Intermediary device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an intermediary apparatus, a program, and an information processing method capable of promoting the use of a real restaurant in a service other than an in-store eating and drinking service in a real restaurant.SOLUTION: An intermediary apparatus includes a menu acquisition unit that acquires menu information including a menu preparation method from a provider device used by a menu provider that provides a menu preparation method for a food and beverage menu; a setting unit that sets a brand of a food and beverage service that provides a menu to a consumer based on the menu information; a restaurant acquisition unit that acquires, from a restaurant operator device used by a restaurant operator, real restaurant information about a real restaurant of the restaurant operator, including information about a cooking environment provided in the real restaurant; an association unit that associates the brand with the real restaurant based on the real restaurant information and the menu information; and a restaurant operator output unit that causes the restaurant operator device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and the menu information of the menu provided by the brand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies that realize so-called food delivery services that accept and deliver meal orders via the Internet or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a virtual restaurant system that includes multiple cooking facilities (central kitchen facilities, so-called cloud kitchens) for each of multiple brands. This virtual restaurant system receives orders, including delivery locations and meals selected from a menu, via a dedicated application, and selects a cooking facility for each order based on the delivery location. Next, the system issues instructions to have the selected cooking facility produce the ordered meals. The completed meals are then moved to an order loading zone, loaded onto a delivery vehicle, and delivered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-529074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, demand for food delivery services has been increasing. It is anticipated that the demand for in-store dining services at real restaurants will decrease as demand for food delivery services increases. As a result, food service operators have expressed a desire to utilize real restaurants for other services to compensate for the decline in demand for in-store dining services. However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not utilize real restaurants because each brand has its own dedicated cooking facilities and the food is prepared there. Furthermore, it is difficult for real restaurants to acquire new revenue sources simply by responding to delivery services.

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the present invention aims to provide an intermediary device, program, and information processing method that can promote the use of real restaurants for services other than in-store dining services at real restaurants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An intermediary device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a menu acquisition unit that acquires menu information including cooking methods for menus from a provider device used by a menu provider that provides cooking methods for food and beverage menus; a setting unit that sets a brand for the food and beverage service that provides the menu to consumers based on the menu information; a restaurant acquisition unit that acquires real restaurant information regarding the real restaurants of the food and beverage supplier from a food and beverage supplier device used by the food and beverage supplier, the real restaurant information including information on the cooking environment provided by the real restaurant; a matching unit that matches the brand with the real restaurant based on the real restaurant information and the menu information; and an operator output unit that causes the food and beverage supplier device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and menu information for the menu provided by the brand.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention enables a computer to implement the following functions: a menu acquisition function that acquires menu information, including cooking methods for a menu, from a provider device used by a menu provider that provides cooking methods for food and beverage menus; a setting function that sets a brand for the food and beverage service that provides the menu to consumers based on the menu information; a restaurant acquisition function that acquires real restaurant information, related to the real restaurant of the food and beverage supplier, from a food and beverage supplier device used by the food and beverage supplier, the real restaurant information including information on the cooking environment provided by the real restaurant; an association function that associates brands with real restaurants based on the real restaurant information and menu information; and an operator output function that causes the food and beverage supplier device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and menu information for the menu provided by the brand.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention involves a computer obtaining menu information, including cooking methods for a menu, from a provider device used by a menu provider that provides cooking methods for the food and beverage menu; setting a brand for the food and beverage service that provides the menu to consumers based on the menu information; obtaining real restaurant information, which relates to the food and beverage provider's real restaurant and includes information on the cooking environment provided by the real restaurant, from a food and beverage provider device used by the food and beverage provider; associating the brand with the real restaurant based on the real restaurant information and the menu information; and outputting the brand associated with the real restaurant and menu information for the menu provided by the brand to the food and beverage provider device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intermediary device, a program, and an information processing method that can promote the use of real restaurants for services other than in-store dining services at real restaurants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual kitchen system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an intermediary device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the intermediary device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an intermediary device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0012] In this embodiment, the terms "unit," "means," "device," and "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "unit," "means," "device," and "system" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "unit," "means," "device," or "system" may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "units," "means," "device," or "system" may be realized by one physical means or device.

[0013] <1. System configuration> An example of the system configuration of a virtual kitchen system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0014] The virtual kitchen system 1 is a system that connects providers of menu information, including cooking methods for food and beverage menu items (hereinafter also referred to as "menu providers"), with food and beverage operators who own real restaurants in order to promote the use of real restaurants. The virtual kitchen system 1 allows menu providers to provide brand information and menu information, and enables the launch of a new food and beverage service brand (hereinafter also referred to as "food and beverage service brand" or simply "brand") that does not have its own store, facilities, or chefs. The launched food and beverage service brand is then matched (associated) with a real restaurant, and the matched real restaurant provides menus (food and beverages) to consumers using the provided menu information under the name of the food and beverage service brand.

[0015] The term "real restaurant" refers to a restaurant that actually exists. The real restaurant may be an existing restaurant or a restaurant that is scheduled to open in the future.

[0016] "Menu information" is information that indicates one or more food and drink menus. For each menu item, the menu information includes, for example, the menu name, cooking method, unit price, and / or cost rate of the menu. The cooking method for the menu includes, for example, the ingredients and amounts of each ingredient used to prepare the menu item, the cooking utensils used, cooking steps, and / or presentation method.

[0017] "Brand information" is information about food and beverage service brands. For example, for each food and beverage service brand, brand information may include identification information (brand ID) for identifying each brand, brand name, type of menu offered (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Western, or Italian), concept representing the uniqueness or positioning of the brand (e.g., "authentic Chinese food for people who like spicy food" or "an omelet rice specialty store that even small children will enjoy"), target customers (e.g., students or families), and / or price range (e.g., lunch: minimum XXX yen - maximum XXX yen, dinner: minimum XXX yen - maximum XXX yen). Brand information may also include, for example, menu information for main menu items for each food and beverage service brand.

[0018] The brand information may include, for example, store location information. The store location information is information indicating the target store location for each food service brand. For example, if the food service brand provides delivery services, this target store location may be the target delivery location. Note that the store location information may not be included in the brand information, but may be acquired from the provider device 200 as individual information.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the virtual kitchen system 1 includes an intermediary device 100 used by an intermediary business operator, a provider device 200 used by a menu provider, a food and beverage provider device 300 used by a food and beverage provider, and a consumer device 400 used by a consumer.

[0020] The intermediary device 100, the provider device 200, the food service provider device 300, and the consumer device 400 are connected to one another via a network N. The intermediary device 100 is also connected to an external system 500 via the network N. The food service provider device 300 is also connected via the network to a restaurant device 410 used by a real restaurant owned by the food service provider. Note that the food service provider device 300 and the restaurant device 310 may be the same information processing device, for example, in cases where the food service provider also serves as the person in charge (manager or head chef) of the real restaurant. Note that hereinafter, the provider device 200, the food service provider device 300, and the consumer device 400 are collectively referred to as "related party devices." These related parties include, for example, menu providers, food service providers, delivery companies, and / or ordering parties.

