JP2002251518A - Support system for cooking, and controller for foodstuff - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To construct a database of foodstuff information by acquiring automatically information required to control a foodstuff to be accumulated in a memory. SOLUTION: The foodstuff information is read from the foodstuff 20 or a label 15 and a receipt 16 by a foodstuff information input means 11 to be accumulated in the memory 33. User information is preliminarily stored in a foodstuff controller 10, and a menu using the optional foodstuff 20 efficiently is retrieval-required to a menu retrieval server 70 based on the user information and the foodstuff information. The server 70 provides a list of a menu-retrieved result satisfying a menu condition to the foodstuff controller 10. The controller 10 exhibits the list of the menu-retrieved result, and requires menu information for selected cooking to the retrieval server 70 when a user 01 selects the cooking out of the list of the menu-retrieved result. The foodstuff controller 10 receives the menu information provided by the server 70 to display the menu information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article management apparatus for automatically setting a use plan of an article from personal information of a user and various information of the article. The present invention relates to a cooking support system and a foodstuff management apparatus that presents to a user a menu that can be efficiently consumed during the period of use (including seasonings).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the development of wide-area networks such as the Internet has progressed, and the government, corporations, universities, and individuals have built their own databases, so that Internet users can use various search services. Can be used. In addition, as information is being used by computers and portable information terminals, various types of information are digitized, and accordingly, it is becoming easier to construct a database system for processing and storing information. It is not uncommon for computerized information to be distributed, publicized, and distributed on computer-readable media other than the Internet. For example, product information and patent gazettes are provided on CD-ROMs and bookstores. Some of the magazines sold in C
Many D-ROMs are attached.

[0003] With the spread of computerization of information, an information retrieval apparatus for efficiently searching stored information by using a computer has been conventionally provided. For example, a telephone number search machine using a desk-top calculator that stores telephone numbers,
It can be said that this is an example of a simple system of the information retrieval device. In the information search device, target data can be assumed in various ways, such as a dictionary, an address book, a telephone number, product information, customer information, and a cooking menu. Therefore, currently known information search services using the information search device are very wide. Spans the field. In an information search service on the Internet, it is possible to increase profits by posting an electronic advertisement using images and sounds on the operation screen together.

The menu search service includes, for example, “Cooking Navi (http://www.ajinomoto.co.jp/ajinomoto/coo
king / cooknavi.htm) and Bob and Angie's Kitchen (http://www.osakagas.co.jp/webcooking/). In these menu search services, a user first inputs a dish type, a foodstuff, a cooking method, a cooking time, and the like as menu search conditions according to an input form. When the menu information of the search result extracted by the information search device based on the menu search condition is displayed, the user can arbitrarily select the menu from the menu information of the search result, and the selected menu is selected. The details of the menu (finished photo of the dish, ingredients used, recipe, nutritional value) are displayed on the screen, and the menu search service ends. Therefore, the user
By examining the displayed menu details, it is necessary to separately manage the ingredients required for cooking, use plans, and procure the missing ingredients.

[0005] simply a digitized information accumulation, because it is difficult to effectively use the information, utility value of information can not be said to be high. Therefore, a data management system is widely known as a system for processing and storing information so that various information can be used effectively. As a specific example of the data management system, POS (Point of Sales or Po
int of Service) system. The POS system uses optical character recognition technology (OCR).
Recognition)) and an automatic reading device for product information based on barcode recognition technology, and processed so that sales information collected for each product unit price and various information generated in activities such as purchasing and delivery can be used effectively. Is a communication system. Integrated data management systems such as POS systems are widespread, mainly in the retail sector.

[0006] As computers and the Internet have spread to homes, online commerce using the Internet has begun to spread. There are many store servers on the Internet that provide product purchase services through online commerce, and the products handled by these store servers include, for example, books and magazines, computer software,
Digital data (image, music, etc.), foodstuffs, daily necessities, and over the wide and various ticket. In addition, a new business form has been created to meet the needs of product buyers, such as providing a home delivery service for delivering products purchased through online commerce to the buyer's home. In such an online commerce, it is often performed by a service such as telephone banking and Internet banking to provide financial institutions the settlement associated with it. Already, as an example of such a settlement system, there is a technical mechanism that allows such transfers from the phone or computer balance inquiry of the bank account, to other courses.

