Cooking recipe display system, cooking recipe display device, cooking recipe display method, and program

Abstract

A cooking recipe display system according to the present disclosure comprises a cooking recipe DB, a help information DB, a feature detection unit, an extraction unit, and an output unit. The cooking recipe DB retains a plurality of cooking recipes. The help information DB retains selection help information for helping the selection of a cooking recipe from among the plurality of cooking recipes. The feature detection unit detects, regarding a plurality of target recipes, features of cooking recipes from natural language text that is included in the cooking recipes. The extraction unit extracts selection help information from the plurality of target recipes by referring, regarding the plurality of target recipes, to the help information DB on the basis of the features of cooking recipes. The output unit outputs, regarding the plurality of target recipes, the selection help information extracted by the extraction unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking recipe display system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, display systems for displaying cooking recipes are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a menu search device that displays a calorie intake target value together with the name of a dish. Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic menu creation device that determines whether a dish selected by a user can be created based on information on cooking utensils owned by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the above prior art, effective information for a user to select a cooking recipe is not presented, and it is difficult to sufficiently assist the user in selecting a cooking recipe.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a cooking recipe display system, a cooking recipe display device, a cooking recipe display method, and a program that can assist in the selection of a cooking recipe.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a cooking recipe display system that outputs a plurality of target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe among a plurality of cooking recipes. The cooking recipe display system includes a cooking recipe database, an auxiliary information database, a detection unit, an extraction unit, and an output unit.

[0007] The cooking recipe database holds multiple cooking recipes. The auxiliary information database holds selection assistance information to help select a cooking recipe from among the multiple recipes. The detection unit detects the characteristics of multiple target recipes from the natural language sentences contained in the cooking recipes.

[0008] The extraction unit extracts selection auxiliary information from multiple target recipes by referring to the auxiliary information database based on the characteristics of the cooking recipes. The output unit outputs the selection auxiliary information extracted by the extraction unit for the multiple target recipes.

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to assist in selecting cooking recipes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a cooking recipe display system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a cooking recipe display system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a materials table. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a procedure table. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the analysis results for the target recipe. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an auxiliary information database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the first example of a recipe selection image. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a second example of a recipe selection image. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a third example of a recipe selection image. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the first example of selection aid information. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a second example of selection assistance information. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third example of selection assistance information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of selection assistance information. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a recipe selection image. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a recipe selection image.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0012] [Overview] The overview of the cooking recipe display system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the cooking recipe display system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking recipe display system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server device 100 and an information processing terminal 200. The server device 100 is a web server. The server device 100 and the information processing terminal 200 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0014] The server device 100 provides cooking recipes. The server device 100 may be either a cloud server or a physical server. The server device 100 not only provides cooking recipes but also performs both or one of the generation and management of cooking recipes.

[0015] The information processing terminal 200 is an information processing device having a display screen 251. The information processing terminal 200 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook personal computer.

[0016] The information processing terminal 200 may be a stationary information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, a smart display, or a signage.

[0017] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the information processing terminal 200 is a smartphone including a display screen 251 having both a display function and an operation function. In the present embodiment, the information processing terminal 200 corresponds to a recipe display device.

[0018] The information processing terminal 200 has a network connection function. Therefore, the user can operate the information processing terminal 200 to access the server device 100 to search for cooking recipes and select a cooking recipe to be used from the obtained plurality of cooking recipes. The selected cooking recipe (specifically, cooking procedures and necessary ingredients) is displayed on the display screen 251 of the information processing terminal 200 and presented to the user.

[0019] [Functional Configuration] The specific functional configuration of the cooking recipe display system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooking recipe display system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] The server device 100 manages a plurality of databases related to the provision of cooking recipes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the server device 100 manages a cooking recipe database (hereinafter, the database may be abbreviated as "DB") 110 and an auxiliary information DB 120. The server device 100 includes a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive) and stores the cooking recipe DB 110 and the auxiliary information DB 120.

[0021] The recipe database 110 holds multiple recipes, each containing natural language text. Each recipe includes an ingredient list containing one or more ingredients used in the dish, and one or more steps (cooking instructions) showing how to make the dish. The ingredient list and instructions include recipe terms expressed in natural language text. As shown in Figure 2, the recipe database 110 includes an ingredient table 111 and a procedure table 112.

[0022] The ingredients table 111 holds the ingredient list for each recipe. Figure 3 shows an example of the ingredients table 111. The ingredient list held in the ingredients table 111 includes one or more ingredients used in a dish (for example, "pumpkin and eggplant miso soup") and the quantity of each ingredient. The quantity of each ingredient is set based on the portion size of the dish (per serving).

