Information storage device, reagent carrier, and classification determination device

Abstract

Provided are: an information storage device that compiles each of a plurality of nutrients that tend to become deficient at the same time; a reagent carrier; and a classification determination device. The information storage device is provided with a classification information storage unit for storing information of a plurality of classifications in which a plurality of nutrients that tend to become deficient at the same time are respectively compiled. The reagent carrier carries a plurality of reagents respectively corresponding to the plurality of classifications in which a plurality of nutrients that tend to become deficient at the same time are respectively compiled. The plurality of reagents each develops a color, corresponding to the classification, upon contact with bodily fluid of a living body. The classification determination device is provided with a determination unit that determines the classification on the basis of image data of the reagent carrier that has developed color by coming into contact with the bodily fluid of the living body.

Description

Information storage device, reagent carrier, and classification determination device

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an information storage device, a reagent carrier, and a classification determination device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a urine analysis method for determining whether a specific component in urine is positive or negative based on a color reaction between the specific component and a reagent.

[0003] Patent No. 5770724

[0004] However, the above urine analysis method only focuses on specific components individually, and does not combine multiple nutrients that tend to be deficient at the same time.

[0005] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide an information storage device, a reagent carrier, and a classification determination device that each group together multiple nutrients that tend to become scarce at the same time.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information storage device according to a first aspect of the technique of the present disclosure includes a classification information storage unit that stores information on a plurality of classifications that each group together a plurality of nutrients that tend to be in short supply at the same time.

[0007] The information storage device of the second aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, and further includes a combination pattern information storage unit that stores information on combination patterns of the multiple nutrients that tend to be insufficient, corresponding to each of the multiple classifications.

[0008] In the third aspect of the information storage device, in the second aspect, the combination pattern information storage unit further stores information on the combination patterns of the multiple nutrients determined based on target values ​​of at least the multiple nutrients for a living organism that does not fall into any of the multiple classifications.

[0009] The reagent carrier of the fourth aspect carries a plurality of reagents corresponding to each of a plurality of classifications that group together a plurality of nutrients that tend to be deficient at the same time, and the reagents develop a color according to the classification when they come into contact with the body fluids of a living organism.

[0010] A classification determination device according to a fifth aspect includes a determination unit that determines the classification based on image data of the reagent carrier according to claim 4, which develops color upon contact with the body fluid of the living organism.

[0011] The classification determination device of the sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, further comprising the classification information storage unit of the first aspect, wherein the classification information storage unit of the first aspect stores information on the plurality of classifications corresponding to information on the plurality of reagents of the fourth aspect, and the determination unit determines the classification based on the image data and the information stored in the classification information storage unit.

[0012] The technology of the present disclosure can provide an information storage device, a reagent carrier, and a classification determination device that each group together multiple nutrients that tend to become scarce at the same time.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing how a reagent carrier is placed into a container that contains urine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a classification information providing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a smartphone. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a server. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the processing contents of each functional unit of the server's processor. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a smartphone and a convenience store device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the content of a classification determination process. FIG. 7 is a table showing Tables 1 to 5 of a second modified example that correspond to Tables 1 to 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen on a smartphone display device that displays each piece of information received from the server. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen on a smartphone display device that displays a classification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a convenience store device. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a smartphone and a convenience store device. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a first product provision device. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a smartphone and the first product provision device. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a second product provision device. FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a smartphone and the second product provision device. FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a restaurant device and a server. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a supermarket device. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation between a smartphone and the supermarket device. 1 is a timing chart showing an example of operation between a smartphone and an EC site server. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an order screen for ingested items of each category downloaded from the EC site server on a smartphone. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an order screen showing a state in which representative ingested items in a category specified by a user have been provisionally ordered. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of operation between a smartphone and a server when ordering a reagent carrier. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an information providing device. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a shelf set up in a convenience store, which is divided according to each category and contains ingested items that are recommended to be ingested corresponding to each category. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a partition plate movement amount calculation process that calculates the movement amount of a partition plate that divides the storage area of ​​a shelf.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Embodiment] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how a reagent carrier 10 is placed into a container 16 containing urine 18. As shown in FIG.

[0016] The reagent carrier 10 includes five reagent carriers 12A to 12E. The reagents carried by the reagent carriers 12A to 12E are reagents A to E, which change color from their non-contact color state when they come into contact with urine from a living body in the case of nutritional deficiency categories 1 to 5, which will be described later.

[0017] The living body may be, for example, a human, and the bodily fluid may be, for example, urine. Note that the living body may be an animal other than a human, such as a cow, a horse, or a pig. The bodily fluid may be blood, saliva, sweat, or the like other than urine.

[0018] The coloring state that changes includes, for example, a state in which the color and density change, but in this embodiment, the state in which the density change occurs.

[0019] The reagent carrier 10 is a support made of, for example, paper, plastic, or nonwoven fabric.

[0020] 2 is a block diagram of a classification information providing system 2050. The classification information providing system 2050 includes a communication terminal (for example, a smartphone (hereinafter referred to as "smartphone") 20) and a server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 50. The smartphone 20 and the server 50 are connected to each other via a network, for example, the Internet 40, so that they can communicate with each other.

[0021] The smartphone 20 captures an image of the reagent carrier 10 in which the concentration of the reagent carrier portions 12A to 12E has changed due to the urine 18 adhering thereto.

[0022] 3 is a block diagram of the smartphone 20. The smartphone 20 includes a processor 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, a storage device 26, an imaging device 28, an input device 21, a display device 23, and a communication device 25. The processor 22 to the communication device 25 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 27. The processor 22 controls the RAM 24, the storage device 26, the imaging device 28, the input device 21, the display device 23, and the communication device 25.

