Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an access means which accesses a database in which a plurality of words, which indicate flavors or scents of a plurality of respective objects, are recorded; a presentation means which sequentially presents a user with objects to be used among objects in a determined first group; a display control means which displays, on a display means, the plurality of words that are obtained from the database and indicate the flavors or the scents of the objects to be used; a reception means which receives selections of the flavors or the scents, among the plurality of words, perceived by the user who has used the objects to be used, and inputs of tastes for the objects to be used; and an output means which outputs a word indicating the tendency of the tastes of the user in response to the selections and the inputs, when the selections and inputs are received for all the objects that form the first group.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for verbalizing a user's preferences for an object. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for visualizing user preferences. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for visualizing a user's preferences by arranging the history of the user's content searches on a two-dimensional coordinate axis including a time axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-035189 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it is not possible to verbalize a user's preferences for an object. In contrast, the present invention provides a technique for verbalizing a user's preferences for an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing device having an access means for accessing a database in which a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of each of a plurality of objects are recorded; a presentation means for presenting to a user in turn objects to be used from a predetermined set of objects; a display control means for causing a display means to display a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the objects to be used obtained from the database; a first acceptance means for accepting a selection of a flavor or aroma felt by the user from among the plurality of words when using the object to be used and an input of a preference for the object to be used; and an output means for outputting words indicating a tendency of the user's preference in accordance with the selection and the input when the selection and input are received for all objects constituting the set of objects.

[0006] The output means may output information identifying another object among the plurality of objects not included in the set of objects, selected in accordance with wording indicating the user's preference trends, to be recommended to the user.

[0007] The output means may recommend to the user as the other object an object among the plurality of objects in which a word corresponding to a word indicating the user's preference tendency in the database is included in a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the object.

[0008] The presenting means may present to the user the objects of use determined in accordance with an order changed based on the flavor or aroma and preferences previously input by the user.

[0009] The display control means may cause the display means to display a message indicating the flavor or aroma of the object, which message has been changed based on the flavor or aroma previously input by the user and the user's preferences.

[0010] The database may include, as the term, a food ingredient name for each of the plurality of objects that is classified into one of a plurality of categories for the flavor or aroma of the object.

[0011] The set of objects is composed of N types of objects, and this information processing apparatus may include second receiving means for receiving a designation of M types of objects (M < N), and selection means for referring to the database and selecting the remaining (N - M) types of objects so that the distribution of a plurality of words indicating the flavors or scents of the N types of objects constituting the set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing method including steps of accessing a database recording a plurality of words indicating the flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects, presenting in order to a user the objects to be used among a determined set of objects, causing a display means to display a plurality of words obtained from the database and indicating the flavor or scent of the object to be used, receiving a selection of a flavor or scent felt by the user when using the object to be used and an input of a preference for the object to be used from among the plurality of words, and outputting a word indicating the tendency of the user's preference according to the selection and the input when the selection and the input are received for all the objects constituting the set of objects.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer to execute steps of accessing a database recording a plurality of words indicating the flavor or scent of each of a plurality of objects, presenting in order to a user the objects to be used among a determined set of objects, causing a display means to display a plurality of words obtained from the database and indicating the flavor or scent of the object to be used, receiving a selection of a flavor or scent felt by the user when using the object to be used and an input of a preference for the object to be used from among the plurality of words, and outputting a word indicating the tendency of the user's preference according to the selection and the input when the selection and the input are received for all the objects constituting the set of objects.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a user's preferences for an object can be verbalized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a database 112. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a database 111. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for accepting input of attribute information. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen showing words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target sake. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the structure of a flavor map. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of feedback information. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the client terminal 20. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this modified example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0016] 1...information processing system, 10...server, 11...storage means, 12...access means, 13...presentation means, 14...display means, 15...display control means, 16...reception means, 17...identification means, 18...output means, 19...selection means, 20...client terminal, 91...display area, 92...display area, 93...area, 95...display area, 96...display area, 97...display area, 101...CPU, 102...memory, 103...storage, 104...communication IF, 111...database, 112...database, 201...CPU, 202...memory, 203...storage, 204...communication IF, 205...input device, 206...output device, 921...flavor map, 931...UI object, 932...UI object DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 1. Configuration 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 is a system that receives an input of a flavor felt when a user actually uses a set of objects, and verbalizes the user's preferences based on the input.

