JP2021049337A - Meal system and analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a meal system allowing an eater to experience pleasure of a meal.SOLUTION: A meal system in one embodiment comprises: a sensor unit to sense a meal state regarding an eater or tableware; a dining table with a placement surface on which the tableware is placed; and a control unit for displaying an image on the placement surface when it is determined that the meal state has changed on the basis of a sensing result from the sensor unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a meal system and an analysis system capable of allowing a mealr to experience the enjoyment of a meal by stimulating the eyesight of the mealer.

Patent Document 1 discloses a dining jig for enhancing entertainment and allowing a person to eat in a well-behaved manner while having fun. This eating jig detects an event that occurs in a housing in which food is placed, and outputs information (light, sound, image) to the outside based on this detection state. Here, the events that occur in the housing are a decrease in the weight of food and pressure when the elbow is attached to the housing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-005552

An object of the present embodiment is to allow a mealr to experience the enjoyment of eating by means different from the invention described in Patent Document 1.

In the meal system of the present embodiment, the meal state changes based on the detection result of the sensor unit for detecting the meal state of the tableware or the eater, the dining table provided with the mounting surface for placing the tableware, and the sensor unit. It has a control unit for displaying an image on the mounting surface when it is determined that the result has been achieved.

The dining table may be provided with a speaker that outputs sound. Here, the control unit can drive the speaker when it is determined that the eating state has changed based on the detection result of the sensor unit. In addition, the control unit can display an image on the mounting surface for a predetermined time.

A projector that projects an image can be provided inside the dining table. Here, the mounting surface of the dining table has translucency and can be configured by a screen on which an image from the projector is projected. On the other hand, the mounting surface may be configured by a touch panel display that displays an image and detects a contact state with the mounting surface as a meal state.

The tableware can be composed of a container for accommodating food and drink and a lid for closing the opening of the container. Here, the sensor unit can include a wireless communication tag provided on the container or a lid, and a wireless communication reader that communicates with the wireless communication tag.

The sensor unit can detect the chewing sound of the eater. Then, the control unit can display an image according to the chewing sound.

The tableware can be composed of a container for accommodating food and drink and a lid for closing the opening of the container. Here, the container includes a speaker that outputs sound, an optical sensor that detects the light state inside the container, and a speaker when it is determined that the lid has been removed from the container based on the detection result of the optical sensor. A control unit for driving can be provided.

Tableware can include eating utensils for bringing food and drink to the mouth of the eater. Here, the sensor unit can detect that the meal utensil is placed on the table.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the meal system which is 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tableware which consists of a lid equipped with an RFID tag, and a container. It is a figure which shows the RFID tag information management table. It is a figure which shows the acquisition data management table (when the RFID tag is installed on the lid). In the first embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the process of displaying an image on a screen. It is a figure which shows the video data table (corresponding to RFID). It is a figure which shows the voice data table (RFID correspondence). It is a schematic diagram which shows the tableware which consists of a container with an RFID tag, and a lid. It is a figure which shows the acquisition data management table (when the RFID tag is installed in a container). It is the schematic which shows the structure of the meal system which is 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the display example of the touch panel display. In the second embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the process of displaying an image on a touch panel display. It is a figure which shows the acquired data management table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the tableware in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the drive process of a speaker in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the meal system which is 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the video data table (corresponding to the chewing sound). In the fourth embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the process of displaying an image on a screen. It is a figure which shows the voice data table (corresponding to chewing sound). It is the schematic which shows the appearance of the tray in 5th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the container in 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tray and the tableware in 5th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of determining the presence or absence of a meal in the fifth embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the meal system, the analysis system and the setting display device. It is a radar chart which shows the measurement result before and after starting the use of the meal system.

(First Embodiment)
The meal system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The meal system of the present embodiment displays an image on a screen on the table in response to the meal moving the lid of the tableware for meals (change in meal condition). This makes it possible to give the eater the enjoyment of eating through the eyes of the eater. Here, the dining table is a general term that includes not only a general table but also a table on which a vessel or the like used for meals is placed. For example, the dining table includes a tray.

On the upper surface 10a of the dining table 10, a screen 11 on which an image from the inside of the dining table 10 (projector 21 described later) is projected is arranged. The upper surface of the screen 11 can be formed of a flat surface. The screen 11 is translucent and can be made of, for example, a translucent material. The screen 11 is preferably transparent to such an extent that it is difficult to see the inside of the table 10 from the outside of the table 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the internal structure of the dining table 10 from being seen by the eater or the like. By transmitting the image from the projector 21, the screen 11 can display the image toward the outside of the dining table 10. As a result, the eater can visually recognize the image projected on the screen 11.

A projector 21 is arranged inside the dining table 10. The projector 21 projects a predetermined image on the lower surface of the screen 11 (the surface facing the inside of the dining table 10). The projector 21 only needs to be able to project an image on the screen 11, and the position where the projector 21 is arranged inside the dining table 10 can be appropriately determined. In FIG. 1, an image is directly projected from the projector 21 to the screen 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the image projected from the projector 21 can be projected onto the screen 11 via an optical system (including a reflection mirror) (not shown).

The projector 21 is connected to an external device 30 installed outside the dining table 10 via a wire or wirelessly. The external device 30 controls the drive of the projector 21 and determines the video data to be transmitted to the projector 21. The external device 30 has a video determination unit 31 that determines the video data, and the video determination unit 31 determines the video data based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 32 described later. Specifically, by storing a plurality of video data in the memory 33, the video determination unit 31 determines the video data to be transmitted to the projector 21 from among the plurality of video data. The memory 33 does not necessarily have to be included in the external device 30, and a file server or the like on the network may be used. For communication with them, wireless communication, short-range wireless communication, optical communication, or the like can be used. It can also be combined with a video data distribution service.

An RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) reader (wireless communication Lee) 22 is arranged inside the dining table 10, and the RFID reader 22 is an RFID tag (wireless communication tag) 43 provided on the lid 42 of the tableware 40, which will be described later. Communicate with. Examples of this communication method include an electromagnetic induction method and a radio wave method. The RFID reader 22 is specifically composed of an RFID reader main body, an RFID antenna, a power supply, and the like. Further, as the RFID tag 43, a passive type tag and an active type tag can be mentioned. The RFID reader 22 is connected to the external device 30 via wire or wirelessly, and the reading information of the RFID reader 22 is transmitted to the external device 30. The analysis unit 32 of the external device 30 determines whether or not the lid 42 has been removed from the container 41 of the tableware 40 based on the information read from the RFID reader 22. The detailed processing of the analysis unit 32 will be described later.

Next, the structure of the tableware 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The tableware 40 is placed on the upper surface of the screen 11. It is desirable that the tableware 40 has practical failure prevention measures such as waterproofing and dishwasher compatible.

The tableware 40 has a container 41 for accommodating food and drink, and a lid 42 for closing the opening of the container 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 42 is provided with an RFID tag 43. The RFID tag 43 can be attached to the outer surface of the lid 42, or can be embedded inside the lid 42.

When the lid 42 closes the opening of the container 41, communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 is cut off. For example, by providing the container 41 with an electromagnetic shield, communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 can be blocked. As a method of providing the container 41 with an electromagnetic shield, for example, the container 41 can be formed of metal, or an electromagnetic shield layer can be formed on the surface of the container 41. As the material of the electromagnetic shield layer, a known material can be used. On the other hand, when food and drink are contained in the container 41, communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 can be blocked by the food and drink.

When the lid 42 is removed from the opening of the container 41, the electromagnetic shield and food and drink are no longer located on the communication path between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43, so that communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 is permitted. To. Then, the information of the RFID tag 43 is read by the RFID reader 22, and the read information of the RFID reader 22 is transmitted to the analysis unit 32 of the external device 30. As a result, the analysis unit 32 can determine that the lid 42 has been removed from the opening of the container 41.