[0007] As the price of computers and their peripheral devices is reduced, it is not uncommon for a home to own a plurality of computers. At present, it is possible to connect computers and peripheral devices by a home communication network (home network) using inexpensive network relay devices. As this type of usage has become widespread, information appliances (Information Appliances or Inform
Non-personal computers called ternet Appliances) have begun to be proposed. Information appliances are expected to use advanced information by cooperating with various devices existing in an inter-network communication network such as a home network and the Internet. Already it is commercially available product called Internet microwave oven, which is a conventional computer functions and consumer electronics which gave a network connection function to the microwave oven can be said to be an example of information appliances fused.

As described above, as mechanisms and devices for easily obtaining and exchanging information have become popular,
By using information accumulated by individuals and cooperating with various data management systems, it is expected that demands for advanced information utilization methods that cannot be provided by the data management system alone will increase.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a menu search procedure in the conventional menu search service. The user first displays a menu search condition input form as illustrated in FIG. 46 (step A01), and inputs ingredients, a dish type, and a cooking method as menu search conditions (step A02), and FIG. A list of menu search results as illustrated is displayed (step A03). Next, the user:
A desired dish name is selected from a list of menu search results (step A04), and menu information as illustrated in FIG. 48 is displayed (step A05). If the user does not like the displayed menu information, the user returns control to step A01 and starts over from the beginning.

[0010]

At present, many services provided on the Internet, such as online commerce, are independent services in which each server individually provides services. For example, certain information is transmitted between the servers. Providing cooperative services such as mutual use is not easy with conventional technology. In other words, the conventional menu search service obtains menu information that takes into account the expiration date of the ingredients, and performs a series of input operations required to order and deliver the missing ingredients to the dishes extracted from the menu information. To
There is a problem that it is difficult to provide a menu search service that can be operated by one unified menu screen.

[0011] When purchasing ingredients that are insufficient for cooking,
If you find a missing ingredient in your cooking from the ingredients you own, then usually go to a grocery store such as a supermarket and buy it directly, or go to the online commerce service to purchase and deliver the ingredients. No. The conventional menu search service does not have a mechanism for automatically extracting, from the foods stored in a refrigerator or the like, the food shortage in the food, even if the food required for the food can be displayed on the menu search screen. Furthermore, in order to procure missing foods using online commerce, there is an annoyance that it is necessary to find out and purchase the missing foods from the online commerce service. As described above, since the conventional menu search service and online commerce service are provided independently, various services such as accessing various services from searching for ingredients that are insufficient for cooking to purchasing the ingredients are used. It requires a lot of effort,
At present, it is not possible to provide an advanced menu search service that mutually uses food information.

[0012] In general, taking into account the expiration date of nutrition and ingredients of dishes to determine the appropriate menu on a daily basis is difficult. Especially since the number of cooking repertoires varies depending on the person who cooks, even if you are cooking while looking at a traditional menu, if the cooking repertoire is scarce, it is appropriate to consider the expiration date of the ingredients Not everyone can make a great menu every day. Further, since the number of ingredients used for cooking in daily life is large, and the expiration date and the amount used for cooking differ depending on the type of ingredients, it is not easy to manage information on these fluctuating ingredients. For example, as the number of foods stored in the freezer or refrigerator compartment of a refrigerator increases, it becomes more difficult to secure a place to store the foods. It is not unusual for a user to forget that even a purchase made while keeping it inside. In this case, there is a high possibility that the expiration date of the food material expires, so that there is a problem that economically unnecessary expenditure is generated.

[0013] In general, not only the method of managing food materials but also the management of information and the construction of a database is a serious task involving the input of information. For example, a housewife has a habit of filling in a household account book to control purchased items and prices.However, it is necessary to enter information on purchased items in a household account book or to input information to household account book dedicated software. Become. Similarly, when managing ingredients used for cooking, it is necessary to manage not only the name and price of ingredients but also information that changes for each ingredient such as expiration date and weight, There is a problem that it is a serious task that requires the database to be updated frequently.