[0018] The information processing system 1 includes a storage means 11, an access means 12, a presentation means 13, a display means 14, a display control means 15, a receiving means 16, a specification means 17, and an output means 18. The storage means 11 stores various data and programs. In this example, the storage means 11 stores a database 111. The database 111 is a database in which a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of each of a plurality of objects are recorded. The access means 12 accesses the database 111. The presentation means 13 presents the objects to be used from a set of objects to the user in order. The number N of objects included in the set of objects is predetermined by the information processing system 1. The display means 14 displays various information. The display control means 15 causes the display means 14 to display a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the object of use obtained from the database 111. The receiving means 16 receives the selection of the flavor or aroma felt by the user when using the object of use from the plurality of words and the input of the preference for the object of use. When the selection and input for all objects constituting a set of objects is accepted, the identification means 17 identifies a wording indicating the user's tendency of preference according to the selection and input. The output means 18 outputs the wording identified by the identification means 17.

[0019] In this example, the output means 18 outputs information identifying another object not included in the set of objects among the plurality of objects to be recommended to the user, the another object being an object selected in response to a statement indicating the user's preference tendency.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing system 1. In this example, the information processing system 1 includes a server 10 and a client terminal 20. The server 10 is an information processing device or computer device including a CPU 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, and a communication IF 104. The CPU 101 is a processing device that performs various calculations according to a program. The memory 102 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 103 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data and programs, and includes, for example, at least one of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The communication IF 104 is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined standard (for example, Ethernet), and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0021] In this example, the programs stored in storage 103 include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "server program") for causing the computer device to function as a server of information processing system 1. The CPU 101 executes the server program, thereby implementing the functions of FIG. 1 in the computer device. In a state in which CPU 101 is executing the server program, at least one of memory 102 and storage 103 is an example of storage means 11. CPU 101 is an example of identification means 17. CPU 101 and communication IF 104 are examples of access means 12, presentation means 13, display control means 15, acceptance means 16, and output means 18.

[0022] The client terminal 20 is an information processing device or computer device having a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, a communication IF 204, an input device 205, and an output device 206, and more specifically, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The CPU 201 is a processing device that performs various calculations according to a program. The memory 202 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 201 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM. The storage 203 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data and programs, and includes, for example, at least one of an SSD and an HDD. The communication IF 204 is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined standard (for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or WiFi (registered trademark)), and includes, for example, an LTE antenna and a chipset. The input device 205 is a device for inputting data or instructions to the client terminal 20, and includes, for example, at least one of a touch screen, a keyboard, and a microphone. The output device 206 is a device for outputting information, and includes, for example, a display and a speaker.

[0023] In this example, the programs stored in storage 203 include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "client program") for causing the computer device to function as a client terminal of information processing system 1. The client program is a general-purpose web browser or a dedicated application program. When CPU 201 executes the client program, the functions of FIG. 1 are implemented in the computer device. When CPU 201 is executing the client program, output device 206 is an example of display means 14.

[0024] 2. Operation FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 1. Here, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described assuming the following usage scenario. A retail store (e.g., a department store) sells a sake tasting set. The sake tasting set is composed of 10 bottles of sake of various flavors. Here, the 10 bottles of sake are an example of a set of objects (N=10). In this example, the objects are food and drink, and the use of the objects is eating and drinking the food and drink. This sake tasting set includes a leaflet. This leaflet contains the URL of the service site of the information processing system 1, for example, in the form of a two-dimensional image code (more specifically, a QR code (registered trademark)). A user who has purchased a sake tasting set goes home, opens the product, and accesses the service site (provided by the server 10) from his or her own smartphone (an example of the client terminal 20). Note that in the following, functional elements such as the storage means 11 may be described as the subject of processing, which means that a hardware element such as the CPU 101 that executes software such as a server program executes processing in cooperation with other hardware elements.

[0025] In step S1, the server 10 receives a connection request to the service site from the client terminal 20. This connection request includes the ID of the sake tasting set. In the information processing system 1, the storage means 11 stores a database 112. The ID of the sake tasting set and information specifying the sakes included in the sake tasting set are recorded in the database 112 prior to the flow of FIG.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the database 112. The database 112 has a plurality of records. Each record corresponds to one sake tasting set, and includes the set name, i.e., the title, of the sake tasting set, and information specifying the brands of sake included in the sake tasting set. For example, the record in the leftmost column of the diagram indicates that the sake tasting set with ID "001" has the set name "Ibaraki Prefecture", and that this sake tasting set includes ten types of sake, namely "Ame Tsukuba", "Namasake Hokyo", "Takeo", "Sato no Homare", "Chi", "Koshiro", "Sabazake", "Funato", "Hinoirizuru", and "Funato Junmai Daiginjo".