Here, by storing the tableware ID, which is an identifier for each tableware 40, in the RFID tag 43, the analysis unit 32 can identify the tableware 40 from which the lid 42 has been removed. Further, the RFID reader 22 only needs to be able to communicate with the RFID tag 43 in order to determine the removal of the lid 42. For example, the position where the RFID reader 22 is provided is the back surface or side surface of the dining table 10 or the dining table 10. It may be installed at a position (vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.) that can communicate with the RFID tag 43 attached to the tableware 40, such as the floor on which the tableware is placed, the underfloor, and the ceiling above the tableware 10. Further, the strength of the RFID may be such that the strength changes in the vicinity of the upper surface of the screen 11. The position where the RFID reader 22 is provided and the characteristics (directivity and strength) of the RFID reader 22 are not limited to the above and can be appropriately determined.

Further, the information of the RFID tag 43 (RFID tag number) is associated with the tableware ID and the intensity of the read radio wave transmitted from the RFID tag 43 to the RFID reader 22, as shown in the RFID tag information management table of FIG. 3, for example. Can be managed. According to the RFID tag information management table of FIG. 3, the analysis unit 32 identifies the tableware ID and the read radio wave intensity corresponding to the RFID tag number based on the reading information (RFID tag number) of the RFID reader 22.

By transmitting the read information from the RFID reader 22 to the external device 30, the memory 33 of the external device 30 is, for example, in the acquisition data management table of FIG. 4 (when the RFID tag 43 is installed on the lid 42). As shown, the RFID tag number assigned to each RFID tag 43, the tableware ID which is an identifier for each tableware 40, the lid opening time indicating the time when the lid 42 was removed from the opening of the container 41, and the lid 42 of the container 41. It is possible to store the lid closing time and the like indicating the time when the opening is closed. In the example of the acquired data management table shown in FIG. 4, the lid closing time is specified, but when the lid 42 is still removed from the opening of the container 41, the lid closing time is not specified.

By acquiring the lid opening time and the lid closing time, the analysis unit 32 can calculate the meal time of the eater for each tableware 40. Normally, the lid 42 is removed from the opening of the container 41 when starting a meal, and the opening of the container 41 is closed by the lid 42 when the meal is finished. Therefore, the time from the opening time of the lid to the closing time of the lid is the meal time. It becomes. Alternatively, the time between the time when the read radio wave intensity increases and the time when the read radio wave intensity decreases can be set as the meal time.

If the meal time is calculated as described above, the analysis unit 32 can perform the evaluation based on the meal time. In the evaluation of the meal time, for example, a target value of the meal time can be set, and the target value can be compared with the actual meal time. The target value of the meal time can be set, for example, by operating the operation input unit (not shown) provided on the dining table 10 or the external device 30, or from a eater or a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater. It is also possible to input a target value of meal time and transmit this input information to the external device 30.

As a comparison between the actual meal time and the target value, for example, the actual meal time is within the permissible range including the target value (within the range from the upper limit time to the lower limit time) or longer than the upper limit time of the permissible range. , Or it can be determined whether it is shorter than the lower limit time of the allowable range. When the actual meal time is within the permissible range, the target meal time has been reached. When the actual meal time is longer than the upper limit time, it means that the person is eating longer than the target meal time. When the actual meal time is shorter than the lower limit time, it means that the meal is eaten earlier than the target meal time.

The evaluation result of the meal time may be displayed on a display (not shown) provided on the dining table 10, or may be transmitted to a eater or a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater to be displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. You may.

In addition, the analysis unit 32 can evaluate how the eater eats the food and drink of the plurality of tableware 40 by acquiring the lid opening time and the lid closing time of each tableware 40 for the plurality of tableware 40. .. Here, it is assumed that the eater opens and closes the lid 42 each time he or she eats or drinks food or drink in one tableware 40. Based on this premise, based on the lid opening time and the lid closing time of each tableware 40, it is possible to evaluate whether the tableware is eating unevenly or evenly. Here, the longer the time from the lid opening time to the lid closing time, the more biased the eating method is. On the other hand, the shorter the time from the opening time of the lid to the closing time of the lid, the more evenly the food is eaten.

The evaluation result of how to eat may be displayed on the display provided on the dining table 10, or may be transmitted to the eater or a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater and displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. Here, when the eater sets a goal of how to eat, information indicating the difference between the actual way of eating and the target way of eating can be included in the evaluation result.

Next, the processing of the external device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S101, the analysis unit 32 displays the reading information (lid opening time managed in association with the tableware ID) of the RFID reader 22 shown in the acquired data management table of FIG. 4 (when the RFID tag 43 is installed on the lid 42). ), It is determined whether or not the lid 42 has been removed from the container 41. As described above, when communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 is permitted, the RFID reader 22 reads the information recorded on the RFID tag 43 and transmits this read information to the external device 30. Then, the analysis unit 32 determines that the lid 42 has been removed from the container 41, and proceeds to the process of step S102.

In step S102, the image determination unit 31 determines the image data to be transmitted to the projector 21 as described later, in response to the determination result of the analysis unit 32 that the lid 42 has been removed. As described above, the video determination unit 31 determines one video data among the plurality of video data stored in the memory 33. The method of determining the video data can be appropriately determined.

For example, a plurality of video data can be determined in order, or the video data can be randomly determined. Further, as described above, if the tableware ID for each tableware 40 is stored in the RFID tag 43, the tableware 40 can be discriminated, so that the video data can be different depending on the tableware 40. In this case, a plurality of video data can be stored in the memory 33 in a state where the tableware ID of each tableware 40 and the video data are linked. When the RFID reader 22 acquires the tableware ID of the tableware 40 by communicating with the RFID tag 43, the image determination unit 31 selects the image data corresponding to the acquired tableware ID from among the plurality of image data stored in the memory 33. Can be identified.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a video data table (corresponding to RFID) used for determining video data. In the example shown in the video data table (RFID compatible) of FIG. 6, the tableware ID, the content name of the video, the content ID which is an identifier for each content name, and the video display time which is the time to display the video are linked. Has been done. Further, in the example shown in the video data table (corresponding to RFID) of FIG. 6, the video associated with the tableware ID and the video not associated with the tableware ID are mixed. The image not associated with the tableware ID can be displayed on the screen 11 at any timing, for example. Based on the information, the video determination unit 31 identifies the video data associated with the tableware ID from which the lid 42 determined by the analysis unit 32 has been removed.

In step S103, the video determination unit 31 transmits the determined video data to the projector 21 and drives the projector 21. As a result, an image is projected from the projector 21 onto the screen 11, and the eater can confirm the image projected on the screen 11. The projection area of the image on the screen 11 can be appropriately determined. For example, the image can be projected on the entire surface of the screen 11, or the image can be projected on a part of the area of the screen 11.

The video determination unit 31 starts counting the elapsed time tp when it starts transmitting video data to the projector 21. A timer can be used to count the elapsed time tp.

In step S104, the video determination unit 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time t_th has elapsed since the video data was transmitted to the projector 21. Specifically, the video determination unit 31 determines whether or not the above-mentioned elapsed time tp is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t_th. The predetermined time t_th can be appropriately determined. Here, if the predetermined time t_th is made too long, the display time of the image on the screen 11 becomes too long, so that the eater pays attention only to the image, and the meal may not proceed. In consideration of this point, the predetermined time t_th can be determined. The predetermined time t_th corresponds to the video display time shown in the video data table (corresponding to RFID) of FIG.

The video determination unit 31 continues to transmit video data to the projector 21 until a predetermined time t_th elapses. Then, when the predetermined time t_th has elapsed, in other words, when the elapsed time tp is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t_th, the process proceeds to step S105. The time for continuing to transmit the video data to the projector 21 (that is, the predetermined time t_th) is controlled based on, for example, the video display time shown in the video data table (RFID compatible) of FIG.

In step S105, the video determination unit 31 ends the transmission of video data to the projector 21. As a result, the projection of the image from the projector 21 to the screen 11 is completed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the elapsed time tp is counted, and the transmission of the video data is terminated when the elapsed time tp is the predetermined time t_th or more, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of images having a fixed display time can be prepared in advance, and after the display of the images is started, the images can be displayed until the end of the images.

According to the present embodiment, when the lid 42 of the tableware 40 is removed from the container 41 in order for the eater to eat, an image is displayed on the screen 11. As a result, the enjoyment of eating can be experienced by the eating person through the visual sense of the eating person.

