Information provision device, server, information provision system, information provision method, information processing method, information provision program, and information processing program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information provision device for providing food and drink corresponding to a user's preference of taste.　An information provision device (3) according to the present invention provides, to a user visiting a store that provides food and drink, taste candidate information pertaining to a candidate for the taste of the food and drink. The information provision device (3) is constituted by comprising a candidate information acquisition unit (34) that acquires taste candidate information corresponding to the user, and a provision unit (35) that provides the taste candidate information to the user. The taste candidate information is determined on the basis of past taste information relating to the taste of food and drink provided to the user in the past and input information inputted for the provided food and drink by the user, and each of the past taste information and the taste candidate information includes taste factor information relating to a taste factor that affects the taste.

Description

Information providing device, server, information providing system, information providing method, information processing method, information providing program, and information processing program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing device, a server, an information providing system, an information providing method, an information processing method, an information providing program, and an information processing program.

[0002] When a customer visits a store that serves food and drink (e.g., ramen noodles), they select the food and drink and the seasoning of the food and drink when ordering (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The provider who provides the food and drink to the customer provides the customer with food and drink based on the selected seasoning. In other words, the provider provides food and drink according to the customer's preferred seasoning.

[0003] When customers who have eaten the food or drink provided are not satisfied with the seasoning of the food or drink, they may have impressions such as "it was bland" or "it was too oily."

[0004] When a customer returns to the restaurant, they may forget their previous experience and fail to select a flavor that takes their experience into consideration. In this case, the provider cannot provide food or drink with the flavor that the customer prefers.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-331026

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an information providing device, a server, an information providing system, an information providing method, an information processing method, an information providing program, and an information processing program that provide food and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings.

[0007] The information providing device of the present invention is an information providing device that provides candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for food and beverages to users who visit a store that serves food and beverages, and is characterized in that it has a candidate information acquisition unit that acquires candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user, and a provision unit that provides the candidate seasoning information to the user, and the candidate seasoning information is determined based on past seasoning information regarding the seasonings of food and beverages that have been provided to the user in the past and input information entered by the user regarding the provided food and beverages, and the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information each include seasoning factor information regarding seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

[0008] The present invention can provide food and drink with flavors that suit the user's preferences.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between information necessary for operation of the information providing system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the information providing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server provided in the information providing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an information providing device provided in the information providing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit provided in the server of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of information stored in a storage unit provided in the server of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of information stored in a storage unit provided in the server of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of information stored in a storage unit provided in the server of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of information stored in a storage unit provided in the server of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing embodiments of an information processing method executed by the server of FIG. 3 and an information providing method executed by the information providing device of FIG. 4. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a seasoning candidate information determination process included in the information processing method of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a seasoning candidate information provision process included in the information provision method of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of an input information storage process included in the information processing method of Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit included in the information provision device of Fig. 4. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing another example of information displayed on a display unit included in the information provision device of Fig. 4. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of information displayed on a display unit included in the information provision device of Fig. 4.

[0010] Embodiments of the information providing device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the device"), the server of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the server"), the information providing system of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the system"), the information providing method of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the providing method"), the information processing method of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the processing method"), the information providing program of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the providing program"), and the information processing program of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the processing program") are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] This system determines candidate seasoning information based on past seasoning information and input information, and provides the determined candidate seasoning information to the user.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram of information necessary for the operation of this system, showing the relationship between the information, and shows that flavor candidate information is determined based on past flavor information and input information.

[0013] "Past seasoning information" is information about the seasoning of food and drink that has been provided to a user in the past. The past seasoning information is determined when a user orders food and drink. The past seasoning information includes seasoning factor information.

[0014] "Seasoning factor information" is information related to seasoning factors. "Seasoning factors" are the seasonings selected by the user when ordering food or drink. For example, seasoning factors include the strength of the flavor, the richness, the amount of garlic, the type of green onion and whether it is present, whether or not there is roast pork, the amount of secret sauce, the firmness of the noodles, etc. Details of the seasoning factors will be described later.

[0015] "Input information" is information entered by a user regarding food and drink that has been provided in the past. The input information is determined based on the user's operation after the user has consumed the food and drink. The input information includes directly related information, indirectly related information, and non-related information. Details of the input information will be described later.

[0016] "Seasoning candidate information" is information regarding candidate seasonings for food and drink corresponding to a user. The seasoning candidate information is provided to a user before the user orders food and drink. The seasoning candidate information includes seasoning factor information. The seasoning factor information included in the seasoning candidate information is, for example, a value indicating the degree of the seasoning factor (e.g., large / small, strong / weak, etc.). The seasoning candidate information is provided so that the seasoning factor information included in the seasoning candidate information can be changed. When the seasoning factor information is changed, the seasoning candidate information is updated. The updated seasoning candidate information is provided to the user. The provided seasoning candidate information is confirmed based on the user's operation. The confirmed seasoning candidate information is provided to the provider.

[0017] A "store" is a restaurant that serves drinks and / or food, such as a ramen shop, a family restaurant, an izakaya, or a cafe.

[0018] A "user" is a person who visits a store that serves food and drink. When a user visits a store, the user orders food and drink. When ordering food and drink, the user selects the seasoning for the food and drink.

[0019] The "provider" is a person who provides food and drink. The provider provides the user with food and drink based on the confirmed flavor candidate information.

[0020] "Flavor" refers to the taste of a food or drink and / or something that is attributed to that taste. That is, for example, flavor refers to the type of flavor (e.g., sweet, spicy, creamy, etc.), the intensity of the flavor (e.g., strong, light, etc.), the type and intensity of seasonings that are attributed to the flavor, etc. Flavoring varies depending on the store and the food or drink.

[0021] "Ordering" refers to selecting a food or drink and its seasoning, and then requesting the food or drink based on the selected seasoning. The customer places the order. The provider receives the order.

[0022] Configuration of the Present System FIG. 2 is a network configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present system.

[0023] The system 1 includes a server 2 and a device 3 .