[0027] Furthermore, database 112 records information that defines the order in which to drink the sake in the sake tasting set. In this example, the order from top to bottom in the diagram is defined as the order in which to drink the sake. Although not shown in the diagram, database 112 or another database may also record attribute information for each sake, such as the place of production (prefecture name), manufacturer name, price, link to a mail order site, etc.

[0028] Referring again to Figure 3, in step S2, the access means 12 accesses the database 112 and retrieves a record of a sake tasting set having the same ID as the ID included in the connection request received from the client terminal 20. In step S3, the access means 12 accesses the database 111 and retrieves a description that indicates the flavor or aroma of the sake included in the sake tasting set.

[0029] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of database 111. Database 111 has a plurality of records. Each record corresponds to one type of sake, and includes a numerical value indicating the strength of association between that sake and a predetermined expression (e.g., the intensity of flavor). The expressions recorded in database 111 are classified into four categories: type, flavor expression, metaphorical expression, and emotional expression.

[0030] In this example, the family is the highest classification, and includes three elements: "suzushige," "full," and "warmth." The database 111 records a numerical value indicating the balance of these three elements. In order to avoid an evaluation that all elements are equally balanced, the sum of the numerical values ​​indicating the balance of these three elements is set here to a value that is not divisible by 3 (for example, 7). Furthermore, in order to make it easier to identify the dominant element among the three elements, the numerical value is set so that the value of one of the elements is maximized (for example, in a balance of suzushige:full:warmth = 3:3:1, it is unclear which of suzushige and fullness is dominant, so such a numerical value is not set). This total setting value is common to all sakes (i.e., the sum of these three elements is 7 for all sakes). For example, the sake called "Ame Tsukuba" has a ratio of coolness:fullness:warmth = 2:4:1, while the sake called "Takeo" has a ratio of coolness:fullness:warmth = 5:1:1.

[0031] A flavor expression expresses the flavor or aroma contained in the sake with the name of other food ingredients or plants, for example, pineapple, lemon, and apple. The database 111 records the intensity of each flavor. Specifically, a value of zero is recorded for flavors that cannot be felt in the sake, and a numerical value indicating the strength of a flavor is recorded for flavors that can be felt in the sake. This numerical value is relative, with "1" indicating the weakest flavor that can be felt, and the numerical value increases as the flavor becomes stronger. In some cases, multiple flavors can be felt from one type of sake. Multiple flavors each belong to a single family (i.e., are associated with each other). For example, the flavor "kaiware" belongs to the family "suzushige," and the flavor "shimeji" belongs to the family "fukuyoka." In the example shown, for the sake "Ame Tsukuba," the flavors of kaiware, mitsuba, peanut, beech tree, mushroom, and chestnut paste are all "1," the flavors of soybean flour and black cherry are "2," and the flavor of shimeji is "4." Unlike lineages, there is no limit to the total value of a flavor expression.

[0032] A metaphoric expression expresses the flavor or aroma of the sake with a scene, for example, a noun with a modifier, such as "sunset over the bay coastline," "southern beach," or "memories of first love." At least one metaphoric expression is recorded for each sake in the database 111. Each metaphoric expression belongs to one of a number of adjective elements. In the example shown in the figure, the sake "Ame Tsukuba" contains the phrase "sunlight filtering through fresh green leaves" as a metaphoric expression in the "cool" category, and three phrases "tranquil rural scenery," "elegant morning glow," and "familiar sky of my hometown" as metaphoric expressions in the "plump" category (no metaphoric expressions in the "warm" category are included). Note that in this example, no strength is recorded for the metaphoric expressions.

[0033] The sensory expression expresses the flavor or aroma of the sake with an adjective such as "mellow" or "crisp." At least one sensory expression is recorded for each sake in the database 111. In the example shown, the words "refreshing aftertaste" and "mild aroma" are recorded for the sake "Ame Tsukuba." Note that in this example, the sensory expressions are not associated with systemic elements, and the strength is not recorded.

[0034] In this example, the numerical values ​​and words recorded in database 111 are a verbal or numerical representation of the flavor or aroma that a specific person or a small number of experts (e.g., sake sommeliers) actually perceived when tasting the sake.

[0035] In step S3, the access means 12 retrieves the records of the sakes included in the sake tasting set from the database 111. These records include descriptions that describe the flavor or aroma of the sakes.