In the present embodiment, the image is displayed on the screen 11, but sound can be generated in addition to the display of the image. Specifically, a speaker (not shown) can be provided on the dining table 10, and when an image is projected from the projector 21, sound can be generated from the speaker. The speaker can be driven by the external device 30. Here, sound can be generated from the speaker according to the image projected from the projector 21.

For example, the sound output from the speaker is managed in association with the video content (content ID described in the video data table of FIG. 6) projected from the projector 21 as shown in the sound data table (RFID compatible) of FIG. ing. In the audio data table (corresponding to RFID) shown in FIG. 7, the audio ID for identifying the audio file, the audio file name, the content ID, and the audio reproduction time indicating the time for outputting the audio from the speaker are managed. As described above, the external device 30 specifies the audio ID associated with the content ID of the video projected from the projector 21, and based on the audio file corresponding to the identified audio ID and the audio reproduction time, the audio file is used. Audio is generated from the speaker for a predetermined audio reproduction time.

In the present embodiment, the lid 42 is provided with the RFID tag 43, but as shown in FIG. 8, the container 41 may be provided with the RFID tag 43. In this case, the RFID tag 43 may be attached at a position that does not block the communication between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22, or the RFID tag 43 may be embedded in a container 41 made of a material that does not block the communication. Can be done.

When the container 41 is placed on the screen 11, communication between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 is allowed. On the other hand, when the eater holds the container 41 by hand, the communication between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 can be blocked by the hand holding the container 41. Further, depending on the communication distance between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 and the intensity distribution of the radio waves output from the RFID reader 22, the RFID tag 43 and the RFID can be moved by moving the container 41 to a position away from the RFID reader 22. Communication between the readers 22 can be blocked. In order to adjust the intensity distribution of the radio waves and accurately detect changes in the eating state, it is effective to provide an electromagnetic shield inside the dining table 10 or adjust the position of the antenna of the RFID reader 22. Is.

As described above, by generating a state in which communication is permitted and a state in which communication is interrupted, whether or not the eater has the container 41, in other words, whether or not the eater is eating. Can be determined. That is, in a state where communication is permitted, the container 41 is placed on the screen 11, and it can be determined that the eater does not have the container 41. On the other hand, in a state where communication is cut off, the container 41 is held by hand, or the container 41 is separated from the RFID reader 22 and the reading radio wave intensity is reduced, so that the eater holds the container 41. It can be determined that it is. This determination can be performed by the analysis unit 32 based on the reading information of the RFID reader 22.

When the analysis unit 32 determines that the eater has the container 41 (that is, the change in the eating state), the image determination unit 31 determines the image data and then transmits the image data to the projector 21. As a result, an image is projected from the projector 21 onto the screen 11. The processing here is the same as the processing from step S102 to step S105 shown in FIG. Instead of step S101 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the eater has the container 41, and when it is determined that the eater has the container 41, the processes after step S102 are performed. Be told.

Here, by storing the ID information for each container 41 in the RFID tag 43, the analysis unit 32 can identify the container 41. In this case, the video data to be transmitted to the projector 21 can be different depending on the container 41. A plurality of video data may be stored in the memory 33 in a state where the ID information of each container 41 and the video data are linked.

When the RFID tag 43 is provided on the container 41, an image can be displayed on the screen 11 each time the eater holds the container 41, and the enjoyment of eating can be improved through the eyes of the eater. Here, if the above-mentioned predetermined time t_th is too long, the image continues to be displayed on the screen 11 even after the meal puts the container 41 on the screen 11, and every time the meal holds the container 41, the screen 11 There is a risk that the image cannot be displayed on the screen. In consideration of this point, it is preferable to determine the predetermined time t_th.

On the other hand, when the eater holds the container 41 and then puts the container 41 on the upper surface of the screen 11 (that is, when the eating state changes), the image can be displayed on the screen 11. In this case, the communication state between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 changes from a state in which communication is cut off to a state in which communication is permitted. Therefore, an image is displayed on the screen 11 based on this change. Can be made to.

When the RFID tag 43 is installed in the container 41 instead of the lid 42, the correspondence between the RFID tag 43 and the container 41, and the management and control of the video and audio projected when the container 41 is held in the hand are controlled by the above-mentioned RFID. This is executed based on the data tables shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7 as in the case where the tag 43 is set on the lid 42.

By installing the RFID tag 43 on the lid 42 or the container 41 of the tableware 40, the tableware 40 does not need to be placed in a predetermined position on the table 10 (screen 11), and the tableware 40 does not need to be placed in any position. Since the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 can communicate with each other, changes in eating conditions can be discriminated.

In the present embodiment, the external device 30 is provided outside the dining table 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the configuration of the external device 30 can be provided inside the dining table 10.

Further, although the example in which the RFID tag 43 is installed on the container 41 or the lid 42 of the tableware 40 has been described, the RFID tag 43 may be installed on a cutlery such as a spoon or a fork held by a meal. In this case, when the eater picks up the cutlery, for example, the cutlery including the RFID tag 43 is moved away from the RFID reader 22, or the RFID tag 43 of the cutlery is covered with the eater's hand. Communication between the RFID reader 22 and the RFID tag 43 is cut off. By determining this communication interruption, it is possible to determine the state of eating.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a mechanism for discriminating the change in the eating condition, an example in which the RFID tag 43 is installed on the tableware 40 and the RFID reader 22 is installed on the dining table 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example. , The RFID reader 22 may be installed on the tableware 40, and the RFID tag 43 may be installed on the dining table 10.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of tableware 40 can be individually specified by using the RFID tag 43. Here, if each tableware 40 is managed in association with the contents (type, calories, etc.) of the food and drink in each tableware 40, the analysis unit 32 identifies the tableware 40 and the eater eats and drinks. The contents of food and drink can be specified. Information indicating the correspondence between the contents of the tableware 40 and the food and drink can be input from, for example, an operation input unit (not shown) provided on the table 10 or the external device 30, or the above information is input to the mobile terminal. , This input information can also be transmitted to the external device 30.

When the RFID tag 43 is installed in the container 41 of the tableware 40, as shown in the acquisition data management table of FIG. 9, the time when the communication between the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 is cut off for each tableware 40 (communication cutoff). Time) can be obtained. Then, each time the communication interruption time is acquired, the number of communication interruptions is counted, and the eating method of the eater can be evaluated based on the total number of communication interruptions in one meal. For example, when the specific tableware 40 is kept in the possession, the total number of times of communication interruption is reduced, and it can be evaluated that the eating method is biased. Further, as the total number of times of communication interruption increases, it can be evaluated that the food and drink of the plurality of tableware 40 are eaten evenly.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, instead of the screen 11 in the first embodiment, a touch panel display 12 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a display 12) is used as shown in FIG. In the configuration of the meal system shown in FIG. 10, the same members as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The display 12 is provided on the upper surface 10a of the dining table 10. In the display 12, for example, known methods such as an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, a resistance film method, an infrared scanning method, and a capacitance method can be appropriately adopted.

The dining table 10 is provided with a control unit 30A, which includes a video determination unit 31, an analysis unit 32, and a memory 33. The control unit 30A controls the drive of the display 12. A plurality of video data for display on the display 12 are stored in the memory 33.

When the tableware 40 (container 41) is placed on the upper surface of the display 12, the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines that the container 41 is placed on the display 12 based on the output of the display 12. .. That is, since the output of the display 12 changes depending on whether or not the container 41 is in contact with the display 12, the control unit 30A determines whether or not the container 41 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12 based on the output of the display 12. Can be determined. The presence or absence of the tableware 40 used on the display 12 is determined by, for example, making the bottom of the thread bottom of the container 41 conductive, or using the difference depending on the weight of the tableware 40 and the shape of the thread bottom of the container 41. It will be possible.

When the control unit 30A determines that the container 41 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12, the control unit 30A causes the display 12 to display an image. On the other hand, if the container 41 is not placed on the upper surface of the display 12, the control unit 30A does not display the image on the display 12. The display area of the image on the display 12 can be appropriately determined. For example, the image can be displayed on the entire surface of the display 12, or the image can be displayed on a part of the area of the display 12.