[0023] The processor 22 is a processing device including a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the DSP and GPU operate under the control of the CPU and are responsible for executing image processing. Here, a processing device including a DSP, a CPU, and a GPU is given as an example of the processor 54, but this is merely an example, and the processor 22 may be one or more CPUs and DSPs with integrated GPU functionality, one or more CPUs and DSPs without integrated GPU functionality, or may be equipped with a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit).

[0024] The storage device 26 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs, various parameters, etc. The storage device 26 may be, for example, a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)).

[0025] The RAM 24 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 22. Examples of the RAM 24 include a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0026] The input device 21 receives an instruction from a user and outputs a signal indicating the received instruction to the processor 22 .

[0027] The display device 23, under the control of the processor 22, presents various information to the user.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram of the server 50. The server 50 includes an input device 60, a processor 52, a RAM 54, a communication device 56, a display device 58, and a storage device 62. The processor 52 to the storage device 62 are communicatively connected to each other via a bus 64. The processor 52 controls the input device 60, the RAM 54, the communication device 56, the display device 58, and the storage device 62.

[0029] The server 50 is an example of the "information storage device" and the "category determination device" of the techniques of the present disclosure.

[0030] An information processing program 62P is stored in the storage device 62. The processor 52 performs information processing by reading the information processing program 62P from the storage device 62 and executing the read information processing program 62P on the RAM 54. The processor 52 operates as a communication control unit 54A, a calculation unit 54B, and a determination unit 54C in accordance with the information processing program 62P executed on the RAM 54, thereby realizing information processing.

[0031] The storage device 62 includes a first storage area 62A. In addition to attribute data such as age, sex, weight, and height, the first storage area 62A stores the intake status of each of a plurality of nutrients. The intake status is marked as "△" if the intake value for each component is below a predetermined range including the standard value, "◯" if it is within the predetermined range including the standard value, and "◎" if it exceeds the processing range of the standard value.

[0032] The storage device 62 includes a second storage area 62D. A correspondence table is stored in the second storage area 62B. Specifically, the second storage area 62B includes an identification information storage unit 62D1 that stores identification information for samples A to E, a classification information storage unit 62D2 that stores information on categories 1 to 5 that correspond to the identification information for samples A to E, and a pattern information storage unit 62D3 that stores information on six combination patterns that correspond to the six categories, categories 1 to 5 and category 6, respectively.

[0033] First, classification will be described.

[0034] A classification is a group of multiple nutrients that tend to be deficient at the same time.

[0035] The inventors have investigated the nutritional intake status of multiple living organisms stored in the first memory area 62A and discovered that the types of nutrients that are simultaneously deficient can be divided into five categories. By knowing which category a living organism belongs to, it is possible to know which multiple nutrients are simultaneously deficient, and by ingesting these multiple nutrients, the deficient nutrients can be efficiently ingested.

[0036] Category 1 is a category in which nutrients that have muscle and skin building effects are lacking. Information on Category 1, i.e., multiple components that belong to Category 1 (multiple components that tend to be lacking at the same time), includes protein, niacin, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

[0037] Category 2 is a category in which nutrients with coenzyme activity are deficient. Information on Category 2, i.e., multiple components that belong to Category 2 (multiple components that tend to be deficient at the same time), includes protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and biotin.

[0038] Category 3 is a category in which nutrients with antioxidant effects are deficient. Information on category 3, i.e., multiple components that belong to category 3 (multiple components that tend to be deficient simultaneously), include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

[0039] Category 4 is a category in which nutrients that have an enzymatic reaction action are deficient. Information on category 4, that is, multiple components that belong to category 4 (multiple components that tend to be deficient at the same time), include magnesium and zinc.

[0040] Category 5 is a category in which nutrients with bone formation and neuromodulatory effects are deficient. Information on Category 5, i.e., multiple components that belong to Category 5 (multiple components that tend to be deficient at the same time), include protein, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

[0041] In this embodiment, category 6 is defined. Category 6 is a category that does not fall into any of categories 1 to 5, that is, a category in which there is no nutritional deficiency.

[0042] Next, the combination pattern will be described.

[0043] As described above, a classification is a group of multiple nutrients that are simultaneously deficient, so by replenishing the group of nutrients, the deficient nutrients can be efficiently ingested. A combination pattern is a pattern of nutrients that should be ingested in the corresponding classification to efficiently improve the nutritional status.

[0044] There are five combination patterns (Combination Pattern I to Combination Pattern V). Combination Pattern I to Combination Pattern V are explained below. In the table for each pattern, the left side of each component is the lower limit, and the right side is the upper limit. The range between the lower limit and the upper limit is 20% of the daily blend amount.

[0045] Combination pattern I corresponds to category 1 and is as shown in Table 1.

[0046] Combination pattern II corresponds to category 2 and is as shown in Table 2.

[0047] Combination pattern III corresponds to categories 3 and 4, as shown in Table 3.

[0048] Combination pattern IV corresponds to category 5 and is as shown in Table 4.

[0049] Combination pattern V corresponds to category 6 and is as shown in Table 5.

[0050]

[0051] As described above, Category 6 is a category that does not fall into any of Categories 1 to 5, i.e., a category in which there is no nutritional deficiency. More specifically, it is determined from the difference between the statistical values ​​of the estimated absorption amounts from protein to zinc in Table 5 for multiple living organisms stored in the first memory area 62A, for example, the average or median, and the target intake amounts for protein to zinc.

[0052] Iron and vitamin B12 were determined based on the daily target values.