[0024] The server 2 is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The server 2 executes the processing method. The server 2 executes the processing program required to execute the processing method. The server 2 is connected to the device 3 via a network N (communication line). The server 2 is installed, for example, in the back yard of the store where the device 3 is installed. The configuration of the server 2 and the contents of the processing method will be described later.

[0025] The processing program running on the server 2 implements the processing method in cooperation with the hardware resources of the server 2. The hardware resources of the server 2 are, for example, processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor implements each of the means provided in the server 2, which will be described later, by executing instructions written in the processing program.

[0026] The server is not limited to an information processing device such as a personal computer, as long as it can execute the processing program required to execute the processing method. For example, the server may be a cloud server or a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

[0027] Furthermore, the server only needs to be connected to the device via a network, and does not have to be installed in the backyard of the store where the device is installed. For example, the server may be installed in the office of the business company that manages the store where the device is installed.

[0028] The device 3 is a computer equipped with a touch panel display used when ordering food and drink. The device 3 executes the provision method. The device 3 executes the provision program required to execute the provision method. The device 3 is connected to the server 2 via the network N. The device 3 is installed, for example, at a seat where a user eats and drinks food.

[0029] The provision program running on the device 3 implements the provision method in cooperation with the hardware resources of the device 3. The hardware resources of the device 3 are, for example, processors such as a CPU and a DSP. The processor implements each of the means provided in the device 3, which will be described later, by executing instructions written in the provision program.

[0030] The present device need only be able to execute the present program necessary for carrying out the present method, and need not necessarily have a touch panel display. That is, for example, the present device may be a computer without a touch panel display.

[0031] The network N is, for example, a communication line such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0032] Configuration of the Server FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server 2.

[0033] The server 2 includes a communication unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , an acquisition unit 23 , and a determination unit 24 .

[0034] The communication unit 21 communicates (transmits and / or receives) with the device 3 via the network N. The communication unit 21 receives, for example, user information, which will be described later, from the device 3. The communication unit 21 transmits, for example, flavoring candidate information to the device 3. Specific operations of the communication unit 21 will be described later.

[0035] The storage unit 22 stores information necessary for the server 2 to execute the processing method. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, a user database DB1, a management database DB2, a past flavor database DB3, an input database DB4, a direct association database DB5, an indirect association database DB6, a flavor database DB7, a non-association database DB8, a movie database DB9, etc. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0036] The acquisition unit 23 acquires user information and the like from the device 3 via the communication unit 21. The specific operation of the acquisition unit 23 will be described later.

[0037] The determination unit 24 determines flavor candidate information based on the past flavor information and the input information. The determination unit 24 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM, etc. Specific operations of the determination unit 24 will be described later.

[0038] Note that the present system only needs to be able to determine the flavor candidate information, and the present server does not need to include a determination unit. That is, for example, the present device may include a determination unit. In this case, the present device determines the flavor candidate information.

[0039] 4 is a functional block diagram of the device 3. The device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a seating detection unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, a provision unit 35, a display unit 36, an operation detection unit 37, and an update unit 38.

[0040] The communication unit 31 communicates with the server 2 via the network N. The communication unit 31 transmits, for example, user information to the server 2. The communication unit 31 receives, for example, seasoning candidate information from the server 2. The specific operation of the communication unit 31 will be described later.

[0041] The storage unit 32 stores information necessary for the system 1 to execute the providing method. The storage unit 32 is, for example, a recording device such as an HDD or SSD, or a semiconductor memory such as a RAM.

[0042] The seating detection unit 33 detects the position of the seat where the user is seated (hereinafter referred to as the "seating position") when the user operates the operation detection unit 37. The specific operation of the seating detection unit 33 will be described later.

[0043] The acquisition unit 34 acquires flavor candidate information from the server 2 via the communication unit 31. The acquisition unit 34 acquires user information and input information from the operation detection unit 37. Specific operations of the acquisition unit 34 will be described later. The acquisition unit 34 is a candidate information acquisition unit and a user information acquisition unit in the present invention. Specific operations of the acquisition unit 34 will be described later.

[0044] The candidate information acquisition unit of the present invention only needs to acquire the flavor candidate information, and does not need to acquire it from the server. That is, for example, the candidate information acquisition unit of the present invention may acquire the flavor candidate information from a storage unit included in the device.

[0045] The providing unit 35 provides the seasoning candidate information acquired by the acquiring unit 34 to the user via the display unit 36 ​​.

[0046] The providing unit of the present invention need only be able to provide the candidate seasoning information to the user, and need not display the information using a means (e.g., a touch panel display) included in the device. For example, the providing unit may provide the candidate seasoning information to the user using a projector connected to the device via a network. In this case, the projector projects projection mapping that displays the candidate seasoning information onto the table where the user is eating and drinking.

[0047] The display unit 36 ​​displays a seasoning candidate screen, an input screen, etc. to the user (allowing the user to view them). The display unit 36 ​​is a touch panel display. Note that the display unit is not limited to a touch panel display. That is, for example, when the providing unit in the present invention provides seasoning candidate information to the user using a projector connected to the device via a network, the display unit may be a projection surface (such as a table) onto which projection mapping is projected.

[0048] The "flavoring candidate screen" is a screen that displays flavoring candidate information. The flavoring candidate screen is a screen that displays flavoring factor information included in the flavoring candidate information in a changeable manner.

[0049] The "input screen" is a screen on which input information is displayed so that it can be entered.

[0050] The operation detection unit 37 is operated by a user (for example, an operation to input user information, an operation to input input information, an operation to change seasoning factor information included in seasoning candidate information, etc.). The operation detection unit 37 detects the user's operation. The specific operation of the operation detection unit 37 will be described later.

[0051] The update unit 38 determines whether the operation detection unit 37 has detected a change operation by the user. When the operation detection unit 37 detects a change operation, the update unit 38 updates the seasoning candidate information based on the changed seasoning factor information. The provision unit 35 provides the updated seasoning candidate information via the display unit 36. The specific operation of the update unit 38 will be described later.

[0052] Information Stored in the Server The following describes information stored in the storage unit 22 of the server 2. In the following description, reference will be made to FIG.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the user database DB1.

