Distribution system, distribution device, distribution method, and program

Abstract

To better promote development of intelligence and brainpower.SOLUTION: A distribution system used for promoting development of intelligence and brainpower is provided, the distribution system comprising a connection designation acquisition unit for acquiring contact destination information during a cooking process, and a distribution unit configured to distribute product-related content upon establishment of connection with the connection destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution system, a distribution device, a distribution method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] "Make-your-own snacks" such as science sweets, chemical sweets, and Chiiku-kashi (registered trademark) are known. "Make-your-own snacks" are snacks that can be enjoyed not only during the eating process but also during the making process. For example, "make-your-own snacks" are expected to further promote the development of intelligence and intellectual ability by arousing interest in the things being made or their genres and imparting knowledge.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the process of making "make-your-own snacks", waiting time may occur. This waiting time is also the time when one has an interest in the things being made or their genres, and it is expected that more information in related fields will be absorbed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a distribution system, a distribution device, a distribution method, and a program that can further promote the development of intelligence and intellectual ability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and cognitive ability, comprising a connection destination acquisition unit that acquires connection destination information during the cooking process, and a distribution unit that distributes product-related content based on the fact that a connection has been made to the connection destination.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a distribution device comprising a distribution unit that distributes product-related content based on connection destination information acquired during the cooking process.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a distribution method comprising a distribution process in which a computer in a distribution device distributes content related to a product based on connection destination information acquired during the cooking process.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the computer of a distribution device to execute a distribution step of distributing content related to a product based on connection destination information acquired during the cooking process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, the development of intelligence and intellectual ability can be further promoted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distribution system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing an example of the distribution process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a distribution device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of distribution processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of distribution processing according to the third embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] <The First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [Configuration of Distribution System] First, the distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distribution system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The distribution system SYS includes a terminal device 1 and a distribution device 2. The terminal device 1 and the distribution device 2 are communicably connected via a network NW. The terminal device 1 is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a mobile phone. The terminal device 1 acquires connection destination information attached to a product. The terminal device 1 connects to the distribution device 2 based on the acquired connection destination information. The terminal device 1 causes the content distributed from the distribution device 2 to be displayed on the display unit of its own device.

[0014] The distribution device 2 is, for example, a server device. The distribution device 2 stores content related to a product in association with connection destination information. The distribution device 2 distributes content related to the product to the terminal device 1 based on the connection of the terminal device 1 to itself.

[0015] More specifically, a purchaser who has purchased a product acquires the connection destination information attached to the product during the cooking process of cooking the product. For example, the connection destination information is a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product, such as the confectionery to be made. The purchaser acquires the connection destination information by, for example, photographing the connection destination information with a camera mounted on the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 connects to the connection destination indicated by the connection destination information and acquires content related to the product. The content related to the product is distributed, for example, by the distribution device 2 managed by the manufacturer of the product. The distribution device 2 distributes the content it manages to the terminal device 1 connected based on the connection destination information.

[0016] In this way, the distribution system SYS is a distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and intellectual ability, and since it can distribute content during the cooking process, for example, it can distribute content during the waiting time during the cooking process, so it can further promote the development of intelligence and intellectual ability.

[0017] [Configuration of Terminal Device] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 1 includes a communication unit 10, a control unit 12, and a display unit 14. The communication unit 10 communicates with the distribution device 2 via a network. The communication unit 10 is controlled by the control unit 12 and transmits various information output from the control unit 12 to the distribution device 2. The communication unit 10 receives various information such as content transmitted from the distribution device 2 and outputs the received various information to the control unit 12.

[0018] The control unit 12 controls the processing of each part of the terminal device 1 and enables the terminal device 1 to perform its functions. The control unit 12 may be composed of dedicated hardware, or it may be composed of a general-purpose computer system. The computer system includes at least an arithmetic processing unit and a storage medium. As the arithmetic processing unit, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be used. As the storage medium, a storage unit (not shown) and flash memory (not shown) may be used. The arithmetic processing unit reads a program that has been pre-stored in the flash memory, and loads the read program into the storage unit. The arithmetic processing unit executes the program loaded into the storage unit to realize the functions of the control unit 12.