As shown in FIG. 48, menu information provided by a conventional menu menu or menu search service is such that the quantity of ingredients used for cooking is expressed as the quantity of ingredients calculated for a predetermined number of people. It is common to use But 4
When cooking for three people while looking at the menu information described in the amount of ingredients for a person, there is a problem that it is necessary to correct the amount described in the menu information by himself. further,
In the conventional menu search service, the input items required for the search include ingredients (chicken, pork, beef, seafood, eggs, beans, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms), food types (Japanese, Western, Chinese, Indian), Season of ingredients (spring, summer, autumn, winter), cooking time, calories, cooking method (bake, boil, fry, fry, steam, boil, pot, cook, salad, unheated, dessert), dish name, keyword, Although the difficulty of cooking is mentioned, there is a problem that as the number of these input items is larger, the input operation required for the search is more troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to improve the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular, to perform a menu search from a menu search in consideration of the user's taste and the expiration date of the ingredients to the procurement of ingredients required for cooking. An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking support system that can be collectively performed by a series of operations from a screen.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking support system in a cooking support system for performing a process of ordering a food deficient ingredient used in cooking to a food distributor in a series of steps from a menu search. By integrating various menu-related search servers and services related to cooking via the Internet, a cooking support system that allows a user to easily use the services of a plurality of service providers in a unified manner is provided.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooking support system for presenting food information related to food ingredients described in menu information to a user together with menu information in a series of steps from menu search. is there.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking support system for presenting product information related to ingredients described in menu information to a user together with menu information in a series of steps from menu search. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking support system for presenting advertisement information related to ingredients described in menu information to a user together with menu information in a series of steps from menu search. is there.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a menu distribution system that allows users to easily share information stored in a cooking support system.

As a prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-0
65465 has been disclosed in a "food management function with a refrigerator." This prior art manages ingredients stored in a refrigerator by reading and storing management information from a memory label attached to the ingredients and, when the ingredients are judged to be expired or is about to expire, a notice is given to that effect. The recipe (cooking method) of various dishes can be searched. However, this recipe
This is stored in a database stored in advance in the control microcomputer, and is not searched from the menu search server via the inter-network communication network unlike the present invention.

As a prior art, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-1
There is a "food management and food acquisition device" disclosed in US Pat. In this prior art, a name of a dish that can be cooked with the owned ingredients is displayed based on various food data and various dish data, and a user can select a desired dish name from the displayed dishes. However, various kinds of dish data are stored in advance on the user side, and are not searched from the menu search server via the inter-network communication network as in the present invention. Further, the present invention is different from the present invention in that the present invention does not mainly present the foodstuff that is currently lacking, but presents the foodstuff that is expected to be insufficient in the future.

Further, as a prior art, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H06-2
There is a “cooking menu support device” disclosed in US Pat.
In this prior art, cooking ingredients, quantity and expiration date are registered, and menu information can be searched by giving priority to stock ingredients whose expiration date expires earlier. However, the menu information is registered in advance by the user side, and is not searched from the menu search server via the inter-network communication network unlike the present invention.

Further, as a prior art, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
-055105 there is a "menu support machine" that has been disclosed in. This prior art is realized by software using a notebook personal computer or the like, and is based on the premise that the food data is sequentially input by an input device each time the food is obtained, as in the present invention. It is not intended to automate the input of food information. Further, in the prior art, not only the recipe of the selected dish, but also to output the total calories, etc., the present invention, the menu database and the nutrition database are provided separately, Nutritional value information is not always added to the menu information in the search results. However, in the present invention as well, it is possible to calculate the nutritional value by storing only menu information of search results and automatically extracting ingredients from the stored menu information of search results.