[0023] The ingredient list is displayed on screen 251 when the user selects "Pumpkin and Eggplant Miso Soup". The ingredient table 111 may include information indicating either or both the calories and / or salt content of the dish.

[0024] Returning to Figure 2, the procedure table 112 holds procedure information showing one or more cooking steps for each recipe. Figure 4 shows an example of the procedure table 112. Figure 4 shows four cooking steps for making the "Pumpkin and Eggplant Miso Soup" shown in Figure 3.

[0025] The four cooking steps are displayed on screen 251 when the user selects "Pumpkin and Eggplant Miso Soup". The four cooking steps may be displayed one by one, or all four steps may be displayed on a single screen. The cooking steps and the ingredient list may be displayed separately, or they may be displayed simultaneously.

[0026] Returning to Figure 2, the auxiliary information DB120 is a database that holds multiple selection auxiliary information. These multiple selection auxiliary information are information about the ingredients or cooking techniques of a cooking recipe that assists in selecting a recipe. As shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary information DB120 includes the ingredient information DB121 and the cooking technique information DB122.

[0027] The ingredient information DB121 is a database that holds information on one or more ingredients. Ingredient information is an example of auxiliary information for selecting ingredients in a cooking recipe. Ingredient information includes information that indicates the characteristics of the ingredients, such as the number, type, and rarity of the ingredients. Rarity is an indicator of how difficult it is to procure that ingredient.

[0028] "Ingredients" include not only meat and vegetables, but also seasonings and water. "Ingredients" are basically ingredients that people can eat or drink, but may also include non-edible ingredients used to enhance the appearance of the dish.

[0029] The Cooking Technique Information DB122 is a database that holds one or more cooking technique information entries. Cooking technique information is an example of selection aid information related to cooking techniques in a recipe. Cooking technique information includes, for example, the number of cooking actions such as cutting, grilling, and boiling, as well as information indicating cooking characteristics such as cooking time.

[0030] The server device 100 receives requests from the information processing terminal 200 and, in response to those requests, transmits the ingredient list for the cooking recipe, cooking procedures, selection assistance information, etc., to the information processing terminal 200.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing terminal 200 includes an input unit 210, a recipe selection unit 220, a feature detection unit 230, an extraction unit 240, and an output unit 250.

[0032] In this embodiment, the input unit 210 and the output unit 250 are composed of a single touch panel corresponding to the display screen 251 shown in Figure 1. The display screen 251 displays a GUI (graphical user interface) suitable for touch operation by the user. The display screen 251 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device.

[0033] The input unit 210 may be an audio input device such as a microphone. The output unit 250 may be an audio output device such as a speaker. The input unit 210 and the output unit 250 may be composed of separate devices. In this embodiment, the output unit 250 is a display device or an audio output device. The input unit 210 is various input devices such as a sensing device, an audio input device, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0034] The recipe selection unit 220, the feature detection unit 230, and the extraction unit 240 are each composed of one or more dedicated control circuits or general-purpose control circuits that perform their respective functions. The control circuits include a memory that stores programs such as application programs, a processor that executes those programs, and various input / output ports.

[0035] A processor performs various control functions by executing programs stored in memory. Processors are composed of components such as an MPU (microprocessing unit), CPU (central processing unit), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphical processing unit), and SoC (system on a chip).

[0036] The input unit 210 accepts search terms related to cooking from the user. The input unit 210 also accepts user operations on the GUI displayed on the display screen 251 regarding the search and selection of cooking recipes.

[0037] The recipe selection unit 220 refers to the cooking recipe DB 110 based on the search term. As a result, the recipe selection unit 220 selects at least two cooking recipes related to the search term received by the input unit 210 as multiple target recipes. Each of the multiple target recipes is a cooking recipe displayed on the display screen 251.

[0038] Specifically, each target recipe is a cooking recipe obtained through a search, and is a cooking recipe that the user may select. In this practical application, the recipe selection unit 220 corresponds to the selection unit.

[0039] The search terms are, for example, names of dishes, ingredients, cooking utensils, etc. The recipe selection unit 220 searches for multiple cooking recipes containing the search terms received by the input unit 210 from among the multiple cooking recipes contained in the cooking recipe DB 110. The recipe selection unit 220 selects the cooking recipes that match the search target as target recipes. As a result of the search, in most cases multiple target recipes are obtained, but in some cases only one target recipe is obtained.

[0040] The feature detection unit 230 is a detection unit that detects the features of each of the multiple target recipes from the natural language sentences contained in those target recipes.