[0019] The control unit 12 includes an acquisition unit 120. The acquisition unit 120 acquires connection destination information from the product. Based on the acquired connection destination information, the acquisition unit 120 connects to the distribution device 2, which is the connection destination, via the communication unit 10. The acquisition unit 120 acquires the content distributed from the distribution device 2 and displays it on the display unit 14.

[0020] The acquisition unit 120 is composed of a connection destination acquisition unit 122 and a content acquisition unit 124. The connection destination acquisition unit 122 acquires the connection destination information attached to the product. Specifically, the connection destination acquisition unit 122, for example, causes the imaging unit (not shown) of the terminal device 1 to read the connection destination information attached to the product, and acquires the said connection destination information.

[0021] Based on its connection to the distribution device 2, the content acquisition unit 124 acquires content managed by the distribution device 2 via the network.

[0022] The display unit 14 displays various information output from the control unit 12. For example, it includes a display element and a drive circuit for driving the display element. The display element may be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, or organic electroluminescent display. The display unit 14 may also be a touch panel integrated with the input unit.

[0023] [Configuration of the distribution device] Next, we will explain the configuration of the distribution device 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the first embodiment. The distribution device 2 is comprised of a communication unit 20 and a control unit 22. The communication unit 20 communicates with the terminal device 1 via the network. The communication unit 20 is controlled by the control unit 22 and transmits various information output from the control unit 22 to the terminal device 1. The communication unit 20 receives various information transmitted from the terminal device 1 and outputs the received information to the control unit 22.

[0024] The control unit 22 controls the processing of each part of the distribution device 2 and enables the distribution device 2 to perform its functions. The control unit 22 may be composed of dedicated hardware, or it may be composed of a general-purpose computer system. The computer system includes at least an arithmetic processing unit and a storage medium. For example, a processor such as a CPU may be used as the arithmetic processing unit. A storage unit (not shown) and flash memory (not shown) are used as the storage medium. For example, the arithmetic processing unit reads a program that has been pre-stored in the flash memory and loads the read program into the storage unit. The arithmetic processing unit executes the program loaded into the storage unit to realize the functions of the control unit 22.

[0025] The control unit 22 is configured to include a distribution unit 220. The distribution unit 220 distributes content. The content to be distributed is stored in the storage unit (not shown). The distribution unit 220 distributes the content indicated by the connection destination information to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 20.

[0026] [Distribution Processing] Next, we will explain the distribution process in the distribution system. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the distribution process according to the first embodiment. (Step S101) Terminal device 1 scans the QR code attached to the product at the discretion of the product purchaser. (Step S102) Terminal device 1 obtains the URL indicated by the QR code as connection destination information. (Step S103) Terminal device 1 connects to distribution device 2 based on the connection destination information. Specifically, terminal device 1 connects to the content server indicated by the URL.

[0027] (Step S104) Terminal device 1 retrieves content from the connected distribution device 2. Specifically, terminal device 1 retrieves content distributed by the connected content server. (Step S105) Terminal device 1 displays the acquired content on display unit 14.

[0028] [Display screen example] Next, an example of a display screen shown by terminal device 1 will be described. Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment. The example screen shows content displayed based on connection information attached to, for example, confectionery made with animals. Terminal device 1 obtains the connection information, and when the destination of the URL indicated by the obtained connection information is "https: / / doubutsuen.co.jp", it connects to that destination and displays the content "Delicious Zoo". On the display screen, a list of content such as "1; Top Page," "2; Animal Ecology and Food," "3; Animal Quiz," "4; ​​Animal Size Comparison," and "5; Animal Chocolate Answer Key" is displayed based on the user's selection of one of the content lists.

[0029] Here, the connection information attached to the product is attached to one or more of the following: the outer packaging, the inner packaging (also called the inner roll or individual packaging), the mold included in the product, or printed materials such as booklets included in the product. Note that the connection information may be information that can only be accessed by the product purchaser. For example, the outer packaging may have connection information that can be accessed by an unspecified number of users, while the inner packaging may have connection information that can only be accessed by the product purchaser.

[0030] [Hardware configuration] Next, we will describe the hardware configuration of distribution device 2. Note that the hardware configuration of terminal device 1 will not be described. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the distribution device according to the first embodiment. The distribution device 2 is composed of a CPU 201, a drive unit 202, a storage medium 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a ROM 206 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 207 (Random Access Memory), an auxiliary storage unit 208, and an interface unit 209.