[0054] The "user database DB1" is a database in which, for example, user IDs and user information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0055] The "user ID" is information used by the system 1 to identify user information. The user ID is issued in advance to each user by, for example, a person who manages the system 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "administrator").

[0056] "User information" is information that identifies a user. User information includes, for example, a user number, a user name, an age, etc. In other words, a "user ID" is information that the system 1 uses to identify a user.

[0057] The figure shows that, for example, user ID "U1" is associated with user number "1," user name "YAMADA," and age "30," and is stored in user database DB1.

[0058] Here, for example, "information X and information Y are stored in association with each other in the user database DB1" means that "the system 1 can read information Y by searching (referencing) the user database DB1 using information X" and "the system 1 can read information X by searching (referencing) the user database DB1 using information Y" (the same applies below). Thus, for example, the system 1 refers to the user database DB1 using a user ID and reads out the user information associated with the user ID.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the management database DB2.

[0060] The "management database DB2" is a database in which, for example, order dates and times, past seasoning IDs, and input IDs are associated with each user ID and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0061] The "past seasoning ID" is information used by the present system 1 to identify past seasoning information. For example, when confirmed seasoning candidate information is stored in the storage unit 22 as past seasoning information, a past seasoning ID is issued for each stored past seasoning information.

[0062] The "input ID" is information used to identify input information by the present system 1. For example, when input information is stored in the storage unit 22, an input ID is issued for each piece of stored input information.

[0063] The figure shows, for example, that user information ID "U1" is associated with order date and time "2024 / 2 / 8 12:34", past seasoning ID "A1", and input ID "B1", and stored in management database DB2.

[0064] For example, the system 1 refers to the management database DB2 using the user ID and reads out the order date and time, past seasoning ID, and input ID associated with the user ID. For example, the system 1 refers to the management database DB2 using the latest order date and time among multiple order dates and times associated with the user ID and reads out the latest past seasoning information and latest input information associated with the user ID.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the past seasoning database DB3.

[0066] The "past seasoning database DB3" is a database in which, for example, past seasoning IDs and past seasoning information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0067] The seasoning factor information included in the past seasoning information includes, for example, past seasoning factor values.

[0068] The past seasoning factor value is a value indicating the level of the seasoning factor, and is, for example, on a scale of 11 levels from 0 to 10.

[0069] The figure shows that, for example, past seasoning information including "flavor intensity: 7 (slightly strong)," "richness: 9 (very rich)," and "amount of garlic: 10 (maximum amount)" is associated with past seasoning ID "A1" and stored in past seasoning database DB3.

[0070] For example, the system 1 refers to the past seasoning database DB3 using the past seasoning ID, and reads out past seasoning factor values ​​and the like included in the past seasoning information associated with the past seasoning ID.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the input database DB4.

[0072] The "input database DB4" is a database in which, for example, input IDs and input information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0073] The “directly related ID” is information used by the present system 1 to identify directly related information. For example, when the directly related information is stored in the storage unit 22, the directly related ID is issued for each piece of directly related information stored.

[0074] The “indirect related ID” is information used by the present system 1 to identify indirect related information. For example, when the indirect related information is stored in the storage unit 22, the indirect related ID is issued for each piece of stored indirect related information.

[0075] The “non-related ID” is information used by the present system 1 to identify non-related information. For example, when non-related information is stored in the storage unit 22, a non-related ID is issued for each piece of stored non-related information.

[0076] The figure shows that, for example, input ID "B1" is associated with directly related information "Ba1", indirectly related information "Bb1", non-related information "Bc1", etc., and stored in input database DB4.

[0077] For example, the system 1 refers to the input database DB4 using the input ID, and reads out the directly related ID, the indirectly related ID, and the non-related ID included in the input information associated with the input ID.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the direct relation database DB5.

[0079] The "directly related database DB5" is a database in which, for example, directly related IDs and directly related information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0080] "Directly related information" is information that indicates an evaluation of past seasoning factor values. In other words, directly related information is information that is directly related to the seasoning factors of food and drink that have been provided to the user in the past. Directly related information includes, for example, direct seasoning factor values.

[0081] The direct seasoning factor value is a value indicating an evaluation of the past seasoning factor value, and is expressed in five stages from 1 to 5, for example.

[0082] The figure shows that, for example, direct related information including "Intensity of flavor: 3 (just right)," "Richness: 4 (slightly rich)," and "Amount of garlic: 3 (just right)" is associated with the direct related ID "Ba1" and stored in the direct related database DB5.

[0083] For example, the system 1 refers to the direct relation database DB5 using the direct relation ID, and reads out the direct seasoning factor value included in the direct relation information associated with the direct relation ID.

[0084] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the indirect relation database DB6.

[0085] The "indirect relation database DB6" is a database in which, for example, indirect relation IDs and indirect relation information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0086] "Indirectly related information" is information that indicates an evaluation of a flavor other than the past flavor factor value (e.g., flavor, mild flavor, creamy flavor, etc.). In other words, indirectly related information is information that is indirectly related to the flavor factors of food or beverages that have been provided to the user in the past. Indirectly related information includes, for example, a flavor ID.

[0087] "Flavor ID" is information indicating an evaluation of the flavor of food or drink provided to the user in the past. The flavor ID is information used by the system 1 to identify flavor information. The flavor ID is, for example, "1 (no flavor)" or "3 (just right flavor)."

[0088] The figure shows that, for example, indirect relation information including a flavor ID and the like is associated with an indirect relation ID "Bb1" and stored in the indirect relation database DB6.

[0089] For example, the system 1 refers to the indirect relation database DB6 using the indirect relation ID, and reads out the flavor ID and the like included in the indirect relation information associated with the indirect relation ID.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the flavor database DB7.

[0091] The "flavor database DB7" is a database in which, for example, flavor IDs and flavor information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0092] The "flavor information" is information indicating an evaluation of past flavor factor values. The flavor information includes, for example, indirect flavor flavor factor values.

[0093] The indirect flavor seasoning factor value is an evaluation of the past seasoning factor value, and is expressed on a scale of 1 to 5, for example.