[0041] Specifically, the feature detection unit 230 detects a term relating to one item selected from the following group of information as a feature of each of the multiple target recipes. This group of information includes either or both the number and types of ingredients used, either or both the number and types of cooking actions, the number of cooking steps, cooking time, and either or both the number and types of cooking utensils used.

[0042] Specifically, the feature detection unit 230 analyzes the natural language text representing the ingredient list and cooking procedure of the target recipe. The feature detection unit 230 obtains the number and types of ingredients included in the ingredient list of the target recipe by referring to the ingredient table 111 of the cooking recipe DB 110.

[0043] The feature detection unit 230 determines the rarity of each material by referring to a rarity table, which associates the rarity of each material type with the material type, for example. The rarity table (not shown) is stored, for example, in a server device 100 or an information processing terminal 200.

[0044] The feature detection unit 230 may also determine, in addition to rarity, the nutrients and / or shelf life of the material. To perform this determination, a table associating the type of material with both or either the nutrients and / or shelf life may be maintained in the server device 100 or the information processing terminal 200. A table showing the characteristics of the material used for this determination (for example, a rarity table) may be included in the material table 111.

[0045] The feature detection unit 230 analyzes natural language sentences representing the cooking procedure of the target recipe by referring to the procedure table 112 of the cooking recipe DB 110. Through this, the feature detection unit 230 obtains the number and types of cooking actions performed when preparing the target recipe, the number of cooking steps, the cooking time, and the number and types of cooking utensils used.

[0046] For example, the feature detection unit 230 extracts terms related to cooking actions from natural language sentences representing cooking procedures. The feature detection unit 230, for example, refers to a term list containing multiple terms to be extracted and extracts terms that are the same as or synonymous with the terms included in the term list. The term list (not shown) is stored in the server device 100 or the information processing terminal 200.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the analysis results of the target recipe. For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), the feature detection unit 230 detects two terms, "cut" and "cut," indicated by solid lines in frames 301 and 302, respectively, from the first cooking step. These terms relate to the action of cutting ingredients during cooking.

[0048] The feature detection unit 230 detects two terms: "heating" indicated by the dashed frame 311 from the second cooking step, and "low heat" indicated by the dashed frame 312 from the third cooking step. These terms relate to the action of heating ingredients during cooking.

[0049] Figure 5(b) shows the analysis results for the target recipe. The number of times cutting and heating indicate the number of terms representing each cooking action, and are obtained based on the extraction results shown in Figure 5(a). In Figure 5(b), "Number of ingredients" indicates the total number of ingredients included in the target recipe. "Number of rare ingredients" indicates the number of rare ingredients among the ingredients included in the target recipe. "Number of ingredients" and "Number of rare ingredients" are obtained by analyzing the ingredient list.

[0050] "Cooking time" indicates the time required to prepare the dish in the target recipe. "Calories" indicates the calorie content of the dish in the target recipe. "Salt content" indicates the amount of salt contained in the dish in the target recipe. "Cooking time," "calories," and "salt content" are obtained through analysis of the target recipe.

[0051] The extraction unit 240 refers to the auxiliary information DB 120 based on the features detected by the feature detection unit 230 and extracts selected auxiliary information for each target recipe. Figure 6 shows an example of the auxiliary information DB 120. As shown in Figure 6, in the auxiliary information DB 120, selected auxiliary information is associated with a single recipe feature included in the target recipe, or with a combination of multiple recipe features.

[0052] Recipe features are the characteristics of the ingredients included in a cooking recipe, or the characteristics of the cooking technique. The correspondence between ingredient characteristics and selection aid information (for example, data related to "0 types of rare ingredients") corresponds to ingredient information DB121. The correspondence between cooking technique characteristics and selection aid information (for example, items such as "number of cuts: 0") corresponds to cooking technique information DB122. Selection aid information may also be associated with combinations of ingredient characteristics and cooking technique characteristics.

[0053] The extraction unit 240 refers to the auxiliary information DB 120 and extracts selection auxiliary information corresponding to the recipe features included in the target recipe. If the target recipe includes multiple recipe features, the extraction unit 240 may extract multiple selection auxiliary information.

[0054] For example, in the case of the analysis results shown in Figure 5, two pieces of auxiliary selection information, "No rare ingredients" and "Time-saving menu," are extracted, satisfying the two conditions of "Number of rare ingredients: 0" and "Cooking time: 10 minutes or less."

[0055] The output unit 250 outputs selection assistance information extracted by the extraction unit 240 for each of the multiple target recipes. That is, the display screen 251, which is the output unit 250, displays the selection assistance information. For each target recipe, the output unit 250 displays the recipe display information that can be selected by the user and the selection assistance information side by side.