[0036] Referring again to Fig. 3, in step S4, the receiving means 16 receives input of attribute information from the user. Specifically, the display control means 15 transmits data for displaying a UI screen for inputting the attribute information to the client terminal 20. The display means 14 of the client terminal 20 displays the UI screen according to this data.

[0037] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen that accepts input of attribute information. In this example, attribute information for four items, namely, "place of residence," "gender," "age," and "frequency of drinking sake," is accepted as user attribute information. When the user enters information in each item and presses the send button, this attribute information is sent to the server 10. In the server 10, the accepting means 16 accepts this attribute information. The storage means 11 stores this attribute information together with identification information temporarily assigned to the user of this session.

[0038] Please refer to FIG. 3 again. In step S5, the presentation means 13 identifies the next sake that the user should drink, that is, the order in which to drink the sake. Hereinafter, the next sake that the user should drink will be referred to as the "target sake." The target sake is an example of an object to be used. The drinking order in a sake tasting set is defined in the database 112. In the example of the sake tasting set "Ibaraki Prefecture," "Ame Tsukuba" is identified as the first target sake.

[0039] In step S6, the presentation means 13 presents the target sake to the user. The presentation means 13 causes the display means 14 of the client terminal 20 to display a message such as "Please try 'Ame Tsukuba' first." via the display control means 15.

[0040] In step S7, the display control means 15 causes the display means to display a plurality of words that indicate the flavor or aroma of the target sake. In this example, the target sake and the plurality of words that indicate its flavor or aroma are presented on a single screen.

[0041] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target sake. This display screen has display area 91, display area 92, and area 93. Display area 91 is an area for displaying the name and sensory expression of the target sake. Display area 92 is an area for displaying multiple words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target sake. In display area 92, multiple words indicating the flavor or aroma of the target sake are displayed above a flavor map 921. The flavor map includes a figure showing the balance of elements defined in the lineage of the target sake.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of a flavor map. In the flavor map, axes corresponding to the elements that constitute the family are set. In this example, three axes are set: a cool axis, a plump axis, and a warm axis. Each axis is set evenly in the rotation direction with respect to the origin of the flavor map, that is, in this example, they are set to form an angle of 120° with each other. The strength of each element is expressed by the size of a circle centered on a reference point (which is a point other than the origin) set on each axis. In one example, when cool: plump: warm = 2: 4: 1, the radius of the circle drawn on the flavor map is cool: plump: warm = 2: 4: 1. The circle of each element is colored with a different color.

[0043] Refer again to FIG. 7. In the flavor map, the wording of the flavor expression is displayed superimposed on a figure showing the balance of the family elements. In one example, the wording of the flavor expression is arranged in a circle for each family element, and the stronger the flavor expression, the larger it is and the closer it is to the center of the circle. The circumferential position of the wording within the circle, i.e., the angle, is predetermined for each flavor expression. Alternatively, the angle may be determined according to the number of flavor expressions included in the family element of the target sake (specifically, for example, so that multiple words are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction).

[0044] In the flavor map, metaphorical expressions are superimposed on the figure showing the balance of the system elements. In one example, the metaphorical expressions are displayed in a different appearance (specifically, font, color, size, decoration, or a combination thereof) from the flavor expressions. The metaphorical expressions are placed, for example, outside or on the circumference of the system elements.

[0045] The area 93 is an area for displaying UI objects 931 and UI objects 932. The UI object 931 is a UI object for inputting the user's preference for the target sake that he / she felt after drinking the target sake. In this example, the user's preference is input by selecting one of three options: "like", "neutral", and "dislike". The UI object 932 is a UI object for instructing the server 10 to transmit the selected wording and information indicating the input preference. Note that preferences are not limited to those expressed in three levels: "like", "neutral", and "dislike". For example, preferences may be expressed in two levels, "like" and "dislike", or the degree of preference may be expressed in N levels (or N stages) (N is a natural number N≧4).

[0046] In step S8, the receiving means 16 receives the selection of the flavor or aroma felt by the user when eating or drinking the object of use and the input of the preference for the object of use. The screen of FIG. 7 also displays a message saying "Please select the flavor or aroma felt when drinking this sake." The flavor or aroma felt by the user when eating or drinking the target sake is selected by the user specifying a flavor expression or metaphoric expression arranged on the flavor map. Since each user has a different sense, even if an expert judges that the sake "Ame Tsukuba" contains eight flavors, namely, beech sprouts, mitsuba, peanuts, beech wood, mushroom, chestnut paste, soybean flour, black cherry, and shimeji mushroom, and these flavor expressions are recorded in the database 111, it is not necessarily the case that each user can feel all of these eight flavors. Even when drinking the same sake, the flavor felt by each user varies depending on the sense of each user, such as one user feeling only the flavor of beech wood and another user feeling the flavors of soybean flour and chestnut paste. The wording is specified, for example, by the user touching the position where the wording is displayed on the touch screen.