Based on the output of the display 12, the control unit 30A can specify the position where the container 41 contacts the display 12, that is, the position where the container 41 is arranged. By specifying the position of the container 41, the control unit 30A can display an image in the display area (partial area) corresponding to the position of the container 41 in the display area (total area) of the display 12. it can. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the video IM can be displayed in a predetermined area including the area on which the container 41 is placed in the display area of the display 12.

When the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines that the container 41 has come into contact with the display 12, the image display on the display 12 is the same as in the first embodiment, as shown in the image data table of FIG. This can be realized by managing the content ID for identifying the content and the tableware ID for identifying the tableware 40 in association with each other. Further, when the audio is output together with the video display, it can be realized by managing the audio ID, the audio file name, the content ID, and the audio reproduction time in association with each other as shown in the audio data table of FIG. Further, by associating the content ID with the position information (range) where the tableware 40 is placed, it is possible to determine the video content based on the position where the tableware 40 is placed.

Next, the display process of the display 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S201, the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines whether or not the container 41 is mounted on the display 12 based on the output of the display 12. When it is determined that the container 41 is mounted on the display 12, the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the control unit 30A (image determination unit 31) starts displaying an image on the display 12. As a result, the eater can visually recognize the image displayed on the display 12. When displaying an image on the display 12, the control unit 30A (image determination unit 31) determines one of the plurality of image data stored in the memory 33. The method of determining the video data can be appropriately determined. For example, a plurality of video data can be determined in order, or the video data can be randomly determined.

In the process of step S202, as described above, the position where the container 41 is placed can be specified, and the image can be displayed in the display area corresponding to this position. Here, the image to be displayed can be different depending on the position where the container 41 is placed. For example, the entire display area of the display 12 can be divided into a plurality of display areas, and the image can be made different for each display area. Further, among the plurality of display areas, the image can be displayed in the display area on which the container 41 is placed.

When the control unit 30A starts displaying the image on the display 12, the control unit 30A starts counting the elapsed time tp. A timer can be used to count the elapsed time tp.

In step S203, the control unit 30A determines whether or not a predetermined time t_th has elapsed since the start of displaying the image. Specifically, the control unit 30A determines whether or not the above-mentioned elapsed time tp is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t_th. The predetermined time t_th can be appropriately determined. Here, if the predetermined time t_th is made too long, the display time of the image on the display 12 becomes too long, so that the eater pays attention only to the image, and the meal may not proceed. In consideration of this point, the predetermined time t_th can be determined. The predetermined time t_th corresponds to the video display time shown in the video data table of FIG.

The control unit 30A keeps displaying the image on the display 12 until the predetermined time t_th elapses. Then, when the predetermined time t_th has elapsed, in other words, when the elapsed time tp is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t_th, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the control unit 30A ends the display of the image on the display 12. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the elapsed time tp is counted, and the display of the video is terminated when the elapsed time tp is the predetermined time t_th or more, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of images having a fixed display time can be prepared in advance, and after the display of the images is started, the images can be displayed until the end of the images.

According to the present embodiment, when the tableware 40 (container 41) is placed on the upper surface of the display 12 (that is, when the eating condition changes) in order for the eater to eat, an image is displayed on the display 12. .. As a result, the enjoyment of eating can be experienced by the eating person through the visual sense of the eating person.

By using the display 12, the shape of the portion of the container 41 that comes into contact with the display 12 can be specified. Here, if a plurality of types of containers 41 having different shapes of the portions in contact with the display 12 are prepared, the type of the container 41 can be determined by specifying the shape of the contact portion of the container 41 by the display 12. it can. Then, the image displayed on the display 12 can be different depending on the type of the container 41. In this case, a plurality of video data can be stored in the memory 33 in a state where the type of the container 41 and the video data are linked.

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the container 41 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the tableware 40 provided with the lid 42 is used, the lid 42 may be removed from the container 41 and placed on the upper surface of the display 12. In this case, similarly to the container 41 described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the lid 42 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12.

Then, when it is determined that the lid 42 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12 (that is, when the eating state changes), the control unit 30A can display the image on the display 12. As the process for displaying this image, the processes from step S202 to step S204 shown in FIG. 12 can be performed.

Here, if a plurality of types of lids 42 having different shapes of the portions in contact with the display 12 are prepared, the type of the lid 42 can be determined by specifying the shape of the contact portion of the lid 42 by the display 12. it can. Then, the control unit 30A can display an image corresponding to the type of the lid 42. On the other hand, if the shape of the contact portion of the container 41 with respect to the display 12 and the shape of the contact portion of the lid 42 with respect to the display 12 can be distinguished, the control unit 30A places either the container 41 or the lid 42 on the display 12. It is possible to determine whether or not the container has been used.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the container 41 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12, an image is displayed on the display 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the container 41 is placed on the upper surface of the display 12, when the eater holds the container 41, the output of the display 12 changes. Therefore, the display changes in response to this change (that is, the change in the eating state). An image can be displayed on the twelve. Here, the same process can be performed on the lid 42.

Further, as in the first embodiment, a speaker (not shown) is provided on the dining table 10, and sound can be generated from the speaker when displaying an image on the display 12. The speaker can be driven by the control unit 30A. Here, sound can be generated from the speaker according to the image displayed on the display 12.

Further, by using the display 12, the control unit 30A causes the display 12 to display the predetermined information, and the meal can input the predetermined information by touching the display area.

By using the touch panel display 12 or using a weight sensor (not shown), the weight of the tableware 40 (including food and drink) placed on the display 12 can be measured. Here, when the reading information is transmitted from the RFID reader 22 to the external device 30, the RFID tag number, the tableware ID, and the tableware ID are stored in the memory 33 of the external device 30, for example, as shown in the acquired data management table of FIG. It is possible to store the weight indicating the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40 at the lid opening time, the lid opening time, the weight indicating the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40 at the lid closing time, the lid closing time, and the like. ..

By measuring the weight of food and drink in the tableware 40, the meal time of the eater can be calculated. Specifically, the time when the tableware 40 containing food and drink is placed on the screen 11 (in other words, the time when the weight of the tableware 40 is detected by the display 12) and the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40. If the time when becomes 0 kg and the time are obtained, the time between these times becomes the meal time.

On the other hand, the amount of food eaten by the eater can be calculated based on the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40. Specifically, if the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40 when the eater starts the meal and the weight of the food and drink in the tableware 40 when the eater finishes the meal are obtained, these weights are obtained. The difference is the amount of food. Here, when the lid 42 is removed from the opening of the container 41 and placed on the upper surface of the display 12, it can be determined that the meal has started. Further, when the lid 42 placed on the upper surface of the display 12 is lifted, it can be considered that the opening of the container 41 is closed by the lid 42, and it can be determined that the meal is finished.

If the amount of food is calculated as described above, the analysis unit 32 can perform the evaluation based on the amount of food. In the evaluation of the amount of food, for example, a target value of the amount of food can be set, and this target value can be compared with the actual amount of food. The target value of the amount of meal can be set, for example, by operating an operation input unit (not shown) provided on the dining table 10 or the external device 30, or from a eater or a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater. It is also possible to input a target value of the amount of food and transmit this input information to the external device 30.

As a comparison between the actual amount of food and the target value, for example, the actual amount of food is within the permissible range including the target value (within the range from the upper limit to the lower limit) or is larger than the upper limit of the permissible range. Or it can be determined whether it is less than the lower limit of the allowable range. When the actual amount of food is within the permissible range, the target amount of food has been reached. When the actual amount of food is larger than the upper limit, it means that the amount of food is larger than the target amount. When the actual amount of food is less than the lower limit, it means that the target amount of food has not been reached.

The evaluation result of the amount of meal may be displayed on the display provided on the dining table 10, or may be transmitted to the eater or a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater and displayed on the display of the mobile terminal.

On the other hand, the analysis unit 32 can evaluate how the eater eats the food and drink of the plurality of tableware 40 by acquiring the change with time of the weight of the food and drink in each tableware 40 for the plurality of tableware 40. it can. For example, when the weight of food and drink is reduced only for the specific tableware 40, it can be evaluated that the eating method is biased. Further, when the weight of the food and drink is intermittently reduced for all the tableware 40, it can be evaluated that the food and drink for all the tableware 40 are eaten evenly.