[0056] Recipe display information includes, for example, the name and / or image of the target recipe. In other words, selection assistance information is displayed on the display screen 251 simultaneously with the recipe display information representing the cooking recipe in order to assist the user in selecting the cooking recipe to use.

[0057] In this embodiment, multiple cooking recipe options and selection assistance information for each option are displayed side by side on the display screen 251. This allows the user to compare multiple cooking recipes while viewing the selection assistance information for each recipe.

[0058] [Specific examples of display] In the cooking recipe display system 1 according to this embodiment, a specific example of a recipe selection image displayed on the display screen 251 will be described.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a first example of a recipe selection image. As shown in Figure 7, the recipe selection image includes a search window 410, a cancel button 420, and a recipe selection list 430.

[0060] Search box 410 accepts text as search terms, such as words related to cooking recipes (for example, ingredients or dish names).

[0061] The Cancel button 420 is used to cancel the search for cooking recipes.

[0062] The recipe selection list 430 includes search results based on the search term entered in the search box 410. Specifically, the recipe selection list 430 displays multiple target recipes determined by the recipe selection unit 220. In the example shown in Figure 7, the search results based on the search term "gratin" display recipes that include "gratin" in the dish name.

[0063] The recipe selection list 430 includes a cooking image 431 and a cooking name 432 for each target recipe. The cooking image 431 is, for example, an image of the finished product of the target recipe. The cooking name 432 is the name of the target recipe.

[0064] Both the dish image 431 and the dish name 432 are examples of recipe display information that can be selected by the user. When either the dish image 431 or the dish name 432 is selected, the ingredient list or cooking procedure for the selected recipe will be displayed on the display screen 251.

[0065] The user's "selection" is performed by predetermined operations such as tapping (single-clicking), double-clicking, long-pressing, or sliding a button.

[0066] A button tap (single click) is when you touch the displayed button image with your finger once. A button double-click is when you touch the displayed button image with your finger twice in quick succession. A button long press is when you keep your finger in contact with the displayed button image for, for example, one second or longer. A button slide is when you slide your finger across the displayed button image while keeping it in contact with it.

[0067] This operation is received by the input unit 210, and the corresponding image is displayed on the display screen 251.

[0068] By performing multiple different operations on a single button, different screens may be displayed on the display screen 251. For example, the content of the pop-up image displayed may differ depending on whether the dish image 431 or dish name 432 is tapped or long-pressed.

[0069] For example, if the cooking image 431 or the cooking name 432 is tapped, the ingredient list for the target recipe may be displayed. If the cooking image 431 or the cooking name 432 is long-pressed, the cooking instructions for the target recipe may be displayed.

[0070] The recipe selection list 430 includes selection support information 440 extracted by the extraction unit 240. The selection support information 440 is label information containing natural language sentences indicated by the selection support information (see Figure 6) in the support information DB 120.

[0071] For example, in the recipe "Creamy Avocado and Salmon Gratin," the dish name 432 and the selection aid information 440, "No Knife Needed" and "Plenty of Ingredients," are displayed side by side. In the target recipe "Potato Gratin," the dish name 432 and the selection aid information 440, "Knife Skill: Intermediate" and "Oven Preheating Required," are displayed side by side. In the example shown in Figure 7, the cooking skill levels are "No Knife Needed," "Knife Skill: Intermediate," and "Knife Skill: Advanced."

[0072] In this way, users can choose a dish to cook by referring to the cooking technique assistance information displayed for each recipe. If a user is not comfortable using a knife, finds preheating the oven troublesome, or does not have an oven at home, they can simply avoid the "Potato Gratin" recipe. In this case, the user can choose the "Creamy Avocado and Salmon Gratin" recipe instead.

[0073] In other words, users can select a cooking recipe simply by looking at the image of the recipe, without having to check the specific ingredients and cooking steps required.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a second example of a recipe selection image. As shown in Figure 8, the recipe selection list 430 in the recipe selection image includes selection aid information 540. The selection aid information 540 includes multiple items related to ingredients or cooking techniques, and numerical values ​​for each item. Specifically, the selection aid information 540 is represented by a radar chart of a regular pentagon with five vertices.

[0075] The selection support information 540 includes the item name 541 and a graph 542 of the target recipe. The graph 542 is a pentagon formed by connecting the values ​​of each item in the target recipe, and represents the characteristics of the target recipe. In this embodiment, the five items are "number of cuts", "cooking time", "number of ingredients", "salt content", and "number of heating cycles".