[0094] The figure shows that, for example, for flavor ID "3," flavor information including "Intensity of flavor: 3 (just right)" and "Amount of garlic: 3 (just right)" is stored in flavor database DB7.

[0095] The indirect flavor seasoning factor value included in the flavor information is issued in advance by an administrator or the like for each flavor ID. When input information including indirect related information including a flavor ID is stored, the indirect flavor seasoning factor value read out by the system 1 is uniquely determined.

[0096] For example, the system 1 refers to the flavor database DB7 using the flavor ID and reads out the indirect flavor seasoning factor value included in the flavor information associated with the flavor ID.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the unrelated database DB8.

[0098] The "unrelated database DB8" is a database in which, for example, unrelated IDs and movie information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0099] "Non-related information" is information related to non-specific preferences. "Non-specific preferences" are evaluations (preferences) of things other than seasonings (for example, movies). In other words, non-related information is information that indicates evaluations of things other than seasonings. Non-related information includes, for example, movie IDs.

[0100] The "movie ID" is information indicating the user's movie preferences. The movie ID is information used by the system 1 to identify movie information. Examples of movie IDs include "M1 (likes action movies)" and "M2 (likes romance movies)."

[0101] The figure shows that, for example, non-related information including a movie ID and the like is associated with the non-related ID "Bc1" and stored in the non-related database DB8.

[0102] For example, the system 1 refers to the unrelated database DB8 using the unrelated ID, and reads out a movie ID or the like included in the unrelated information associated with the unrelated ID.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the movie database DB9.

[0104] The "movie database DB9" is a database in which, for example, movie IDs and movie information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0105] "Movie information" is information indicating evaluations based on past flavor factor values. The movie information includes, for example, non-related movie flavor factor values.

[0106] The non-related movie flavor factor value is an evaluation based on the past flavor factor value, and is, for example, on a five-point scale from 1 to 5.

[0107] The figure shows that, for example, for a movie ID "M1 (I like action movies)," movie information including "flavor intensity: 1 (too light)," "richness: 2 (I would like it a little stronger)," and "amount of garlic: 2 (I would like a little more)" is stored in the movie database DB9.

[0108] The non-related movie flavor factor value included in the movie information is issued in advance by an administrator or the like for each movie ID. When input information including non-related information including a movie ID is stored, the non-related movie flavor factor value read out by the system 1 is uniquely determined.

[0109] For example, the system 1 refers to the movie database DB9 using the movie ID, and reads out the movie flavoring factors included in the movie information associated with the movie ID.

[0110] The Present Providing Method and the Present Processing Method The present processing method and the present providing method (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the present method") will be described. In the following description, FIG. 1 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0111] This processing method is executed by the server 2. This providing method is executed by the device 3. That is, this method is executed by the system 1.

[0112] In the following description, it is assumed that the user has visited the store in the past. The storage unit 22 stores in advance a user ID that identifies the user, user information associated with the user ID, a past seasoning ID, and an input ID.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method.

[0114] This method executes a seasoning candidate information determination process (S1), a seasoning candidate information provision process (S2), and an input information storage process (S3).

[0115] Flavoring Candidate Information Determination Process FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the flavoring candidate information determination process (S1).

[0116] The "seasoning candidate information determination process (S1)" is a process in which the present system 1 determines seasoning candidate information corresponding to a user based on past seasoning information and input information. The seasoning candidate information determination process (S1) is executed, for example, before a user orders food or drink. The seasoning candidate information determination process (S1) includes a determination step provided in the present processing method.

[0117] First, the operation detection unit 37 detects an input operation of user information by a user. The acquisition unit 34 acquires the user information from the operation detection unit 37 based on the detection result of the input operation detected by the operation detection unit 37 (S11).

[0118] Next, the seat detection unit 33 detects the seat position of the user based on the detection result of the input operation detected by the operation detection unit 37 (S12). The memory unit 32 stores the detection result of the seat detection unit 33.

[0119] Next, the acquisition unit 23 acquires the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 34 via the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 23 references the user database DB1 using the acquired user information to acquire a user ID associated with the user information. The acquisition unit 23 references the management database DB2 using the user ID to acquire the latest past seasoning ID and the latest input ID associated with the user ID. The acquisition unit 23 references the past seasoning database DB3 using the past seasoning ID to acquire past seasoning information associated with the past seasoning ID. The acquisition unit 23 references the input database DB4 using the input ID to acquire input information associated with the input ID (S13).

[0120] Next, the determination unit 24 determines seasoning candidate information corresponding to the user based on the past seasoning information and the input information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 (S14). This process (S14) is the determination step in the present invention.

[0121] In this way, the system 1 determines candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user based on the past seasoning information acquired using the user information and the input information, so the system 1 can determine seasonings according to the user's preferences.

[0122] Flavoring Candidate Information Providing Process FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the flavoring candidate information providing process (S2).

[0123] The "seasoning candidate information provision process (S2)" is a process in which the present system 1 provides seasoning candidate information to a user. The seasoning candidate information provision process (S2) is executed, for example, before a user orders food or drink. The seasoning candidate information provision process (S2) includes a provision step and an information acquisition step provided in the present provision method.

[0124] First, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the flavor candidate information determined by the determination unit 24 via the communication unit 31 (S21). This process (S21) is an information acquisition step in the present invention.

[0125] Next, the providing unit 35 provides the seasoning candidate information acquired by the acquiring unit 34 to the user via the display unit 36, in such a manner that the seasoning factor information included in the seasoning candidate information can be changed (S22). This process (S22) is the providing step in the present invention.

[0126] Next, the update unit 38 determines whether or not the operation detection unit 37 has detected a change operation by the user (S23).

[0127] When the operation detection unit 37 does not detect an operation to change the seasoning factor information by the user (S23: No), the seasoning candidate information is confirmed and stored in the storage unit 32 (S24).

[0128] When the operation detection unit 37 detects a change operation of the seasoning factor information by the user (S23: Yes), the update unit 38 updates the seasoning candidate information (S25).

[0129] Next, the providing unit 35 provides the updated flavor candidate information to the user again (S22).

