Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device, method, and program capable of identifying the taste of an object are provided. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit (51) that acquires information relating to the taste image of an object as image information, an identification unit (52) that analyzes the image information to identify the taste corresponding to the object and turn it into taste information, and an output unit (53) that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art The taste of food and the like is measured using a taste sensor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a taste sensor whose membrane potential changes in response to a substance in a liquid to be measured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-107344 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, taste sensors require the actual preparation of the food or other food to be measured. However, it is difficult to measure abstract tastes, such as the taste of fictional foods and drinks that appear in anime, dramas, manga, movies, etc., or the taste of one's hometown, using a taste sensor. For this reason, identifying the taste of such foods and drinks has been a technical challenge.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, a method, and a program that can identify the taste of an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information relating to the taste image of an object as image information, an identification unit that analyzes the image information to identify the taste corresponding to the object and turn it into taste information, and an output unit that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object.

[0008] In addition, in the information processing device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the acquisition unit acquires, as the image information, information regarding the taste that each of a plurality of users imagines for the object.

[0009] In addition, in the information processing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the object is a fictitious food or drink.

[0010] Furthermore, in the information processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first and second aspects, the acquisition unit acquires reference information regarding a reference taste corresponding to the object, and the identification unit identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the reference information.

[0011] In addition, in the information processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, the acquisition unit acquires reference information regarding a reference taste corresponding to an existing food or drink of the same type as the object, and the identification unit identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the reference information.

[0012] In addition, in the information processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first and second aspects, the identification unit identifies, from the image information, at least one of information regarding a positive taste image for the object and information regarding a negative taste image for the object, and identifies the taste information using the information.

[0013] In addition, in the information processing device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the first and second aspects, the identification unit identifies keyword information indicating the taste characteristics of the object from the image information, and identifies the taste information using the keyword information.

[0014] In addition, in the information processing device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first and second aspects, the taste information is information in which the taste corresponding to the object is quantified in correspondence with each of a plurality of elements related to taste.

[0015] In addition, in the information processing device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first and second aspects, the acquisition unit acquires information relating to an image that is the target for the taste of the object as the image information, and the identification unit identifies the taste information using the image information.

[0016] Furthermore, in the information processing device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the ninth aspect, the acquisition unit acquires, as the image information, information regarding each user's image of the taste of the object and information regarding the target image of the taste of the object, and the identification unit identifies the taste information by prioritizing information regarding the target image of the taste of the object over information regarding each user's image of the taste of the object.

[0017] In addition, in an information processing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, the taste information is digital data using a blockchain.

[0018] Furthermore, a method according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of acquiring information relating to a taste image of an object as image information, a step of analyzing the image information to identify a taste corresponding to the object and convert it into taste information, and a step of outputting the taste information corresponding to the object.

[0019] In addition, a program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information relating to the taste image of an object as image information, an identification unit that analyzes the image information to identify the taste corresponding to the object and turn it into taste information, and an output unit that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the information processing device, method, and program of the present disclosure, the taste of an object can be identified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference table. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of standard tastes of food and drink. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the terminal device when accepting the designation of an object. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a terminal device displaying a questionnaire regarding impressions of the taste of an object. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of correction to the reference taste in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a terminal device displaying the results of identifying the taste of an object. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0023] ---First embodiment--- First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0024] <Overall structure> 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1 identifies the taste of an object.

[0025] In this embodiment, the "object" is an object whose taste is to be identified. That is, the object is food or drink. Note that food and drink is a general term that includes both food and drink. That is, food and drink may refer to either food or drink. In this embodiment, the object is fictional food or drink. Fictional food and drink is, for example, imaginary food and drink that appears in anime, dramas, manga, movies, etc. Note that the object may also be food and drink from a specific region, such as food and drink from one's hometown (the taste of one's hometown), ancient food and drink described in literature, foreign food and drink, or rare food and drink that is difficult to obtain. In this way, the object can be applied in various ways as an object whose taste is to be identified. The object is, for example, set by the user in advance.

[0026] In this embodiment, the object will be described as an example of fictional food and drink that appears in a particular anime.

[0027] In this embodiment, the term "taste" refers to a broad range of tastes that can be perceived by humans through their sensory organs, such as the tongue. For example, tastes can be perceived through the sense of taste. For example, tastes are composed of elements such as sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami.

[0028] 1, the system 1 includes a server device 10, one or more external devices 12, and one or more terminal devices 13. The server device 10, the external devices 12, and the terminal devices 13 are communicatively connected via a communication network NT such as the Internet.

[0029] The server device 10 is an information processing device (computer) that identifies the taste of an object. For example, the taste of fictional food or a taste of a hometown may not be specified, and various images may be associated with it. For this reason, the server device 10 identifies the taste of such abstract tastes. The server device 10 may be a cloud-based or on-premise type.

