Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus configured to propose an available dish in a store which provides dishes, even if food materials unsold in the store are not enough to cook the dish.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 10 includes: a list generation unit 111A which generates a list of one or more names of dishes which can be cooked with a part or all of food materials included in unsold commodities and stock commodities, on the basis of food material information indicating each of multiple food materials included in the unsold commodities and an amount of the food materials, stock information indicating each of multiple food materials included in the stock commodities on sale at a store, and dish information indicating combinations of each of the names of dishes, food materials necessary for the dishes and cooking methods; and a display control unit 113 which causes a display device 34 to display the list of one or more names of dishes generated by the list generation unit 111A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In stores that provide food, such as restaurants and convenience stores, the problem of food loss caused by having to discard products and ingredients whose expiration dates have passed has attracted attention.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing a user with recipe information that reflects inventory management information in a store that provides ingredients and requests from users. In this technique, based on the inventory management information of the ingredients recorded in the inventory management database and the attribute information associated with the ingredients, ingredients with approaching expiration dates are extracted as an ingredient list.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, even when trying to cook with ingredients whose expiration dates are approaching, cases where there are ingredients that are not sufficient with only the ingredients whose expiration dates are approaching have not been considered.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that proposes cookable dishes even when the ingredients are not sufficient with only the remaining products in the store that provides food.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing device comprising: a list generation unit that generates a list of one or more dish names that can be prepared using some or all of the multiple ingredients contained in the unsold and in-stock products, based on ingredient information indicating each of the multiple ingredients and the quantity of each ingredient contained in the unsold and in-stock products that remain unsold in a store; inventory information indicating each of the multiple ingredients and the quantity of each ingredient contained in the in-stock products that are currently on sale in the store; and dish information indicating each of the multiple dish names and the combination of ingredients and cooking methods required for the dish; and a display control unit that causes the list of one or more dish names generated by the list generation unit to be displayed on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, even when a restaurant that serves food does not have enough ingredients from its leftover products, it is possible to propose dishes that can be prepared. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of Information Processing System 1. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example configuration of terminal device 30-K. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example configuration of server 10. [Figure 4] A table showing an example of a food ingredient information database (FD). [Figure 5] A table showing an example of an inventory information database (SD). [Figure 6] A table showing an example of a cooking information database CD. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen that the display control unit 112 displays on the terminal device 30-K. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of Server 10's operation. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing an example configuration of server 10A. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of server 10A's operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 1: First Embodiment The configuration of the information processing system 1, including the server 10 as an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0011] 1-1: Configuration of the First Embodiment 1-1-1: Overall structure Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the information processing system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 comprises a server 10 and terminal devices 30-1, 30-2, ... 30-K, ... 30-N. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. K is an integer between 1 and N. In this embodiment, terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N have the same configuration. However, terminal devices with different configurations may be included. Note that the server 10 is an example of an "information processing device".

[0012] Each of the terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N is installed in a store such as a convenience store. In this convenience store, store employees can cook on-site. Store employee UK at convenience store K checks the name of the dish, the ingredients used, and the cooking method by viewing the recipe displayed on the display device of terminal device 30-K. After checking the name of the dish, the ingredients used, and the cooking method described in the recipe, the store employee cooks according to the recipe. In this embodiment, the ingredients used in cooking include ingredients contained in unsold products at convenience store K that are within a predetermined period of time until their expiration date. It is also possible that all of the ingredients used in cooking are ingredients contained in unsold products.

[0013] Here, when the unsold product is, for example, a fried chicken bento, the fried chicken bento includes, as an example, rice, the main dish of fried chicken, the side dish of pasta, cabbage, and pickled ginger. The employee UK at convenience store K uses some of this rice, fried chicken, pasta, cabbage, and pickled ginger as ingredients to cook a new dish. In this case, the employee may cook a new dish by combining some of this rice, fried chicken, pasta, cabbage, and pickled ginger with the ingredients included in other products. Here, "other products" may be the products in convenience store K where the employee UK works. Alternatively, "other products" may be the unsold products in other stores such as greengrocers, prepared food stores, and supermarkets near the convenience store K.