[0021] The network N is composed of a wireless network and a wired network, examples of which include a mobile phone network, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), WiMax (registered trademark), infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wired LAN, a telephone line, a power line network, and a network conforming to IEEE1394.

[0022] [Intermediary device] The intermediary device 100 is an information processing device capable of communicating with the provider device 200, the food service provider device 300, and the consumer device 400. The intermediary device 100 is a device used, for example, by a person who operates the virtual kitchen system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "operator"). The intermediary device 100 executes a predetermined program to obtain menu information from the provider device 200 and link to the food service provider device 300 of a food service provider that operates a real restaurant. The intermediary device 100 may, for example, function as a web server and provide users with a website for using the virtual kitchen system 1 via a web application. Examples of users include the operator, menu providers, food service providers, restaurant staff, and consumers.

[0023] The intermediary device 100 accepts user authentication requests (including each user's account ID and password), so-called login requests, from each of the provider device 200, food and beverage supplier device 300, and consumer device 400. If the accepted login is successful, the intermediary device 100 allows each user to use the functions of the virtual kitchen system 1 that they are authorized to use. Each user's account required for this login is an account that each user has registered in the virtual kitchen system 1 in advance.

[0024] [Provider device] The provider device 200 is an information processing device such as a smartphone or laptop, and is capable of receiving brand information and menu information from menu providers and communicating with the intermediary device 100. By executing a predetermined program, the provider device 200 cooperates with the intermediary device 100 to send and receive various information, display screens related to food service brands, and receive requests from client devices.

[0025] [Food and beverage business operators] Food and beverage provider device 300 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, laptop, or server device (including a cloud server), and is capable of accepting input of real restaurant information from food and beverage providers and communicating with intermediary device 100. By executing a predetermined program, food and beverage provider device 300 cooperates with intermediary device 100 to send and receive various information, display screens related to food service brands and real restaurants, and accept requests from food and beverage providers.

[0026] "Real restaurant information" is information about real restaurants. The real restaurant information may include, for example, the cooking environment provided for each real restaurant. The real restaurant information may also include, for example, the name of the restaurant, the type of menu (genre) offered, contact information, address, delivery area, business hours, price range, and / or customer target for each real restaurant.

[0027] The cooking environment includes, for example, for each real restaurant, information about the personnel in charge of cooking (e.g., the number of chefs and their respective skills), the area of ​​the cooking space, cooking equipment, and / or cooking utensils. This cooking equipment is equipment specified in the food business standards, such as the number of sink basins, cooking counters / work tables, cold tables, cupboards, refrigerator / freezers, ice makers, gas ranges / gas ranges, and / or air conditioning equipment.

[0028] Examples of cooking utensils include knives, cutting boards, pots, pans, ladles, and / or bowls, colanders, and trays.

[0029] The real restaurant information may include, for example, order acceptance dates and times indicating dates and times when the real restaurant can accept orders for the brand.

[0030] The real restaurant information may include, for example, restaurant location information. The restaurant location information is information indicating the location (for example, address or latitude and longitude) of the real restaurant.

[0031] The actual restaurant information may include, for example, overhead information. The overhead information is information indicating overhead costs of the actual restaurant. The overhead information may include, for example, rent, labor costs, material costs (cost of ingredients and drinks), utility costs, communication costs, depreciation costs, and equipment replenishment costs of the actual restaurant. Furthermore, the material costs may be obtained not from the restaurant business device 300 but from an external device of the external system 500 and added to the overhead information.

[0032] [Consumer devices] The consumer device 400 is an information processing device such as a smartphone or laptop, and is capable of receiving orders from consumers to food service brands and communicating with the intermediary device 100. By executing a predetermined program, the consumer device 400 cooperates with the intermediary device 100 to send and receive various information, display screens related to food service brands, and receive consumer requests.

[0033] The provider device 200, the food and drink business device 300, and / or the consumer device 400 may have installed thereon, as a predetermined program, an application program dedicated to the virtual kitchen system 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "virtual kitchen app"), for example.

[0034] The virtual kitchen app may be, for example, a native app that provides each user with a user interface for using the virtual kitchen system 1. Each device uses the virtual kitchen app by installing it from an application store, the intermediary device 100, or the like.

[0035] The predetermined program may be, for example, a virtual kitchen app, a web app, or a third-party app implemented using a white label provided for the virtual kitchen system 1. Also, for example, the virtual kitchen system 1 may be configured to allow both the virtual kitchen app and the web app to be used as user interfaces.

[0036] [External System] The external system 500 is a so-called third-party system. The external system 500 is, for example, a market research system for conducting market research, a payment infrastructure, etc. The payment infrastructure is, for example, a bank system, a credit card system, etc.

[0037] <2. Overview> An example of an overview of the virtual kitchen system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] <2-1. Service Model> An example of a service model provided by the virtual kitchen system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the virtual kitchen system 1 provides an intermediary service that acts as an intermediary between menu providers and real restaurants.

[0039] In this example, the menu provider is an owner-chef of a restaurant operating in a specific area, but the present invention is not limited to this. The menu provider may also be, for example, an individual who does not operate a restaurant business (for example, a housewife, househusband, or office worker). Furthermore, in this example, for simplicity's sake, an example is described in which one menu provider provides menu information for one food service brand, but multiple menu providers may provide menu information for one food service brand.

[0040] For example, if an owner-chef who operates a restaurant (in this example, a restaurant specializing in egg dishes) in a specific region (in this example, the Kyushu region) wants to spread the flavors of his restaurant to a wider area, the virtual kitchen system 1 can be used to act as an intermediary between such a restaurant and real restaurants in other regions, thereby meeting the owner-chef's requests.

[0041] (1) Specifically, the owner-chef (menu provider) provides menu information for a mille-feuille omelet rice, a menu item of his restaurant that he wishes to offer in a wide area, to the intermediary device 100 from the provider device 200. The owner-chef can also provide at least a portion of the brand information for launching a food service brand to offer this menu item, along with the menu information, to the intermediary device 100. The intermediary device 100 acquires the provided brand information and menu information. In this example, the brand concepts included in the brand information are set to "an omelet rice with a fluffy texture," "a store specializing in mille-feuille omelet rice," and "for women." Furthermore, the store location information included in the brand information is set to "Tokyo" and "Nagoya" as target locations for store opening.

[0042] (2) Based on the acquired brand information and menu information, the intermediary device 100 sets a food service brand (in this example, "Fuwa Mille Omelette Rice") that will offer a menu to consumers. The Fuwa Mille Omelette Rice brand is a brand name aimed at women, combining the fluffy texture and mille-feuille style, based on the brand concept and menu, and is set as a brand specializing in mille-feuille style omelet rice. In this way, the virtual kitchen system 1 can set up a food service brand and launch it.