[0047] The user's preferences are input via the UI object 931. When the user issues an instruction to transmit the selected wording and information indicating the inputted preferences from the UI object 932, the client terminal 20 transmits this information to the server 10. In the server 10, the storage means 11 stores the information received from the client terminal 20. Specifically, the storage means 11 stores the identification information of the target sake, and the selected wording and information indicating the inputted preferences, in association with the identification information of this session and the attribute information of the user. Hereinafter, the information input by the user indicating the selected wording and the inputted preferences will be referred to as "feedback information". When transmission of the feedback information to the server 10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0048] In step S9, the presentation means 13 judges whether the input of feedback information has been completed for all sakes included in the sake set. If it is judged that the input of feedback information has been completed for all sakes, the presentation means 13 shifts the process to step S9. If it is judged that there is still sake for which the input of feedback information has not been completed (S8: NO), the presentation means 13 shifts the process back to step S5.

[0049] In step S10, the identification means 17 identifies a phrase indicating a tendency of the user's preferences according to the feedback information stored in association with the identification information of the session in the storage means 11. Specifically, the identification means 17 first tally up the feedback information.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of feedback information. The feedback information includes, for each sake, a flavor description, a metaphor, and a preference that the user felt from the sake. In the example shown in the figure, it is recorded that the user felt a blueberry flavor or aroma from the sake "Ame Tsukuba" and "liked" it. The identification means 17 refers to the database 111 to obtain an index of each flavor description. FIG. 9 also shows the index of the flavor description obtained from the database 111. The identification means 17 counts up the index of the flavor description for each flavor description for the sake that the user felt "liked" for the sake tasting set. For example, the flavor of soybean flour is contained in three sakes, "Ame Tsukuba", "Funato", and "Funato Junmai Daiginjo", and the user inputs that he "likes" all three sakes. The indices of the flavor of soybean flour in "Ame Tsukuba", "Funato", and "Funato Junmai Daiginjo" are, for example, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, totaling 9 points. Furthermore, if a user inputs "dislike" for the sake "Funato Junmai Daiginjo," the flavor of soybean flour in the sake "Funato Junmai Daiginjo" will not be taken into consideration.

[0051] Next, the identification means 17 extracts flavor expressions whose total index is greater than a reference value from the collected feedback information. The reference value is predetermined by the information processing system 1, and is, for example, 5. For example, consider an example in which the indexes of soybean flour and cacao exceed the reference value. The flavor expressions soybean flour and cacao both belong to the family element "full-bodied". Therefore, the identification means 17 determines that the family element "full-bodied" and the flavor or aroma of soybean flour and cacao in terms of flavor expressions match the preferences of this user.

[0052] Furthermore, the specifying means 17 combines these pieces of information to specify (or generate) a phrase that expresses the user's taste tendency. In this example, the specifying means 17 generates a phrase for the user, "The sake that suits your taste is full-bodied, with a flavor of soybean flour and cacao."

[0053] In step S11, the identification means 17 identifies sake to be recommended to the user. Specifically, the identification means 17 searches the database 111 and extracts sake that corresponds to the phrase identified in step S9. That is, the identification means 17 extracts sake based on the search criteria that the user is dominated by the family element "full" and contains soybean flour and cacao as flavor descriptions, from the results of the compilation of feedback information. When multiple sakes are extracted, the identification means 17 gives priority to these multiple sakes. The priority is determined by using conditions such as giving priority to sake that is not included in the sake tasting set for which feedback information has just been input, giving priority to sake whose flavor description included in the search criteria (soybean flour and cacao in this example) is relatively stronger than other flavor descriptions, and giving priority to sake whose total value of the flavor description included in the search criteria is higher than other sakes, either alone or in combination.

[0054] This search excludes the 10 types of sake contained in the set of sake you just drank. This is to encourage the purchase of products you have never tried before. Depending on the product lineup or sales strategy of the business, the 10 types of sake contained in the set of sake you just drank may also be included in the search.