[0014] Server 10 transmits recipe information indicating the above recipe to terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N. More specifically, server 10 generates a list of one or more cookable dish names based on the ingredient information indicating each of the plurality of ingredients included in the unsold products in convenience store K where the above employee UK works, and the dish information indicating the combination of each of the plurality of dish names with the ingredients required for the dish and the cooking method. Server 10 transmits the list information indicating the list to terminal device 30-K. Further, server 10 generates a recipe indicating the required ingredients and cooking method that corresponds one-to-one to each dish name. Server 10 transmits the recipe information indicating the recipe to terminal device 30-K.

[0015] 1-1-2: Configuration of Terminal Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of terminal device 30-K. Terminal device 30-K includes a processing device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display 34, and an input device 35. Each element of terminal device 30-K is interconnected using one or a plurality of buses for communicating information.

[0016] The processing device 31 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 30-K. Also, the processing device 31 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing device 31 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, registers, and the like. Note that part or all of the functions of the processing device 31 may be realized using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The processing device 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0017] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 31. Also, the storage device 32 stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR3 executed by the processing device 31.

[0018] The communication device 33 is hardware as a transmission / reception device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, network controller, network card, and communication module. The communication device 33 may include a connector for a wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. Also, the communication device 33 may include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector for a wired connection and the interface circuit include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Also, examples of the wireless communication interface include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0019] The display 34 is a device that displays image and character information. The display 34 displays various images under the control of the processing device 31. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel are suitably used as the display 34. The display 34 is an example of a "display device".

[0020] The input device 35 accepts input from the store clerk UK. For example, the input device 35 includes a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse. If the input device 35 includes a touch panel, it may also function as the display 14.

[0021] The processing unit 31 reads the control program PR3 from the storage device 32 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 31 functions as a communication control unit 311 and a display control unit 312.

[0022] The communication control unit 311 causes the communication device 33 to send and receive various types of information with the server 10. This information includes operation information indicating the operations performed by employee UK on the input device 35. The communication control unit 311 causes the server 10 to send this operation information to the communication device 33. This information also includes the list information and recipe information mentioned above. The communication control unit 311 causes the communication device 33 to receive this list information and recipe information from the server 10.

[0023] The display control unit 312 causes the communication control unit 311 to receive the above-mentioned list information and recipe information from the communication device 33 and display it on the display 34.

[0024] 1-1-3: Server Configuration Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of server 10. Server 10 comprises a processing unit 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display 14, and an input device 15. Each element of server 10 is interconnected using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0025] The processing unit 11 is a processor that controls the entire server 10. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 11 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, and FPGA. The processing unit 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0026] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written to by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also stores multiple programs, including the control program PR1 executed by the processing device 11. Furthermore, the storage device 12 stores the ingredient information database FD, the inventory information database SD, and the recipe information database CD.

[0027] The Food Ingredient Information Database FD is a database that stores food ingredient information, showing each of the multiple food ingredients contained in unsold products at a store, along with the quantity of each ingredient. Figure 4 shows an example of the Food Ingredient Information Database FD. The Food Ingredient Information Database FD stores food ingredient information for each store, including the product name, expiration date, types of ingredients contained in the product, and the quantity of each ingredient. As an example, the Food Ingredient Information Database FD shown in Figure 4 stores the product name and expiration date of the unsold "Makunouchi Bento" at convenience store A, as well as information on the types of ingredients contained in the "Makunouchi Bento" and the quantity of each ingredient. The Food Ingredient Information Database FD also stores the product name and expiration date of the unsold "Tenshinhan" at convenience store K, as well as information on the types of ingredients contained in the "Tenshinhan" and the quantity of each ingredient. Furthermore, the Food Ingredient Information Database FD stores the product names and expiration dates of Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms, which are unsold products at greengrocer M located near convenience store K, as well as information on the quantities of each. Furthermore, the food ingredient information database FD stores information such as the product name and expiration date of a leftover "grilled meat set" from delicatessen P located near convenience store K, as well as the types and quantities of ingredients included in the "grilled meat set." The food ingredient information database FD may also be linked to the POS system installed in the store.