[0076] The selection aid information 540 includes statistical values ​​for each item of multiple cooking recipes as a comparison target. Specifically, the selection aid information 540 includes comparison information 543. The comparison information 543 is shown by shading a pentagonal region formed by connecting the statistical values ​​for each item. The type of shading is not limited, and the area may be filled with a predetermined color instead of being shaded. The comparison information 543 may also consist only of five line segments connecting the statistical values ​​for each item.

[0077] A statistical value is the average of multiple recipes for each item. For example, the statistical value is the average of all recipes stored in the recipe database DB110 for each item.

[0078] The statistical value may be the average of the cooking recipes obtained through a search from among the cooking recipe DB110. In other words, the statistical value may be the average of all cooking recipes included in the recipe selection list 430 for each item. The statistical value may also be the median of multiple cooking recipes.

[0079] By using a radar chart, the values ​​of multiple items can be visualized, making it easy to compare the characteristics of multiple cooking recipes. Comparison information 543 further facilitates the comparison of the characteristics of cooking recipes.

[0080] Both radar charts and label information may be displayed. Figure 9 shows a third example of a recipe selection image. As shown in Figure 9, the recipe selection list 430 in the recipe selection image includes selection aid information 540 represented by a radar chart and selection aid information 550 which is label information.

[0081] For example, items common to multiple target recipes may be represented using a radar chart, while distinctive items not common to multiple target recipes may be represented using label information. Multiple types of selection assistance information may also be displayed for each cooking recipe. This allows for the presentation of a wealth of information to assist users in selecting cooking recipes.

[0082] In a radar chart, if the values ​​of each item are not balanced, the shape of graph 542 will be distorted. For example, in the recipe "Creamy Gratin with Avocado and Salmon" shown in Figure 8, the "Number of Ingredients" is considerably larger than the comparison information 543. Therefore, graph 542 has a pentagonal shape with a sharp corner in the "Number of Ingredients" item. In this way, the characteristics of each recipe can be easily compared based on the shape of graph 542.

[0083] To make the shape of Graph 542 easier to recognize, the selection assistance information may include eye-tracking displays that guide the user's gaze. Figure 10 shows a first example of selection assistance information.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, the selection assistance information 640 includes eye-tracking indicators 644 in addition to the selection assistance information 540 shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9. The eye-tracking indicators 644 are displayed to draw the user's attention to a target item, which is at least one of several items in the radar chart. The target item is an item whose value exceeds a predetermined threshold. In the example shown in Figure 10, the target item is the item "Number of Cuts".

[0085] The eye-tracking indicator 644 includes illustrations of the eyes 645a and 645b of organisms that are facing the target item. However, the illustrations are not limited to eyes 645a and 645b.

[0086] When users see shapes resembling the eyes of an animal, they instinctively tend to focus on the direction they are pointing. In other words, users' attention is easily drawn to the item "number of cuts," which is pointed towards by eyes 645a and 645b. This makes it easier for users to recognize that the target recipe has a distinctive feature in the "number of cuts" item (specifically, a high number of cuts).

[0087] The target item is not limited to one. The items "number of cuts" and "cooking time" may be the target items. Figure 11 shows a second example of selection assistance information. As shown in Figure 11, eye 645a is directed towards the item "cooking time," and eye 645b is directed towards the item "number of cuts." In this way, eyes 645a and 645b directed towards two or more target items may be displayed.

[0088] The selection aid information may include an illustrated image of the main ingredient of the target recipe. Figure 12 shows a third example of the selection aid information. As shown in Figure 12, the selection aid information 740 includes an eye-tracking indicator 744 instead of the eye-tracking indicator 644 in the selection aid information 640 shown in Figure 10.

[0089] The eye-tracking indicator 744 includes an illustration of the main ingredient of the target recipe. In the example shown in Figure 12, the eye-tracking indicator 744 includes an illustration of a cow's face to indicate that the main ingredient is beef.

[0090] If the main ingredient is fish, the eye-tracking indicator 744 may include an illustration of a fish. By orienting the fish's head towards the target item, the eye-tracking indicator 744 can direct the user's attention to the item in that direction. The illustration may also be a symbol such as an arrow.

[0091] The illustrations representing the main ingredients may be separate from the eye-tracking displays. In other words, the illustrations representing the main ingredients do not need to have the function of drawing the user's attention. For example, a mark such as a cow may be displayed separately from the radar chart.

[0092] Figure 13 shows a fourth example of selection aid information. As shown in Figure 13, the selection aid information 840 includes highlighting of both or both the color and size of the text representing the target item, and an icon 846 representing the target item.