[0053] 5 is a diagram showing the processing contents of each functional unit of the processor 52 of the server 50. The communication control unit 54A receives image data from the smartphone 20 and transmits classification information to the smartphone 20.

[0054] The calculation unit 54B calculates the density from the image data.

[0055] The determination unit 54C determines the classification from the calculated concentrations of the reagent holding units 12A to 12E.

[0056] (Example of Operation Between Smartphone 20 and Server 50) FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of operation between the smartphone 20 and the server 50. In FIG.

[0057] The user inputs attribute data via the input device 21 of the smartphone 20. The attribute data includes name, age, sex, weight, height, exercise frequency, pregnancy status, and target values ​​for each component. In step 82, the smartphone 20 accepts the input of the attribute data.

[0058] The user places the reagent carrier 10 into the container 16 that contains urine 18. The user then takes an image of the reagent carrier 10 using the imaging device 28 within a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds) from the time of placement.

[0059] The smartphone 20 has a function of operating the imaging device 28 to capture an image when a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the timer was turned on. Therefore, when the user places the reagent carrier 10 into the container 16 that contains urine 18, the user turns on the timer and positions the reagent carrier 10, with the reagent carrier portions 12A-12C adhering to the urine 18, in the imaging area of ​​the imaging device 28. When a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the timer was turned on, the imaging device 28 operates and captures an image of the reagent carrier 10.

[0060] In step 84, the smartphone 20 accepts image data of the reagent carrier 10 obtained by capturing an image of the reagent carrier 10 using the imaging device 28.

[0061] In step 86 , the communication device 25 transmits the attribute data and the image data of the reagent carrier 10 to the server 50 .

[0062] In the server 50, in step 92, the communication device 56 receives the attribute data and the image data of the reagent carrier 10 under the control of the communication processing unit 52A.

[0063] In step 94, as described above, the calculation unit 52B calculates the concentration of each of the reagent carriers 12A-12E based on the image data.

[0064] In step 96, the determination unit 54C determines the classification (see FIG. 7).

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of the classification determination process.

[0066] In step 102, the determination unit 54C determines whether or not there is a deficiency of nutrients that have a muscle / skin-forming effect by determining whether or not the reagent holding unit 12A that has the highest concentration among the reagent holding units 12A to 12E, i.e., the reagent holding unit that is the most colored among the reagent holding units 12A to 12E, is the reagent holding unit 12A that corresponds to category 1.

[0067] If it is determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having a muscle / skin forming effect, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 1 in step 104. If it is not determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having a muscle / skin forming effect, the category determination process proceeds to step 106.

[0068] In step 106, the determination unit 54C determines whether or not there is a deficiency of nutrients with coenzyme activity by determining whether or not the reagent holding unit that is most colored among the concentrations of the reagent holding units 12A to 12E is the reagent holding unit 12B corresponding to category 2.

[0069] If it is determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having coenzyme activity, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 2 in step 108, and the classification determination process ends. If it is not determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having coenzyme activity, the classification determination process proceeds to step 110.

[0070] In step 110, the determination unit 54C determines whether or not there is a deficiency of nutrients with antioxidant properties by determining whether or not the reagent holding unit that is most colored among the concentrations of the reagent holding units 12A to 12E is the reagent holding unit 12C corresponding to category 3.

[0071] If it is determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having antioxidant effects, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 3 in step 112, and the category determination process ends. If it is not determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having antioxidant effects, the category determination process proceeds to step 114.

[0072] In step 114, the determination unit 54C determines whether or not there is a shortage of nutrients that have an enzymatic reaction effect by determining whether or not the reagent holding unit that is most colored among the concentrations of the reagent holding units 12A to 12E is the reagent holding unit 12D corresponding to category 4.

[0073] If it is determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients that have an enzyme reaction effect, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 4 in step 116, and the category determination process ends. If it is not determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients that have an enzyme reaction effect, the category determination process proceeds to step 118.

[0074] In step 118, the decision unit 54C determines whether or not there is a deficiency of nutrients that have bone-forming and neuroregulating effects by determining whether or not the reagent holding unit that is most colored among the concentrations of the reagent holding units 12A to 12E is the reagent holding unit 12E corresponding to category 5.

[0075] If it is determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having bone formation and neuromodulatory effects, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 5 in step 120, and the classification determination process ends. If it is not determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients having bone formation and neuromodulatory effects, the determination unit 54C determines the category as 6 in step 122, and the classification determination process ends.

[0076] When the classification determination process is completed, in step 98 of Figure 6, the communication device 56, under the control of the communication processing unit 52A, transmits information on the determined classification (e.g., identification information such as classification 1) to the smartphone 20.

[0077] In the smartphone 20, the communication device 25 receives the transmitted classification information in step 88. In step 90, the display device 23 displays the classification information, thereby allowing the user to know which classification their nutritional status (i.e., deficiency status) falls into.

[0078] Meanwhile, convenience stores and the like display foods and drinks with classification identification information, such as Class 1. Therefore, users can select, purchase, and consume foods and drinks that fit their classification. This allows users to ingest a group of nutrients that they are lacking all at once, thereby efficiently improving their nutritional status.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, five categories of nutritional components that are simultaneously deficient are previously organized into categories 1 to 5. Reagent carrier 10 carries reagents A to E that develop color when they come into contact with urine from a living body and indicate that the nutritional component is deficient in any of categories 1 to 5.

[0080] Furthermore, the classification information storage section 62D2 (see FIG. 4) of the second storage area 62B of the storage device 62 stores information on classifications 1 to 5 corresponding to the identification information of the samples A to E, respectively.