[0025] In addition, as prior art, JP-A-09-01
There is an “electronic menu creation device” disclosed in US Pat. This prior art merely allows an unnecessary dish to be designated, and makes it easy to create a menu suited to the tastes of the user and a menu suitable for a dietary treatment. It is not something that can be managed. Further, a plurality of users as in the present invention (e.g., family) do not have to be able to take into account the personal information.

[0026]

According to the present invention, there is provided a cooking support system in which a food management device is connected to a menu search server via an inter-network communication network.
A foodstuff storage room for storing foodstuffs, a foodstuff information input device for inputting foodstuff information of the foodstuffs stored in the foodstuff storage room, a storage device for storing the foodstuff information input from the foodstuff information input device, and a user A food management device that requests menu search to the menu search server using information and food information as menu search conditions, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the menu search server to an output device. I do.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device. Selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the dish support proxy server to search for the menu, and outputting the menu information of the search result returned from the dish support proxy server to the output device A food management device for outputting to the menu, and requesting a menu search from the menu search server selected when there is a menu search request from the food management device; And having a cooking support proxy server transmits the search results of menu information returned from the stand search server to the foodstuff management device.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device. Selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the dish support proxy server to search for the menu, and outputting the menu information of the search result returned from the dish support proxy server to the output device A food management device for outputting to the menu, and a menu of ingredients described in the menu information when the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server. Request information to the store server food distributors, and having a cooking support proxy server sending the food information returned from the shop server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the support system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device And selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the cooking support proxy server to search for a menu, and outputting menu information of the search result returned from the cooking support proxy server A foodstuff management device to be output to the device, and a foodstuff described in the menu information when the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server Requesting product information to the store server food distributors, and having a cooking support proxy server that transmits product information returned from the shop server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device. Selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the dish support proxy server to search for the menu, and outputting the menu information of the search result returned from the dish support proxy server to the output device And a food management device for outputting to the menu, and an advertisement for the food described in the menu information when the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server Requesting distribution to advertisers ad management server, and having a cooking support proxy server transmits the advertisement information returned from the advertisement management server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device. Selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the dish support proxy server to search for the menu, and outputting the menu information of the search result returned from the dish support proxy server to the output device A food management device for outputting to the menu, and a menu of ingredients described in the menu information when the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server. Requesting the information from the store server of the food distributor, requesting the advertisement information of the food described in the menu information from the advertisement management server of the advertiser, and transmitting the nutrient information of the food described in the menu information to the nutrient management server. And transmits the food information returned from the store server, the advertisement information returned from the advertisement management server, and the nutrient information returned from the nutrient management server to the food management device as an integrated screen together with the menu information. And a cooking support proxy server.

Further, in the cooking support system of the present invention, the food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. In the support system, a food storage room that stores food, a food information input device that inputs food information of the food stored in the food storage room, and a storage device that stores the food information input from the food information input device And selecting the menu search server using the user information and the food information as menu search conditions, requesting the cooking support proxy server to search for a menu, and outputting menu information of the search result returned from the cooking support proxy server A foodstuff management device to be output to the device, and a foodstuff described in the menu information when the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server Requesting the food information from the store server of the food distributor, transmitting the food information returned from the store server to the food management device as an integrated screen together with the menu information, and based on the purchase information of the food from the store server. And a delivery support server for requesting the home delivery receiving device to deliver the purchased ingredients and, at the same time, requesting the settlement device to settle the purchase price of the ingredients.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device recognizes the feature, name or weight of the food material by a non-destructive inspection technique using an optical character reader, an image recognition device, a near-infrared device or the like. The method is characterized in that the food material information is estimated and input, and the food material management device stores the food material information in the storage device.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device includes a voice input unit, and the food management device converts the food information from a voice read out by the user toward the food information input device. The food information is stored in the storage device by voice recognition.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device reads the food information stored in a user identification card which is a card-type recording medium used when purchasing the food, and performs the food management. An apparatus accumulates the food information in the storage device.