[0043] (3) The intermediary device 100 associates the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand with real restaurants that can prepare Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand menu items and are located in the target area for opening a store (Tokyo and Nagoya in this example). In this example, these real restaurants are real restaurant A located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, and real restaurant B located in Naka Ward, Nagoya. In this association, the intermediary device 100, for example, determines whether there is a cooking environment in which the cooking method for the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand menu items can be performed, identifies real restaurants that are determined to have the cooking environment as a result of the determination, and associates them with the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the virtual kitchen system 1 can match a food service brand based on a menu provided by a menu provider with a real restaurant. This matching allows the menu provider to expand the food service brand that offers the menu they have created in a wide area without having to prepare dedicated personnel or cooking equipment. This matching also allows food service operators to utilize real restaurants to offer new menus for delivery or takeout, which are different from the menus they have previously offered for in-store dining. This can therefore promote the use of real restaurants for services other than in-store dining services.

[0045] (4) As shown in FIG. 2(b), the consumer transmits order information for placing an order for the Mille-feuille Omelette Rice, a menu item of the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand, output on the virtual kitchen app from the consumer device 400 to the intermediary device 100. (5) The intermediary device 100 acquires this order information and accepts the order.

[0046] "Order information" refers to information indicating an order placed with a food service brand, including the delivery location and the ordered menu item. The order information may also include, for example, the price of the order (the price of each menu item and the total price of the ordered menu items) and the date and time the order was received. If the menu item is delivered to the consumer, the order information may also include information identifying the delivery company (e.g., the name of the delivery company), the delivery time, and the time the delivery company will pick up the menu item.

[0047] (6) The intermediary device 100 allocates the order for the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand received in (5) above to one of the multiple real restaurants based on the order acceptance date and time of the real restaurant and the order information. For example, if the order date and time is 8:00 PM, the intermediary device 100 allocates the order to real restaurant A whose order acceptance date and time includes 8:00 PM and whose delivery area includes the delivery location of the order. (7) The intermediary device 100 causes the restaurant device 310 of the allocated real restaurant A to output the order information.

[0048] (8) The real-world restaurant A prepares the ordered menu and has a delivery company or the like deliver it to the delivery location specified in the order information.

[0049] With the above configuration, the virtual kitchen system 1 can coordinate orders for a set food service brand with associated real-world restaurants, have the ordered menu items prepared, and serve them to consumers. This allows a newly established food service brand to begin providing food services to consumers in an agile manner, without the need to prepare dedicated stores or personnel to serve the menu items. This makes it possible to build an ecosystem that generates revenue from the provision of food services while keeping the initial costs of developing a food service brand low.

[0050] <2-3. Overall development process> Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the functions achieved by the entire virtual kitchen system 1 in the development process of a food and beverage service brand will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the functions achieved by the entire virtual kitchen system 1 are classified into three sections: "A) Brand development function", "B) Brand proposal function", and "C) Procurement management function". In the virtual kitchen system 1, each section cooperates with each other to provide an intermediary service. Also, each section cooperates with the external system 500 as well.

[0051] The three sections have one or more sub-sections as follows. In the virtual kitchen system 1, each sub-section also cooperates with each other. Hereinafter, each section and each sub-section will be described with the assigned numbers shown in <>. A) Brand development function: It has five sub-sections: "A1) Brand information registration function", "A2) Menu development function", "A3) Brand development function", "A4) Sales forecast function", and "A5) DB function". B) Brand proposal function: Proposes a food and beverage service brand that is highly likely to match each actual food and beverage store. This section has four sub-sections: "B1) Candidate brand proposal function", "B2) Profit prediction function", "B3) Marketing utilization function", and "B4) DB function". C) Procurement management function: To order materials by predicting the demand for materials based on sales forecast information for purchasing materials. This section has four sub-sections: "C1) Volume prediction function", "C2) Ordering function", "C3) Procurement time notification function", and "C4) DB function".

[0052] <2-3-1.A) Brand development function> Referring to FIG. 4, an example of the A) brand development function section will be described. In this example, the example of FIG. 2 will be used for the description.

[0053] <A1) Brand information registration function> (1) As shown in FIG. 4, the provider device 200 provides brand information to the mediation device 100 in order to launch a food and beverage service brand via a virtual kitchen app or the like. (2) The brand acquisition unit 111c of the mediation device 100 acquires brand information from the provider device 200. (3) The brand acquisition unit 111c registers the acquired brand information in the brand storage unit 131.

[0054] <A2) Menu Development Function> (4) The provider device 200 provides menu information to the mediation device 100 in order to register the menu of the food and beverage service brand to be launched via a virtual kitchen app or the like. (5) The menu acquisition unit 111a of the mediation device 100 acquires menu information from the provider device 200. (6) The menu acquisition unit 111a registers the acquired menu information in the brand storage unit 131.

[0055] <A3) Brand Development Function> (7a) The candidate generation unit 116a of the mediation device 100 refers to the brand storage unit and generates candidates for food and beverage service brands based on the brand information and menu information. For example, the candidate generation unit 116a generates a fluffy mille-feuille omelette rice brand that offers a mille-feuille-style omelette rice menu as a candidate. Also, when menu information for a oyakodon menu with a fluffy texture and a soft texture is additionally provided, a fluffy and soft oyakodon brand may also be generated as a candidate. (8a) The candidate output unit 114d of the mediation device 100 causes the provider device 200 to output the generated brand candidates (fluffy mille-feuille omelette rice brand and fluffy and soft oyakodon brand).

[0056] <A4) Sales Prediction Function> (7b-1) The information acquisition unit 111d acquires sales performance information for each region from an external device included in the external system 500. (7b-2) The performance identification unit 112b references the brand memory unit 131, which stores candidate store location information, and identifies sales performance information to associate with the candidate food service brand based on the candidate store location information. For example, if the candidate food service is the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand, the performance identification unit 112b identifies sales performance information showing the sales performance of omelet rice specialty stores in Tokyo and Nagoya for the previous fiscal year. (7b-3) The sales forecasting unit 117a predicts sales for the candidate food service brand based on the identified sales performance information. The sales forecasting unit 117a registers the prediction result as sales forecast information in the forecast memory unit 132. (8b) Based on the prediction result, the candidate output unit 114d of the intermediary device 100 causes the provider device 200 to output sales forecasts for the candidate brand along with the candidate food service brand. For example, if the candidate food and drink service is the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand, the candidate output unit 114d causes the provider device 200 to output the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand and a one-year sales forecast for the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand side by side.

[0057] "Sales performance information" is information relating to the sales performance of restaurants in each region.

[0058] "Store opening candidate area information" is information indicating candidate areas for store opening for candidate food service brands.

[0059] (9) The menu provider selects a brand to adopt from the brand candidates output by the provider device 200. For example, the provider selects Fuwamiru Omelette Rice as a new brand to launch from among the brand candidates output by the provider device 200, Fuwatoro Oyakodon. The menu provider can also update the brand information of the brand candidates output by the provider device 200, for example. (10) The first selection receiving unit 115b of the intermediary device 100 receives updates to the brand information and selections to adopt brand candidates from the provider device 200.

[0060] (11) The setting unit 113 of the mediation device 100 sets a food service brand based on the selected candidate. For example, the setting unit 113 sets the selected fluffy mill omelette rice as the food service brand. Also, when an update of the food service brand from the menu provider is received, the setting unit 113 sets the food service brand with the updated brand information.

[0061] <A5) DB function> The brand storage unit 131 stores the menu information, brand information, sales performance information, and sales forecast information registered from each unit.