[0031] The CPU 201, drive unit 202, input unit 204, output unit 205, ROM 206, RAM 207, auxiliary storage unit 208, and interface unit 209 are interconnected via a bus. In this context, CPU201 refers to processors in general, and includes not only devices commonly known as CPUs in the narrow sense, but also, for example, GPUs and DSPs. Furthermore, CPU201 is not limited to being implemented by a single processor, but may be implemented by combining multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0032] The CPU 201 controls the distribution device 2 by reading and executing programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 208, ROM 206, and RAM 207, and by reading various data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 208, ROM 206, and RAM 207 and writing various data to the auxiliary storage unit 208 and RAM 207. The CPU 201 also reads various data stored in the storage medium 203 via the drive unit 202 and writes various data to the storage medium 203. The storage medium 203 is a portable storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk, flexible disk, or flash memory, and stores various data. The drive unit 202 is a device that reads and writes to storage media 203 such as optical disc drives, flexible disk drives, and flash memory.

[0033] The input unit 204 consists of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, channel buttons, power button, setting button, and infrared receiver. The output unit 205 consists of output devices such as a display unit and a speaker. ROM206 and RAM207 store programs and various data necessary to operate each functional unit of the distribution device 2. The auxiliary storage unit 208 is a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and stores programs and various data necessary to operate each functional unit of the distribution device 2. The interface unit 209 has a communication interface and is connected to a network NW or terminal device 1 by wire or wireless connection.

[0034] For example, the control unit 22 in the functional configuration of the distribution device 2 in Figure 3 corresponds to the CPU 201 in Figure 6, and the communication unit 20 in Figure 3 corresponds to the interface unit 209 in Figure 6.

[0035] Thus, the distribution system according to this embodiment is a distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities, and comprises a connection destination acquisition unit 122 that acquires connection destination information during the cooking process, and a distribution unit 220 that distributes product-related content based on the fact that a connection has been made to the connection destination.

[0036] This allows the SYS distribution system to deliver content during the cooking process, for example, during waiting times, thereby further promoting the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities.

[0037] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following descriptions, if a configuration described in a particular embodiment, modification, or section is the same as a configuration described in another embodiment, modification, or section, the description may be omitted by referring to that section. Also, for components having the same function as those shown in each section, the same reference numeral will be used, and unless otherwise specified, the description will be referred to.

[0038] [Configuration of the distribution device] Next, we will explain the configuration of the distribution device 2. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the second embodiment. The distribution device 2 is comprised of a communication unit 20 and a control unit 22. The control unit 22 includes a distribution unit 220, a timing unit 221, a notification unit 222, a tray identification unit 223, and a content selection unit 224. When the distribution unit 220 detects the connection of terminal device 1, it instructs the timing unit 221 to start timing. Specifically, when it detects the connection of terminal device 1, it starts the distribution of content and also instructs the timing unit 221 to start timing using a timer. The distribution unit 220 sets the waiting time in the product preparation process as the timing end time in the notification unit 222. The content distributed by the distribution unit 220 is based on the selection information provided by the content selection unit 224. This content also includes notification information.

[0039] The timing unit 221 has a timer and starts timing based on an instruction signal output from the distribution unit 220. The timing unit 221 resets the timer when a reset signal is output from the distribution unit 220 due to the user leaving the content, or when a predetermined time, for example 30 minutes, has elapsed since the timer started timing. The timing unit 221 outputs the timer value to the notification unit 222.

[0040] When the distribution unit 220 outputs the timer completion time, the notification unit 222 generates notification information based on the timer value and timer completion time from the timer unit 221. Specifically, the notification unit 222 generates notification information representing the remaining time by subtracting a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute, from the timer completion time each time the timer value has elapsed. If the timer value exceeds the timer completion time, the notification unit 222 generates notification information indicating that the waiting time in the cooking process has ended until the timer is reset. The notification unit 222 outputs the generated notification information to the distribution unit 220.