[0081] In this embodiment, the user brings the urine of a living subject into contact with reagents A to E of the reagent carrier 10. The smartphone 20 photographs the reagent carrier 10 and transmits the obtained image data to the server 50. The server 50 determines a classification based on the color development state of the reagents A to E and the information stored in the second memory area 62B, and transmits the classification information to the smartphone 20. The smartphone 20 displays the classification information. This allows the user to know their nutritional classification. Therefore, as described above, the user can select, purchase, and consume food and drink that corresponds to their classification. This allows the user to ingest the group of nutrients that are lacking at once, thereby efficiently improving their nutritional status.

[0082] Furthermore, since information on the combination pattern corresponding to category 6 is also determined, it is possible to select, purchase, and consume food and drink corresponding to category 6. This allows users who are not nutritionally deficient and / or users who do not bring their urine into contact with reagents A to E of the reagent carrier 10 to efficiently further improve their nutritional status.

[0083] Meanwhile, the pattern information storage section 62D3 (see FIG. 4) of the second storage area 62B of the storage device 62 of the server 50 stores information on six combination patterns corresponding to the six categories, namely categories 1 to 5 and category 6. Therefore, the server 50 may search for foods and drinks having the nutritional components of the combination pattern from the information providing server via the Internet 40 based on the information on the combination pattern corresponding to the determined category information, and provide the searched foods and drinks to the smartphone 20.

[0084] [Modifications] Next, various modifications of the above embodiment will be described. Since the configuration and operation of each modification are substantially the same as those of the above embodiment, the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0085] (First Modification) The components belonging to category 3 in the above embodiment (the components that tend to be deficient simultaneously) include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The components belonging to category 3 in the first modification (the components that tend to be deficient simultaneously) include vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In other words, carotenoids are also added.

[0086] (Second Modification) The range between the lower limit and upper limit of each component in Tables 1 to 5, which show the contents of the five combination patterns (combination pattern I to combination pattern V) of the above embodiment, is within a range of 20% of the daily blend amount. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The range between the lower limit and upper limit of each component in Tables 1 to 5 of the second modification is within a range of 50% of the daily blend amount. Figure 8 is a table showing Tables 1 to 5 of the second modification, which correspond to Tables 1 to 5 of the embodiment.

[0087] The contents of the combination pattern I corresponding to the category 1 of the second modified example are shown in Table 1 of FIG.

[0088] The contents of the combination pattern II corresponding to the second modified example, category 2, are shown in Table 2 of FIG.

[0089] The contents of the combination pattern III corresponding to each of the categories 3 and 4 of the second modified example are shown in Table 3 of FIG.

[0090] The contents of the combination pattern IV corresponding to the category 5 of the second modified example are shown in Table 4 of FIG.

[0091] The contents of the combination pattern V corresponding to the category 6 of the second modified example are shown in Table 5 of FIG.

[0092] As described above, the ranges between the lower and upper limits of each component in Tables 1 to 5 of the second modified example represent a range of 50% of the daily blend amount. Therefore, the values ​​in Tables 1 to 5 of the above embodiment are different.

[0093] Furthermore, the items for each component in Tables 1 to 5 of the second modified example are substantially the same as the items for each component in Tables 1 to 5 of the above embodiment, but the items for each component in Tables 1 to 5 of the second modified example include retinol activity equivalents (μg RAE), which are not included in Tables 1 to 5 of the above embodiment, but do not include β-carotene (μg), which is included in Tables 1 to 5 of the above embodiment. Note that the second modified example may also include β-carotene (μg) in the same amount as in the above embodiment.

[0094] (Third Modification) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a classification information providing system according to a third modification. As shown in FIG. 9, the classification information providing system includes the smartphone 20 and server 50 of the above embodiment, as well as multiple convenience store devices 150, multiple first product providing devices 220, multiple second product providing devices 250, multiple restaurant devices 222, multiple supermarket devices 280, multiple EC site servers 340, and multiple information providing devices 400, all of which are connected via the Internet 40. These devices (convenience store devices 150 to information providing devices 400) of the third modification provide users with information on solutions and stores for efficiently consuming nutrients that are lacking at the same time, according to the classification. A detailed description is provided below.

[0095] (Example of operation between smartphone 20 and convenience store device 150 at a convenience store) Next, an example of operation between smartphone 20 at a convenience store and a device (hereinafter referred to as "convenience store device") 150 installed in the convenience store will be described.

[0096] The convenience store device 150 is an example of a "payment amount calculation device" and a "points adding device" of the technology of the present disclosure. The device is not limited to a device in a convenience store, and may be a device in another retail store.

[0097] 10 is a diagram showing a screen 23D that displays the classification on the display device 23 of the smartphone 20. As described above, the smartphone 20 receives the classification (e.g., classification 1) from the server 50 (see step 88 in FIG. 6).

[0098] 10, the smartphone 20 displays the category (e.g., category 1) on the screen 23D of the display device 23. This allows the convenience store clerk to understand that the user has undergone the above-mentioned test.

[0099] 11 is a block diagram of convenience store device 150. Convenience store device 150 includes processor 152, RAM 154, storage device 162, reading device 160, input device 161, communication device 156, and display device 158. Processor 152 to display device 158 are connected to each other via bus 164 so that they can communicate with each other. Processor 152 controls RAM 154, storage device 162, reading device 160, input device 161, communication device 156, and display device 158.

[0100] Product information and prices are stored in association with each other in the storage device 162. For example, product information: AA and price: 500 yen are stored in association with each other. Product information: BBB and price: 1000 yen are stored in association with each other.