Further, cooking support system of the present invention, the ingredient information input device reads the user information stored in the user identification card comprising card-type recording medium to use when food purchase, the ingredients management An apparatus stores the user information in the storage device.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device reads a special recording medium capable of storing user identification information and personal information, and the food management device uses the special recording medium. By freely using the personal information recorded in the user information and the user information stored in the storage device as a menu search condition, the personal information and the user information are used to estimate the user's preference, and the menu search condition and It is characterized by being able to.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device is an antenna for identifying a wireless label incorporated in a tray that can be installed in the food storage room, and is placed on the tray. The expiration date of the food placed on the tableware is read from the wireless label attached to the displayed tableware, and the food management device stores the shelf life of the food as the food information in the storage device.

In the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food information input device is a weighing sensor for measuring a weight applied to a tray that can be installed in the food storage room, and is placed on the tableware placed on the tray. The total weight of the ingredients is read, and the food management device measures the weight of the ingredients by subtracting the weight of the previously measured dishes from the total weight of the ingredients placed on the dishes, and calculates the weight of the ingredients as the ingredient information. Is stored in the storage device.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device stores in advance the user's cooking proficiency in the storage device as user information, and retrieves the search result according to the user's cooking proficiency. It is characterized by changing the wording of menu information and the notation of figures.

Furthermore, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device records the history of menu information in the storage device, and calculates the total nutritional value of the menu used during an arbitrary period. In addition, menu items that can take in nutritional values that are insufficient in terms of nutritional balance are presented.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device enables the user to directly input a purchase date, a production date, and a best-before date of the food as food information. By storing in advance the expiration date value serving as a rough guide in the storage device, the purchase date and the expiration date of the input ingredients are automatically set.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device inputs the number of people who eat the food in the menu search condition, and thereby the quantity of the food indicated in the menu information of the search result is input by the input number of people. It is displayed in minutes.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device predicts a food consumption trend from food consumption statistics stored in the storage device, and predicts that the future food will be short. It is characterized by presenting ingredients.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device displays icons representing a plurality of menu search servers on the selection screen of the menu search server, and the cooking support proxy server performs the menu search. By selecting an icon on the server selection screen and requesting a menu search from a desired menu search server, the user can search for the desired menu without being aware of the individual menu search servers distributed on the inter-network communication network. It is characterized in that a menu search can be requested by specifying a server.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device transmits barcode information written on a product label attached to the food or a receipt received when the food is purchased to the food support proxy server. Then, the cooking support proxy server automatically obtains the food information corresponding to the food from the shop server and returns it to the food management device, and the food management device stores the food information in the storage device. It is characterized by.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device includes means for issuing a distribution request for menu information to a user's information terminal registered in advance, and the cooking support proxy server includes: When there is a menu information distribution request from the food management device, the menu information of the search result returned from the menu search server is processed and distributed to the information terminal.

Further, in the cooking support system according to the present invention, the food management device may include a means for receiving a distribution request for menu information from a user's information terminal via a communication base station, and a request for distribution of the menu information. Means for transferring a menu information distribution request to an information terminal owned by users registered in advance when received, wherein the cooking support proxy server receives a menu information distribution request from the food management apparatus. In this case, the menu information of the search result returned from the menu search server at the time of processing is processed and distributed to the information terminal.

Meanwhile, foodstuff management apparatus of the present invention, storage and input device, an output device, and ingredient information management database, ingredient information management table, the user information management table, menu information management table, and the expiration date management table A storage device, a time management device, a timer, a food information identification unit, a food information conversion unit, a food information management unit, a food information verification unit, a food information display management unit, and a storage medium reading device. It is characterized by comprising.

Further, in the food management apparatus according to the present invention, the food information management unit includes a GUI display unit, a card authentication unit, a card-type recording medium personal information management unit, an information comparison unit, and a card-type recording medium information. a reading unit, a card type recording medium information writing unit, and a card-type recording medium product information analysis unit, and a metering setting unit, a menu search setting unit, and a food order setting unit, and ingredient information retrieval unit, ingredient information setting unit And the expiration date setting section,
It is characterized by comprising a menu search setting section and a timer management section.

Further, in the food management apparatus according to the present invention, the food information identification unit reads the product label attached to the food or the bar code information written on the receipt passed when the food was purchased. based on the read barcode information to identify the ingredient information, characterized by storing the food material information in the storage device.