[0093] In the selection assistance information 840, the target items are the items "Number of cuts" and "Cooking time". The item names 841 for "Number of cuts" and "Cooking time" are highlighted. Specifically, item name 841 is displayed in larger font than the item names of other items. Item name 841 may also be displayed in a different color from the other text.

[0094] Icon 846 is displayed below item name 841. Icon 846 is an image such as a pictogram representing the item. Item name 841 does not need to be highlighted, and icon 846 does not need to be displayed.

[0095] By using both or either highlighting and / or icon display, the target item is visually emphasized, making it easier for the user to recognize. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the characteristics of the target recipe.

[0096] In the examples so far, radar charts have been used as selection aids. However, selection aids are not limited to these. Figure 14 shows a fourth example of a recipe selection image. As shown in Figure 14, the recipe selection list 430 in the recipe selection image includes selection aids 940. The selection aids 940 include multiple items related to ingredients or cooking techniques, and the numerical values ​​for each of the multiple items.

[0097] Specifically, the selection aid information 940 includes multiple marks (in this case, stars) for each item. The number of filled-in stars represents the value of each item. The shape of the marks can be, for example, a circle, a triangle, or a square.

[0098] In Figure 14, both filled and unfilled marks are displayed. However, only one type of mark may be displayed. That is, the value of each item may be represented by the number of displayed marks, regardless of whether they are filled or not.

[0099] A bar graph may be used instead of markers. Figure 15 shows a fifth example of a recipe selection image. As shown in Figure 15, the recipe selection list 430 in the recipe selection image includes selection aid information 941. The selection aid information 941 includes multiple items related to ingredients or cooking techniques, and the numerical value for each of the multiple items.

[0100] Specifically, in the selection assistance information 941, the numerical values ​​for each item are represented by bar graphs. Users can easily recognize the characteristics of the cooking recipes by comparing the lengths of the bar graphs.

[0101] The types and number of items included in the above selection aid information can be changed. For example, the types and number of items may be changed according to the user's preferences. In this case, the items that the user considers important can be displayed.

[0102] The number and types of items may vary for each recipe selection aid. Values ​​for different types or numbers of items may be displayed using radar charts or bar graphs.

[0103] [Note] As described above, the first aspect of this disclosure is a cooking recipe display system 1 that outputs multiple target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe from among multiple cooking recipes. The cooking recipe display system 1 comprises a cooking recipe DB 110, an auxiliary information DB 120, a feature detection unit 230, an extraction unit 240, and an output unit 250.

[0104] The recipe database 110 holds multiple recipes. The auxiliary information database 120 holds selection assistance information to help select a recipe from among multiple recipes. The feature detection unit 230 detects the features of multiple target recipes from the natural language sentences contained in the recipes.

[0105] The extraction unit 240 extracts selection auxiliary information from multiple target recipes by referring to the auxiliary information DB 120 based on the characteristics of the cooking recipes. The output unit 250 outputs the selection auxiliary information extracted by the extraction unit 240 for the multiple target recipes.

[0106] Since selection assistance information is displayed for each of the multiple target recipes, the user can compare the selection assistance information for multiple target recipes and select the cooking recipe to use from among them. According to the cooking recipe display system 1, it is possible to assist the user in selecting a cooking recipe while suppressing the amount of information presented to the user.

[0107] The auxiliary information DB120 may include an ingredient information DB121 that holds selection auxiliary information regarding the ingredients of a cooking recipe, and a cooking technique information DB122 that holds selection auxiliary information regarding the cooking techniques of a cooking recipe.

[0108] This allows users to select a cooking recipe from multiple options, taking into account information that assists in sourcing ingredients and cooking techniques.

[0109] The feature detection unit 230 may detect a term relating to one item selected from the following group of information as a feature of each of the multiple target recipes. This group of information may include either or both the number and types of ingredients used, either or both the number and types of cooking actions, the number of cooking steps, cooking time, and either or both the number and types of cooking utensils used.

[0110] This allows for the display of selection assistance information that describes the specific characteristics of each recipe. As a result, it can effectively assist users in selecting recipes.

[0111] The output unit 250 may include a display screen 251. The display screen 251 may display, side by side, user-selectable recipe display information and selection assistance information for each of multiple target recipes. By referring to the selection assistance information, the user can easily compare multiple cooking recipes and easily select the cooking recipe to use.

[0112] The selection assistance information may include multiple items related to the ingredients or cooking techniques of a recipe, along with numerical values ​​for each of those items. By presenting the user with a large amount of information, it is possible to effectively assist the user in selecting a recipe.