[0062] <2-3-2.B) Brand proposal function> Referring to FIG. 5, an example of the B) brand proposal function section will be described. In this example, the example of FIG. 2 will be used for the description.

[0063] <A1) Brand information registration function> (1) As shown in FIG. 5, the brand identification unit 112c of the mediation device 100 refers to the storage unit 130 (brand storage unit 131) and identifies a food service brand that is a candidate for association with a real food and beverage store based on the real food and beverage store information and menu information for the real food and beverage store. For example, for a real food and beverage store A, the brand identification unit 112c identifies the fluffy mill omelette rice brand as a candidate for association based on the real food and beverage store information and menu information.

[0064] (2a) The business operator output unit 114a of the mediation device 100 causes the food and beverage business operator device 300 to output the identified brand association candidate.

[0065] <B2) Profit prediction function> (2b-1) The profit prediction unit 117b refers to the storage unit 130 (prediction storage unit 132) that stores sales prediction information, and predicts the profit of the brand association candidate based on the sales prediction information and various expense information included in the actual restaurant information. For example, the profit prediction unit 117b may predict the monthly profit of the brand association candidate by subtracting the total monthly various expenses from the predicted monthly sales amount predicted by the sales prediction unit 117a. The profit prediction unit 117b registers the predicted result in the storage unit 130 as profit prediction information. (2b-2) The business operator output unit 114a causes the food service business operator device 300 to output the profit prediction of the brand association candidate together with the identified brand association candidate based on the result of this prediction.

[0066] (3) The food service business operator selects the food service brand to be associated with the actual restaurant from the food service brand association candidates output to the food service business operator device 300. For example, if the fluffy mill omurice brand is output as the food service brand association candidate, the fluffy mill omurice brand is selected as the brand to be adopted for the association with the actual restaurant A. (4) The second selection reception unit 115c of the mediation device 100 receives this selection from the food service business operator device 300. (5) The association unit 112 associates the food service brand with the actual restaurant based on the result of the selection received by the second selection reception unit 115c. For example, the association unit 112 associates the fluffy mill omurice brand with the actual restaurant A based on the result of the selection received by the second selection reception unit 115c.

[0067] <B3) Marketing utilization function> (6) The food service business operator inquires the mediation device 100 for information regarding marketing (hereinafter, "marketing information") for utilization in marketing from the food service business operator device 300. (7) The reception unit 115 of the mediation device 100 receives this inquiry from the food service business operator device 300. (8) The business operator output unit 114a refers to the storage unit 130 that stores the inquired marketing information, and causes the food service business operator device 300 to output the marketing information for the inquiry target.

[0068] Marketing information includes, for example, for each actual restaurant, statistical information in the store opening area, the order receipt performance of each menu, the attribute information of consumers who have ordered in the past, and / or the trends of popular menus. The statistical information in the store opening area may include, for example, the total number of stores for each region and for each type (genre) of menu provided, the statistical values (such as average value, median value, mode value, etc.) of the order unit price of consumers for each region, and / or the sales performance information for each region.

[0069] <B4) DB Function> The storage unit 130 stores the marketing information acquired from an external device of the external system 500 or the like. The storage unit 130 also stores the profit prediction information registered from the profit prediction unit 117b.

[0070] <2-3-3.C) Procurement Management Function> Referring to FIG. 6, an example of the C) procurement management function section will be described. In this example, the example of FIG. 2 will be used for the description.

[0071] <C1) Procurement Management Function> (1) As shown in FIG. 6, the demand prediction unit 117c of the mediation device 100 refers to the storage unit 130 (prediction storage unit 132) and predicts the demand for materials for cooking the menus of each of a plurality of brands based on the menu information and the sales prediction information. Note that this material includes, for example, raw materials for cooking the menu and cooked food ingredients (food).

[0072] <C2) Ordering Function> (2) Based on the result of the prediction in (1) above, the data generation unit 116b of the mediation device 100 identifies the materials to be ordered per order and the order quantity and order price for each material. The data generation unit 116b generates one or more order data for ordering materials in each of a plurality of food service brands based on the identified order quantity and order price for each material. The data generation unit 116b registers the generated order data in the storage unit 130.

[0073] (3) The order processing unit 118 integrates the order data generated in (2) for each order destination and performs order processing for ordering materials. This order destination is, for example, a wholesaler for restaurants selling raw materials or a manufacturing factory that manufactures and provides cooked foods. Note that, before the order processing, the order processing unit 118 may output the order data of the food service brand associated with the actual restaurant to the food service provider device 300 and request approval from the food service provider as to whether order processing may be performed based on this order data. The order processing unit 118 may perform order processing only when receiving approval from the food service provider device 300 from the food service provider.

[0074] <C3) Purchase timing notification function> (4) The order processing unit 118 of the intermediary device 100 may determine, for example, for each material, the timing when purchase is necessary (hereinafter also referred to as "purchase timing") for the food service provider device 300 based on order performance information indicating past order performance or order performance information indicating past order history. When the determined timing arrives, the order processing unit 118 causes the data generation unit 116b to generate candidates for order data. Then, the order processing unit 118 outputs the generated candidates for order data to the food service provider device 300, notifies that it is the purchase timing, and may request approval from the food service provider as to whether order processing may be performed based on this candidate order data. (5) The food service provider makes a response to this request (in this example, it is assumed that the food service provider has approved the order processing) from the food service provider device 300. (6) The reception unit 115 receives this response. (7) When receiving the approval response, the order processing unit 118 adopts the candidate order data and performs order processing for ordering materials. The order processing unit 118 registers the result of the order processing in the storage unit 130 as order performance information.

[0075] <C4) DB function> The storage unit 130 stores the order data and order performance information registered from each unit.

[0076] According to the above configuration, by newly launching a food and beverage service brand and newly ordering the materials for the menu provided by this food and beverage service brand, it is possible to provide an opportunity for order expansion to the manufacturing factories of the order recipients, etc.

[0077] <2-4. Overall Image of the Operation Process> Referring to FIG. 7, an example of the functions realized by the entire virtual kitchen system 1 in the operation process of a food and beverage service brand will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the functions realized by the entire virtual kitchen system 1 are classified into two sections: "D) Order Processing Function" and "E) Settlement Processing Function". In the virtual kitchen system 1, each section cooperates with each other to provide food and beverage services. Also, each section cooperates with the external system 500. In this example, the example of FIG. 2 will be used for explanation.

[0078] The above two sections in the operation process have one or more sub-sections as follows. D) Order Processing Function: Automatically link the order information received from consumers to the responsible food and beverage business operator (actual restaurant). This function has three sub-sections: "D1) Order Reception Function", "D2) Order Processing Function", and "D3) DB Function". E) Settlement Processing Function: Calculate and process the settlement amounts among the relevant parties in the virtual kitchen system 1. This section has four sub-sections: "E1) Settlement Amount Calculation Function", "E2) Settlement Report Creation Function", "E3) Settlement Processing Function", and "E4) DB Function".

[0079] <2-4-1.D) Order Processing Function> An example of the D) Order Processing Function section will be described.