[0028] The inventory information database SD is a database that stores inventory information indicating each of the multiple ingredients contained in the inventory products currently sold at a store, as well as the quantity of each ingredient. This inventory does not include unsold products stored in the ingredient information database FD. Figure 5 shows an example of the inventory information database SD. Similar to the ingredient information database FD, the inventory information database SD stores ingredient information for each store, including the product name, expiration date, types of ingredients contained in the product, and the quantities of those ingredients. As an example, the inventory information database SD shown in Figure 11 stores the product name and expiration date of the "Karaage Bento" (fried chicken bento) in stock at convenience store A, as well as information indicating the types of ingredients contained in the "Karaage Bento" and the quantities of those ingredients. The inventory information database SD also stores the product name and expiration date of the "Tonkatsu Bento" (pork cutlet bento) that was left unsold at convenience store K, as well as information indicating the types of ingredients contained in the "Tonkatsu Bento" and the quantities of those ingredients. Furthermore, the food ingredient information database FD stores information indicating the expiration dates and quantities of cabbage, carrots, and okra, which are in stock at greengrocer M, located near convenience store K. In addition, the inventory information database SD stores information indicating the product names, expiration dates, and quantities of "shrimp chili," "hamburger," and "yakitori," which are in stock at delicatessen P, located near convenience store K. Preferably, the inventory information stored in the inventory information database SD is moved to the food ingredient information database FD as food ingredient information when the time remaining until the expiration date of the inventory product included in the inventory information falls below a predetermined time. The inventory information database SD may also be linked to the POS system installed in the store.

[0029] The Cooking Information Database CD is a database that stores cooking information, showing combinations of multiple dish names with the ingredients and cooking methods required for each dish. Figure 6 shows an example of the Cooking Information Database CD. For each dish, the Cooking Information Database CD stores cooking information such as the dish name, the types and quantities of ingredients used in the dish, and the cooking method for that dish. As an example, the Cooking Information Database CD shown in Figure 5 stores information for cooking an omelet, including the dish name "Omelet," the types and quantities of ingredients used in the omelet, such as "100g of scrambled eggs," "200g of potatoes," and "250g of grilled meat," as well as information on the cooking method.

[0030] In Figure 3, the communication device 13 is hardware acting as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 13 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE 1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0031] The display 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display 14 displays various images under the control of the processing unit 11. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panels are preferably used as the display 14.

[0032] The input device 15 receives operations from the administrator of the server 10. For example, the input device 15 is configured to include a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse. If the input device 15 is configured to include a touch panel, it may also function as the display 14.

[0033] The processing unit 11 reads the control program PR1 from the storage device 12 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 11 functions as a list generation unit 111 and a display control unit 112.

[0034] The list generation unit 111 generates a list of one or more dish names that can be prepared using some or all of the ingredients included in unsold and in-stock items, based on the ingredient information contained in the ingredient information database FD, the inventory information contained in the inventory information database SD, and the dish information contained in the dish information database CD.

[0035] For example, if employee UK uses the input device 35 to instruct terminal device 30-K to display the above list, the list generation unit 111 obtains operation information indicating this operation from terminal device 30-K via the communication device 13. The list generation unit 111 generates the above list as a trigger upon obtaining this operation information. As an example, the list generation unit 111 generates a list that includes "omelet" as a dish name, based on ingredient information indicating 100g of egg omelet included in Tenshinhan, a leftover item at store K, 200g of potatoes, an in-stock item at store M, and 250g of grilled meat included in a grilled meat set, a leftover item at store P, and cooking information indicating that 100g of egg omelet, 200g of potatoes, and 250g of grilled meat are needed to cook an omelet. In the above example, the amounts of egg omelet and grilled meat included in the ingredient information are equal to the amounts of egg omelet and grilled meat included in the cooking information. Furthermore, the amount of potatoes included in the inventory information and the amount of potatoes included in the recipe information are equal. However, the above example is merely one example. The amounts of at least one of the following items, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) and yakiniku (grilled meat), included in the ingredient information and the recipe information, may differ from each other. Similarly, the amounts of potatoes included in the inventory information and the recipe information may differ from each other.