[0130] In this way, the system 1 provides seasoning candidate information to the user. As a result, the system 1 can provide seasonings that match the user's preferences. The user can change the seasoning factor information included in the provided seasoning candidate information. As a result, the system 1 can not only provide seasoning candidate information determined based on past seasoning information and input information, but also provide updated seasoning candidate information. In other words, the system 1 can update and provide seasoning candidate information taking into consideration not only the past seasoning information and input information stored from the user's previous visit, but also the user's current preferences (at the time the seasoning candidate information is provided).

[0131] The confirmed seasoning candidate information is displayed, for example, in a manner visible to the provider on a display (not shown) installed in the store kitchen and connected via the communication unit 21. The provider can provide food and drink based on the seasoning candidate information displayed on the display.

[0132] Input Information Storage Process FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the input information storage process (S3). The "input information storage process (S3)" is a process in which the system 1 associates and stores user information, past seasoning information, and input information. The input information storage process (S3) is executed, for example, after the user places an order. The input information storage process (S3) includes the storage step of the present invention.

[0133] First, the display unit 36 ​​displays an input screen (S31), and the user inputs input information.

[0134] Next, the operation detection unit 37 detects an input operation of the user to input information. Based on the detection result of the input operation detected by the operation detection unit 37, the acquisition unit 23 acquires the input information from the operation detection unit 37 via the communication unit 21 (S32).

[0135] Next, the acquisition unit 23 acquires the confirmed seasoning candidate information via the communication unit 21. The storage unit 22 associates the confirmed seasoning candidate information with the user information and the input information as past seasoning information (S33) and stores the information (S34). The storage unit 22 issues a past seasoning ID to identify the stored past seasoning information. The storage unit 22 issues an input ID to identify the stored input information. This process (S33, S34) is a storage step in the present invention.

[0136] In this way, the system 1 stores the confirmed seasoning candidate information as past seasoning information. The system 1 stores user information, past seasoning information, and input information in association with each other. Therefore, the system 1 can determine new seasoning candidate information corresponding to a user based on the past seasoning information and input information that are stored in association with each other. In other words, new seasoning candidate information can be provided to users who return to the store. Seasoning candidate screen and input screen Seasoning candidate screen

[0137] 18-20 are schematic diagrams of screens displayed on the device 3. In each diagram, button images displayed on screens P1, P2, and P3 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each screen") are operated by a user touching or sliding the display area of ​​the button image on each screen. The operation detection unit 37 includes button images 371, 372, 373, and 374 displayed on each screen. Users F1-F3 are users who operate each screen.

[0138] 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a seasoning candidate screen displayed on the device 3. The figure shows that the seasoning factor information (e.g., flavor strength, richness, etc.) included in the seasoning candidate information is displayed in a changeable manner on the screen P1.

[0139] 19 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a seasoning candidate screen displayed on the device 3. The figure shows that the seasoning factor information has been changed from "Secret sauce amount: 3 (slightly less)" to "Secret sauce amount: 8 (more)" on screen P2.

[0140] In the figure, user F1 is the user before the slide operation. In the figure, user F2 is the user after the slide operation. In the figure, button image 371 shows the seasoning factor information before the slide operation. In the figure, button image 372 shows the seasoning factor information after the slide operation.

[0141] When button image 371 is slid to the position of button image 372, update unit 38 updates the seasoning candidate information to seasoning candidate information including "amount of secret sauce: 8 (more)".

[0142] When the button image 373 is selected, the seasoning candidate information displayed on the screen P2 is confirmed. In other words, when the button image 373 is selected, the provider can provide food and drink based on the seasoning candidate information displayed on the screen P2. Input Screen

[0143] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed on the device 3. The figure shows that 10 pieces of input information are displayed on screen P3 so that they can be input. In the figure, the value of each piece of input information is one of a scale of 1 to 5. In the figure, user F3 is a user who is currently inputting input information ("The flavor is just right (3)").

[0144] When the button image 374 is selected, the input information input on the screen P3 is stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the confirmed flavoring candidate information.

[0145] Summary According to the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes the server 2 and the device 3. The server 2 is connected to the device 3 via the network N. The device 3 acquires user information. The server 2 acquires past seasoning information and input information based on the user information. The server 2 determines candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user based on the past seasoning information and the input information. The device 3 provides the determined candidate seasoning information to the user. Therefore, when ordering food or drink, the user can select the seasoning for the food or drink based on the provided candidate seasoning information. The provider can provide the food or drink based on the selected seasoning. As a result, the system 1 can provide food or drink according to the user's preferred seasoning.

[0146] The device 3 also acquires input information entered by the user. The server 2 stores the acquired input information in association with user information and past seasoning information. That is, the system 1 stores, for each order, the user information, past seasoning information, and input information in association with each other. Therefore, when the user returns to the store, the system 1 can provide the user with new seasoning candidate information based on the stored associated past seasoning information and input information.

[0147] Furthermore, the input information includes directly related information. Therefore, the system 1 can determine seasoning candidate information corresponding to a user based on the user's evaluation of the seasoning factors of food and beverages previously provided to the user. Therefore, the system 1 can provide food and beverages that meet the user's taste preferences, taking into account the user's preferences for food and beverage seasoning factors.

[0148] Furthermore, the input information includes indirectly related information. Therefore, the system 1 can determine candidate seasoning information for a user based on evaluations of seasonings other than the seasoning factors of foods and beverages previously provided to the user. Therefore, the system 1 can provide foods and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into account the user's preferences for food seasonings.

[0149] Furthermore, the input information includes non-related information. Therefore, the system 1 can determine candidate seasoning information corresponding to a user based on evaluations of food and beverages previously provided to the user other than the seasoning. Therefore, the system 1 can provide food and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into account preferences other than the seasoning of food and beverages.

[0150] Furthermore, the device 3 provides changeable seasoning factor information included in the seasoning candidate information. Therefore, the device 3 provides updated seasoning candidate information based on the change operation. In other words, the system 1 can provide food and drink according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into consideration not only the past seasoning information stored from the previous visit and the input information, but also the user's current preferences (at the time the seasoning candidate information is provided).