[0041] The tray identification unit 223 identifies which of several types of molds (trays) is being used in the image of the mold contained in the product, as captured by the terminal device 1. Specifically, the tray identification unit 223 extracts feature points from the image of the mold. These feature points include the shape of the tray, edges, corners, and curves. The tray identification unit 223 identifies the mold in the image through pattern matching based on the extracted feature points. The tray identification unit 223 outputs information indicating the identified mold to the content selection unit 224.

[0042] The tray identification unit 223 may also identify the mold by identifying identification information previously written on the mold.

[0043] The content selection unit 224 selects the content to be distributed based on the information indicating the mold output from the tray identification unit 223. For example, the content selection unit 224 selects dedicated content corresponding to the mold based on the information indicating the mold. Dedicated content is pre-prepared content for each type of mold. The content selection unit 224 outputs selection information indicating the selected content to the distribution unit 220.

[0044] [Distribution Processing] Next, we will explain the distribution process in the distribution system. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the distribution process according to the second embodiment. (Step S201) Terminal device 1 scans the QR code attached to the product at the discretion of the product purchaser. Terminal device 1 photographs the mold included in the product, which has been photographed by the product purchaser, at the purchaser's discretion. (Step S202) Terminal device 1 obtains the URL indicated by the QR code as connection destination information. (Step S203) Terminal device 1 connects to distribution device 2 based on the connection destination information. Specifically, terminal device 1 connects to the content server indicated by the URL. Terminal device 1 also sends an image of the mold to distribution device 2.

[0045] (Step S204) When the distribution device 2 detects a connection from the terminal device 1, it starts timing. The distribution device 2 also identifies the formwork based on the image of the formwork. (Step S205) Terminal device 1 obtains content from the connected distribution device 2. Specifically, terminal device 1 obtains content distributed by the connected content server. This content is dedicated to each template identified by the distribution device 2. (Step S206) Terminal device 1 displays the acquired content on display unit 14. This content includes notification information indicating the remaining waiting time or that the waiting time has ended based on the timer expiring.

[0046] [Display screen example] Next, an example of a display screen shown by terminal device 1 will be described. Figure 9 shows an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment. The example display screen shows, for example, connection information attached to confectionery made with animal-related ingredients, and content displayed based on the identified mold. Terminal device 1 acquires the connection information, and the content displayed based on the identification of the mold as an "animal" mold is an example of "Delicious Zoo". On the display screen, notification information indicating the remaining time, such as "XX minutes until completion," is displayed near icon G1, for example, at the top. If the notification indicates that the waiting time has ended, it will display something like "Completed!".

[0047] Note that the configuration of the timing unit 221 and the notification unit 222, or the configuration of the tray identification unit 223 and the content selection unit 224 according to this embodiment may be omitted.

[0048] The dedicated content may be categorized according to insects, animals, etc., or it may be categorized according to the type of animal, such as a rabbit, created by combining multiple parts in the tray. The content may also be, for example, AR-based content that allows users to combine multiple parts in the tray, or quizzes that correspond to the category or type of tray. For example, if the content is quiz-related, points or items may be awarded based on the number of correct answers.

[0049] Thus, the distribution system according to the second embodiment is a distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities, and comprises a connection destination acquisition unit 122 that acquires connection destination information during the cooking process, and a distribution unit 220 that distributes product-related content based on the fact that a connection has been made to the connection destination.

[0050] This allows the SYS distribution system to deliver content during the cooking process, for example, during waiting times, thereby further promoting the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities.

[0051] The distribution system also includes a timing unit 221 that starts timing based on the connection, and a notification unit 222 that notifies the user that cooking is complete after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0052] This improves user convenience by allowing users to check the remaining waiting time during the cooking process and when the waiting time has ended while enjoying the delivered content.

[0053] The distribution system also includes a tray identification unit 223 that acquires information about the trays used for cooking and identifies which of several types of trays it is based on the tray information, and a content selection unit 224 that selects content corresponding to the identified tray.

[0054] By delivering customized content tailored to the mold of the purchased product, user satisfaction can be improved.

[0055] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0056] [Configuration of the distribution device] Next, we will explain the configuration of the distribution device 2. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to the third embodiment. The distribution device 2 is comprised of a communication unit 20 and a control unit 22. The control unit 22 includes a distribution unit 220, a process identification unit 225, and a next process identification unit 226. The distribution unit 220 distributes content. The content distributed by the distribution unit 220 is content corresponding to the procedure of the next process identified by the next process identification unit 226.