[0101] The reading device 160 is an example of a "reading unit" of the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 152 is an example of a "payment amount calculation unit" and an "adding unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone 20 and the convenience store device.

[0103] Information about stores P, Q, etc. is displayed on the screen 23D of the display device 23 of the smartphone 20. This information is information about stores where products corresponding to the category can be purchased (such as the store's name and the store's website address). Therefore, the user who has performed the above-mentioned inspection knows that product A, etc. corresponding to category 1 can be obtained at store P, etc., and that product A, etc. can be purchased at a discounted price. Therefore, to realize the solution, the user visits store P (convenience store), for example, and presents product A to the clerk to purchase product A. The user also presents a point card (an example of a point carrier) to the clerk. At this time, in step 182, in accordance with the user's operation, the display device 23 displays a category (e.g., category 1) on the screen 23D, as shown in FIG. 10 . This allows the convenience store clerk to understand that the user has performed the above-mentioned inspection.

[0104] In step 200, the reading device 160 of the convenience store device 150 reads the product information attached to product a. In step 210, the input device 161, in accordance with the store clerk's operation, inputs the execution of the solution, indicating that the user will achieve the solution by purchasing product a. When the execution of the solution is input, the convenience store device 150 is instructed to deduct the price and add a discount to the points. However, if the user has not performed the above check and the classification is not displayed on screen 23D of the display device 23, the store clerk does not input the execution of the solution. Therefore, the price is not deducted and the discount to the points is not added.

[0105] When execution of the solution is input as described above, the processor 152 executes a price reduction calculation in step 202. Specifically, based on the product information, for example, AAA, the processor 152 reads the price D0 for the product AAA from the storage device 162, and calculates the final price Df by subtracting the reduced price Dt from the price D0.

[0106] In step 204, the reader 160 reads the retained points P0 from the point card, and in step 206, the processor 152 performs a premium calculation of the points. Specifically, the processor 152 calculates the new retained points P0 by adding premium points Pt (the points corresponding to the price D0 of the product plus the points for implementing the solution) to the retained points P0.

[0107] In step 208, the display device 158 displays the price data Df, thereby allowing the user to know the reduced price for the product a.

[0108] The smartphone 20 performs payment processing for the payment Df, and in step 190, the communication device 25 transmits the payment data. In step 210, the communication device 156 of the convenience store device 150 receives the payment data, and in step 212, stores the payment data in the storage device 162. In step 214, the communication device 156 stores the newly held points on the point card. The store clerk returns the point card with the new points stored to the user.

[0109] As described above, the convenience store device 150 of this embodiment performs the above-mentioned inspection and can provide the user who is trying to implement a solution with the benefit of assistance in implementing the solution (a reduction in the price and a bonus in points).

[0110] The convenience store device 150 may obtain information from the server 50 regarding the number of tests conducted by the user and the change in the actual concentration of each component over time, and may increase the discounted price Dt and the premium points Pt by a certain value depending on at least one of the number of tests conducted and the change over time.

[0111] (Example of operation between smartphone 20 and first product provision device 220) Fig. 13 is a block diagram of the first product provision device 220. The first product provision device 220 includes a processor 222, a RAM 224, a communication device 228, a storage device 226, and a product provision unit 230. The processor 222 and the product provision unit 230 are connected via a bus 229 so that they can communicate with each other. The processor 222 controls the RAM 224, the communication device 228, the storage device 226, and the product provision unit 230.

[0112] The product provision unit 230 can provide products corresponding to each category. For example, the product provision unit 230 discharges product A corresponding to category 1 and product B corresponding to category 2 from the discharge port 232. Note that the first product provision device 220 provides cans of nutritional drinks corresponding to each category as products. Products are not limited to cans, and may be supplements or the like.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone 20 and the first product provision device 220.

[0114] In the smartphone 20, in step 242, the memory device 26 reads the classification according to the user's operation on the input device 21, and in step 242, the communication device 25 transmits the classification (e.g., classification 1) to the first product provision device 220.

[0115] In the first product provision device 220, the communication device 228 receives the category data in step 246, and the product provision unit 230 provides a product corresponding to the category in step 248. For example, product A corresponding to category 1 is dispensed.

[0116] In this way, the first product provision device 220 of this embodiment can provide the benefit of providing products according to their classification.

[0117] The method is not limited to transmitting the classification from the smartphone 20 to the first product provision device 220. For example, the classification displayed on the display device 23 of the smartphone 20 as a barcode may be read by a reading device, such as a barcode reader, included in the first product provision device 220.

[0118] 15A is a block diagram of the second product provision device 250. The second product provision device 250 includes a processor 252, a RAM 254, a communication device 256, a storage device 262, and a product provision unit 258. The processor 252 to the product provision unit 258 are connected via a bus 260 so that they can communicate with each other. The processor 252 controls the RAM 254, the communication device 256, the storage device 262, and the product provision unit 258.

[0119] The communication device 256 is an example of an "acquisition unit" of the technology of the present disclosure. The product providing unit 258 is an example of a "production unit" of the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 252 is an example of a "control unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0120] The product provider 258 includes a component 1 provider 258S1 that provides component 1, a component 2 provider 258S2 that provides component 2, a component 3 provider 258S3 that provides component 3, and so on.

[0121] The ingredients from ingredient 1 providing section 258S1 to ingredient 3 providing section 258S3, ... are provided to mixing section 258M via tubes, where the ingredients are mixed. When opening / closing section 258MO is opened, the mixture (e.g., an energy drink) is discharged via the tube into outlet container 258P at outlet 258N. The user can remove container 258 from outlet 258N and obtain the mixture.