[0030] The external device 12 is an information processing device (computer) that communicates with the server device 10. The external device 12 is, for example, a server device different from the server device 10. For example, the external device 12 is a device that provides various services such as a web page or an SNS (social network service). Note that a plurality of external devices 12 that provide respective services may be connected to the server device 10.

[0031] The terminal device 13 is an information processing device (computer) used by a user. The terminal device 13 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. In this embodiment, the terminal device 13 is a smartphone as an example. The terminal device 13 is used by each user, and multiple terminal devices 13, such as terminal device 13A and terminal device 13B, are connected to the server device 10.

[0032] <Hardware configuration> The hardware configurations of the server device 10 and the terminal device 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] (Hardware configuration of server device 10) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0034] 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0035] The control device 20 functions as various functional means by the CPU 22 executing predetermined programs stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28. The details of these functional means will be described later.

[0036] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the external device 12 and the terminal device 13, for example.

[0037] The storage device 28 is configured with a hard disk or the like. The storage device 28 stores various programs and information required for executing processes in the control device 20, as well as information such as processing results. The storage device 28 is an example of a storage medium (non-transitory computer-readable storage medium).

[0038] The server device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may also have other components that are generally included in a server. For example, the server device 10 may also have an operating means and a display device. The hardware configuration of the external device 12 may also have a configuration similar to that of the server device 10.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of terminal device 13) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device 13 shown in FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 13 includes a main control unit 30, a touch panel (touch screen) 32, a camera (in-camera / out-camera) 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a memory unit 40, and a speaker 42.

[0041] The main control unit 30 is configured to include a CPU, memory, etc. Connected to the main control unit 30 are a touch panel 32 as a display input device, a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a storage unit 40, and a speaker 42. The main control unit 30 has the function of controlling these connection destinations.

[0042] The touch panel 32 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 32A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 32B that performs the input function.

[0043] The camera 34 captures still images and videos and has a function of storing captured data in a storage unit 40.

[0044] The mobile communication unit 36 ​​has a function of connecting to a mobile communication network via an antenna 36A and communicating with other communication devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0045] The wireless LAN communication unit 38 has a function of connecting to the communication network NT via an antenna 38A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 10 connected to the communication network NT.

[0046] The storage unit 40 stores various programs and various data.

[0047] The speaker 42 has a function of outputting sound.

[0048] The hardware configuration of the server device 10 shown in FIG. 2 and the hardware configuration of the terminal device 13 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in FIGS.

[0049] <Functional means> The functional configuration of the server device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10. Various processes in the server device 10 are executed by the functions of each block.

[0051] 4, the server device 10 includes a storage unit 50, an acquisition unit 51, an identification unit 52, and an output unit 53. Each functional unit is realized by the control device 20 executing a process, for example.

[0052] The storage unit 50 stores various types of information etc. Specifically, the storage unit 50 stores a reference table 55.

[0053] The reference table 55 is information in which foods and beverages are associated with information about their reference tastes. That is, the reference table 55 includes information about the reference tastes corresponding to each of a plurality of foods and beverages. In this embodiment, the reference taste is referred to as a "reference taste." The foods and beverages in the reference table 55 are, for example, real foods and beverages. For this reason, the taste of the foods and beverages is measured using, for example, a taste sensor, and the reference taste corresponding to the foods and beverages is set in advance. It is preferable that the reference taste be set using the taste measurement results of multiple foods and beverages of the same type. Multiple foods and beverages of the same type are, for example, foods and beverages of the same type but from different manufacturers (manufacturers) or distributors (sellers). For example, the reference taste is set by averaging the taste measurement results of multiple foods and beverages of the same type. In this way, a reference taste corresponding to a specific food and beverage is set and set as the reference table 55. It is not limited to setting the reference taste by measurement using a taste sensor, etc., and, for example, a setter or the like may set the reference taste based on the taste perceived by the food or beverage.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the reference table 55. In FIG. 5, the foods and beverages are food and beverage A1, food and beverage A2, food and beverage A3, food and beverage A4, and food and beverage A5. Food and beverage A1, food and beverage A2, food and beverage A3, food and beverage A4, and food and beverage A5 are each different types of food and beverage. In the reference table 55, information on reference tastes is associated with each of the foods and beverages A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. For example, a reference taste B1 is set for food and beverage A1, a reference taste B2 is set for food and beverage A2, a reference taste B3 is set for food and beverage A3, a reference taste B4 is set for food and beverage A4, and a reference taste B5 is set for food and beverage A5.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a reference taste B1 set corresponding to the food and drink A1 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the reference taste B1 is expressed using, for example, multiple taste elements. In this embodiment, the multiple taste elements are, for example, five tastes: sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami. As shown in FIG. 6, the reference taste B1 is set as numerical information for each of the elements: sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami. The example of FIG. 6 shows a case where the reference taste B1 has a sweetness value of 3, a saltiness value of 1, a sourness value of 1, a bitterness value of 1, and a umami value of 2. The reference tastes are set for each food and drink.