[0036] In this case, when employee UK of convenience store K connects terminal device 30-K to server 10A to generate the above list, it is preferable for the list generation unit 111 to generate a list of one or more dish names that can be prepared using some or all of the ingredients contained in unsold and in-stock products of stores located within a predetermined distance from convenience store K.

[0037] The display control unit 112 displays a list of dish names, representing one or more dishes, generated by the list generation unit 111, on the display 34 of the terminal device 30-K. Furthermore, based on the dish information contained in the dish information database CD, the display control unit 112 displays the necessary ingredients and cooking methods for one or more dishes included in the list generated by the list generation unit 111 on the display 34, in a one-to-one correspondence with the dish names. It is also preferable that the display control unit 112 displays product information on the display 34, indicating which unsold and in-stock products contain the necessary ingredients for the cooking methods described above, based on the ingredient information contained in the ingredient information database FD and the inventory information contained in the inventory information database SD. This product information preferably includes information indicating the product name as well as information indicating which stores sell the product. In these cases, the display control unit 112 transmits to the terminal device 30-K via the communication device 13 list information indicating a list of dish names representing one or more of the above-mentioned dishes, recipe information indicating the above-mentioned ingredients and cooking methods, and product information indicating unsold and in-stock products containing the above-mentioned ingredients, thereby causing the display 34 on the terminal device 30-K to display this information.

[0038] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen that the display control unit 112 displays on the terminal device 30-K. In the display screen illustrated in Figure 7, the name of the dish is displayed on the first line. Below the name of the dish, the type and quantity of ingredients required for the dish and the name of the unsold product containing those ingredients are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence. Further below that, the cooking method for the dish is shown. Note that in the display screen illustrated in Figure 7, multiple dish names are displayed. It is preferable for the display control unit 112 to display each dish name, the recipe information corresponding to that dish name, and the product information in order of the degree to which the nearby residents prefer them.

[0039] 1-2: Operation of the First Embodiment Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 10 included in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] In step S11, the processing unit 11 in the server 10 functions as a list generation unit 111. Based on the ingredient information contained in the ingredient information database FD, the inventory information contained in the inventory information database SD, and the dish information contained in the dish information database CD, the processing unit 11 generates a list of one or more dish names that can be made using some or all of the ingredients contained in the unsold and inventory items.

[0041] In step S12, the processing unit 11 functions as a display control unit 112. The processing unit 11 displays on the display 34 of the terminal device 30-K list information showing a list of dish names indicating one or more dishes generated in step S11, recipe information showing the ingredients and cooking methods required for the one or more dishes, and product information showing unsold and in-stock products containing the ingredients.

[0042] 1-3: Effects of the First Embodiment According to the above description, the server 10 as an information processing device comprises a list generation unit 111 and a display control unit 112. The list generation unit 111 generates a list of one or more dish names that can be made using some or all of the multiple ingredients contained in unsold and in-stock products, based on ingredient information indicating each of the multiple ingredients contained in unsold products and the quantity of each ingredient, inventory information indicating each of the multiple ingredients contained in the in-stock products currently for sale in the store and the quantity of each ingredient, and dish information indicating each of the multiple dish names and the combination of ingredients and cooking methods required for the dish. The display control unit 112 displays the list of one or more dish names generated by the list generation unit 111 on the display 34, which is a display device.

[0043] Because server 10 has the above configuration, it can suggest dishes that can be prepared even if the restaurant serving the food does not have enough ingredients from its unsold stock. More specifically, server 10 can display the names of dishes that can be prepared using ingredients from both the unsold stock and the stocked inventory. By using the information processing system 1 including server 10, the restaurant can reduce food waste, a problem known as food loss.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the above explanation, in the server 10, the display control unit 112 displays the ingredients and cooking methods required for each dish corresponding to one or more dish names included in the list generated by the list generation unit 111, in a format corresponding to the dish name, on the display 34 which serves as a display device, based on the dish information.