[0055] When identifying sake to be recommended to the user, the identifying means 17 may refer to the attribute information input in step S4. For example, if the user is male, the sake to be recommended is selected from sakes that are popular with men (in this case, information identifying which sakes are popular with men is pre-recorded in the database). Alternatively, the identifying means 17 may narrow down the candidate sakes to be recommended according to the user's place of residence. Specifically, the candidates are sakes produced near or far from the user's place of residence. The narrowing down of the candidate sakes to be recommended may be performed based on an explicit instruction from the user.

[0056] In step S12, the output means 18 outputs information indicating the wording identified by the identification means 17 and the sake to the client terminal 20. Specifically, the output means 18 transmits data for displaying the wording identified by the identification means 17 and the sake on the display means 14 to the client terminal 20. In the client terminal 20, the display means 14 displays a screen indicating the wording indicating the user's preference tendency and the recommended sake, according to the data received from the server 10.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the client terminal 20. This screen has a display area 95, a display area 96, and a display area 97. The display area 95 is an area for displaying text indicating the user's preference trends. The area 96 is an area for displaying the sake recommended to the user. The area 97 is an area for displaying a link to an EC site for purchasing the sake recommended to the user. In the example of FIG. 10, the area 96 displays information and images related to the sake recommended to the user (for example, the manufacturer, price, and label image of the sake).

[0058] According to this embodiment, by inputting feedback on the flavor or aroma felt when the user actually eats or drinks a set of predetermined objects, the user can obtain a statement indicating the user's preference tendency and information on the recommended objects. Since the user's preference tendency is verbalized, the user can easily convey his / her preference to a store clerk the next time he / she selects an object.

[0059] Furthermore, a link to an EC site for purchasing the recommended object is displayed, so that the user can easily purchase the recommended object.

[0060] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more of the following modifications may be used in combination.

[0061] 3-1. Order of presenting objects In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the order in which a set of objects is presented is defined in the database 111. However, the order in which the objects are presented is not limited to this example. For example, the presentation means 13 may change the order in which the objects are presented based on, for example, the flavor or aroma and preference previously input by the user. Specifically, the presentation means 13 may preferentially present an object having a flavor or aroma common to the flavor or aroma previously input by the user together with the preference "like". Alternatively, the presentation means 13 may preferentially present an object having no flavor or aroma common to the flavor or aroma previously input by the user. In another example, the presentation means 13 may preferentially present an object having a metaphorical or affective expression containing a word (e.g., "sunset" and "twilight", "first love" and "youth") similar to the word contained in the metaphorical or affective expression of the object having the preference "like" input. The similarity of the words is determined by referring to a thesaurus held by the server 10 or another server, for example. According to this example, the order in which objects are presented to the user can be changed based on the flavor or aroma and preferences input by the user up to that point. This is expected to make it easier to find common flavors among multiple objects, and to easily distinguish between objects.

[0062] 3-2. Text displayed on flavor map The wording displayed on the flavor map is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In the embodiment, an example was described in which all of the lineage, flavor expression, metaphorical expression, and sensibility expression contained in the record of the sake in the database 111 are displayed. However, it is not necessary for all of the information recorded in the database 111 to be displayed on the flavor map, and at least some of the information may be omitted when displayed (or the information to be displayed may be selected). As an example, when selecting information to be displayed, the display control means 15 may select a predetermined number in order of the strength of the flavor expression from the strongest (or, when selecting information to be omitted, the display control means 15 may select a predetermined number in order of the strength of the flavor expression from the weakest). In another example, when selecting information to be displayed or information to be omitted, the display control means 15 may take into consideration the flavor or aroma and preferences previously input by the user. Specifically, the display control means 15 may preferentially select, as information to be displayed, a flavor expression that is common to the flavor or aroma previously input by the user together with the preference of "like". This means that the wording displayed on the flavor map changes or is determined according to the flavor or aroma previously input by the user, and the preferences. Alternatively, the wording displayed on the flavor map may be the same, but the appearance of the wording may be changed depending on the flavor or aroma and preferences previously input by the user. For example, a flavor expression that is common to the flavor or aroma previously input by the user together with the preference "like" may be highlighted, or conversely, a flavor expression that is not common to the flavor or aroma previously input together with the preference "like" may be highlighted. According to this example, the wording displayed on the flavor map can be changed based on the flavor or aroma and preferences previously input by the user. This is expected to make it easier to find common flavors in multiple objects, for example, and to make the differences easier to understand.