[0056] 4, the acquisition unit 51 acquires various types of information. To this end, the acquisition unit 51 includes a first acquisition unit 56, a second acquisition unit 57, and a third acquisition unit 58.

[0057] The first acquisition unit 56 accepts the designation of an object. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 56 accepts the designation of an object from the user's terminal device 13. For example, the first acquisition unit 56 accepts the designation of an object from the terminal device 13A.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 70 of the terminal device 13 when accepting the designation of an object. The screen 70 displays "Please enter the object whose taste you want to identify" to prompt the user to designate the object. Then, in an area 71, the user can input to designate the object. The example of the screen 70 shows a case where the user inputs "food and drink D1 from anime C1" as the object. Note that food and drink D1 is a fictitious (non-existent) food and drink that appears in the anime C1. The user then operates the confirm button 72 on the screen 70 to complete the designation of the object. As a result, the first acquisition unit 56 acquires that the object is food and drink D1 from the anime C1.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires (collects) information relating to the image of the taste of an object. In this embodiment, the information relating to the image of the taste of an object is referred to as "image information." Specifically, the image information is information relating to the image (imagination) of the taste of an object by a user. In other words, the image information is information relating to the impression of the taste of an object. In particular, it is preferable that the image information is information relating to the image of the taste of an object that each of multiple users has.

[0060] Image information is, for example, articles related to the taste of an object on the Internet, user comments, etc. Specifically, image information is an article on a web page related to the object. Image information is also user comments on an SNS about the taste of the object. Specifically, image information includes user comments on the object such as "it looks sweet and delicious" or "it looks bitter." Note that the above example illustrates image information related to sweetness and bitterness, but various information related to the taste of the object is not limited to the above and can be image information.

[0061] The second acquisition unit 57 acquires image information, for example, from the external device 12. For example, the second acquisition unit 57 may acquire information on an article related to the taste of the object from the external device 12 that provides a web page, or may acquire comments related to the taste of the object from the external device 12 that provides a social networking service.

[0062] For example, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires image information about food and drink D1 in the animation C1 as an object from the external device 12. As a result, the image information includes various information about the image of the taste of the object, and is acquired by the second acquisition unit 57. That is, the second acquisition unit 57 collects various information about the taste of the object as image information.

[0063] In the above example, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires image information from the external device 12, but the image information is not limited to being acquired from the external device 12. For example, the second acquisition unit 57 may acquire image information from a user's terminal device 13. In this case, the second acquisition unit 57 may acquire, as the image information, the results of a questionnaire regarding the image of the taste of the object. When acquiring the survey results as the image information, it is preferable to acquire the survey results from multiple users. Furthermore, the terminal devices 13 (users) targeted for the survey may include the terminal device 13A that specified the object, or may be terminal devices 13 other than the terminal device 13A.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 80 of the terminal device 13 displaying a questionnaire regarding the image of the taste of an object. The screen 80 displays "Please input your image of the taste of the object" to prompt the user to respond to the image of the taste of the object. As shown in area 81, the object specified as shown in FIG. 7 (food or drink D1 in animation C1) may be displayed. Then, in area 82, the user can input an image of the taste of the object. The example of the screen 80 shows a case where "It seems to be very sweet and almost not bitter." The user then operates the confirm button 83 on the screen 80 to complete the input of the questionnaire. As a result, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires image information as the questionnaire result.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 4, the third acquisition unit 58 acquires reference information regarding a reference taste corresponding to the object. The third acquisition unit 58 acquires, from the storage unit 50, reference information regarding a reference taste corresponding to the object designated by the first acquisition unit 56. For example, if the object is food D1 of an animation C1, the third acquisition unit 58 references the reference table 55 in the storage unit 50 and acquires information regarding the reference taste corresponding to the food D1 of the animation C1 as reference information. That is, the third acquisition unit 58 acquires reference information regarding the reference taste corresponding to an actual food of the same type as the object. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the food D1 of the animation C1 and the food A1 in the reference information are the same type of food. In this case, the third acquisition unit 58 acquires information regarding the reference taste B1 of the food A1 in the reference table 55 as reference information.

[0066] In this way, image information corresponding to the specified object and reference information (reference taste) corresponding to the specified object are acquired.

[0067] The identification unit 52 analyzes the image information of the object and identifies the taste corresponding to the object. In this embodiment, information about the taste corresponding to the object identified by the identification unit 52 is referred to as "taste information." Specifically, the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the image information and the reference information. The identification unit 52 modifies the reference taste of the reference information using the image information and identifies the taste information corresponding to the object. The analysis may be performed using AI or the like, or may be performed by a predetermined process without using AI or the like.