[0045] Since the server 10 has the above configuration, it can display the names of one or more dishes included in the list generated by the list generation unit 111 and their recipes in a corresponding format.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the above explanation, in the server 10, the display control unit 112 further displays unsold and in-stock products containing the necessary ingredients on the display 34, which is a display device, in a format corresponding to the dish name, based on the ingredient information.

[0047] Since the server 10 has the above configuration, it can display which unsold or in-stock products contain the ingredients included in the recipe displayed by the display control unit 112.

[0048] 2: Second Embodiment The configuration of the information processing system 1A, which includes a server 10A as an information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 10. For the sake of simplicity, the following description will mainly focus on the differences between the information processing system 1A and the information processing system 1. Furthermore, for components of the information processing system 1A that are the same as those of the information processing system 1, the same reference numerals will be used, and their detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0049] 2-1: Configuration of the second embodiment 2-1-1: Overall Structure The information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a server 10A instead of server 10. In other respects, the information processing system 1A is identical to the information processing system 1, so the illustration of the information processing system 1A is omitted.

[0050] 2-1-2: Server Configuration Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of server 10A. Unlike server 10, server 10A has a processing unit 11A instead of processing unit 11, and a storage device 12A instead of storage device 12.

[0051] The storage device 12A stores multiple programs, including the control program PR1A executed by the processing device 11A. In addition, like the storage device 12, the storage device 12A stores the ingredient information database FD, the inventory information database SD, and the recipe information database CD.

[0052] The processing unit 11A reads the control program PR1A from the storage device 12A and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 11A functions as a list generation unit 111A, a display control unit 112A, a first setting unit 113, a second setting unit 114, and an acquisition unit 115.

[0053] The first setting unit 113 sets the ratio of the types of ingredients contained in leftover products to the types of ingredients needed for the dish being prepared. In other words, the first setting unit 113 sets a numerical value indicating what percentage of the types of ingredients needed for the dish being prepared must be from leftover products. This ratio is an example of the "first ratio". The first setting unit 113 may acquire a numerical value entered into the terminal device 30-K by the store clerk UK, who is a user of the terminal device 30-K, using the input device 35, and set this numerical value as the above ratio. Alternatively, the first setting unit 113 may acquire an initial setting value stored in the storage device 12A and set this initial setting value as the above ratio.

[0054] The second setting unit 114 sets the ratio of the amount of ingredients contained in leftover products to the amount of ingredients needed for the dish being prepared. In other words, the second setting unit 114 sets a numerical value indicating what percentage of the amount of ingredients needed for the dish being prepared must be from leftover products. This ratio is an example of the "second ratio". For example, if 100g of carrots are needed for the dish being prepared, the second setting unit 114 sets how many grams of carrots out of the 100g will be from leftover products. Alternatively, for example, if the dish being prepared is 450g of Tenshinhan, the second setting unit 114 sets how many grams of the total amount of ingredients (450g) used to prepare 450g of Tenshinhan will be from leftover products. The second setting unit 114 may also acquire a numerical value entered into the terminal device 30-K by employee UK, who is a user of the terminal device 30-K, using the input device 35, and set this value as the above ratio. Alternatively, the second setting unit 114 may obtain the initial setting value stored in the storage device 12A and set the initial setting value as the above-mentioned ratio.

[0055] The acquisition unit 115 acquires instruction information from the terminal device 30-K via the communication device 13, indicating the instructions that employee UK has entered into the terminal device 30-K using the input device 35. Specifically, employee UK inputs instructions to the terminal device 30-K regarding whether the list generation unit 111A should generate a list of one or more dishes based on the first ratio or the second ratio mentioned above. The acquisition unit 115 acquires instruction information indicating these instructions from the terminal device 30-K.

[0056] If the acquisition unit 115 acquires instruction information that instructs it to generate a list based on the first ratio described above, the list generation unit 111A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked using ingredients from unsold products in a proportion of at least the first ratio as the types of ingredients needed for the dish, and ingredients from stock products as the other ingredients. If the acquisition unit 115 acquires instruction information that instructs it to generate a list based on the second ratio described above, the list generation unit 111A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked using ingredients from unsold products in a proportion of at least the second ratio as the quantities of ingredients needed for the dish, and ingredients from stock products as the other ingredients.

