated with the distribution point in question. This allows the server 1 to reduce the number of processing steps.

[0144] The acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information from the terminal 33 associated with the C distribution center via the communication interface 14 (ACT108). In ACT108, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information on the freshness of fresh fish "0001" associated with the C distribution center from the terminal 33. For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001" from the terminal 33.

[0145] The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" based on the freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (ACT109). In ACT109, for example, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion based on the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001". For example, when the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001" acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is "77%, " the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "Eatable raw: Caution required".

[0146] The comparison unit 113 compares the determination result by the determination unit 112 associated with the reference distribution point with the determination result associated with the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage (ACT110). In this example, the reference distribution point is distribution center C, and the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage is market B. In ACT110, for example, the comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C determined by the determination unit 112 with the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with market B. The output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification depending on the comparison result of the comparison unit 113.

[0147] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C determined by the determination unit 112 is "Eatable raw: safe", and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with market B is "Eatable raw: safe". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with distribution center C with the freshness level associated with market B, and determines that the freshness levels are the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately preceding stage are the same (ACT110: YES), the process transitions from ACT110 to ACT112. In this case, the output unit 114 does not output a notification.

[0148] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C determined by the determination unit 112 is "Eatable raw: Caution required" and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with market B is "Eatable raw: Safe". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with distribution center C with the freshness level associated with market B and determines that the freshness levels are not the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately preceding stage are not the same (ACT110: NO), the process transitions from ACT110 to ACT111. In this case, the output unit 114 outputs a notification in accordance with ACT111.

[0149] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal based on the determination result associated with the reference distribution point determined by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14 (ACT111). In ACT111, for example, the output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal 33 associated with the reference distribution point based on the freshness level associated with the reference distribution point. In addition, the output unit 114 outputs a notification about the reference distribution point to one or more terminals associated with each of one or more previous-stage distribution points.

[0150] For example, when the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C determined by the determination unit 112 is "Can be eaten raw: Caution required", the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Can be eaten raw: Improved storage required" to the terminal 33 in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion. In addition, the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Can be eaten raw: Improved storage required" regarding distribution center C to the terminals 31 and 32 associated with fishing port A and market B, respectively.

[0151] According to this example, the output unit 114 can output a notification regarding freshness management of food to terminals of the reference distribution point and multiple previous-stage distribution points. This allows the server 1 to prompt all users of the distribution points in the traceback direction to check whether the freshness management of food is appropriate. Therefore, users of the multiple stages of distribution points can appropriately manage the freshness of food based on the notification.

[0152] The acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information from the terminal 34 associated with D supermarket via the communication interface 14 (ACT112). In ACT112, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires freshness information on the freshness of fresh fish "0001" associated with D supermarket from the terminal 34. For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the fluorescence value of fresh fish "0001" from the terminal 34.

[0153] The determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" based on the freshness information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 (ACT113). In ACT113, for example, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level of the fresh fish "0001" in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion based on the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001". For example, when the fluorescence value of the fresh fish "0001" acquired by the acquisition unit 110 is "70%, " the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level as "heat required: safe".

[0154] The comparison unit 113 compares the determination result by the determination unit 112 associated with the reference distribution point with the determination result associated with the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage (ACT114). In this example, the reference distribution point is supermarket D, and the distribution point of the immediately preceding stage is distribution center C. In ACT114, for example, the comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with supermarket D determined by the determination unit 112 with the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C. The output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification depending on the comparison result of the comparison unit 113.

[0155] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with supermarket D determined by the determination unit 112 is "Can be eaten raw: Caution required", and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C and market B is "Can be eaten raw: Caution required". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with distribution center C with the freshness level associated with market B and determines that the freshness levels are the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately preceding stage are the same (ACT114: YES), the process ends.

[0156] For example, a case will be described in which the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with supermarket D determined by the determination unit 112 is "Needs heating: safe", and the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with distribution center C is "Can be eaten raw: caution required". The comparison unit 113 compares the freshness level associated with supermarket D with the freshness level associated with distribution center C, and determines that the freshness levels are not the same. If the comparison unit 113 determines that the determination result associated with the reference distribution point and the determination result associated with the distribution point at the immediately preceding stage are not the same (ACT114: NO), the process transitions from ACT114 to ACT115. In this case, the output unit 114 outputs a notification in accordance with ACT115.

[0157] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal based on the determination result associated with the reference distribution point determined by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14 (ACT 115). In ACT 115, for example, the output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal 34 associated with the reference distribution point based on the freshness level associated with the reference distribution point. In addition, the output unit 114 outputs a notification about the reference distribution point to one or more terminals associated with each of one or more previous-stage distribution points.