[0122] FIG. 15B is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone 20 and the second product provision device 250.

[0123] In the smartphone 20, in step 262, the memory device 26 reads the classification according to the user's operation on the input device 21, and in step 262, the communication device 25 transmits the classification (e.g., classification 1) to the second product provision device 250.

[0124] In the second product provider 250, the communication device 256 receives the classification data in step 266.

[0125] In step 268, processor 252 controls component 1 providing units 258S1 through 3 providing units 258S3, etc. so that component 1 through component 3, etc., are provided to mixing unit 258M in amounts corresponding to category 1. When the opening / closing unit of each providing unit is opened, a fixed amount of liquid for each component is discharged (dropped) per unit time from component 1 providing units 258S1 through 3 providing units 258S3, etc. Thus, when the opening / closing unit of each providing unit is opened for a predetermined time according to the category, the liquid corresponding to the category is discharged. In mixing unit 258M, the discharged liquids are mixed.

[0126] In step 270, processor 252 opens opening / closing portion 258MO, which causes the mixture (e.g., energy drink) to be expelled through a tube into dispenser 258P at dispenser port 258N. A user can remove dispenser 258 from dispenser port 258N to obtain the mixture.

[0127] In this way, the second product provision device 250 of the present embodiment can provide the benefit of providing a product (energy drink) according to the classification. Note that the product is not limited to an energy drink, and may be, for example, curry powder, rice topping, etc.

[0128] The method is not limited to transmitting the classification from the smartphone 20 to the second product provision device 250. For example, the classification displayed on the display device 23 of the smartphone 20 as a barcode may be read by a reading device, such as a barcode reader, provided in the second product provision device 250.

[0129] (Example of operation between restaurant device 222 and server 50) Fig. 16 is a timing chart showing an example of operation between the restaurant device 222 and the server 50. Note that the restaurant device 222 has the same configuration as the server 50, so its description will be omitted. Note that the same configuration of the restaurant device 222 as the server 50 is distinguished by adding an R.

[0130] At the restaurant device 222, the user tells the staff the category and dish name, displays it on the display device 23, or even transmits it from the smartphone 20 to the restaurant device 222.

[0131] In step 241, the input device 60R inputs the category and the name of the dish according to the operation of the restaurant staff. In step 243, the communication device 56R transmits the category and the name of the dish to the server 50.

[0132] In the server 50, in step 245, the communication device 56 receives the category and the dish name, and in step 247, reads out recipe information corresponding to the category and the dish name from the third area 62C of the storage device 62, and in step 249, the communication device 56 transmits the recipe information to the restaurant device 222.

[0133] In step 253, display device 58R displays the recipe information.

[0134] As a result, the restaurant prepares a dish according to the classification and serves it to the user. In this way, the restaurant device 222 can provide the user with the benefit of serving dishes according to the classification.

[0135] (Example of operation between smartphone 20 and supermarket device 280) Fig. 17 is a block diagram of the supermarket device 280. The supermarket device 280 includes a processor 282, a RAM 284, a communication device 286, and a storage device 288. The processor 282, the RAM 284, the communication device 286, and the storage device 288 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 290. The processor 282 controls the RAM 284, the communication device 286, and the storage device 288.

[0136] The storage device 288 stores a table 288T that stores the correspondence between categories, product names, and locations, and map data 288M of the area where the supermarket products are located. For example, the table 288T stores the correspondence between category 1, product name: AAAA, and location P1.

[0137] Fig. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone 20 and the supermarket device 280. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the name of a product, a specified product in a sales area of ​​the supermarket, and the current location of the user.

[0138] In the smartphone 20, in step 302, the processor 22 reads the classification from the storage device 26 according to the user's operation on the input device 21, and in step 304, the communication device 25 transmits the classification (e.g., classification 1) to the supermarket device 280.

[0139] In the supermarket device 280, in step 322, the communication device 286 receives category 1, and in step 324, the processor 282 reads the names of multiple products corresponding to category 1: AAAA, BBBB, ..., and in step 326, the communication device 286 transmits the names of multiple products corresponding to category 1: AAAA, BBBB, ... to the smartphone 20.

[0140] In the smartphone 20, in step 306, the communication device 25 receives the names of multiple products corresponding to category 1: AAAA, BBBB, .... In step 308, the display device 23 displays the names of multiple products corresponding to category 1: AAAA, BBBB, ... in the first area 23D1 of the screen 23D, as shown in FIG. 19 . A user viewing these displays operates the input device 21 to specify (click) the name of the product to be purchased, for example, BBBB, from the product names AAAA, BBBB, ... displayed in the first area 23D1. In step 310, the processor 22 accepts the specification of BBBB. In step 312, the communication device 25 transmits the product specification data (the name BBBB) to the supermarket device 280.

[0141] In the supermarket device 280, in step 328, the communication device 286 receives product specification data, and in step 330, the processor 282 reads out map data 288M and the location P2 of the specified product from the memory device 288, and in step 332, the communication device 286 transmits the map data 288M and the location P2 of the specified product to the smartphone 20.

[0142] In step 314, the communication device 25 of the smartphone 20 receives the map data 288 and the location P1 of the specified product, and in step 316, the display device 23 displays, in the second area 23D2 of the screen 23D, the position 23P of BBBB in the area where the supermarket products are located, as shown in Figure 19. In the example shown in Figure 19, the position 23Q of the smartphone 20 is also displayed in the area. The position of the smartphone 20 is detected based on a GPS signal received by a GPS signal receiver (not shown).