[0113] Selection assistance information may be represented in the form of a radar chart or bar graph. By displaying selection assistance information in a way that is easy for the user to understand, it is possible to effectively assist the user in selecting a cooking recipe.

[0114] The types and number of items included in the selection assistance information may be changeable. By changing the types and number of items according to the user's preferences, it is possible to effectively assist the user in selecting cooking recipes.

[0115] The selection assistance information may include statistical values ​​for items in multiple recipes. This allows, for example, the display of average values ​​from other recipes as a point of comparison.

[0116] The selection assistance information may include eye-tracking displays that direct the user's attention to at least one target item, each of which is one of the above-mentioned items. This allows, for example, the user's attention to an item with outstanding features among multiple items. As a result, it can effectively assist the user in selecting a cooking recipe.

[0117] The eye-tracking display may include an illustration of an animal's eyes facing at least one of the target items mentioned above. This allows the user's attention to be directed in the intended direction, making it easier to convey the characteristics of the target recipe to the user.

[0118] Eye-tracking displays may include highlighting of both or both the color and size of the text representing the target item, as well as an icon representing the target item. This can effectively assist users in selecting cooking recipes.

[0119] The selection aid information may include illustrations of the main ingredients for each of the multiple target recipes. This allows the user to easily identify the main ingredients of the cooking recipes.

[0120] The cooking recipe display system 1 further comprises an input unit 210 and a recipe selection unit 220. The input unit 210 accepts the input of a search term related to cooking. The recipe selection unit 220 selects multiple target recipes by referring to the cooking recipe DB 110 based on the search term. This effectively assists the user in selecting a cooking recipe from multiple recipes using the search term they entered.

[0121] A second aspect of this disclosure is a cooking recipe display device that outputs multiple target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe from among multiple cooking recipes. This cooking recipe display device comprises a detection unit, an extraction unit, and an output unit.

[0122] The detection unit detects the characteristics of multiple target recipes from the natural language sentences contained within the recipes.

[0123] The extraction unit references selection assistance information, based on the characteristics of each recipe, to help select a recipe from among multiple recipes. This allows the extraction unit to extract selection assistance information from multiple target recipes.

[0124] The output unit outputs the extracted selection assistance information for multiple target recipes.

[0125] A third aspect of this disclosure is a cooking recipe display method that outputs multiple target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe from among multiple cooking recipes. This cooking recipe display method has the following steps.

[0126] For multiple target recipes, the characteristics of the recipes are detected from the natural language text contained within the recipes.

[0127] This system uses selection assistance information to help users choose a recipe from multiple recipes, referencing the characteristics of each recipe. This allows for the extraction of selection assistance information from multiple target recipes.

[0128] For multiple target recipes, the extracted selection assistance information is output.

[0129] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described method for displaying cooking recipes, or a recording medium storing this program.

[0130] (Other embodiments) The auxiliary information DB120 does not necessarily have to include either the ingredient information DB121 or the cooking technique information DB122. In other words, the cooking recipe display system 1 may output only one of the following: the selection auxiliary information related to ingredients, or the selection auxiliary information related to cooking techniques.

[0131] The cooking recipe display system 1 may include a home appliance that is communicably connected to at least one of the server device 100 and the information processing terminal 200 via a network. The home appliance is, for example, a cooking appliance such as a microwave oven or induction cooktop (induction hob), or a refrigerator.

[0132] For example, at least one of the server device 100 and the information processing terminal 200 transmits instructions to a home appliance to carry out the steps of a cooking recipe. The home appliance receives the transmitted instructions and processes them accordingly. If the home appliance is a refrigerator, the refrigerator may manage information such as the types of ingredients stored inside and their storage periods, and transmit this information to the server device 100.

[0133] The recipe selection image is not limited to the example shown in the above embodiment. The content and layout of the recipe selection image may be changed as appropriate.

[0134] The database and tables are not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. The items and contents of the information to be held may be changed as appropriate.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a part of the processing performed by one processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0136] The components included in the cooking recipe display system may be configured using a single device or using multiple devices. The cooking recipe display system according to the above embodiment may be implemented by centralized processing or by distributed processing.