[0057] The process identification unit 225 acquires an image of the current process captured by the terminal device 1. Specifically, the process identification unit 225 extracts feature points from the image and identifies which process is currently being performed through pattern matching based on the extracted feature points. The process identification unit 225 outputs information indicating the identified current process to the next process identification unit 226.

[0058] The next process identification unit 226 identifies the next process based on information indicating the current process. The next process identification unit 226 selects dedicated content corresponding to the next process. The dedicated content is, for example, video content indicating the next process. The content selection unit 224 outputs the selected content to the distribution unit 220.

[0059] [Distribution Processing] Next, we will explain the distribution process in the distribution system. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the distribution process according to the third embodiment. (Step S301) Terminal device 1 scans the QR code attached to the product at the discretion of the product purchaser. (Step S302) Terminal device 1 obtains the URL indicated by the QR code as connection destination information. (Step S303) Terminal device 1 connects to distribution device 2 based on the connection destination information. Specifically, terminal device 1 connects to the content server indicated by the URL.

[0060] (Step S304) The distribution device 2 acquires the image of the current process transmitted from the terminal device 1. (Step S305) Distribution device 2 identifies the current process based on the image of the current process. Distribution device 2 then identifies the next process after the identified current process. (Step S306) Distribution device 2 distributes content corresponding to the next step to terminal device 1.

[0061] Thus, the distribution system according to this embodiment is a distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities, and comprises a process identification unit 225 that acquires information on cooking processes and identifies which cooking process is currently in progress based on the acquired information on cooking processes, and a next process suggestion unit (next process identification unit 226, distribution unit 220) that suggests the next cooking process based on the identified current cooking process.

[0062] This allows users to view the content of the next step in the cooking process as they proceed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0063] Furthermore, the functions of some or all of the above-mentioned terminal devices, such as the control unit 12, or some or all of the functions of the distribution device 2, such as the control unit 22, may be realized by recording a program for that purpose on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. In addition, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] SYS distribution system 1. Terminal device 10 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 120 Acquisition Department 122 Connection destination acquisition unit 124 Content Acquisition Section 14 Display section 2 Distribution device 20 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 220 Distribution Department 221 Timing section 222 Notification Department 223 Tray Specific Section 224 Content Selection Section 225 Process Specification Department 226 Next process identification department

Claims

1. A distribution system used to promote the development of intelligence and cognitive abilities, A connection destination acquisition unit that acquires connection destination information during the product cooking process, A distribution unit that distributes content related to the aforementioned product based on the connection to the destination, A tray identification unit acquires information about the tray used for the aforementioned cooking process and identifies which of several types of trays it is based on the acquired tray information. A content selection unit selects content corresponding to the identified tray as content related to the aforementioned product, A distribution system equipped with the following features.

2. A timing unit that starts timing based on the aforementioned connection, A notification unit that notifies that the cooking is complete based on the elapsed time, Furthermore, The distribution system according to claim 1.

3. The content selected by the content selection unit is different for each tray. The distribution system according to claim 1.

4. A process identification unit that acquires information on the cooking process and identifies which cooking process is currently being performed based on the acquired information on the cooking process, A next-step suggestion unit that suggests the next cooking step based on the identified current cooking step, The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. An acquisition unit that acquires information on the tray used for preparing the product from a terminal device, A content selection unit identifies which of several types of trays it is based on the information of the aforementioned tray, and selects content corresponding to the identified tray. A distribution unit that distributes content corresponding to the identified tray as content related to the product, A distribution device equipped with the following features.

6. The computer in the distribution device, The process of acquiring information about the trays used in preparing the product from a terminal device, A content selection process that identifies which of several types of trays it is based on the information of the aforementioned tray, and selects content corresponding to the identified tray, A distribution process for distributing content corresponding to the identified tray as content related to the product, A delivery method that includes [unclear].

7. On the distribution device's computer, An acquisition step in which information about the tray used for preparing the product is obtained from a terminal device, A content selection step involves identifying which of several types of trays it is based on the information of the aforementioned tray, and selecting content corresponding to the identified tray. A distribution step in which the content corresponding to the identified tray is distributed as the content related to the product, A program to execute.

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