[0063] 3-3. Proposal of combination of objects In the embodiment, although the combination of the sake sets (i.e., the content of the sets) was defined in advance in the database 112, the server 10 may propose a new sake set according to the user's request.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this modification example. In this modification example, the information processing system 1 further includes a selection unit 19. The reception unit 16 receives the specification of M types (M < N) of objects. The number M is, for example, determined in advance by the information processing system 1. Alternatively, the upper limit of the number M is determined, and the user may select within that range. The selection unit 19 refers to the database 111 and selects the remaining (N - M) types of objects so that the distribution of a plurality of words indicating the flavors or scents of the N types of objects constituting a newly proposed set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0065] Since it is difficult for the user to select all 10 bottles of Japanese sake in a set, the user designates a part of them, for example, 3 bottles of Japanese sake as he / she likes. The user inputs the identification information of the 3 bottles of Japanese sake he / she designated. The reception unit 16 receives the input of this identification information. Hereinafter, the selection unit 19 selects the remaining 7 bottles of Japanese sake.

[0066] The selection unit 19 first analyzes the lineage elements of the Japanese sake designated by the user. The selection unit 19 selects the lineage elements so that the distribution of the lineage elements in a set of Japanese sake becomes substantially uniform. For example, when the lineage elements of the 3 bottles of Japanese sake designated by the user are one each of "suzushige", "fukuyoka", and "atatakami", the selection unit 19 determines to select at least 2 bottles of Japanese sake having the lineage element of "suzushige", at least 2 bottles of Japanese sake having the lineage element of "fukuyoka", and at least 2 bottles of Japanese sake having the lineage element of "atatakami".

[0067] Furthermore, the selection means 19 selects other sakes so that there is a certain degree of overlap between the flavor description of the sake specified by the user. For example, the selection means 19 identifies one sake from the sakes specified by the user, and calculates the similarity between the flavor description of that sake and the flavor description of the candidate sakes. The similarity is calculated, for example, by taking the product of the intensity values ​​of the flavor descriptions and adding them up for all the flavor descriptions. The selection means 19 decides to select the sake with the highest calculated similarity. In this way, the selection means 19 selects three sakes whose flavor descriptions are similar to the Japanese variety specified by the user. Furthermore, the selection means 19 selects four sakes whose flavor descriptions are similar to the three newly selected sakes. Furthermore, if the three sake bottles initially selected by the user are of a biased variety (for example, if they are all of the "Suzushige" variety), there are no sakes selected by the user for the "full-bodied" and "warm" varieties, so the selection means 19 will select one sake according to some method and then select another sake with a similar flavor description to that sake.

[0068] According to this example, the user only needs to specify a few types of sake, and the remaining sakes are automatically selected to create a set of sake that conforms to the methodology employed by the information processing system 1. Note that the user in this example may be a general consumer or an employee of a store. For example, an employee of a store can determine the contents of a sake tasting set that conforms to the methodology employed by the information processing system 1 by simply specifying a few types of sake that they wish to promote.

[0069] 3-4. Identifying phrases that indicate preferences The method of identifying or generating the phrases indicating the user's preference tendency is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In order to identify or generate the phrases indicating the user's preference tendency, AI (Artificial Intelligence) or machine learning technology may be used. In this case, the identification means 17 can access a trained model (not shown). This trained model is a machine learning model having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and a drainage layer, and is a model in which the identification information of a set (i.e., multiple) sakes and information indicating the flavor and preference actually felt by a user who drank these multiple sakes are given to the input layer, and the phrases indicating the user's preference tendency, judged by an expert based on the information indicating the flavor and preference, are given to the output layer as teacher data, and machine learning is performed. According to this example, the database 111 can be simplified or omitted. Furthermore, the teacher data given to the input layer may be made to include user attribute information for learning.

[0070] 3-5. Identifying the sake to recommend The method of identifying the sake to be recommended to the user is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. AI or machine learning technology may be used to identify the sake to be recommended to the user. In this case, the identification means 17 can access a trained model (not shown). This trained model is a machine learning model having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and a sampling layer, and is a model in which machine learning is performed by providing, as training data, a phrase indicating the user's taste tendency to the input layer and a sake to be recommended to the user, as determined by an expert based on the phrase, to the output layer. According to this example, the database 111 can be simplified or omitted. Furthermore, the training data to be provided to the input layer may include user attribute information for learning.

[0071] 3-6. Other Examples The method of identifying a service site in the information processing system 1 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. For example, an application program installed in the client terminal 20 may include information identifying a service site, and when the user starts the application program, the application program may automatically connect to the service site.

[0072] The data structure of the database 111 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. For example, an affective expression may belong to one of the system elements. In addition, the strength of metaphorical expressions and affective expressions may be recorded in the database 111.