[0068] Specifically, the identification unit 52 identifies, from the image information, at least one of information relating to a positive taste image of the object and information relating to a negative taste image of the object. Information relating to a positive taste image of the object is referred to as "positive information," and information relating to a negative taste image of the object is referred to as "negative information." For example, positive information is information relating to an image that something looks delicious, and negative information is information relating to an image that something looks unappetizing. Furthermore, information that does not represent either a positive or negative taste image is referred to as "neutral information." In this embodiment, the identification unit 52 classifies each piece of information included in the image information into positive information, negative information, and neutral information. That is, the identification unit 52 classifies each piece of information included in the image information according to the user's emotions.

[0069] For example, the identification unit 52 identifies information about a positive image in the image information, such as a user comment "It looks sweet and delicious," as positive information. Furthermore, for example, the identification unit 52 identifies information about a negative image in the image information, such as a user comment "It looks bitter and not tasty," as negative information. Furthermore, for example, the identification unit 52 identifies information about a neutral image in the image information, such as a user comment "I think the sweetness is normal," as neutral information.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the image information is classified into positive information and negative information, but it may be classified into either positive information or negative information. Also, the classification of neutral information may be omitted.

[0071] The identification unit 52 then uses the identified information to identify taste information. The identification unit 52 identifies keyword information indicating taste characteristics of the object from the image information. Specifically, the identification unit 52 identifies keyword information indicating taste characteristics for each of the positive information, negative information, and neutral information in the image information. For example, information related to sweetness, information related to saltiness, information related to sourness, information related to bitterness, and information related to umami are each identified as keyword information.

[0072] For example, if the positive information in the image information includes a user comment such as "It looks sweet and delicious," it is identified as keyword information related to sweetness. Also, if the negative information in the image information includes a user comment such as "It looks bitter and not delicious," it is identified as keyword information related to bitterness. Also, if the neutral information in the image information includes a user comment such as "I think the sweetness is average," it is identified as keyword information related to sweetness.

[0073] The determination unit 52 then determines the taste information using the keyword information. Specifically, the determination unit 52 modifies the reference taste acquired as reference information to determine the taste of the object. The determination unit 52 modifies the reference taste using keyword information of positive information, keyword information of negative information, and keyword information of neutral information to determine the taste of the object.

[0074] For example, when keyword information related to sweetness contains a predetermined number of pieces of positive information or when there is more positive information than negative or neutral information, it is assumed that many people have an image of the object being sweet. In such cases, a correction is made to increase the numerical value of the sweetness of the reference taste. For example, the amount of increase in the numerical value is set based on the number of pieces of positive information (keyword information related to sweetness) or the number (difference) or ratio of positive information compared to negative or neutral information. Furthermore, when keyword information related to sweetness contains a predetermined number of pieces of negative information or when there is more negative information than positive or neutral information, it is assumed that many people have an image of the object being less sweet. In such cases, a correction is made to decrease the numerical value of the sweetness of the reference taste. For example, the amount of decrease in the numerical value is set based on the number of pieces of negative information (keyword information related to sweetness) or the number (difference) or ratio of negative information compared to positive or neutral information. Furthermore, when the keyword information related to sweetness contains a predetermined number of neutral pieces of information or when there is more neutral information than positive or negative information, it is assumed that many people have an image of the target object being of a normal sweetness. In such cases, the numerical value of the standard sweetness is not modified.

[0075] Furthermore, when there is a predetermined number of negative keywords in the keyword information related to bitterness, or when there is more negative information than positive or neutral information, it is assumed that many people have an impression of a strong bitter taste for the target object. Therefore, in such cases, the numerical value of the sweetness of the reference taste is corrected to increase. The direction of correction (increase / decrease) of the numerical values ​​for positive and negative can be set appropriately.

[0076] The keyword information of positive information, the keyword information of negative information, and the keyword information of neutral information are compared to reflect the image of the taste of the object of the user, etc., and the taste of the object is identified based on the reference taste.

[0077] In this way, the reference taste is corrected using the keyword information, and the taste information of the object is set. The taste information is information in which the taste corresponding to the object is quantified in correspondence with each of a plurality of elements related to taste. Note that the specific configuration of the taste information is not limited.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of modifying a reference taste. FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the reference taste B1 in FIG. 6 is modified. For example, if it is assumed from keyword information related to sweetness that the user often has an image of the target object being very sweet, the numerical value of sweetness is incremented by 2 from the reference taste B1. If it is assumed from keyword information related to saltiness that the user often has an image of the target object being medium salty, the numerical value of saltiness is left unchanged. If it is assumed from keyword information related to sourness that the user often has an image of the target object being medium sour, the numerical value of sourness is left unchanged. If it is assumed from keyword information related to bitterness that the user often has an image of the target object being slightly bitter, the numerical value of bitterness is decremented by 1 from the reference taste B1. If it is assumed from keyword information related to umami that the user often has an image of the target object being slightly umami, the numerical value of umami is incremented by 1 from the reference taste B1. In this way, corrections are made based on the reference taste B1, and the taste information of the object is identified as follows: sweetness value 5, saltiness value 1, sourness value 1, bitterness value 0, and umami value 3. For example, the taste information of the object is identified as shown in the graph (radar chart) of FIG.