[0143] In this way, the supermarket device 280 of this embodiment can provide the advantage of presenting the location of a product specified by the user in the area.

[0144] The position of the product designated by the user in the above-mentioned area may not be indicated by display on the screen of the display device, but may be indicated by sound, for example.

[0145] (Example of operation of smartphone 20 and EC site server 340) Fig. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of operation of smartphone 20 and EC site server 340. Fig. 21A is a diagram showing an order screen for products in each category downloaded from EC site server 340 of smartphone 20. Fig. 21B is a diagram showing an order screen showing a state in which a tentative order has been placed for a representative merchant in a category specified by the user.

[0146] The configuration of the server 340 of the EC site is the same as that of the server 50, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the configuration of the server 340 of the EC site that is the same as that of the server 50 is distinguished by adding an E.

[0147] As described above, in the smartphone 20, the display device 23 displays on the display screen 23D information about stores that offer products corresponding to the category, received from the server 50. The store information includes the name of the store and the address of the store's website.

[0148] The user clicks on the address of the store's website, and in step 342, the communication device 25 accesses the address.

[0149] On the EC site server 340, in step 360, the communication device 56E accepts the access, in step 362, the processor 52E reads screen data for the order screen for each category of product from the memory device 62E, and in step 364, the communication device 56E transmits the screen data to the smartphone 20.

[0150] In step 346, the communication device 25 of the smartphone 20 receives the screen data, and in step 348, the display device 58E displays an order screen for products in each category of the EC site, as shown in FIG. 21A. For example, corresponding to category 1, for bread, individual product names (e.g., bread a1) 23M1, ... and buttons 23M2, ... for placing a provisional order for the product name 23M1 are displayed. The same applies to other products, such as supplements and juice. The same applies to other categories 2, ...

[0151] In step 350, the input device 21, in accordance with the user's operation, for example, clicks on the user's category 1 column 23MT to input category 1. In step 352, the communication device 25 transmits category 1 to the server 340 of the EC site.

[0152] In the server 340 of the EC site, the communication device 56E receives category 1, and in step 368, the processor 52E creates a screen for adding a representative product from among the various products corresponding to category 1 to the cart 23C, as shown in FIG. 21B. For example, for bread, the button 23M2 corresponding to the product name 23M1 is turned on. Similarly, the buttons corresponding to the product names of the representative products for the other supplements and juices are turned on. In this case, three products are specified in the cart 23C.

[0153] In step 370, the communication device 56E transmits the screen data created in step 368 to the smartphone 20. In step 354, the communication device 25 of the smartphone 20 receives the screen data, and in step 356, the display device 23 displays the screen data. This allows the user to understand that a provisional order has been placed for bread with product name 23M1. The user can also understand that provisional orders have been placed for other supplements and juice. A user who accepts the above content turns on a product confirmation button (not shown). If the user wishes to modify the above content, the user clicks a button corresponding to another product name. For example, if the button corresponding to the product name of bread b1 is clicked, the button 23M2 for bread a1 is turned off, and the button corresponding to bread b1 is turned on. If the user does not wish to order supplements, the button corresponding to supplement a1 is clicked to turn it off. A user who accepts the content of the screen turns on a product confirmation button (not shown). As a result, in step 374, the communication device 25 transmits the confirmed product order data to the EC site server 340.

[0154] At step 375, the communication device 56E receives data on the confirmed product order on the EC site server 340. At step 376, the communication device 56E receives from the server 50 the number of tests the user has taken and the changes in each concentration over time. The processor 52E checks the number of tests and the changes in each concentration over time. At step 377, the processor 52E calculates the price. If the test has been taken once, the price is not discounted. In contrast, if the test has been taken multiple times, the price is discounted by a fixed discount amount or by a discount amount that increases with the number of tests. Furthermore, if the test has been taken multiple times and the concentrations have improved (approaching the target concentrations), the price is further discounted as a token of appreciation. At step 378, the communication device 56E transmits the calculated price data to the smartphone 20.

[0155] In the smartphone 20, the communication device 25 receives the payment data in step 379, the display device 23 displays the payment in step 380, and the input device 21 turns on the formal order button in accordance with the user's operation in step 381. As a result, in step 382, ​​the communication device 25 transmits the formal order data to the server 340 of the EC site.

[0156] At the EC site server 340, the communication device 56E receives the formal order data in step 383. This completes the sale of the product, and the product is shipped.

[0157] As described above, the server 340 of the EC site according to the present embodiment can provide the benefit of being able to complete the sale of merchandise corresponding to the category, and the user can obtain the ordered merchandise.

[0158] (Example of Operation of Smartphone 20 and Server 50 for Purchasing Reagent Carrier 10) FIG. 21C is a timing chart showing an example of operation of the smartphone 20 and server 50 for purchasing the reagent carrier 10.

[0159] In step 372, the input device 21 of the smartphone 20 enters an order for the reagent carrier 10 in accordance with the user's operation. In step 374, the order data is sent to the server 50.

[0160] At the server 50, in step 375, the communication device 56 receives the order data.

[0161] Next, the process of calculating the price and the process of the smartphone 20 and server 50 for the official order (steps 376 to 383) are carried out. However, since these are the same as the processes of steps 376 to 383 in FIG. 20, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0162] 22 is a block diagram of the information imparting device 400. The information imparting device 400 includes a processor 402, a RAM 404, a storage device 406, a transport device 408, and a printing device 410. The processor 402 to the printing device 410 are connected to each other via a bus 414 so that they can communicate with each other. The processor 402 includes the RAM 404, the storage device 406, the transport device 408, and the printing device 410.