[0151] Other Embodiments Information Used to Determine Seasoning Candidate Information In the embodiments described above, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information was past seasoning information and input information. However, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information in the present invention is not limited to past seasoning information and input information. That is, for example, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information in the present invention may include environmental information. In this case, the environmental information is information indicating the external environment outside the store (e.g., weather, temperature, etc.) and / or the internal environment inside the store (e.g., room temperature, humidity, number of customers, etc.). The present system includes an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information. The present system determines seasoning candidate information based on past seasoning information, input information, and environmental information. As a result, the present system can provide food and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into account the internal and / or external environment of the store.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information was the past seasoning information and the input information. However, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention is not limited to the past seasoning information and the input information. That is, for example, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention may include physical condition information. In this case, the physical condition information is information related to the user's physical condition (e.g., body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, brain wave state, pupil dilation, complexion, etc.). The present system includes a physical condition information acquisition unit that acquires the physical condition information. The present system determines the seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information, the input information, and the physical condition information. As a result, the present system can provide food and drink according to the user's preferred seasoning, taking into account the user's physical condition.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information is the past seasoning information and the input information. However, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information in the present invention is not limited to the past seasoning information and the input information. That is, for example, the information used to determine seasoning candidate information in the present invention may include characteristic information. In this case, the characteristic information is information indicating the user's characteristics (e.g., gender, age, etc.). The present system includes a characteristic information acquisition unit that acquires the characteristic information. The user information stored in the storage unit includes the characteristic information. The present system determines seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information, the input information, and the characteristic information. As a result, the present system can provide food and drink according to the user's preferred seasoning, taking into account the user's characteristics.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information was the past seasoning information and the input information. However, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention is not limited to the past seasoning information and the input information. That is, for example, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention may include specific preferences. In this case, the specific preferences are the user's preferences for seasonings. The specific preferences are, for example, information that quantifies preferences for each taste (e.g., on a scale of 1-5, "sweetness: 3," "spicy: 2," "umami: 4," "astringency: 1," etc.). The specific preferences may be the same as or different from the seasoning candidate information. The present system estimates the user's specific preferences based on the past seasoning information and the input information. The present system determines the seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information, the input information, and the estimated specific preferences. As a result, the present system can provide food and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into account the user's specific preferences.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information to be provided to a user (e.g., YAMADA) is past seasoning information (hereinafter referred to as "first past seasoning information") and input information (hereinafter referred to as "first input information") associated with user information identifying the user. However, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention is not limited to past seasoning information and input information associated with user information identifying the user. That is, for example, the information used to determine the seasoning candidate information in the present invention may include past seasoning information (hereinafter referred to as "second past seasoning information") and input information (hereinafter referred to as "second input information") associated with user information identifying another user (e.g., HAKATA). In this case, the present system uses the first past seasoning information to refer to the storage unit and retrieve second past seasoning information that is the same as or similar to the first past seasoning information. The present system acquires second input information associated with the retrieved second past seasoning information. The system determines candidate seasoning information based on the first past seasoning information, the first input information, the second past seasoning information, and the second input information. As a result, the system can provide food and drink according to the seasoning preferences of the user, taking into account information from one or more other users.

[0156] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the system 1 determines the seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information associated with the latest past seasoning ID and the input information associated with the latest input ID. However, the system need only be able to determine the seasoning candidate information; it does not have to determine the seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information associated with the latest past seasoning ID and the input information associated with the latest input ID. That is, for example, the system may determine the seasoning candidate information based on the past seasoning information and input information stored for each of the user's most recent 10 orders. In this case, the system can provide food and beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings based on two or more pieces of past seasoning information and two or more pieces of input information.

[0157] Configuration of the System In the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes the server 2 and the device 3. However, the system may instead include multiple devices. For example, multiple devices may be installed at each of multiple seats in a store, or may be installed at each of multiple stores (e.g., Store A, Store B, etc.). In this case, for example, Device A installed in Store A is connected to Device B installed in Store B via the same server. When a user visits Store A, the server acquires and stores past seasoning information and input information from Device A. When the user visits Store B for the first time, the server determines and transmits candidate seasoning information to Device B based on the past seasoning information acquired from Device A and the input information. Device B then provides the candidate seasoning information to the user. In other words, the system can provide food and beverages tailored to the user's preferred seasonings, even when the user visits the store for the first time.

[0158] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the device 3 executes the present provision method. However, the device may be equipped with the functions of the present server and realize functions similar to those of the present server, as long as it can execute the present provision method. That is, for example, the device may be configured integrally with the server and execute the present processing program necessary to execute the present processing method. In this case, the device executes the present processing method. In other words, the device determines seasoning candidate information based on past seasoning information and input information. The device stores user information, past seasoning information, and input information in association with each other.

[0159] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes the server 2 and the device 3. However, instead, the system may include the server, the device, and an information processing terminal such as a user's smartphone (hereinafter referred to as a "user terminal"). In this case, the user terminal stores user information. The system acquires user information from the user terminal via a network. The system provides seasoning candidate information to the user via the network and the user terminal. In other words, the system can display a seasoning candidate screen and an input screen on the user terminal.

[0160] Other: Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the seating detection unit 33 is a touch panel display. However, the seating detection unit of the present invention need only be able to detect the seating position of a customer who visits the store; the seating detection unit does not have to be a touch panel display. That is, for example, the seating detection unit may detect seating using facial recognition technology and motion tracking technology. In this case, the seating detection unit of the present invention identifies the customer based on a recognized facial image when the customer enters the store. The facial image for each customer is stored in advance in the memory unit of the server by, for example, an administrator. The seating detection unit tracks the movement of the identified customer to detect the customer's seating position. The user information acquisition unit of the present invention can acquire customer information and determine candidate seasoning information before the customer sits down when the customer enters the store. As a result, the present system can provide candidate seasoning information via the device installed at the seat detected by the seating detection unit as soon as the customer sits down. In other words, the present system provides information on possible flavorings based on the detection results of the seating detection unit.