[0079] Although the above example shows an example of an analytical method for identifying taste information using image information, the method for identifying taste information using image information is not limited to the above.

[0080] For example, the determination unit 52 may estimate the degree of positive, negative, and neutral images of the sweetness of the user's object from keyword information related to sweetness. The determination unit 52 may then compare these degrees to determine the direction and amount of correction for the sweetness value of the reference taste, and set the taste information. Furthermore, for example, the sweetness value of the reference taste may be corrected using either positive keyword information related to sweetness or negative keyword information related to sweetness.

[0081] Also, for example, the specifying unit 52 may not classify each piece of information included in the image information into positive information, negative information, or neutral information. That is, the specifying unit 52 may extract keyword information from the image information, estimate the degree of image for each element (e.g., sweetness), and correct the numerical value of the reference taste.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, analysis may be performed using AI or the like from the image information to identify the difference from the reference taste, thereby identifying the taste information.

[0083] In this way, the analytical method for identifying the taste information of an object is not limited to a specific method as long as it uses image information to reflect the image of the taste of the object that the user or the like has.

[0084] When the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information of the object, the identification unit 52 may set the taste information as digital data using a blockchain. That is, the identification unit 52 may set the taste information as a token. As a result, the owner of the taste information is recorded on the blockchain, and the data becomes tamper-proof. For example, the taste information as a token can be FT or NFT. FT is an abbreviation for Fungible Token, which indicates a fungible token. Furthermore, NFT is an abbreviation for Non-Fungible Token, which indicates a non-fungible token.

[0085] In this way, the taste corresponding to the object is identified in the identification unit 52. That is, the taste is converted into digital data (taste mapping). The taste information can also be called a digital profile of the taste.

[0086] The output unit 53 outputs the taste information identified by the identification unit 52. That is, the output unit 53 outputs taste information corresponding to the object. For example, the output unit 53 provides the user with the result of identifying the taste by outputting the taste information to the terminal device 13 of a specified user. For example, the taste information may be output to the terminal device 13A of the user who specified the object. Note that the object to which the output unit 53 outputs the taste information is not limited.

[0087] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 100 of the terminal device 13 displaying the result of identifying the taste of an object (taste information). The screen 100 displays "The result of identifying the taste of the object is as follows." As shown in area 101, a specified object (food and drink D1 of animation C1) may be displayed. Then, the taste information identified for the object is displayed in area 102. For example, the diagram of FIG. 9 is displayed in area 102. As shown in area 103, the taste characteristics of the object relative to a reference taste may be displayed. For example, area 103 may display "Food and drink D1 of animation C1 is sweeter than common foods and drinks of the same type." Then, the user operates the end button 104 to end the display of the result of identifying the taste of the object.

[0088] The output unit 53 may also output suggested information based on taste information. The suggested information is, for example, information useful for product development, marketing, etc. related to the object. For example, the output unit 53 may identify a difference in taste between the object and a food or drink of the same type as the real object, and output the difference. The output unit 53 may also identify a degree of similarity in taste between the object and a food or drink of the same type as the real object, and output the degree of similarity. Note that the suggested information is not limited to the above.

[0089] Furthermore, when additional processing is performed using the identified taste information, the output unit 53 may output the taste information to a functional unit of the server device 10 that performs the processing or to another device. Examples of additional processing include a process for generating a recipe for an object from the taste information, a process for further improving the taste based on the taste information, and the like. For example, in the recipe generation process, the taste of the object is identified, ingredients are identified to achieve the identified taste, and a recipe is created for making the object with the identified taste using the identified ingredients. For example, a basic recipe for a food or beverage corresponding to the object may be stored in advance, and a recipe for making the object with the identified taste may be created by modifying the basic recipe. Furthermore, in the process for improving the taste, the identified taste information may be used to adjust the taste so that people perceive it as even more delicious.

[0090] The output unit 53 may also output the flavor information to a creator or original creator of the object, a production organization, a business operator (business organization), a manager (management organization), a broadcasting organization, a publishing organization, or the like. That is, the output unit 53 may output the flavor information to a provider that provides the object to a user or a management organization that manages the object. In this case, the server device 10 may obtain feedback on the flavor information and use the feedback to modify the flavor information of the object. That is, the identification unit 52 may modify the flavor information of the object to reflect the opinions of the provider or management organization of the object regarding the flavor.