[0158] For example, when the freshness level of fresh fish "0001" associated with supermarket D determined by the determination unit 112 is "Needs heating: safe", the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Not to be eaten raw: requires proper storage" to terminal 34 in accordance with the freshness level determination criterion. Also, the output unit 114 outputs a notification "Can be eaten raw: requires proper storage" about supermarket D to terminals 31, 32, and 33 associated with fishing port A, market B, and distribution center C, respectively.

[0159] According to this example, the output unit 114 can output a notification regarding freshness management of food to terminals of the reference distribution point and multiple previous-stage distribution points. This allows the server 1 to prompt all users of the distribution points in the traceback direction to check whether the freshness management of food is appropriate. Therefore, users of the multiple stages of distribution points can appropriately manage the freshness of food based on the notification.

[0160] The notification output by the output unit 114 is not limited to text, and may be any display form such as a numerical value, an icon, a symbol, a video, etc. The output unit 114 may output the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112 in addition to outputting the notification, or instead of outputting the notification. When the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112 is a "caution required" level, the output unit 114 may output an alert in addition to outputting the notification, or instead of outputting the notification. The alert may be displayed by a character, a mark, or a color as long as the user can identify a predetermined change. The output unit 114 may also output the alert using a video or audio.

[0161] In addition, even if the comparison unit 113 determines in ACT106, ACT110, and ACT114 that the judgment result associated with the reference distribution point and the judgment result associated with the distribution point at the immediately previous stage are identical, a notification about the reference distribution point may be output to the terminal associated with the reference distribution point.

[0162] The following describes modified examples.

[0163] The freshness level determination criteria of the modified example will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a freshness level determination criterion in the modified example according to the embodiment.

[0164] The freshness level determination criterion is a criterion for determining the freshness level based on the fluorescence value, as in the above-described embodiment. The freshness level determination criterion is stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. The freshness level determination criterion may be updated as appropriate.

[0165] 17, the determination unit 112 determines the freshness level based on the fluorescence value. The method of determining the freshness level by the determination unit 112 is similar to that in the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] The determination unit 112 determines the notification mode of the notification output by the output unit 114 based on the freshness level. A case will be described in which the first level includes a plurality of second levels. The determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "notification present" for a second level associated with the range of fluorescence values ​​with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels. "Notification present" indicates that a notification is output to the terminal by the output unit 114. The second level associated with the range of fluorescence values ​​with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels is a level immediately before another first level associated with a range of fluorescence values ​​with a lower freshness than the first level to which this second level belongs. The determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "no notification" for a second level other than the second level associated with the range of fluorescence values ​​with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels. "No notification" indicates that a notification is not output to the terminal by the output unit 114. When the first level includes a safe level and a caution level, the caution level is a second level associated with the range of fluorescence values ​​with the lowest freshness among the plurality of second levels. The safe level is a second level other than the second level associated with the range of the lowest fluorescence value among the plurality of second levels. The caution level included in the edible raw level is the level immediately preceding the heating level. The caution level included in the heating level is the level immediately preceding the inedible level. When the first level includes only one second level, the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode for the first level as "notification present". Specifically, when the freshness level is "edible raw: safe", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "no notification". When the freshness level is "edible raw: caution required", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "edible raw: enhanced storage required". When the freshness level is "requires heating: safe", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "no notification". When the freshness level is "requires heating: caution", the determination unit 112 determines the notification mode as "requires heating: enhanced storage required". When the freshness level is "inedible: caution required", the determining unit 112 determines that the notification mode is "inedible: improved storage required".

[0167] An example of the configuration of the freshness information DB 131 in the modified example will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a freshness information DB 131 according to a modification of the embodiment. As in the above-described embodiment, the freshness information DB 131 includes a "food ID" item, a "user ID" item, a "distribution point" item, a "date and time" item, a "fluorescence value" item, a "freshness level information" item, and a "notification mode" item. The notification mode is information indicating the notification mode determined by the determination unit 112 according to the freshness level determination criteria shown in FIG.

[0168] Each food ID is associated with a user ID, distribution point, date and time, fluorescence value, freshness level information, and notification mode as a freshness record by freshness information DB 131. Server 1 updates freshness information DB 131 every time it acquires freshness information from each of terminals 31-34.

[0169] The procedure of information processing by the server 1 in the modified example will be described.