[0073] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the contents of the sake tasting set are defined in the database 112, but the contents of the sake tasting set do not have to be defined in the server 10. In this case, when the server 10 is accessed from the client terminal 20, identification information for the 10 bottles of sake included in the sake tasting set is transmitted. The identification information for these 10 bottles of sake is included in a two-dimensional image code printed on, for example, a leaflet enclosed with the sake tasting set.

[0074] The target object of the information processing system 1 is not limited to sake. It may be an alcoholic beverage other than sake, such as wine or beer, a non-alcoholic beverage, such as coffee, black tea or green tea, a seasoning, such as olive oil or vinegar, a food ingredient, such as soba or pasta, or a cosmetic product, such as perfume or soap.

[0075] The display screens shown in the embodiments are merely examples. Some of the UI objects shown in the embodiments may be omitted, and UI objects not shown in the embodiments may be added.

[0076] The functional configuration of the information processing system 1 is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment. Some of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be omitted, and functions not described in the embodiment may be added. In one example, the output means 18 may simply output a statement indicating the user's taste tendency, and may not output information on the recommended sake.

[0077] The hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 and the correspondence between the hardware configuration and the functional configuration are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. For example, a plurality of computer devices may physically cooperate to have the function of the server 10. The server 10 may be a physical server or a virtual server. At least a part of the functions described as being possessed by the server 10 in the embodiment may be implemented in the client terminal 20. In this case, the client terminal 20 may function as the "information processing device" of the present invention.

[0078] The flowcharts shown in the embodiments are merely examples. The order of some of the processes may be changed, or some of the processes may be omitted. For example, the step of accepting input of user attribute information may be omitted. Or, the step of outputting (e.g. displaying) sake recommended to the user may be omitted.

[0079] The program executed by a processor such as CPU 101 may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided in a state available for download via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. an access means for accessing a database in which a plurality of descriptions indicating the flavor or aroma of each of a plurality of objects are recorded; A presentation means for presenting to a user objects to be used from a set of predetermined objects in order; a display control means for controlling a display means to display a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the object to be used, the words being obtained from the database; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the flavor or aroma felt by the user while using the object of use from among the plurality of descriptions and an input of the user's preference for the object of use; an output means for outputting a statement indicating a tendency of the user's preference in response to the selection and the input when the selection and the input are received for all objects constituting the set of objects; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. The output means outputs information specifying another object, which is not included in the set of objects, among the plurality of objects and which is selected according to a statement indicating a tendency of a preference of the user, to be recommended to the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The output means outputs the information for recommending to the user, as the other object, an object among the plurality of objects, the object being included in a plurality of words indicating a flavor or aroma of the object and corresponding to a word indicating a tendency of the user's preference in the database. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The presenting means presents to the user the use objects determined in accordance with the order changed based on the flavor or aroma and preference input by the user up to that point. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The display control means causes the display means to display a message indicating the flavor or aroma of the object of use that has been changed based on the flavor or aroma previously input by the user and the user's preference. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The database includes, as the expression, a food ingredient name that is classified into one of a plurality of categories for the flavor or aroma of each of the plurality of objects. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the set of objects is made up of N types of objects; The receiving means receives designation of M types (M<N) of objects; The information processing device includes: A selection means for selecting the remaining (N-M) types of objects by referring to the database so that the distribution of a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the N types of objects constituting the set of objects satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. A computer comprising: accessing a database having recorded therein, for each of a plurality of objects, a plurality of descriptions that describe the flavor or aroma of the object; presenting to the user in sequence the objects to be used from the set of objects; A step of displaying on a display means a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the object to be used, the words being obtained from the database; A step of receiving a selection of a flavor or aroma felt by the user using the object of use from among the plurality of descriptions and an input of a preference for the object of use; when the selection and the input are received for all objects constituting the set of objects, outputting a statement indicating a tendency of the user's preferences in response to the selection and the input; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

9. On the computer, accessing a database having recorded therein, for each of a plurality of objects, a plurality of descriptions that describe the flavor or aroma of the object; presenting to the user in sequence the objects to be used from the set of objects; A step of displaying on a display means a plurality of words indicating the flavor or aroma of the object to be used, the words being obtained from the database; A step of receiving a selection of a flavor or aroma felt by the user using the object of use from among the plurality of descriptions and an input of a preference for the object of use; when the selection and the input are received for all objects constituting the set of objects, outputting a statement indicating a tendency of the user's preferences in response to the selection and the input; A program for executing the above.

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