[0137] In the above embodiment, all or part of the components, such as the control unit, may be made up of dedicated hardware, or they may be made up of a combination of a software program suitable for each component and a general-purpose processor. [Industrial applicability]

[0138] The cooking recipe display system described herein is applicable to home appliances such as cooking appliances and refrigerators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Cooking Recipe Display System 100 Server Devices 110 Cooking Recipe Database 111 Material Table 112 Procedure Table 120 Auxiliary Information Database 121 Material information DB 122 Cooking technology information DB 200 Information Processing Terminals 210 Input section 220 Recipe Selection Section 230 Feature detection unit 240 Extraction part 250 Output section 251 Display screen Slots 301, 302, 311, 312 410 Search box 420 Cancel button 430 Recipe Selection List 431 Food Images 432 Dish Names 440, 540, 550, 640, 740, 840, 940, 941 Selection Auxiliary Information 541, 841 Item name 542 Graphs 543 Comparison Information 644, 744 Eye guidance display 645a, 645b 846 icons

Claims

1. A cooking recipe display system configured to output multiple target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe from among multiple cooking recipes, A cooking recipe database that holds the aforementioned multiple cooking recipes, An auxiliary information database that holds selection assistance information to assist in selecting a cooking recipe from among the aforementioned multiple cooking recipes, A detection unit configured to detect the characteristics of the cooking recipes from the natural language sentences contained in the cooking recipes, for the aforementioned multiple target recipes, An extraction unit configured to extract the selection auxiliary information from the multiple target recipes by referring to the auxiliary information database based on the characteristics of the cooking recipes, The system comprises an output unit configured to output the selection assistance information extracted by the extraction unit for the aforementioned multiple target recipes, The aforementioned selection assistance information includes the availability of the ingredients included in the cooking recipe. A cooking recipe display system.

2. The aforementioned auxiliary information database is A material information database that holds the selection assistance information regarding the ingredients of the aforementioned cooking recipe, A cooking technique information database that holds the selection auxiliary information relating to the cooking techniques of the aforementioned cooking recipes, The cooking recipe display system according to claim 1.

3. The detection unit is configured to detect terms relating to items selected from a group including the number and types of ingredients, both or one of the number and types of cooking actions, the number of cooking steps, cooking time, and both or one of the number and types of cooking utensils, as characteristics of each of the plurality of target recipes. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 2.

4. The output unit includes a display unit, The display unit shows, for each of the multiple target recipes, the user-selectable recipes. The display information and the selection assistance information are configured to be displayed side by side. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned selection support information includes items relating to the ingredients or cooking techniques of the cooking recipe, and numerical values ​​relating to those items. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned selection assistance information is represented in a radar chart or bar graph. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 5.

7. The types and number of items included in the aforementioned selection support information can be changed. A cooking recipe display system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The selection assistance information includes statistical values ​​relating to the items in the multiple cooking recipes. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 5.

9. The selection assistance information includes a gaze guidance display that directs the user's attention to at least one target item, each of which is one of the aforementioned items. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 5.

10. The eye-tracking display includes an illustration of the eyes of a living creature facing at least one of the target items. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 9.

11. The eye-tracking display includes highlighting of both or both the color and size of the text representing the target item, and an icon representing the target item. A cooking recipe display system according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The selection assistance information includes an illustrated image of the main ingredient of each of the multiple target recipes. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 1.

13. An input section configured to accept the input of a search term, The system further includes a selection unit that selects a plurality of target recipes by referring to the cooking recipe database based on the aforementioned search terms. The cooking recipe display system according to claim 1.

14. A cooking recipe display device configured to output multiple target recipes, each of which is a cooking recipe from among multiple cooking recipes, A detection unit configured to detect the characteristics of the cooking recipes from the natural language sentences contained in the cooking recipes, for the aforementioned multiple target recipes, An extraction unit configured to extract selection assistance information from the multiple target recipes by referring to selection assistance information that assists in selecting a recipe from the multiple recipes based on the characteristics of the recipe, The system comprises an output unit configured to output the selection assistance information extracted by the extraction unit for the aforementioned multiple target recipes, The aforementioned selection assistance information includes the availability of the ingredients included in the cooking recipe. Cooking recipe display device.

15. Each outputs multiple target recipes, which are cooking recipes from among multiple cooking recipes. A method of displaying cooking recipes performed by a computer, For the aforementioned multiple target recipes, the characteristics of the cooking recipes are detected from the natural language sentences contained in the cooking recipes. By referring to selection assistance information that assists in selecting a cooking recipe from the aforementioned multiple cooking recipes based on the characteristics of the cooking recipe, the selection assistance information is extracted from the aforementioned multiple target recipes. For the aforementioned multiple target recipes, the extracted selection assistance information is output. The aforementioned selection assistance information includes the availability of the ingredients included in the cooking recipe. How to display cooking recipes.

16. A program configured to cause a computer to execute the cooking recipe display method described in claim 15.

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