[0161] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the past seasoning factor values ​​stored in the memory unit 22 were on an 11-point scale from 0 to 10. The information included in the input information stored in the memory unit 22 (e.g., past seasoning factor values, direct seasoning factor values, indirect flavor seasoning factor values, non-related movie seasoning factor values, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each factor value")) was on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5. However, instead of this, each factor value stored in the memory unit in the present invention may be on a 2-point scale from 0 to 1, or on a 100-point scale from 1 to 100. As a result, the present system can provide food and drink according to the user's preferred seasoning, taking into account the characteristics of each of the multiple seasoning factors.

[0162] Furthermore, the levels of each factor value stored in the storage unit of the present invention may vary, for example, depending on the type of factor, the user, or the food or beverage. For example, the past seasoning factor values ​​included in the seasoning candidate information provided to a user who visits the restaurant frequently may have more levels than the past seasoning factor values ​​included in the seasoning candidate information provided to a user who visits the restaurant less frequently. As a result, the system can provide food or beverages according to the user's preferred seasonings, taking into account the number of past seasoning information and input information associated with the user information.

[0163] ●Features of this device, this server, this system, this provision method, this processing method, this provision program, and this processing program● The features of this device, this server, this system, this provision method, this processing method, this provision program, and this processing program that have been explained so far are summarized below.

[0164] ●Features of the device The device is an information providing device (e.g., device 3) that provides users who visit a store that serves food and drink with candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for the food and drink, and is characterized in that it comprises: a candidate information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user; and a provision unit (e.g., provision unit 35) that provides the candidate seasoning information to the user, wherein the candidate seasoning information is determined based on past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and drink that has been previously provided to the user and input information input by the user for the provided food and drink, and each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information regarding seasoning factors that affect the seasoning (e.g., strength of flavor, richness, amount of garlic, etc.).

[0165] The present device may include a communication unit (e.g., communication unit 31) connected to a server (e.g., this server 2) via a communication network (e.g., network N), and the candidate information acquisition unit may acquire the flavor candidate information from the server via the communication unit.

[0166] The device may include a user information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires user information of the user; a past information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires the past seasoning information and the input information based on the acquired user information; and a determination unit that determines the seasoning candidate information corresponding to the user based on the acquired past seasoning information and the input information.

[0167] In this device, the input information may include directly related information that is directly related to the seasoning factors.

[0168] In this device, the input information may include indirectly related information (e.g., flavor information) that is indirectly related to the seasoning factors.

[0169] In this device, the input information may include non-related information (e.g., movie information) related to the user's non-specific preferences that are not related to the flavoring.

[0170] The device may include an environmental information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires environmental information indicating the external environment outside the store and / or the internal environment inside the store, and the candidate flavoring information may be determined based on the environmental information.

[0171] The device may include a health information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires health information related to the user's health condition, and the candidate flavoring information may be determined based on the health information.

[0172] The device may include a characteristic information acquisition unit (e.g., acquisition unit 34) that acquires characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the user, and the flavoring candidate information may be determined based on the characteristic information.

[0173] The device may include a seating detection unit (e.g., an acquisition unit 34) that detects whether the user is seated, and the providing unit may provide the candidate flavoring information based on the detection result of the seating detection unit.

[0174] In this device, the seasoning candidate information may be determined based on the user's specific tastes regarding the seasonings estimated based on the acquired past seasoning information and the input information.

[0175] The present device may include a memory unit (e.g., an acquisition unit 34) that stores the past seasoning information and the input information in association with each other for each piece of user information, and the past information acquisition unit may acquire the past seasoning information and the input information from the memory unit.

[0176] In this device, the users may include a first user (e.g., YAMADA) and a second user (e.g., HAKATA), the candidate seasoning information may include first candidate seasoning information of the first user and second candidate seasoning information of the second user, the past seasoning information may include first past seasoning information of the first user and second past seasoning information of the second user, the input information may include first input information of the first user and second input information of the second user, and when the first past seasoning information is the same as or similar to the second past seasoning information, the first candidate seasoning information may be determined based on the second past seasoning information and the second input information.

[0177] In this device, the seasoning candidate information is provided in a manner that allows the seasoning factor information to be changed, and the device comprises an operation detection unit (e.g., operation detection unit 37) that detects a change operation by the user to the provided seasoning candidate information, and an update unit (e.g., update unit 38) that updates the seasoning candidate information based on the change operation, and the provision unit may provide the updated seasoning candidate information.

[0178] In this device, the seasoning factors may include at least one of flavor intensity, richness, oil, garlic, green onions, pork fillets, sauce, and noodle hardness.

[0179] ●Features of the present server The present server is a server (e.g., the present server 2) that determines candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for food and beverages to be provided to users who visit a store that serves food and beverages, and is characterized by having: a memory unit (e.g., the memory unit 22) that stores past seasoning information regarding the seasonings of the food and beverages that have been provided to the user in the past, in association with input information that the user has input for the provided food and beverage; and a determination unit (e.g., the determination unit 24) that determines the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user based on the past seasoning information and the input information, wherein each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information regarding seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

[0180] The server may include a communication unit (e.g., communication unit 21) connected to an information providing device (e.g., the device 3) that provides the candidate seasoning information to a user via a communication network, and the communication unit may transmit the candidate seasoning information to the information providing device.

[0181] ●Characteristics of the present system The present system is an information provision system (e.g., the present system 1) that provides customers who visit a store that serves food and beverages with candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for the food and beverages, and is characterized by comprising: an information provision device that provides the candidate seasoning information to the user, and the information provision device is the present device.

[0182] The present system may include a server that determines the flavor candidate information, and the server may be the present server.