(Third Embodiment)
The present embodiment relates to tableware 40 capable of generating sound. As shown in FIG. 14, the tableware 40 has a container 41 and a lid 42, and the container 41 has an optical sensor 44, a speaker 45, a control unit 46, a memory 47, and a power supply 48. The inside of the container 41 is divided into a space S1 for accommodating food and drink and a space S2 in which the optical sensor 44, the speaker 45, the control unit 46, the memory 47, and the power supply 48 are arranged by the partition plate 41a. A part or all of the partition plate 41a has translucency, and allows light from the space S1 to pass through the space S2. The memory 47 does not necessarily have to be included in the container 41, and a file server or the like on the network may be used. For communication with them, wireless communication, short-range wireless communication, optical communication, or the like can be used. It can also be combined with a music data (sound data output from the speaker 45) distribution service.

The power supply 48 supplies electric power to each of the optical sensor 44, the speaker 45, and the control unit 46. As the power source 48, for example, a battery can be used, and it is preferable to use a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging. When charging the secondary battery, after removing the secondary battery from the container 41, the secondary battery is charged using a charger (not shown), or a connector for charging the secondary battery (not shown). ) Is provided in the container 41, and a power supply line connected to a commercial power source can be connected to this connector. The secondary battery can also be charged using a known wireless charging system or a solar cell.

The optical sensor 44 is provided at a position where it can receive light from the space S1. The light state when the lid 42 closes the opening of the container 41 and the light when the lid 42 is removed from the container 41. Detects the state distinguishably. Here, when the lid 42 closes the opening of the container 41, the light received from the outside of the tableware 40 does not enter the inside of the container 41, so that the amount of light received by the optical sensor 44 is smaller than the predetermined amount. On the other hand, when the lid 42 is removed from the container 41, the light from the outside of the tableware 40 enters the inside of the container 41, and the amount of light received by the optical sensor 44 becomes larger than the predetermined amount.

The output signal of the optical sensor 44 is input to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 determines whether or not the lid 42 has been removed from the container 41 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 44. That is, when the light receiving amount of the optical sensor 44 described above is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 46 determines that the lid 42 closes the opening of the container 41 and the lid 42 is not removed. Further, the control unit 46 determines that the lid 42 has been removed from the container 41 when the light receiving amount of the above-mentioned optical sensor 44 is larger than the threshold value.

The speaker 45 receives a control signal from the control unit 46 and generates a predetermined sound. The sound generated from the speaker 45 can be appropriately determined, but a sound that gives the eater the enjoyment of eating is preferable. If a plurality of openings are formed on the wall surface forming the space S2, the sound generated from the speaker 45 can be easily guided to the outside of the container 41. Here, as the wall surface forming the space S2, there is a wall surface of the partition plate 41a and the container 41. When the opening for the speaker 45 is formed in the partition plate 41a, the food and drink cannot be directly stored in the space S1, so an auxiliary container (not shown) containing the food and drink should be arranged in the space S1. Just do it.

When the control unit 46 determines that the lid 42 has been removed, the control unit 46 drives the speaker 45. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, in step S301, the control unit 46 determines whether or not the lid 42 has been removed based on the detection result of the optical sensor 44. When it is determined that the lid 42 has been removed, in step S302, the control unit 46 drives the speaker 45 to generate sound.

Examples of the driving method of the speaker 45 include two methods described below.

As the first driving method, the control unit 46 can generate sound from the speaker 45 from the time when it is determined that the lid 42 has been removed until a predetermined time elapses. Here, a timer can be provided in the control unit 46 in order to count the passage of time. As a second driving method, the control unit 46 can continue to generate sound from the speaker 45 while the lid 42 is removed. Then, when the control unit 46 determines that the lid 42 has closed the opening of the container 41 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 44, the control unit 46 can stop the generation of sound from the speaker 45.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the space S2 is formed in the lower part of the container 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. The optical sensor 44, the speaker 45, the control unit 46, the memory 47, and the power supply 48 may be arranged at positions capable of exerting the above-mentioned functions. For example, inside the container 41, the partition plate 41a can be arranged along the side wall (part or all) of the container 41, and the space S2 can be formed between the side wall of the container 41 and the partition plate 41a.

According to the present embodiment, when the lid 42 is removed from the container 41, a sound is generated from the speaker 45, so that the meal can be enjoyed by the meal through the hearing of the meal.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The meal system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the meal system of the present embodiment, an image is displayed on the screen 11 on the dining table 10 according to the chewing sound (meal state) of the eater. This makes it possible to give the eater the enjoyment of eating through the eyes of the eater. In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the same members as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

The mealr P wears the fitting 50, and the fitting 50 is provided with a microphone 51. Since the microphone 51 is used to collect the chewing sound of the meal P, it is arranged near the mouth of the meal P. The attachment 50 is attached to the mealer P so that the microphone 51 is arranged at a desired position (a position where the chewing sound can be collected). As the mounting tool 50, a known structure can be appropriately adopted, but by arranging a plurality of microphones 51 apart from each other, at least one microphone 51 is used even if it is affected by environmental disturbance (noise or sound). It becomes easy to detect the chewing sound by using the microphone 51 of the above.

A microphone amplifier 25 is provided on the dining table 10, and the microphone amplifier 25 receives the sound collected by the microphone 51 and amplifies the sound. The microphone amplifier 25 can be connected to the microphone 51 via wire or wirelessly. The microphone amplifier 25 is connected to the external device 30 via a wire or wirelessly, and the sound information amplified by the microphone amplifier 25 is transmitted to the external device 30.

The analysis unit 32 identifies the chewing sound of the eater P based on the output signal of the microphone amplifier 25. Specifically, the analysis unit 32 can perform a predetermined filtering process on the output signal of the microphone amplifier 25, and discriminate the chewing sound based on the filtered signal. Since the process of discriminating the mastication sound can be processed by using a known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted. On the other hand, the image determination unit 31 determines the image data to be transmitted to the projector 21 based on the chewing sound specified by the analysis unit 32.

Regarding the projection of the image based on the sound (chewing sound) picked up by the microphone 51, as shown in the image data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) of FIG. 17, the projected image content and the chewing volume are managed in association with each other. By doing so, it is possible to project an image corresponding to the mastication volume actually picked up from the microphone 51 onto the screen 11. It is also possible to change the display mode of the projected image based on the mastication volume. Specifically, as shown in the video data table (corresponding to mastication sound) of FIG. 17, by managing the mastication volume and the image display mode in association with each other, the image can be displayed in the display mode according to the mastication volume. It can be displayed.

The specific contents of the video data table (corresponding to mastication sound) shown in FIG. 17 will be described below.

When the mastication volume is "high level" (1st volume or higher), the meal P is chewing food well, so the image that gives joy to the meal P in order to praise the meal of the meal P. (Pleasure image) can be displayed on the screen 11. Here, if the image to be displayed contains characters, the size of the characters is set to a predetermined "large" size, or if the image to be displayed contains an image, the size of the image. Can be made into a predetermined "large" size.

When the mastication volume is "medium level" (second volume or more, less than the first volume), a video (support video) supporting the meal P is displayed on the screen 11 in order to further promote the chewing of the meal P. be able to. The second volume is lower than the first volume. Here, if the image to be displayed contains characters, the size of the characters may be set to a predetermined "medium" size (smaller than the above-mentioned "large" character size), or the image to be displayed. When an image is included in the image, the size of the image can be set to a predetermined "medium" size (smaller than the above-mentioned "large" image size).

When the mastication volume is "low level" (less than the second volume), since the eater P does not chew the food well, an image (sadness image) that gives the eater P sadness can be displayed on the screen 11. .. Here, when the image to be displayed contains characters, the size of the characters is set to a predetermined "small" size (smaller than the above-mentioned "medium" character size), or the image to be displayed. When an image is included in the image, the size of the image can be set to a predetermined "small" size (smaller than the above-mentioned "medium" image size).