[0080] <D1 Order Reception Function> (1) The menu output unit 114b of the intermediary device 100 causes the consumer device 400 to output information about food service brands and menu items available from the food service brands via the delivery service website (hereinafter also referred to as the "delivery site") of the delivery company. For example, the menu output unit 114b causes the consumer device 400 to output the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand, the name of a menu item available from the Fuwamiru Omelette Rice brand (Mille-feuille Omelette Rice), and the unit price. (2) A consumer places an order by inputting order information for a food service brand, including a delivery location and the ordered menu item, from the consumer device 400 to the delivery site. (3) The order receiving unit 115a of the intermediary device 100 receives this order information from the consumer device 400 via the delivery site. The order receiving unit 115a aggregates order information received from multiple different delivery companies and accepts orders.

[0081] (4) The allocation unit 112a of the intermediary device 100 allocates the order information for the food service brand to one real restaurant associated with this food service brand based on the order acceptance date and time of the real restaurant information and the order information received in (3) above. (5) The store output unit 114c causes the restaurant device 310 (which in this example also serves as a food service provider device) of the allocated real restaurant to output the order information.

[0082] (6) A waiter at the real restaurant to which the order information was output in (5) above prepares the ordered menu. (7) The waiter hands over the prepared menu to the delivery company. (8) The delivery company delivers the prepared menu to the delivery location specified by the consumer who placed the order. The order receiving unit 115a registers order record information indicating the order information of the order for which delivery has been completed in the memory unit 130.

[0083] According to the above configuration, by launching a food and beverage service brand, new delivery orders for this brand will increase, providing delivery businesses with an opportunity to expand delivery orders.

[0084] <2-4-2.E) Settlement processing function> E) An example of the settlement processing function section will be described.

[0085] <E1) Settlement amount calculation function> (10) The settlement processing unit 119 of the mediation device 100 aggregates the order transactions received through the delivery site on a daily or weekly basis and calculates the settlement amounts with the delivery operator and the food and beverage operator. The settlement processing unit 119 calculates the sales performance of each menu based on the order performance information of the menu for which the order was received. The settlement processing unit 119 calculates the royalty amount to be paid to the menu provider based on the calculated sales performance. Also, the settlement processing unit 119 calculates the settlement amount with the order destination (such as a manufacturing factory) for the materials of the menu based on the order performance with the order destination.

[0086] [[ID=!4]] <E2) Settlement report generation function> (11) The settlement processing unit 119 of the mediation device 100 generates a settlement report listing the details of the transactions and settlements with each related party for each related party. (12) The settlement processing unit 119 provides the generated settlement report to the devices used by the related parties.

[0087] <E3) Settlement processing function> (13) Based on the settlement amount calculated in (10) above, the settlement processing unit 119 of the mediation device 100 issues an instruction for this payment settlement to the settlement infrastructure, which is an external system 500, for payment settlement to each related party. The settlement infrastructure responds to the settlement processing unit 119 with the result of this payment settlement. The settlement processing unit 119 registers the实绩 of a series of settlement processing from the calculation of this settlement amount to the payment settlement instruction as settlement performance information in the storage unit 130.

[0088] <3. Functional configuration> Referring to FIG. 8, the functional configuration of the mediation device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the mediation device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 130, and a communication unit 140.

[0089] The control unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111, an association unit 112, a setting unit 113, an output unit 114, a reception unit 115, a generation unit 116, a prediction unit 117, an order processing unit 118, and a settlement processing unit 119.

[0090] [Acquisition Department] The acquisition unit 111 acquires various information from the provider device 200, the food and drink business device 300, and the consumer device 400. The acquisition unit 111 includes a menu acquisition unit 111a, a restaurant acquisition unit 111b, a brand acquisition unit 111c, and an information acquisition unit 111d.

[0091] [Menu Acquisition Department] The menu acquisition unit 111a acquires menu information from the provider device 200 used by the menu provider.

[0092] [Restaurant Acquisition Department] The eating and drinking establishment acquisition unit 111b acquires real eating and drinking establishment information relating to the real eating and drinking establishment of the eating and drinking establishment from the eating and drinking establishment device 300 used by the eating and drinking establishment.

[0093] [Brand Acquisition Department] The brand acquisition unit 111c acquires, from the provider device 200, brand information indicating at least one of the types of menus offered by the food and drink service brand and the concept of the food and drink service brand.

[0094] [Information acquisition department] The information acquisition unit 111d acquires sales performance information relating to sales performance of restaurants in each region from an external device included in the external system 500 or the like.

[0095] [Mapping section] The association unit 112 associates food and drink service brands with real restaurants based on the real restaurant information and menu information.

[0096] For example, the association unit 112 identifies a real restaurant that has cooking utensils included in the menu information (cooking methods) of one or more menus from among menus provided by a food service brand and has a cooking environment in which the cooking steps can be performed. The association unit 112 associates the identified real restaurant with the food service brand.

[0097] According to the above configuration, the association unit 112 can match a food service brand based on a menu provided by a menu provider with a real restaurant. This matching allows the menu provider to provide their menu in a wide area without having to prepare dedicated personnel or cooking equipment. This matching also allows food service operators to utilize real restaurants to provide new menus for delivery or takeout, which are different from the menus they have previously offered for in-store dining. Therefore, the association unit 112 can promote the use of real restaurants for delivery services and takeout services other than in-store dining services.

[0098] The association unit 112 may, for example, associate a single food and drink service brand with a plurality of real-life eating and drinking establishments.

[0099] The association unit 112 may include, for example, an allocation unit 112a, a performance specification unit 112b, and a brand specification unit 112c.

[0100] The association unit 112 may associate a food service brand with a real restaurant, for example, further based on restaurant location information and candidate restaurant opening area information. The association unit 112, for example, determines whether at least a portion of the area in which the food service brand is to open is included within a 1-kilometer radius from the location of the real restaurant. If the association unit 112 determines that at least a portion of the area in which the restaurant is to open is included, it associates the real restaurant with the food service brand. With this configuration, the association unit 112 can associate a food service brand with a real restaurant located in an area in which a menu provider or the like wishes to open a restaurant (delivery target). For example, if the menu provider runs a real restaurant as in the example of FIG. 2, the menu provider can develop the food service brand by avoiding areas that would compete with the real restaurant that the menu provider runs.

[0101] The association unit 112 may associate the food service brand with the actual restaurant based on the selection result received by the second selection receiving unit 115c, for example. With this configuration, the association unit 112 can realize matching between the actual restaurant and the food service brand in accordance with the intention of the restaurant operator.

[0102] [Allocation section] The allocation unit 112a allocates order information for a food service brand to one of multiple real restaurants associated with the food service brand based on the order acceptance date and time and the order information. With this configuration, the real restaurant can accept orders for the food service brand only during the time period in which it is available to accept orders. This makes it possible to allocate orders in accordance with the convenience of the real restaurant.

[0103] [Performance Identification Department] The performance identification unit 112b refers to the brand memory unit 131, which stores candidate store area information indicating candidate areas for store openings for candidate food service brands, and identifies sales performance information to be associated with the candidate food service brands based on the candidate store area information.