[0170] The output unit 114 outputs a notification to the terminal based on the determination result by the determination unit 112 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 114 changes the output mode of the notification depending on the determination result by the determination unit 112. For example, when the notification mode corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit 112 is "no notification", the output unit 114 does not output a notification to the terminal.

[0171] According to this example, the output unit 114 can output a notification only when the freshness level is "Caution Required". This can simplify the processing by the output unit 114. In addition, since the user receives a notification only when the freshness level is "Caution Required", it is possible to encourage the user to be careful about the notification.

[0172] If the notification mode based on the freshness level of the food associated with the first distribution point is "no notification", the output unit 114 outputs a notification according to the notification mode based on the above-mentioned embodiment. The output unit 114 outputs a notification based on the freshness level determined by the determination unit 112. For example, if the freshness level of the food associated with fishing port A is "needs heating: safe" according to the determination unit 112, the output unit 114 outputs a notification "not to be eaten raw: extended storage required" to the terminal 31.

[0173] According to this example, the output unit 114 outputs a notification for the first distribution point regardless of the notification mode corresponding to the freshness level. Therefore, the output unit 114 can output a notification even when the freshness management of the food associated with the first distribution point needs to be strengthened. In such a case, the server 1 can alert the user to the storage state.

[0174] Although the present embodiment has been described using an example assuming a distribution route for fresh fish, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the present embodiment can be applied to the distribution route for food products whose freshness can be determined based on the fluorescence value, such as meat, fruits and vegetables, and processed foods.

[0175] The number of distribution points in the distribution channel needs to be at least one. The distribution point can be arbitrarily selected by the user. The user may select multiple distribution points at each stage of the distribution channel.

[0176] The information processing device may be realized by one device as described above using the server 1 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of devices.

[0177] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is an electronic device-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by an electronic device.

[0178] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1...server, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 21-24...measuring device, 31-34...terminal, 100...information processing system, 110...acquisition unit, 111...storage control unit, 112...determination unit, 113...comparison unit, 114...output unit, 131...freshness information database, 210...control circuit, 220...excitation light source, 230...optical sensor, 230-1...optical sensor, 230-2...optical sensor, 230-3...optical sensor, 2 40...cut filter, 260...processing interface, 270...power supply, 310...processing device, 320...display device, 330...input device, 400...measurement container, 410...tray, 420...film, 430...food, 500...phosphor unit, 501...phosphor unit, 502...phosphor unit, 510...base, 520...fluorescent structure, 521...substrate, 5211...fiber, 522...phosphor layer, 5221...aggregation-induced phosphor, 530...white standard plate, 540...black standard plate.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information including a freshness value related to freshness of the food associated with each of a plurality of distribution points in a distribution route of the food from another electronic device via a communication interface; a determination unit that determines a freshness level of the food based on information including the freshness value associated with each of the plurality of stages of distribution points acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs a different notification based on a determination result of the determination unit; a comparison unit that compares a determination result associated with each of the plurality of stages of distribution points with a determination result associated with a distribution point of an immediately preceding stage among the plurality of stages of distribution points; The output unit changes an output mode of the notification depending on a comparison result of the comparison unit. Freshness control device.

2. The freshness value is a value based on a fluorescence value. The freshness management device according to claim 1.

3. the output unit changes an output mode of a notification to one or more terminals associated with each of the one or more previous-stage distribution points among the plurality of stages of distribution points based on the output mode of the notification; The freshness management device according to claim 1.

4. acquiring information including a freshness value related to freshness of the food, which is associated with each of a plurality of distribution points in a distribution route of the food, from an electronic device via a communication interface; determining a freshness level of the food product based on information including the freshness value associated with each of the plurality of tiers of distribution points obtained; outputting different notifications based on the determination result; comparing a determination result associated with each of the plurality of stages of distribution points with a determination result associated with a distribution point of an immediately preceding stage among the plurality of stages of distribution points; The outputting includes changing an output manner of the notification depending on a result of the comparison. Freshness control method.

5. On the computer, an acquisition function for acquiring information including a freshness value regarding freshness of the food associated with each of a plurality of distribution points in a distribution route of the food from the electronic device via a communication interface; a determination function for determining a freshness level of the food based on information including the freshness value associated with each of the plurality of stages of distribution points acquired by the acquisition function; an output function for outputting a different notification based on a result of the determination function; a comparison function of comparing a determination result associated with each of the plurality of stages of distribution points with a determination result associated with a distribution point of an immediately preceding stage among the plurality of stages of distribution points, The output function changes an output mode of the notification depending on a comparison result of the comparison function. Information processing program.

Images