[0183] ●Characteristics of the provision method The provision method is an information provision method executed by an information provision device (e.g., this device 3) that provides users who visit a store that serves food and beverages with candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for the food and beverages, and is characterized in that the information provision device includes: an information acquisition step (e.g., process (S11)) of acquiring the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user; and a provision step (e.g., process (S22)) of providing the candidate seasoning information to the user, wherein the candidate seasoning information is determined based on past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and beverage that has been previously provided to the user and input information input by the user for the provided food and beverage, and each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information that indicates the amount of each of a plurality of seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

[0184] ●Characteristics of the processing method The processing method is an information processing method executed by a server (e.g., this server 2) that determines candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for food and drink to be provided to a user who visits a store that serves the food and drink, and is characterized in that the processing method comprises: a storage step (e.g., process (S33) or process (S34)) in which the server associates and stores past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and drink that was previously provided to the user with input information input by the user for the provided food and drink; and a determination step (e.g., process (S14)) in which the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user is determined based on the past seasoning information and the input information, and each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information that indicates the amount of each of a plurality of seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

[0185] ●Features of the provided program The provided program is characterized by causing a computer to function as the device.

[0186] ●Features of this processing program This processing program is characterized by causing a computer to function as this server.

[0187] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information provision system 2 Server 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Acquisition unit 23 Determination unit 3 Information provision device 31 Communication unit 32 Storage unit 33 Sitting detection unit 34 Acquisition unit 35 Provision unit 36 ​​Display unit 37 Operation detection unit 38 Update unit

Claims

1. An information providing device that provides a user who visits a store that serves food and drink with candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for the food and drink, comprising: a candidate information acquisition unit that acquires the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user; and a provision unit that provides the candidate seasoning information to the user, wherein the candidate seasoning information is determined based on past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and drink that was previously served to the user and input information entered by the user for the served food and drink, and wherein the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information each include seasoning factor information regarding seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

2. An information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication unit connected to a server via a communication network; wherein the candidate information acquisition unit acquires the flavor candidate information from the server via the communication unit.

3. An information providing device as described in claim 1, comprising: a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information of the user; a past information acquisition unit that acquires the past seasoning information and the input information based on the acquired user information; and a determination unit that determines the seasoning candidate information corresponding to the user based on the acquired past seasoning information and the input information.

4. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the input information includes directly related information that is directly related to the seasoning factors.

5. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the input information includes indirectly related information indirectly related to the seasoning factors.

6. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the input information includes non-related information related to non-specific preferences of the user that are not related to the seasoning.

7. An information providing device as described in claim 1, further comprising: an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating the external environment outside the store and / or the internal environment inside the store, and the candidate flavoring information is determined based on the environmental information.

8. An information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a physical condition information acquiring unit that acquires physical condition information related to the physical condition of the user; and wherein the candidate flavoring information is determined based on the physical condition information.

9. An information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a characteristic information acquiring unit that acquires characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the user; and the flavoring candidate information is determined based on the characteristic information.

10. An information providing device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a seating detection unit that detects whether the user is seated; and the providing unit that provides the flavor candidate information based on the detection result of the seating detection unit.

11. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the candidate flavor information is determined based on the user's specific preferences regarding flavors estimated based on the acquired past flavor information and the input information.

12. An information providing device as described in claim 3, further comprising: a memory unit that stores the past seasoning information and the input information in association with each other for each of the user information; and the past information acquisition unit acquires the past seasoning information and the input information from the memory unit.

13. The information providing device of claim 1, wherein the users include a first user and a second user; the flavoring candidate information includes first flavoring candidate information of the first user and second flavoring candidate information of the second user; the past flavoring information includes first past flavoring information of the first user and second past flavoring information of the second user; the input information includes first input information of the first user and second input information of the second user; and when the first past flavoring information is the same as or similar to the second past flavoring information, the first flavoring candidate information is determined based on the second past flavoring information and the second input information.

14. An information providing device as described in claim 1, wherein the seasoning candidate information is provided in a manner that allows the seasoning factor information to be changed, and the information providing device comprises: an operation detection unit that detects a change operation by the user to the provided seasoning candidate information; and an update unit that updates the seasoning candidate information based on the change operation, and the providing unit provides the updated seasoning candidate information.

15. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the seasoning factors include at least one of the following: intensity of flavor, richness, oil, garlic, green onion, pork fillet, sauce, and noodle hardness.

16. A server that determines candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for food and beverages to be provided to a user who visits a store that serves food and beverages, comprising: a memory unit that stores past seasoning information regarding the seasonings of the food and beverages that have been previously provided to the user and input information entered by the user for the provided food and beverages, in association with each other; and a determination unit that determines the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user based on the past seasoning information and the input information, wherein each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information regarding seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

17. A server according to claim 16, further comprising: a communication unit connected to an information providing device that provides the flavoring candidate information to the user via a communication network, wherein the communication unit transmits the flavoring candidate information to the information providing device.

18. An information provision system that provides customers who visit a store that serves food and beverages with information on possible seasonings for the food and beverages, comprising: an information provision device that provides the possible seasoning information to the customer; wherein the information provision device is the information provision device described in claim 1.

19. An information providing system according to claim 18, further comprising: a server that determines the flavor candidate information, wherein the server is the server according to claim 16.

20. An information provision method executed by an information provision device that provides seasoning candidate information regarding candidate seasonings for food and beverages to a user who visits a store that serves the food and beverages, wherein the information provision device comprises: an information acquisition step of acquiring the seasoning candidate information corresponding to the user; and a provision step of providing the seasoning candidate information to the user, wherein the seasoning candidate information is determined based on past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and beverage that was previously served to the user and input information entered by the user for the served food and beverage, and wherein the past seasoning information and the seasoning candidate information each include seasoning factor information indicating the amount of each of a plurality of seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

21. An information processing method executed by a server that determines candidate seasoning information regarding candidate seasonings for food and beverages to be provided to a user who visits a store that serves food and beverages, comprising: a storage step in which the server associates and stores past seasoning information regarding the seasoning of the food and beverage that was previously provided to the user with input information entered by the user for the provided food and beverage; and a determination step in which the candidate seasoning information corresponding to the user is determined based on the past seasoning information and the input information, wherein each of the past seasoning information and the candidate seasoning information includes seasoning factor information indicating the amount of each of a plurality of seasoning factors that affect the seasoning.

22. An information providing program that causes a computer to function as the information providing device according to claim 1.

23. An information processing program that causes a computer to function as the server according to claim 16.

Images