[0091] <Processing flow> Next, an example of the flow of processing related to the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0092] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when a start instruction is given by the user. For example, the processing of the following steps is started when a dedicated application is launched on the user's terminal device 13. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] 11 shows the processing of the terminal device 13 and the processing of the server device 10. Specifically, the processing of steps SP10 to SP12 is executed by the terminal device 13, and the processing of steps SP20 to SP24 is executed by the server device 10.

[0094] (Step SP10) The terminal device 13 accepts the designation of the object. For example, a dedicated application is started on the terminal device 13, whereby the screen 70 of Fig. 7 is displayed on the terminal device 13, and the user performs an input to designate the object. Then, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0095] (Step SP11) The terminal device 13 outputs information about the specified object to the server device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0096] (Step SP20) In the server device 10, the first acquisition unit 56 accepts the designation of the object. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 56 acquires information about the designated object from the terminal device 13. Then, the process proceeds to step SP21.

[0097] (Step SP21) In the server device 10, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires taste image information for the object from, for example, the external device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0098] (Step SP22) In the server device 10, the third acquisition unit 58 acquires reference information on the reference taste corresponding to the object, and then the process proceeds to step SP23.

[0099] (Step SP23) In the server device 10, the identification unit 52 analyzes the image information of the object to identify the taste information of the object. For example, the identification unit 52 modifies the reference taste based on the image information to identify the taste information of the object. In this way, taste information corresponding to the object is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0100] (Step SP24) In the server device 10, the output unit 53 outputs the identified taste information to the terminal device 13. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0101] (Step SP12) The terminal device 13 displays the specified taste information. For example, a screen 100 in Fig. 10 is displayed on the terminal device 13, and taste information corresponding to the object is provided to the user. Then, the process ends.

[0102] <Effects> As described above, the server device 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 51 that acquires information relating to the taste image of an object as image information, an identification unit 52 that analyzes the image information to identify the taste corresponding to the object and set it as taste information, and an output unit 53 that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object.

[0103] This configuration makes it possible to identify the taste of an object from image information, making it possible to identify the taste of even fictitious foods and drinks.

[0104] For example, by identifying the taste of a fictional food or drink, organizations such as companies can develop products that recreate the taste imagined by fans. Users may also have the possibility of actually experiencing the fictional food or drink. For example, they may be able to experience an anime in which the object appears, bringing the worldview closer to them. Furthermore, by digitizing the taste, it may become a topical piece of content.

[0105] Furthermore, by identifying the taste of an object from image information, it becomes possible to identify the taste through information processing. Furthermore, by using image information, it is possible to efficiently identify the taste of an object, which makes it possible to improve the processing efficiency of computers and reduce the processing load. In other words, it is expected that computers will become more powerful and less complex.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires, as image information, information about the taste that each of the multiple users imagines for the object.

[0107] According to this configuration, it is possible to set the taste information of the object by reflecting the images of multiple users. By reflecting the images of the users, it is possible to set the taste information so as to approach the taste that the users expect.

[0108] In this embodiment, the target object is a fictitious food or drink.

[0109] This configuration makes it possible to identify the taste of a fictitious food or drink.

[0110] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires reference information relating to a reference taste corresponding to the object, and the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the reference information.

[0111] This configuration makes it possible to identify taste information based on a reference taste, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying taste information and increasing the efficiency of processing.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires reference information regarding the reference taste corresponding to an existing food or drink of the same type as the target object, and the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information corresponding to the target object based on the reference information.

[0113] According to this configuration, it is possible to efficiently identify the taste of a fictitious food or drink by using the reference taste of an actual food or drink as a basis.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the identification unit 52 uses image information to identify at least one of information regarding a positive taste image of the object and information regarding a negative taste image of the object, and uses this information to identify taste information.

[0115] According to this configuration, by classifying taste images into positive and negative taste images, the process of identifying taste information can be made more efficient, and the user's feelings can be efficiently reflected in the identification of taste information.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specifying unit 52 specifies keyword information indicating the characteristics of the taste of the object from the image information, and specifies the taste information using the keyword information.

[0117] According to this configuration, by specifying taste information using keyword information, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the process of specifying taste information.

[0118] In this embodiment, the taste information is information in which the taste of the object is quantified in correspondence with each of a plurality of elements related to taste.

[0119] This configuration allows the taste to be effectively represented as data.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, the taste information is digital data that uses blockchain.

[0121] This configuration increases the added value of the taste information.

[0122] --- Second embodiment --- Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0123] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which taste information is set using information relating to the target image of the taste of the object as image information. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below. The points not described below in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0124] In this embodiment, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires, as image information, information relating to each user's image of the taste of the object, similarly to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires, as image information, information relating to a target image of the taste of the object.