[0104] [Brand Identification Department] The brand identification unit 112c identifies a food service brand to be associated with a real restaurant based on the real restaurant information and menu information of the real restaurant. The brand identification unit 112c, for example, pairs a real restaurant with a food service brand where the cooking environment and restaurant location information of the real restaurant match the cooking method of the menu offered by the food service brand and target area information for opening the restaurant. The brand identification unit 112c may identify the food service brand paired with the real restaurant in this way as an association candidate.

[0105] [Settings section] The setting unit 113 sets the brand of the food and drink service that will provide the menu to consumers based on the menu information acquired by the menu acquisition unit 111a. Specifically, the setting unit 113 issues a new brand ID to identify each food and drink service brand, specifies the brand name, type of menu to be offered, and the menu to be offered for each brand ID, and generates brand information based on the results of this specification. The setting unit 113 registers the generated brand information in the brand storage unit 131 to newly set the food and drink service brand.

[0106] The setting unit 113 may set a food and drink service brand, for example, further based on the brand information acquired by the brand acquisition unit 111c. Specifically, if the acquired brand information only sets the main menu items offered by this brand, the setting unit 113 may automatically set the brand name and the types of menu items to be offered based on the menu information, and may combine the acquired information with the information set in this way to set it as brand information for a single food and drink service brand. With this configuration, the setting unit 113 can realize the launch of a food and drink service brand in line with the intentions of the menu provider.

[0107] The setting unit 113 may set a food and drink service brand based on the selected brand candidates received by the first selection receiving unit 115b, for example. With this configuration, the new food and drink service brand to be launched can be determined by having the menu provider select the best one from multiple food and drink service brand candidates. This makes it possible to launch a food and drink service brand that takes into account the menu provider's wishes while not being overly biased by the menu provider's ideas.

[0108] [Output section] The output unit 114 outputs various information to the provider device 200, the food and beverage provider device 300, and the consumer device 400. The output unit 114 may, for example, generate output information for causing the consumer device 400 to output (display on screen) menu information of a food and beverage service brand via a virtual kitchen app, and transmit this output information to the consumer device 400. The output unit 114 includes a business output unit 114a, a menu output unit 114b, a store output unit 114c, and a candidate output unit 114d.

[0109] [Operator output section] The business operator output unit 114a causes the food and drink business device 300 to output a food and drink service brand associated with a real restaurant and menu information for a menu item provided by this food and drink service brand.

[0110] The business output unit 114a may, for example, cause the food and drink business device 300 to output association candidates for the food and drink service brand identified by the brand identification unit 112c.

[0111] For example, the business output unit 114a may cause the food and beverage business apparatus 300 to output a profit forecast for the candidate associations for the food and beverage service brands identified by the brand identification unit 112c, based on the results of the predictions made by the profit prediction unit 117b. This configuration allows food and beverage businesses to check the profit forecasts for each candidate association for the food and beverage service brands and select a candidate association that matches with the actual restaurant. This allows food and beverage businesses to select candidate associations that are more likely to be profitable, thereby contributing to securing new revenue sources for food and beverage businesses.

[0112] [Menu output section] The menu output unit 114b causes the consumer device 400 used by the consumer to output information about food service brands and menu items that can be provided by the food service brands.

[0113] [Store Output Section] The store output unit 114c causes the restaurant device 310 of the actual restaurant associated with the restaurant service brand for which the order information has been accepted by the order accepting unit 115a to output the order information.

[0114] According to the above configuration, the store output unit 114c can link orders for the set food service brand to the associated real-world restaurant. This allows the established food service brand to agilely start providing food services to consumers without having to prepare a dedicated store or personnel to offer the menu of the established food service brand.

[0115] The restaurant output unit 114c causes, for example, the restaurant device 310 of the real restaurant allocated by the allocation unit 112a to output the order information.

[0116] [Candidate output section] The candidate output unit 114d causes the provider device 200 to output the food and drink service brand candidates generated by the candidate generation unit 116a.

[0117] For example, the candidate output unit 114d may cause the provider device 200 to output sales forecasts for candidate food service brands along with candidate food service brands based on the results of the forecast by the sales forecast unit 117a. This configuration allows the menu provider to select candidates to adopt based on the sales forecasts for the candidate food service brands. Furthermore, for example, if royalties based on the sales of each menu item are paid to the menu provider as compensation for providing menu information, low sales will result in low royalties. In such cases, the menu provider can select a candidate with a relatively high predicted sales, which can help secure new revenue sources for the menu provider and contribute to the widespread distribution of the menus of the menu provider's restaurant.

[0118] [Reception] The reception unit 115 receives various information and selections from the provider device 200, the food and drink business device 300, and the consumer device 400. The reception unit 115 includes an order reception unit 115a, a first selection reception unit 115b, and a second selection reception unit 115c.

[0119] [Order Reception Department] The order receiving unit 115a receives order information from the consumer device 400 for a food service brand, the order information including a delivery location and an ordered menu item.

[0120] [First Selection Reception Section] The first selection receiving unit 115b receives from the provider device 200 a selection of a food and drink service brand to be adopted from among the candidate brands.

[0121] [Second Selection Reception Section] The second selection receiving unit 115c receives from the food and drink provider device 300 a selection to be adopted from among the food and drink service brand association candidates output by the business output unit 114a.

[0122] [Generation part] The generation unit 116 generates various types of information to be processed in the virtual kitchen system 1. The generation unit 116 includes a candidate generation unit 116a and a data generation unit 116b.

[0123] [Candidate generation section] The candidate generation unit 116a generates candidates for food service brands based on menu information. The candidate generation unit 116a may analyze the menu information using, for example, natural language processing. The candidate generation unit 116a, for example, performs morphological analysis to extract each word (morpheme) included in the menu information. The candidate generation unit 116a further extracts, from each extracted word, words that characterize the menu information (e.g., words that have a certain correlation with sales of the menu item) using, for example, a learning model trained from training data using a machine learning technique. The candidate generation unit 116a may generate a brand name by combining these characteristic words. Furthermore, the candidate generation unit 116a identifies, from among the menus indicated by the provided menu information, menu types that exist in a number equal to or greater than a threshold as menu types (genres) offered by the food service brand. The candidate generation unit 116a may generate candidates for food service brands by combining the brand name generated in this manner with one or more identified menu types.

[0124] The learning model may be, for example, a model learned by a deep learning technique, or may be a model using other algorithms such as a support vector machine (SVM) or a decision tree. The learning model may be, for example, a recurrent neural network (RNN) as a model using a deep learning technique.

[0125] The training data for training the learning model may be, for example, a data set in which menu information is used as input data and the words used in menu searches among the words contained in this menu information are used as correct answer data.

[0126] The candidate generator 116a may generate multiple food service brand candidates based on, for example, brand information. The candidate generator 116a may generate a combination of food service brand candidates specified by brand information and food service brand candidates generated by the candidate generator 116a itself based on menu information as described above.

[0127] [Data Generation Section] The data generation unit 116b generates, based on the results of the prediction, one or more pieces of order data for ordering ingredients for cooking the menu items provided by each of the multiple food and drink service brands.