In the present embodiment, every time the eater P chews the food, an image is displayed based on the image data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) shown in FIG. Here, the number of times the video is displayed during one meal can be counted for each video content. This makes it possible to grasp how many times each video content is displayed in one meal. The information on the number of times of display may be displayed on the display provided on the dining table 10, or may be transmitted to a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the meal P or the meal P and displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. Good.

Next, the processing of the external device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S401, the analysis unit 32 determines whether or not a chewing sound is generated based on the output signal of the microphone amplifier 25. When it is determined that the chewing sound has been generated, the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, the image determination unit 31 determines the image data to be transmitted to the projector 21 in response to the determination result of the analysis unit 32 that the chewing sound has been generated. Similar to the first embodiment, the video determination unit 31 refers to the video data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) of FIG. 17 and determines one video data among the plurality of video data stored in the memory 33. As a method of determining the video data, as shown in the video data table (corresponding to the mastication sound) of FIG. 17, not only the video to be displayed is determined by the mastication volume (large, medium, small), but also the video data to be displayed in advance is determined, for example. It can be decided as appropriate, such as deciding the order of.

In step S403, the video determination unit 31 transmits the determined video data to the projector 21 and drives the projector 21. As a result, an image is projected from the projector 21 onto the screen 11, and the meal P can confirm the image projected on the screen 11. The projection area of the image on the screen 11 can be appropriately determined. For example, the image can be projected on the entire surface of the screen 11, or the image can be projected on a part of the area of the screen 11. The projection area can be managed by associating the projection area with the video data table shown in FIG.

In step S404, the analysis unit 32 determines whether or not the mastication sound is stopped based on the output signal of the microphone amplifier 25. When it is determined that the mastication sound has stopped, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S405, the video determination unit 31 ends the transmission of video data to the projector 21. As a result, the projection of the image from the projector 21 to the screen 11 is completed.

According to the present embodiment, every time the eater P eats and makes a chewing sound, an image is displayed on the screen 11. As a result, the enjoyment of eating can be experienced by the eating person P through the visual sense of the eating person P.

In the present embodiment, the image corresponding to the mastication sound is displayed on the screen 11, but the sound can be generated in addition to the display of the image. Specifically, a speaker (not shown) can be provided on the dining table 10, and when an image is projected from the projector 21, sound can be generated from the speaker. The speaker can be driven by the external device 30. Here, sound can be generated from the speaker according to the image projected from the projector 21.

For example, the sound output from the speaker can be managed in association with the video content (content ID) projected from the projector 21 as shown in the sound data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) of FIG. As a result, it is possible to output audio according to the video content. Further, the volume of the audio can be constant regardless of the video content, or can be changed according to the video content as shown in the audio data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) of FIG.

As shown in the audio data table (corresponding to the chewing sound) of FIG. 19, when displaying the joy image, the joy sound (joy sound) that gives joy to the mealer P can be output from the speaker. When displaying the cheering image, the voice (supporting voice) for cheering the meal of the meal person P can be output from the speaker. When displaying the sadness image, a sound giving sadness to the mealer P (sadness sound) can be output from the speaker.

In the example shown in the voice data table (corresponding to chewing sound) of FIG. 19, predetermined voices (joy voice, cheering voice, sadness voice, etc.) are output, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the chewing sound collected by the microphone 51 can be output from the speaker. In this case, the volume of the mastication sound output from the speaker can be constant regardless of the mastication volume collected by the microphone 51, or can be changed according to the mastication volume collected by the microphone 51. it can. Here, the louder the mastication volume collected by the microphone 51, the louder the mastication sound output from the speaker can be.

In the present embodiment, the mastication volume is measured using the microphone 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by detecting the mastication sound using the microphone 51 and counting the number of times the mastication sound is generated, the number of times of mastication in one meal can be obtained. If the number of chews in one meal is obtained, the analysis unit 32 can evaluate the number of chews. For example, when the target value of the number of chews is set, the evaluation can be performed by comparing the actual number of chews with the target value of the number of chews. The target value of the number of times of chewing can be set, for example, by operating an operation input unit (not shown) provided on the dining table 10 or the external device 30, or a portable device owned by a person other than the mealer P or the mealer P. It is also possible to input a target value of the number of chews from the terminal and transmit this input information to the external device 30.

In the present embodiment, the image is displayed on the screen 11, but the display 12 described in the second embodiment can be used instead of the screen 11. Further, in the present embodiment, when a chewing sound is generated, an image is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the image can be different between the time zone in which the mastication sound is generated and the time zone in which the mastication sound is not generated. More specifically, the still image can be displayed in the time zone when the mastication sound is not generated, and the moving image can be displayed in the time zone when the mastication sound is generated. Furthermore, the image can be changed according to the strength of the chewing sound.

In the present embodiment, the external device 30 is provided outside the dining table 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the configuration of the external device 30 can be provided inside the dining table 10.

In the present embodiment, the image is displayed based on the chewing sound of the mealer P detected by using the microphone 51, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a sensor is provided in a eating utensil (for example, chopsticks, spoon, fork, etc.) for carrying food and drink to the mouth of the eating utensil at the time of meal, and the detection result of this sensor (that is, the eating utensil P is the eating utensil). The image can be displayed based on (touched). Here, the detection target of the sensor includes temperature, pressure, acceleration, and the like.

The temperature of the eating utensil that the eating utensil P touches differs depending on whether or not the eating utensil P touches the eating utensil. Therefore, the temperature of the eating utensil can be detected by using the temperature sensor, and the image can be displayed according to the change in the temperature (change in the eating state). Further, with respect to the eating utensil that the eating utensil P touches, the pressure acting on the eating utensil differs depending on whether or not the eating utensil P touches the eating utensil. Therefore, the pressure sensor can be used to detect the pressure acting on the eating utensil, and the image can be displayed according to the change in pressure (change in eating condition).

Further, with respect to the eating utensil that the eating utensil P touches, the acceleration differs depending on whether or not the eating utensil P touches the eating utensil. Specifically, if the mealr P is not touching the meal utensil and the meal utensil is placed, the acceleration does not occur. On the other hand, if the eater P has a meal device, acceleration corresponding to the meal is generated in the meal device. Therefore, the acceleration sensor can be used to detect the acceleration acting on the eating utensil, and the image can be displayed according to the change in the acceleration (change in the eating state).

Regarding the change in the eating state, the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the acceleration sensor and the like are exemplified as the sensors installed in the eating utensils touched by the meal P, but the RFIDs described in the first to third embodiments have been described above. By using the tableware 40 on which the tag 43 is installed, it is possible to acquire a change in the eating condition. In this case as well, the tableware held by the mealer P can be discriminated as in the image taken by the camera described later.

Furthermore, by installing a camera that captures the meal P at the meal location, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of chewing based on the captured image (specifically, the movement of the mouth of the meal P), and it is possible to determine the presence or absence of chewing. The change can be discriminated. When the camera is installed, it is possible not only to determine the presence or absence of chewing, but also to determine the tableware 40 held by the mealer P. Based on the analysis result of the photographed image acquired from the camera, the screen 11 or the screen 11 or the image corresponding to the tableware 40 held by the meal P, the image showing the opening state of the mouth of the meal P, etc. An image can be displayed on the display 12.

(Fifth Embodiment)
The meal system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23. In the meal system of the present embodiment, a tray as a dining table is used, and an image or the like is displayed on a display built in the tray.

As shown in FIG. 20, the tray 60 is placed on a table (not shown) and has a display 61 and an outer case 62. The display 61 is a touch panel type display and can display various information and images. The outer case 62 has an opening 62a, and the display 61 is exposed in the area inside the opening 62a. As a result, the eater can visually recognize the image or the like displayed on the display 61 in the area inside the opening 62a. The shape of the opening 62a is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 20, and may be various shapes.

An electronic device such as a tablet provided with a touch panel type display can be housed inside the outer case 62, and the display of the electronic device can be used as the display 61. When the electronic device is housed inside the outer case 62, a structure for positioning the electronic device can be provided inside the outer case 62.