[0125] In this embodiment, information regarding a target image of the taste of an object is referred to as “target image information.” To distinguish from the target image information, information regarding each user’s image of the taste of an object is referred to as “user image information.”

[0126] The target image information is information about the taste that should be targeted for an object. Specifically, the target information is information about the image of the taste of the object indicated (published) by the creator of the object. For example, if the object is a fictional food or drink, the creator of the object is the creator of the anime or other program in which the food or drink appears. Furthermore, the target image information is not limited to the creator of the object, but may also be information about the taste of the object indicated (published) by the original creator of the object, a production organization, a business operator (business organization), a manager (management organization), a broadcasting organization, a publishing organization, or the like. In other words, the target image information is information about the taste of the object indicated by the provider or manager of the object. In other words, the target image information is information about the taste of the object that has been officially announced (official information).

[0127] For example, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires target image information corresponding to the object from an external device 12 that provides a service such as a web page showing the target image information or an SNS. For example, if the creator posts a comment on the taste of the object on an SNS such as "It's very sweet and delicious," the comment is acquired as the target image information.

[0128] In this way, the second acquiring unit 57 acquires not only the user image information but also the target image information as the image information corresponding to the object. Also, the third acquiring unit 58 acquires the reference information on the reference taste corresponding to the object.

[0129] The determination unit 52 then uses image information including the user image information and the target image information to determine the taste information corresponding to the object. Specifically, the determination unit 52 determines the taste information corresponding to the object from the image information, as in the first embodiment. That is, the determination unit 52 modifies the reference taste of the reference information using the image information to determine the taste information corresponding to the object. This allows the target information (official information) to be reflected in the taste information.

[0130] Furthermore, when user image information and target image information are acquired as image information, the specification unit 52 may specify taste information by prioritizing the target image information over the user image information. "Priority" means that the importance (influence) of the target image information is made higher than that of the user image information in order to specify taste information.

[0131] For example, the specifying unit 52 may set the numerical value of sweetness in the taste information by increasing the importance (influence) of keyword information in the target image information compared to keyword information in the user image information in the keyword information related to sweetness. For example, the specifying unit 52 may correct the number by multiplying the number of keyword information in the target image information by a predetermined number. The predetermined number is greater than 1. Then, for example, when the keyword information related to sweetness contains a predetermined number or more positive information or there is more positive information compared to negative information or neutral information, the specifying unit 52 may correct the numerical value of sweetness of the reference taste by increasing it. Furthermore, the increase in the numerical value is set based on, for example, the number of positive information or the number (difference) or ratio of positive information compared to negative information or neutral information. In other words, the correction is performed by increasing the importance of the target image information. Furthermore, when the keyword information related to sweetness contains keyword information in the target image information that is greater in importance than keyword information in the user image information, the specifying unit 52 may estimate the degree of positive image of sweetness and set the numerical value of sweetness. Increasing the importance (influence) of the target image information can also be said to be weighting the target image information more highly. The specific method is not limited as long as the taste information is set with the target image information being given a higher importance (influence) than the user image information.

[0132] Although the above example shows a case where both user image information and target image information are acquired as image information and used for analysis, only target image information may be acquired as image information and used for analysis. In this case, the second acquisition unit 57 acquires the target image information as image information, and the identification unit 52 identifies taste information using the target image information as image information.

[0133] In this way, the taste information of the object is specified, reflecting the target information. Then, the output unit 53 outputs the specified taste information.

[0134] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires information relating to an image that is a target for the taste of an object as image information, and the identification unit 52 identifies taste information from the image information.

[0135] According to this configuration, it is possible to specify taste information that reflects the target image of the taste of the object.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51 acquires, as image information, information relating to each user's image of the taste of the object and information relating to the target image of the taste of the object, and the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information by prioritizing information relating to the target image of the taste of the object over information relating to each user's image of the taste of the object.

[0137] According to this configuration, the taste information can be set with a high influence of the target image of the taste of the object. In other words, the taste information can be set so as to approach the target image of the taste of the object.

[0138] <Modification> It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above specific examples. In other words, designs obtained by appropriately modifying the above specific examples by a person skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure.