[0128] [Prediction section] The prediction unit 117 makes various predictions regarding the future operation of the food and beverage service brand. The prediction unit 117 includes a sales prediction unit 117a, a profit prediction unit 117b, and a demand prediction unit 117c.

[0129] [Sales Forecasting Department] The sales forecasting unit 117a forecasts sales of candidate food service brands based on the sales performance information identified by the performance identification unit 112b. For each candidate food service brand, the sales forecasting unit 117a forecasts sales for a future period, for example, from the present time, several days, one week, one quarter, six months, or one year from now.

[0130] The sales forecasting unit 117a may, for example, calculate the past monthly sales of restaurants in the same genre and in the same area as the food and drink service brand, and forecast monthly sales based on the calculated sales.

[0131] [Profit Forecasting Department] The profit prediction unit 117b refers to the prediction storage unit 132 that stores sales prediction information for food service brands, and predicts the profit of the candidate association for the restaurant service brand based on the sales prediction information and the overhead expenses information of the actual restaurant to be associated. For example, the profit prediction unit 117b may predict, for each candidate association for the restaurant service brand, the amount obtained by subtracting the total annual overhead expenses from the annual sales amount predicted by the sales prediction unit 117a as the annual profit.

[0132] [Demand Forecasting Department] When there are multiple food service brands, the demand forecasting unit 117c forecasts the demand for ingredients for cooking the menus of each of the multiple food service brands based on the menu information and sales forecast information. For example, the demand forecasting unit 117c may forecast, as the demand for ingredients, ingredients for cooking each menu and the monthly consumption volume of each ingredient based on the predicted monthly sales of each menu.

[0133] [Order Processing Department] The order processing unit 118 integrates the order data generated by the data generation unit 116b for each supplier and performs order processing to order ingredients for menu items from multiple food service brands. The order processing unit 118 may, for example, integrate orders for cooked ingredients from a specific supplier's manufacturing factory and generate order data indicating an order slip for the integrated order. The order processing unit 118 transmits the generated order data to a server (not shown) at the manufacturing factory. With this configuration, the order processing unit 118 can collectively order ingredients for menu items from multiple food service brands launched in the virtual kitchen system 1 for each supplier. This makes it possible to perform so-called bulk ordering, thereby reducing costs such as ordering man-hours and ordering fees.

[0134] [Settlement Processing Section] The settlement processing unit 119 calculates the settlement amount related to the operation of the food and beverage service brand. The settlement processing unit 119 calculates the sales record for each menu item based on the order record information for the ordered menu items. The settlement processing unit 119 calculates the royalty amount to be paid to the menu provider based on the calculated sales record. The settlement processing unit 119 also calculates the settlement amount with the supplier (such as a manufacturing factory) based on the order record for the menu ingredients.

[0135] The settlement processing unit 119 may generate a settlement report for each party, which includes details of transactions and settlements between each party. The settlement processing unit 119 provides the generated settlement report to the party device used by the party.

[0136] The settlement processing unit 119 issues a payment settlement instruction to the settlement infrastructure, which is the external system 500, for making payment settlement to each party based on the calculated settlement amount, for example. The settlement infrastructure responds to the settlement processing unit 119 with the result of this payment settlement.

[0137] [Storage] The storage unit 130 stores various types of information processed by the virtual kitchen system 1. For example, the storage unit 130 may store this information in association with one another. The storage unit 130 may store the various types of information using a database management system (DBMS), or may store the various types of information using a file system. When using a DBMS, a table may be provided for each piece of information, and the various types of information may be managed by associating these tables with one another. The storage unit 130 includes, for example, a brand storage unit 131 and a prediction storage unit 132.

[0138] The brand storage unit 131 stores brand information, menu information, and / or real restaurant information, etc. The prediction storage unit 132 stores sales prediction information, profit prediction information, and / or demand prediction information, etc.

[0139] [Communications Department] The communication unit 140 transmits and receives various information to and from related party devices and the external system 500 via the network N.

[0140] <4. Example of operation> An example of the operation of intermediary device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that the order of the processes shown below is an example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0141] FIG. 9(a) is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the intermediary device 100 in the development process of the virtual kitchen system 1.

[0142] As shown in Figure 9(a), the menu acquisition unit 111a of the intermediary device 100 acquires menu information, including cooking methods for a food menu, from a provider device 200 used by a menu provider that provides cooking methods for the menu (S10). In addition to acquiring this menu information, the brand acquisition unit 111c may also acquire brand information from the provider device 200. The setting unit 113 sets a brand for the food and drink service based on the acquired menu information and brand information (S11).

[0143] The restaurant acquisition unit 111b acquires real restaurant information about the real restaurant of the restaurant from the restaurant business device 300 used by the restaurant business (S12). The association unit 112 associates the food service brand with the real restaurant based on the real restaurant information, menu information, and brand information (S13). The business output unit 114a causes the restaurant business device 300 to output the food service brand associated with the real restaurant and menu information for the menu offered by the food service brand (S14).

[0144] FIG. 9(b) is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the intermediary device 100 in the operation process of the virtual kitchen system 1.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the menu output unit 114b of the intermediary device 100 causes the consumer device 400 used by the consumer to output information about a food service brand and menu items available from the food service brand (S20). The order receiving unit 115a receives the output order information for the food service brand from the consumer device 400, the order information including a delivery location and the ordered menu item (S21). The allocation unit 112a allocates the order information for the food service brand to one real restaurant from one or more real restaurants associated with the food service brand, based on the order acceptance date and time and the order information (S22). The restaurant output unit 114c causes the restaurant device 310 of the real restaurant allocated by the allocation unit 112a to output the order information (S23).

[0146] <5. Hardware Configuration> 10, an example of a hardware configuration for implementing the above-described intermediary device 100 using a computer 800 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them into multiple devices.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 800 includes a processor 801, a memory 803, a storage device 805, an input I / F unit 807, a data I / F unit 809, a communication I / F unit 811, and a display device 813.

[0148] Processor 801 controls various processes in computer 800 by executing programs stored in memory 803. For example, each functional unit included in control unit 110 of intermediary device 100 can be realized by processor 801 executing programs temporarily stored in memory 803.

[0149] The memory 803 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 803 temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 801 and data required when the program is executed.

[0150] The storage device 805 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 805 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-mentioned components. In addition, the storage device 805 can also store tables for registering various types of information such as brand information and menu information, and a DB for managing these tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the memory 803 as needed and can be referenced by the processor 801.

[0151] The input I / F unit 807 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F unit 807 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F unit 807 may be connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0152] The data I / F unit 809 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 800. A specific example of the data I / F unit 809 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F unit 809 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the data I / F unit 809 is connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB.

[0153] The communication I / F unit 811 is a device for performing data communication via a network N, either wired or wirelessly, with an external device of the computer 800. The communication I / F unit 811 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the communication I / F unit 811 is connected to the computer 800 via an interface such as a USB.

[0154] The display device 813 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 813 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 813 may be provided outside the computer 800. In this case, the display device 813 is connected to the computer 800 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F unit 807, the display device 813 can be configured as an integral part of the input I / F unit 807.