As shown in FIG. 20, a meal utensil 70 such as chopsticks, a spoon, and a fork can be placed on the upper surface of the outer case 62 (the surface on the side where the display 61 is exposed). The eating utensil 70 is provided with a magnet. For example, the magnet can be provided on the grip portion of the eating utensil 70 held by the eater. The meal utensil 70 can also be placed on the upper surface of the display 61.

As shown in FIG. 21, the tableware 80 mounted on the display 61 of the tray 60 has a container 81 for accommodating food and drink, and an attachment 82 detachably attached to the lower portion of the container 81. As the container 81, a general container made of pottery, plastic, or the like can be used. As a means for attaching and detaching the container 81 and the attachment 82, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener or a magnet can be used.

A stylus portion 82a that comes into contact with the display 61 is provided on the bottom surface of the attachment 82. The stylus portion 82a is used to determine that the tableware 80 is placed on the display 61. The tableware 80 may be one in which the container 81 and the attachment 82 are integrally configured.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tray 60, the meal utensil 70, and the tableware 80. The control unit 30A has the same functions as the control unit 30A described in the second embodiment (FIG. 10), and includes a video determination unit 31, an analysis unit 32, and a memory 33.

The control unit 30A drives the display 61 and acquires information from the display 61 (for example, information regarding the position on which the tableware 80 is placed). When the tableware 80 is placed on the display 61, the control unit 30A determines that the tableware 80 is placed on the display 61 based on the output of the display 61 when the stylus unit 82a comes into contact with the display 61, or displays. The placement position of the tableware 80 in 61 is specified. As a result, the control unit 30A drives the display 61 to display an image (for example, FIG. 11) in a display area (a part of the display 61) corresponding to the position of the tableware 80, as in the second embodiment. The image shown in) can be displayed. It is also possible to display an image in the entire display area of the display 61.

The magnetic sensor 63 is provided at a position on the tray 60 where the meal utensil 70 is placed, and detects a magnet included in the meal utensil 70 when the meal utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60. Then, this detection result is transmitted to the control unit 30A. The control unit 30A determines whether or not the meal utensil 70 is mounted on the tray 60 based on the output of the magnetic sensor 63. Here, when the eating utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60, it means that the eating utensil 70 is not using the eating utensil 70, so that it can be determined that the eating utensil is not eating. On the other hand, when the eating utensil 70 is not placed on the tray 60, it means that the eating utensil 70 is using the eating utensil 70, so that it can be determined that the eating utensil is eating.

The weight sensor 64 measures the total weight of the items (meal utensils 70 and tableware 80 (including food and drink in the container 81)) placed on the tray 60, and transmits the measurement results to the control unit 30A. If the tableware 80 in which the food and drink is not stored in the container 81 is placed on the display 61, the weight of the tableware 80 itself before the food and drink is stored in the container 81 can be measured by the weight sensor 64. Further, if the tableware 80 in which the food and drink is stored in the container 81 is placed on the display 61, the weight of the tableware 80 after the food and drink is stored in the container 81 can be measured by the weight sensor 64. By measuring the weight of the tableware 80 in this way, it is possible to grasp the change in the weight of the food and drink contained in the container 81. Thereby, as described in the second embodiment, the evaluation based on the amount of food can be performed.

The information to be displayed on the display 61 includes, for example, the weight of food and drink in the container 81, the total weight of the food and drink placed on the tray 60 (including the meal utensil 70, tableware 80, and food and drink in the container 81), and the tray 60. Information on whether or not the eating utensil 70 is placed on the container 81 and the remaining amount of food and drink in the container 81. The remaining amount of food and drink can be displayed as, for example, the ratio of the weight of food and drink currently remaining to the initial weight of food and drink.

The container 81 is provided with a transmitter 81a for transmitting a container ID which is an identifier for each container 81. The tray 60 is provided with a receiver 65 that receives the container ID transmitted from the transmitter 81a. The receiver 65 transmits the received container ID to the control unit 30A, and the control unit 30A can identify the container 81 mounted on the tray 60 based on the container ID.

Next, the process of determining the presence or absence of meals will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S501, the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines whether or not there is an output from the magnetic sensor 63. When there is an output from the magnetic sensor 63, in step S502, the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines that the eating utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60 and that the eater is not eating. When there is no output from the magnetic sensor 63, in step S503, the control unit 30A (analysis unit 32) determines that the eating utensil 70 is not placed on the tray 60 and the eater is eating.

By determining whether or not a person is eating as described above, it is possible to determine that the state has changed from a state not being eaten to a state being eaten, that is, a change in the eating state. When the change in the eating state is determined in this way, the control unit 30A (image determination unit 31) can display the image on the display 61, and the eater can visually recognize the image displayed on the display 61. it can.

The method of displaying the image on the display 61 is as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, similarly to the video data table shown in FIG. 6, the content ID for identifying the video content and the container ID for identifying the container 81 (corresponding to the tableware ID shown in FIG. 6) are associated and managed. Therefore, the image corresponding to the container 81 can be displayed on the display 61. Here, the container ID can be obtained from the transmitter 81a provided in the container 81 as described above.

The correspondence between the video content (content ID) and the container ID described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the type of ingredients and dishes (rice, meat, etc.) that the eater puts in the container 81 before starting the meal. It is also possible to make it possible to select (fish, fried food, roasted food, soup, dessert, etc.) and the corresponding video content (content ID).

In this case, the figure shows the result of acquiring the container ID of the container 81 used by the meal and associating the food and the type of food to be put in the container 81 with the video content (content ID) by the meal. It is managed by the video data table shown in 6. Here, the tableware ID (container ID in the present embodiment) shown in FIG. 6 is associated with the type of ingredients and dishes. As the video content, in addition to the video content prepared in advance, the meal can register the video content according to his / her preference. As a result, it is not necessary to use a fixed container 81 for each type of ingredient or dish, and even if different ingredients or different types of dishes are put in the same container 81, the type of ingredient or dish put in the container 81. It is possible to project an image according to the above. In addition, the meal can project the video of his / her taste by registering the video content according to his / her taste.

According to the present embodiment, an image can be displayed on the display 61 according to the use of the eating utensil 70 for the meal by the eater. As a result, the enjoyment of eating can be experienced by the eating person through the visual sense of the eating person.

In the present embodiment, the magnet and the magnetic sensor 63 provided on the eating utensil 70 are used to detect that the eating utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, using the RFID reader or RFID tag described in the first embodiment, it is possible to detect that the eating utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60.

Further, the configuration for detecting that the meal utensil 70 is placed on the tray 60 as in the present embodiment can be applied to the meal system described in the first to fourth embodiments. That is, the present embodiment can be applied even when the eating utensil 70 described in the present embodiment is placed on the upper surface 10a of the dining table 10 described in the first to fourth embodiments.

According to the present embodiment, by determining whether or not a person is eating by the process shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to distinguish between a time zone during which a meal is being eaten and a time zone during which a meal is not being eaten. Here, the time zone during which the meal is eaten corresponds to the lid opening time described in the first embodiment, and the time zone during which the meal is not eaten corresponds to the lid closing time described in the first embodiment. Thereby, as described in the first embodiment, the meal time can be calculated and the evaluation based on the meal time can be performed.

Further, as described in the second embodiment, in addition to displaying the image on the display 61, sound can be generated from a speaker (not shown) provided on the tray 60. In this case, the sound can be generated by managing the voice ID, the voice file name, the content ID, and the voice reproduction time in association with each other, as in the voice data table shown in FIG.

The audio can be registered by the meal as well as the above-mentioned video, and the correspondence between the audio ID and the content ID (video content) can be set by the meal so that various combinations can be registered. It is also possible to do.

The video and audio can be registered from the setting display device 300 described in the sixth embodiment (FIG. 24) described later. The video and audio additionally registered by the meal can be managed by the analysis system 200 described in the sixth embodiment (FIG. 24), and the additionally registered video and audio are other than the registered meal. It may be made available to meals.

In this way, by registering the video and audio of the eater's preference and making it possible to use them in any combination, the eater can enjoy eating without getting bored.