[0163] The conveying device 408 conveys the product packaging 416 to the printing device 410. The printing device 416 prints a classification, for example, classification 1, on the conveyed product packaging 416.

[0164] The information providing device 400 prints the classification on the packaging of the product, thereby providing the user with the benefit of being able to easily acquire the product for realizing his or her own solution.

[0165] The printing device 416 may print directly on the product. Instead of the printing device 410, a pasting device may be provided that pastes a sticker with the classification printed on it onto the product or its packaging. The classification is not limited to letters, but may be numbers or symbols indicating the classification.

[0166] (Shelf 500 in a convenience store) FIG. 23 is a front view showing a shelf 500 arranged in a convenience store, which is divided into sections according to categories and contains foods and drinks that are recommended to be consumed in accordance with each category.

[0167] In this way, the shelf 500 is divided into sections according to each category, which provides the advantage of facilitating the selection and purchase of foods recommended for consumption in each category.

[0168] The shelf 500 is divided by partition plates 510, and the partition plates 510 are movably arranged on the shelf 500 so that the size of the storage area defined by the partition plates 510 can be changed.

[0169] Each section is provided with a display section 501 that displays information indicating the classification.

[0170] 24 is a flowchart of a process for calculating the amount of movement of a partition board 510 that separates the storage areas of the shelf 500. The process for calculating the amount of movement of a partition board 510 is executed by the convenience store apparatus 150.

[0171] In step 502, processor 152 determines whether a product has been purchased. If a product has not been purchased, the process of step 502 is repeated. For example, if the process of storing payment data in step 212 of FIG. 12 has been performed, it is determined that a product has been purchased, and the movement amount calculation process proceeds to step 504.

[0172] In step 504, processor 152 determines whether the purchased product belongs to any of the multiple categories based on the product information read in step 200 of Figure 12. If the purchased product is not determined to belong to any of the multiple categories, the movement amount calculation process returns to step 502. If the purchased product is determined to belong to any of the multiple categories, the movement amount calculation process proceeds to step 506.

[0173] In step 506, processor 152 extracts category t, and in step 508, processor 152 adds 1 to the number st of purchased items in category t.

[0174] In step 510, it is determined whether or not to calculate the movement amount of the partition plate. If an instruction to calculate the movement amount of the partition plate is not input to the input device 161 in accordance with a user operation, a negative determination is made in step 510, and the movement amount calculation process returns to step 502. If an instruction to calculate the movement amount of the partition plate is given, a positive determination is made in step 510, and the movement amount calculation process returns to step 512.

[0175] In step 512, processor 152 calculates the ratio of the purchase quantities of each category, and in step 514, processor 152 calculates the placement position of each partition board according to the ratio calculated in step 512. In step 516, display device 158 displays the placement position of each partition board.

[0176] This allows the convenience store staff to place the partitions in the indicated locations, and the size of the storage area for each category on the limited shelves 500 can be changed depending on the number of products purchased for each category, allowing the other 500 storage areas to be used effectively.

[0177] The convenience store device 150 is an example of a "movement amount calculation device" of the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 152 is an example of a "counting unit" and a "calculation unit" of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0178] (Other Modifications) In the above embodiment, an example in which the information processing program 62P is stored in the storage device 62 of the server 50 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the information processing program 62P may be stored in a portable, computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium such as an SSD, a USB memory, or a magnetic tape. The information processing program 62P stored in the non-transitory storage medium is installed in the server 50. The processor 52 executes information processing in accordance with the information processing program 62P.

[0179] In addition, the information processing program 62P may be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server device connected to the server 50 via a network, and the information processing program 62P may be downloaded and installed on the server 50 in response to a request from the server 50.

[0180] It is not necessary to store the entire information processing program 62P in a storage device of another computer or server device connected to the server 50, and only a part of the information processing program 62P may be stored therein.

[0181] In the above embodiment, an example in which the technology of the present disclosure is realized by a software configuration has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a device including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may also be applied. Furthermore, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may also be used.

[0182] The hardware resources for executing the information processing described in the above embodiments can be various processors, as listed below. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing information processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processing. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and uses the memory to execute information processing.

[0183] The hardware resource that executes information processing may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes information processing may be a single processor.

[0184] As an example of a system configured with one processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes information processing. Second, there is a system that uses a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple hardware resources that execute information processing on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip). In this way, information processing is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0185] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, electronic circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. Furthermore, the information processing described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0186] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0187] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An information storage device having a classification information storage unit that stores information on a plurality of classifications that each group together a plurality of nutrients that tend to be deficient at the same time.

2. An information storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a combination pattern information storage section for storing information on combination patterns of a plurality of nutrients that tend to be insufficient, corresponding to each of said plurality of categories.

3. An information storage device as described in claim 2, wherein the combination pattern information storage unit further stores information on the combination patterns of the multiple nutrients determined based on target values ​​of at least the multiple nutrients for a living body that does not fall into any of the multiple classifications.

4. A reagent carrier which carries a plurality of reagents corresponding to a plurality of classifications each of which group together a plurality of nutrients that tend to be deficient at the same time, and which, when in contact with the body fluids of a living body, develop a color according to the classification.

5. A classification determination device comprising a determination unit which determines the classification based on image data of the reagent carrier according to claim 4 which develops a color upon contact with a body fluid of the living body.

6. A classification determination device as described in claim 5, further comprising a classification information storage unit as described in claim 1, wherein the classification information storage unit as described in claim 1 stores information on the plurality of classifications corresponding to information on the plurality of reagents as described in claim 4, and the determination unit determines the classification based on the image data and the information stored in the classification information storage unit.

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