[0155] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for explaining the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can adopt an embodiment in which the above-described elements are replaced with equivalent elements, and such an embodiment is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0156] The components of the intermediary device described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize predetermined processing in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 801 executing a program stored in the storage device 805. In other words, these components can be considered as software or firmware, or as corresponding hardware, and in both of these concepts, they can also be described as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as such.

[0157] [Variations] Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the following cases are also included in the present invention.

[0158] [Variation 1] At least some of the components of the intermediary device 100 according to the above embodiment may be provided in the related party device. For example, the related party device may implement these components by executing an installed virtual kitchen app.

[0159] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the brand memory unit and the prediction memory unit are included in the memory unit of the intermediary device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of these memory units may be included in an external device of the external system 500 or a related party device. Furthermore, at least a part of the information stored in these memory units may be managed in a distributed manner by multiple devices using, for example, distributed ledger technology (blockchain technology). [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1...virtual kitchen system, 100...intermediary device, 110...control unit, 111...acquisition unit, 111a...menu acquisition unit, 111b...restaurant acquisition unit, 112...matching unit, 113...setting unit, 114...output unit, 114a...business output unit, 115...reception unit, 116...generation unit, 117...prediction unit, 118...order processing unit, 119...payment processing unit, 130...storage unit, 140...communication unit, 200...provider device, 300...food and beverage business device, 400...consumer device, 500...external system, 800...computer, 801...processor, 803...memory, 805...storage device, 807...input I / F unit, 809...data I / F unit, 811...communication I / F unit, 813...display device.

Claims

1. a menu acquisition unit that acquires menu information including cooking methods for food and drink menus from a menu provider device used by a menu provider that provides cooking methods for the menus; A setting unit that sets a brand of food and beverage service that provides the menu to consumers based on the menu information; a restaurant acquisition unit that acquires real restaurant information related to a real restaurant of the restaurant from a restaurant business device used by the restaurant business, the real restaurant information including restaurant location information indicating the location of the real restaurant; a brand acquisition unit that acquires brand information including store location information indicating a target area for opening a store of the brand from the provider device; an association unit that determines whether or not at least a part of the area in which the brand is to open a restaurant is included within a predetermined distance range from the location of the real restaurant, based on the restaurant location information and the restaurant location information, and associates the brand with the real restaurant based on the result of the determination; and a business output unit that causes the food and beverage business device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and the menu information of the menu provided by the brand. Intermediary device.

2. The intermediary device a menu output unit that causes a consumer device used by the consumer to output the brand and menu information of the menu that can be provided by the brand; an order receiving unit that receives order information for the brand from the consumer device, the order information including a delivery location and the ordered menu; a restaurant output unit that causes a restaurant device of the real restaurant associated with the brand to output the order information, The intermediary device of claim 1 .

3. The real restaurant information includes an order acceptance date and time indicating a date and time when the real restaurant can accept orders for the brand, the associating unit associates a plurality of real restaurants with the brand; the intermediary device includes an allocation unit that allocates the order information for the brand to one real restaurant from among the plurality of real restaurants based on the order acceptance date and time and the order information; the store output unit causes the restaurant device of the assigned real restaurant to output the order information. The intermediary device of claim 2 .

4. The real restaurant information includes information on the cooking environment of the real restaurant, The associating unit associates the brand with the real restaurant further based on the cooking environment information. The intermediary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the associating unit determines whether the real restaurant has a cooking environment in which the cooking method of the menu can be performed, and if it is determined that the cooking environment is available, associates the brand with the real restaurant; The intermediary device of claim 4.

6. The intermediary device a candidate generator that generates candidates for the brand based on the menu information; a candidate output unit that causes the provider device to output candidate brands; a first selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a brand to be adopted from the provider device among the candidate brands, the setting unit sets the brand further based on the selected candidate. The intermediary device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The intermediary device an information acquisition unit that acquires sales performance information regarding sales performance of restaurants in each region from an external device; a performance identification unit that refers to a brand storage unit that stores candidate store area information indicating candidate areas for store openings for the candidate brands and identifies the sales performance information to be associated with the candidate brands based on the candidate store area information; a sales forecasting unit that forecasts sales of the candidate brand based on the identified sales performance information, the candidate output unit causes the provider device to output a sales forecast for the brand candidates together with the brand candidates based on the result of the prediction; The intermediary device of claim 6.

8. the intermediary device includes a brand identification unit that identifies, for the real restaurant, the brand to be a candidate for association with the real restaurant based on the real restaurant information and the menu information; the business output unit causes the food and beverage business device to output the identified association candidates for the brand; the intermediary device includes a second selection receiving unit that receives a selection of an item to be adopted from the outputted brand association candidates from the food and beverage provider device; the associating unit associates the brand with the real restaurant based on a result of the selection; The intermediary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The real restaurant information includes overhead information indicating overhead expenses of the real restaurant, the intermediary device includes a profit prediction unit that refers to a prediction storage unit that stores sales forecast information indicating sales forecasts for the brand, and predicts profits for the brand association candidates based on the sales forecast information and the overhead information; the business output unit causes the food and beverage business device to output a profit forecast for the identified brand association candidate together with the brand association candidate based on the result of the prediction; The intermediary device of claim 8 .

10. There are multiple brands, The intermediary device a demand forecasting unit that forecasts demand for ingredients for cooking the menu items of each of a plurality of brands based on the menu information and the sales forecast information; a data generation unit that generates one or more order data for ordering the materials for each of the brands based on the results of the prediction; an order processing unit that integrates the generated order data for each supplier and performs order processing to order the material, The intermediary device of claim 9 .

11. On the computer, a menu acquisition function for acquiring menu information including cooking methods for food and beverage menus from a menu provider device used by the menu provider who provides cooking methods for the menus; A setting function for setting a brand of food service that provides the menu to consumers based on the menu information; a restaurant acquisition function that acquires real restaurant information related to a real restaurant of the restaurant from a restaurant business device used by the restaurant business, the real restaurant information including restaurant location information indicating the location of the real restaurant; a brand acquisition function for acquiring brand information including store location information indicating a target area for opening a store of the brand from the provider device; a correlation function that determines whether or not at least a part of the area in which the brand is to open a restaurant is included within a predetermined distance range from the location of the real restaurant based on the restaurant location information and the restaurant location information, and correlates the brand with the real restaurant based on the result of the determination; and realizing a business output function that causes the food and beverage business device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and the menu information of the menu provided by the brand. program.

12. The computer obtaining menu information including a cooking method for a food menu from a menu provider device used by a menu provider that provides a cooking method for the menu; Based on the menu information, a brand of food and beverage service that will provide the menu to consumers is set; Acquire real restaurant information related to a real restaurant of the restaurant from a restaurant business device used by the restaurant business, the real restaurant information including restaurant location information indicating a location of the real restaurant; acquires brand information including store location information indicating a target area for opening a store for the brand from the provider device; Based on the restaurant location information and the restaurant location information, it is determined whether or not at least a part of the area in which the brand is to open a restaurant is included within a predetermined distance range from the location of the real restaurant, and based on the result of the determination, the brand is associated with the real restaurant; causing the food and beverage business device to output the brand associated with the real restaurant and the menu information of the menu provided by the brand; Information processing methods.

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