As a modification of this embodiment, the attachment 82 may be provided with a magnet, and the tray 60 may be provided with a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnet of the attachment 82 (hereinafter referred to as a magnetic sensor for detecting tableware). The magnetic sensor for tableware detection can be provided at a position corresponding to the display 61, and when the tableware 80 is placed on the tray 60, the magnet included in the attachment 82 is detected, and the detection result is output to the control unit 30A. Send to. The control unit 30A determines whether or not the tableware 80 is placed on the tray 60 based on the output of the magnetic sensor for detecting the tableware. The magnet may be provided in the container 81 instead of the attachment 82.

Here, if a plurality of magnetic sensors for detecting tableware are arranged at a plurality of positions in the area where the tableware 80 is placed, the placement position of the tableware 80 can be specified. Specifically, among the plurality of magnetic sensors for detecting tableware, the placement position of the tableware 80 can be specified based on the output of the magnetic sensor for detecting tableware that detects the magnet included in the attachment 82. If the placement position of the tableware 80 can be specified, an image (for example, the image shown in FIG. 11) can be displayed in the display area (a part of the area of the display 61) corresponding to the placement position. Further, if the magnetic state detected by the magnetic sensor for detecting tableware is different for each tableware 80, the identifier for each container 81 (corresponding to the above-mentioned container ID) can be determined.

(Sixth Embodiment)
The analysis system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 24. The analysis system 200 of the present embodiment is connected to each of the meal system 100 and the setting display device 300 via a network.

The meal system 100 corresponds to the meal system described in the first to fifth embodiments, and corresponds to the meal state detected by the sensing unit 110 and the sensing unit 110 that detects the meal state of the tableware or the eater. It has a reaction unit 120 that performs processing (display of video and output of audio).

The sensing unit 110 includes the RFID tag 43 and the RFID reader 22 described in the first embodiment, the touch panel display 12 described in the second embodiment, and the microphone 51 described in the fourth embodiment. The display 61, the magnetic sensor 63, and the weight sensor 64 described in the fifth embodiment may be included. The reaction unit 120 includes the projector 21 and the speaker described in the first embodiment, the touch panel display 12 and the speaker described in the second embodiment, and the projector and the touch panel display described in the fourth embodiment. It may be included, or the display 61 or speaker described in the fifth embodiment may be included.

The analysis system 200 includes a sensing data acquisition unit 210, a sensing data storage unit 220, an effect analysis unit 230, and a target value management unit 240. The sensing data acquisition unit 210 acquires data (data related to the meal state) detected by the sensing unit 110 of the meal system 100. The sensing data storage unit 220 stores the data acquired by the sensing data acquisition unit 210.

The effect analysis unit 230 performs a predetermined analysis based on the data stored in the sensing data storage unit 220 and the target value corresponding to this data. This analysis corresponds to the processing (evaluation using the target value) of the analysis unit 32 described in the first to fifth embodiments. The target value management unit 240 manages the target value transmitted from the setting display device 300. The target value managed by the target value management unit 240 is used for processing in the effect analysis unit 230.

The setting display device 300 has a target value setting unit 310 and an analysis result display unit 320. Examples of the setting display device 300 include a eater and a mobile terminal owned by a person other than the eater described in the first embodiment and the like.

The target value setting unit 310 is used to set the target value. The target value set by the target value setting unit 310 is transmitted to the analysis system 200. Examples of the target value include the target value of the meal time described in the first embodiment, the target value of the amount of meal described in the second embodiment, and the target value of the number of chews described in the fourth embodiment. The analysis result display unit 320 displays the analysis result (analysis result of the effect analysis unit 230) transmitted from the analysis system 200.

As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the analysis result is displayed on a radar chart centered on the number of times of chewing, the amount of food eaten, the number of items, the calorie intake, the meal time, the number of times of praise, and the like. As shown in FIG. 25, there are various display methods such as displaying the meal system 100 so that it can be compared before and after the start of use. The information before the start of use can be analyzed, for example, by acquiring information such as the number of times of chewing and the meal time without using video or audio in the meal system described in the first to fifth embodiments. Further, the radar chart may be displayed by superimposing the target value and the actual value so that the target value can be compared with the set target value. In addition, the provision of analysis results to users of the meal system 100 is not limited to the above, and the meal system includes ranking of results compared with the situation of other users, tendency of likes and dislikes based on the amount of food eaten, and nutritional intake. Various analysis results can be provided by using the information acquired from 100.

The analysis system 200 is connected to the external system 400 via a network, and the information obtained by the processing of the effect analysis unit 230 can be transmitted to the external system 400. Here, in addition to the information obtained by the processing of the effect analysis unit 230, the data stored in the sensing data storage unit 220 and the target value managed by the target value management unit 240 are transmitted to the external system 400. can do.

The external system 400 is owned by a company different from the company that owns the analysis system 200, and the company that owns the external system 400 utilizes the information transmitted from the analysis system 200 to perform various businesses (product development). , Demand forecasting, service provision, etc.).

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10: Dining table, 11: Screen, 12: Touch panel display, 21: Projector, 22: RFID reader, 25: Microphone amplifier, 30: External device, 31: Video judgment unit, 32: Analysis unit, 33: Memory, 40: Tableware , 41: Container, 42: Lid, 43: RFID Tag, 50: Attacher, 51: Microphone, 60: Tray, 61: Display, 63: Magnetic Sensor, 64: Weight Sensor, 65: Receiver, 70: Dining Equipment , 80: Tableware, 81: Container, 81a: Transmitter, 82: Attachment, 82a: Stylus part

Claims (17)

A sensor unit that detects the eating condition of tableware or the eater,
A dining table with a mounting surface for placing the tableware,
Based on the detection result of the sensor unit, when it is determined that the eating condition has changed, the control unit that displays an image on the above-mentioned mounting surface and the control unit.
A dietary system characterized by having. It is provided on the dining table and has a speaker that outputs sound.
The meal system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the speaker when it determines that the meal state has changed based on the detection result of the sensor unit. The meal system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit displays an image on the above-mentioned placing surface for a predetermined time. It has a projector that is installed inside the dining table and projects images.
The meal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting surface has translucency and is composed of a screen on which an image from the projector is projected. According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the above-mentioned mounting surface is configured by a touch panel display that displays an image and detects a contact state with respect to the above-mentioned mounting surface as the meal state. Described dietary system. The tableware has a container for accommodating food and drink and a lid for closing the opening of the container.
The sensor unit
With the wireless communication tag provided on the container or the lid,
A wireless communication reader that communicates with the wireless communication tag,
The dietary system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dietary system comprises. The sensor unit detects the chewing sound of the eater and
The meal system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit displays the image in response to the chewing sound. The tableware has a container for accommodating food and drink and a lid for closing the opening of the container.
The container is
A speaker that outputs sound and
An optical sensor that detects the light state inside the container,
When it is determined that the lid has been removed from the container based on the detection result of the optical sensor, the control unit that drives the speaker and the control unit
The dietary system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dietary system is characterized by having. The tableware includes eating utensils for carrying food and drink to the mouth of the eater.
The meal system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor unit detects that the meal utensil is placed on the table. A data acquisition unit that acquires dietary status data,
An analysis unit that identifies the meal content of the eater based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit and evaluates the meal content by comparing the specified meal content with the target value related to the meal content.
An analytical system characterized by having. An analysis system capable of communicating via a network with a meal system having a sensing unit that detects a meal state and a reaction unit that performs processing according to the meal state.
A data acquisition unit that acquires the data of the meal state from the meal system, and
An analysis unit that evaluates the meal content and the effect of processing by the reaction unit by comparing the meal content of the eater specified based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit with the target value related to the meal content.
An analytical system characterized by having. The analysis system according to claim 11, wherein the processing in the reaction unit is an output of a voice or an image according to a meal state. The analysis system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the meal system is the meal system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The analysis system can communicate with a setting device for setting the target value via a network.
The analysis system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a management unit that manages the target value acquired from the setting device for the evaluation by the analysis unit. The analysis system according to claim 14, wherein the analysis system transmits the result of the evaluation by the analysis unit to the setting device. The analysis system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the analysis system transmits the result of the evaluation by the analysis unit to an external system that uses the evaluation. The analysis system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the meal content is a meal time, how to eat a plurality of foods and drinks, an amount of meals, or the number of times of chewing.

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