[0057] 2-2: Operation of the second embodiment Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of server 10A included in the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0058] In step S21, the processing unit 11A functions as an acquisition unit 115. The processing unit 11A acquires instruction information from the terminal device 30-K via the communication device 13. If the instruction information is information that instructs the list generation unit 111A to generate a list based on a first ratio, the processing unit 11A executes the process in step S22. If the instruction information is information that instructs the list generation unit 111A to generate a list based on a second ratio, the processing unit 11A executes the process in step S23.

[0059] In step S22, the processing unit 11A functions as a first setting unit 113. When cooking, the processing unit 11A sets a first ratio of the types of ingredients contained in leftover products to the types of ingredients required for the dish to be cooked.

[0060] In step S23, the processing unit 11A functions as a second setting unit 114. When cooking, the processing unit 11A sets a second ratio of the amount of ingredients contained in unsold goods to the amount of ingredients needed for the dish to be cooked.

[0061] In step S24, the processing unit 11A functions as a list generation unit 111A. If a first ratio was set in step S22, the processing unit 11A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked using ingredients from unsold goods in a ratio of at least the first ratio as the types of ingredients needed for the dish, and ingredients from inventory goods as the other ingredients. If a second ratio was set in step S23, the processing unit 11A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked using ingredients from unsold goods in a ratio of at least the second ratio as the quantities of ingredients needed for the dish, and ingredients from inventory goods as the other ingredients.

[0062] In step S25, the processing unit 11A functions as a display control unit 112A. The processing unit 11A displays on the display 34 of the terminal device 30-K a list of dish names indicating one or more dishes generated in step S24, recipe information indicating the ingredients and cooking methods required for the one or more dishes, and product information indicating unsold and in-stock products containing the ingredients.

[0063] 2-3: Effects of the second embodiment According to the above description, the server 10A, as an information processing device, includes a first setting unit 113. The first setting unit 113 sets a first ratio of the types of ingredients included in unsold goods to the types of ingredients required for the dish to be cooked. The list generation unit 111A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked by using ingredients from unsold goods in a ratio equal to or greater than that set by the first setting unit 113 as the types of ingredients required for the dish to be cooked, and using ingredients from the inventory goods as the other ingredients.

[0064] Since server 10A has the above configuration, even if a store tries to cook a dish using only the ingredients contained in unsold products, if there are any missing ingredients, it can display the names of dishes that can be cooked using the ingredients contained in the stock products.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the above explanation, the server 10A, as an information processing device, includes a second setting unit 114. The second setting unit 114 sets a second ratio of the amount of ingredients contained in unsold goods to the amount of ingredients needed for the dish to be cooked. The list generation unit 111A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked by using ingredients contained in unsold goods in an amount equal to or greater than the ratio set by the second setting unit 114 as the amount of ingredients needed for the dish to be cooked, and using ingredients contained in the inventory goods as the other ingredients.

[0066] Because server 10A has the above configuration, even if a store tries to cook a dish using only the ingredients contained in unsold products, if there is a shortage of ingredients, it can display the names of dishes that can be cooked using the ingredients contained in the stock products.

[0067] 3: Variant This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above. Specific variations are illustrated below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined.

[0068] 3-1: Variation 1 In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the server 10 and the terminal device 30 were separate entities, but the server 10 and the terminal device 30 may be implemented as a single device within the same enclosure. For example, employee UK may use a single device combining the server 10 and the terminal device 30-K as a standalone terminal device within the store. The same applies to the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0069] 3-2: Variation 2 In the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment, the list generation unit 111A selected one of the first percentage set by the first setting unit 113 and the second percentage set by the second setting unit 114, and then generated a list of one or more dish names. However, the list generation unit 111A may use both the first and second percentages to generate a list of one or more dish names. For example, the list generation unit 111A generates a list of one or more dishes that can be cooked using ingredients included in leftover products, where the amount of ingredients of the type that can be used is at least at least at first percentage of the ingredients required for cooking. Furthermore, the list generation unit 111A may generate another list of one or more dishes in the list where, of the amount of ingredients of the type that can be used with ingredients included in leftover products, at least at second percentage of the amount of ingredients included in leftover products can be used.