[0139] For example, in the above embodiment, the taste elements are sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami, but the taste elements are not limited to these. For example, taste elements such as astringency, unpleasant taste, richness, cleanliness, refreshingness, intensity of taste, aftertaste (initial taste), complexity, breadth, persistence, and flavor may be applied. Furthermore, the taste element may be the degree of similarity (taste similarity) with a specific food or drink (which may be of the same type as the target object or a different type). Furthermore, the taste elements may include elements other than taste that affect taste. For example, elements other than taste include texture (softness, etc.) and aroma (olfactory sensation). In this way, various indices can be applied as long as they are elements related to taste, without being limited to the above.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image information is exemplified as user comments, etc., but the image information is not limited to this. For example, the image information may be an image or video relating to the taste of an object (for example, an image or video of someone eating it with relish), or an action on an SNS (for example, a "like" or "share" on an SNS). For example, an image or video relating to the taste of an object may be an image or video of someone eating a sweet treat with relish, which represents the object being sweet and delicious. Furthermore, if there are a predetermined number or more actions related to the object on an SNS, the image information represents the object having a taste that people like (delicious). In this way, various information can be applied as image information as long as it is information relating to the image of the taste of the object.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the identification unit 52 identifies the taste information of the object by modifying the reference information (reference taste). However, the identification unit 52 may identify the taste information without using the reference information (reference taste). For example, the identification unit 52 uses image information to identify the numerical values ​​of multiple elements related to taste and sets the taste information. That is, the identification unit 52 is not limited to identifying the taste information as relative information relative to the reference taste, but may identify the taste information as absolute information without using the reference taste. For example, when keyword information related to sweetness contains a predetermined number or more positive information, or when there is more positive information than negative or neutral information, it is assumed that the object is perceived as having a strong sweetness. Therefore, a numerical value corresponding to sweetness is set based on the number of positive information (keyword information related to sweetness) or the number (difference) or ratio of positive information compared to negative or neutral information. Furthermore, for example, the degree of the user's image of sweetness for the object may be estimated from keyword information related to sweetness, and the numerical value of sweetness in the taste information may be set.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the object is a fictional food or drink, but the object is not limited to this. For example, the object may be food or drink from a specific region, such as food or drink from one's hometown (the taste of home), or an old food or drink described in a document, a foreign food or drink, or a rare food or drink that is difficult to obtain. That is, the object may be food or drink that actually exists (or may exist) but does not have a specific taste (no specific recipe), such as food or drink from a specific region, such as food or drink from one's hometown. The object may also be food or drink that existed in the past but does not exist today, such as an old food or drink. The object may also be food or drink that is difficult to actually prepare, such as a foreign food or a rare food or drink that is difficult to obtain. Note that the object may also be food or drink that actually exists (can be prepared). In this way, various foods and drinks can be applied as the object. In particular, the taste of food or drink from one's hometown (the taste of home) may vary depending on the home, restaurant, etc., making it difficult to identify the taste of real food, but it is possible to identify the taste from image information. This makes it easier to promote food and drink from one's hometown (taste of hometown) to other regions. Identifying recipes based on the identified flavors enables even more effective promotion. For example, when targeting food and drink from a specific region, such as food and drink from one's hometown (taste of hometown), the second acquisition unit 57 may acquire image information from residents or natives of that region (users associated with that region).

[0143] In the above embodiment, the taste elements are sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, but the taste elements may be set in advance or automatically. For example, the server device 10 may analyze the taste characteristics (keywords related to taste) that are imagined for the object from the image information, and set multiple elements (e.g., sweetness) that make up the characteristics as taste elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10: Server device (information processing device) 51: Acquisition part 52: Specific part 53: Output section D1: Food and drink (object)

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information relating to an image of a taste of an object as image information; an identification unit that analyzes the image information to identify a taste corresponding to the object and sets the taste information; an output unit that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object; An information processing device comprising:

2. The acquisition unit acquires, as the image information, information about the taste that each of the plurality of users imagines for the object. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The object is a fictitious food or drink.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the acquisition unit acquires reference information regarding a reference taste corresponding to the object; The identification unit identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the reference information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the acquisition unit acquires reference information on a reference taste corresponding to an existing food or drink of the same type as the target object; The identification unit identifies the taste information corresponding to the object based on the reference information. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. The identification unit identifies at least one of information regarding a positive taste image of the object and information regarding a negative taste image of the object based on the image information, and identifies the taste information using the information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the identification unit identifies keyword information indicating a taste characteristic of the object from the image information, and identifies the taste information using the keyword information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The taste information is information in which the taste corresponding to the object is quantified in correspondence with each of a plurality of elements related to taste.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the acquisition unit acquires, as the image information, information relating to a target image of the taste of the object, The identification unit identifies the taste information based on the image information. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

10. the acquiring unit acquires, as the image information, information relating to each user's image of the taste of the object and information relating to a target image of the taste of the object; the identification unit identifies the taste information by prioritizing information about a target image of the taste of the object over information about each user's image of the taste of the object. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. The taste information is digital data using blockchain.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A computer-implemented method comprising: acquiring information relating to an image of a taste of an object as image information; a step of analyzing the image information to identify a taste corresponding to the object and set it as taste information; outputting the taste information corresponding to the object; A method having the following.

13. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires information relating to an image of a taste of an object as image information; an identification unit that analyzes the image information to identify a taste corresponding to the object and sets the taste information; an output unit that outputs the taste information corresponding to the object; A program that functions as a

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