[0070] 4: Other (1) In the embodiments described above, the storage devices 12 to 12A and the storage device 32 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but other suitable storage media include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital multipurpose disks, Blu-ray® disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy® disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, and other appropriate storage media.

[0071] (2) In the embodiments described above, the information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0072] (3) In the embodiments described above, the input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0073] (4) In the embodiments described above, the determination may be made by a value represented using 1 bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0074] (5) The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., exemplified in the embodiments described above may be rearranged in order, as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements using an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0075] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 is implemented by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of implementing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be implemented using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be implemented using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may also be implemented by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0076] (7) The programs illustrated in the embodiments described above should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages ​​or by other names.

[0077] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0078] (8) In each of the above-mentioned forms, the terms “system” and “network” shall be used interchangeably.

[0079] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information.

[0080] (10) In the embodiments described above, the servers 10-10A and the terminal equipment 30 may be Mobile Stations (MS). A Mobile Station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms. In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station," "User Terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "Terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0081] (11) In the embodiments described above, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0082] (12) In the embodiments described above, the phrase “based on” does not mean “based solely on” unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase “based on” means both “based solely on” and “based at least on.”

[0083] (13) The terms “determining” and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database or other data structure), and ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0084] (14) Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in the embodiments described above, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to be exclusive OR.

[0085] (15) In the present disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0086] (16) In this disclosure, the term “A and B are different” may mean “A and B are different from each other.” The term may also mean “A and B are each different from C.” Terms such as “separate” and “combine” may be interpreted in the same way as “different.”

[0087] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed in practice. Furthermore, notification of certain information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0088] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not restrictive in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1,1A…Information processing system, 10,10A…Server, 11,11A…Processing device, 12,12A…Storage device, 13…Communication device, 14…Display, 15…Input device, 30…Terminal device, 31…Processing device, 32…Storage device, 33…Communication device, 34…Display, 35…Input device, 111,111A…List generation unit, 112,112A…Display control unit, 113…First setting unit, 114…Second setting unit, 115…Acquisition unit, 311…Communication control unit, 312…Display control unit, PR1,PR1A,PR3…Control program

Claims

1. A list generation unit generates a list of one or more dish names that can be made using some or all of the ingredients contained in the unsold and in-stock products, based on ingredient information indicating each of the ingredients and quantities of each of the ingredients contained in the unsold and in-stock products at the store, inventory information indicating each of the ingredients and quantities of each of the ingredients contained in the in-stock products currently on sale at the store, and dish information indicating each of the dish names and the combination of ingredients and cooking methods required for the dish. A display control unit that causes the list of one or more dish names generated by the list generation unit to be displayed on a display device, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a first setting unit that sets the proportion of the types of ingredients included in the unsold products to the types of ingredients needed for the dish to be prepared. The list generation unit generates a list of one or more dishes that can be prepared by using ingredients from the unsold goods in proportion or greater than that set by the first setting unit as the types of ingredients needed for the dish to be prepared, and using ingredients from the inventory goods as the other ingredients. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a second setting unit that sets the ratio of the amount of ingredients contained in the unsold products to the amount of ingredients needed for the dish to be prepared. The list generation unit generates a list of one or more dishes that can be prepared by using ingredients from the unsold products in a proportion equal to or greater than that set by the second setting unit as the amount of ingredients needed for the dish to be prepared, and using ingredients from the inventory products as the other ingredients. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The display control unit, based on the cooking information, causes the display device to display the ingredients and cooking methods required for each of the one or more cooking names included in the list generated by the list generation unit, in a format corresponding to the cooking name. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display control unit further causes the display device to display, based on the ingredient information, unsold and in-stock products containing the necessary ingredients in a format corresponding to the dish name. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

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