Further, in the food management apparatus according to the present invention, the food information identification unit transmits the barcode information to the cooking support proxy server and corresponds to the barcode information returned from the cooking support proxy server. Receiving food information,
The food information is stored in the storage device.

Further, the food management device of the present invention includes a voice recognition unit for recognizing food information from voice read by a user toward a food information input device provided with voice input means. It is characterized in that the recognized food information is stored in the storage device.

Further, the food management apparatus of the present invention includes a food storage room having a built-in antenna for identifying the wireless label on the tray, and the wireless label attached to the tableware placed on the tray is used as the antenna. By controlling the expiration date of the ingredients placed on the tableware by reading in the table.

Further, the food management apparatus of the present invention includes a food storage room equipped with a weighing sensor for measuring the weight applied to the tray, and measures in advance from the total weight of the food placed on the dishes measured by the weighing sensor. The weight of the food is managed by a weighing device that automatically measures the weight of the food by subtracting the weight of the tableware set in advance.

The food management apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the food storage room is a refrigerator provided with a cooling management device.

Further, the food management apparatus of the present invention is provided with a food information input / output device comprising a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and the food information input / output device is connected to the food information input device.

On the other hand, the method of selecting a menu search server according to the present invention is the same as the method of selecting a menu search server in which a user arbitrarily selects a plurality of menu search servers and requests a menu search, but also a menu search server selection screen. The icon that anthropomorphizes the features of each menu search server is displayed on the screen, and the user selects the desired icon, so that the user does not need to be aware of the differences between the multiple menu search servers distributed on the computer communication network. It is possible to request a menu search by designating a desired menu search server.

Further, in the method for managing food information according to the present invention, a food information input device comprising a bar code reader inputs the bar code information of the food, and the bar code information read by the food information input device is used for cooking. Transmitting to the support proxy server, receiving the food information searched based on the barcode information in the cooking support proxy server, storing the food information in a storage device, and storing the food information in the storage device. Displaying the food information, measuring the weight of the food with a weighing sensor, and storing the weight of the food in the storage device as additional information of the food information.

Further, the method of managing food information according to the present invention
By storing a tableware with a wireless label capable of identifying the expiration date as a recording medium in a food storage room incorporating an antenna for identifying a wireless label on a tray, the information of the wireless label can be stored in the antenna. Is read to manage the expiration date of the ingredients placed on the tableware.

Still further, according to the food information management method of the present invention, the tableware on which the food is placed is stored in a food storage room equipped with a measurement sensor for measuring the weight applied to the tray, and the tableware is measured by the measurement sensor. Measure the total weight of the ingredients placed on the dish, automatically measure the weight of the ingredients by subtracting the previously measured weight of the dish from the total weight, and manage the weight of the ingredients placed on the dish It is characterized by doing.

The present invention provides a means for easily creating a database of food information by using a dedicated food information input device and interface without using a keyboard or mouse as in a conventional computer as much as possible.

Further, based on the food information in the database and the user's preference and the degree of cooking skill input in advance, the food support proxy server mediates the menu search request from the food management device and the menu search. By transmitting to a server, a store server, or a home delivery reception server, an appropriate menu can be searched and food can be procured through an interface that unifies the apparent operation screens from the user.

Further, the menu information and the foodstuff information can be shared from a remote location by distributing the menu information of the search result to the information terminals of some or all of the users.
At this time, the menu information and the foodstuff information are characterized by processing information to be distributed according to the display capability of the information terminal of the distribution destination.

More specifically, in the present invention, an object information input device using a nondestructive inspection technique such as a bar code reader, a wireless label identification device, an image recognition device, or a near-infrared spectroscopy analyzer is used. The food material is discriminated, and the food material information related to the food material is estimated, or basic information such as the expiration date, the food material name, and the purchase date is obtained from the food material information management server that manages the food material information. Furthermore, detailed food information such as the nutritional value of the food is automatically retrieved from the food information. The food information is converted into a format that can be used in the database and then stored in a storage device of the food management apparatus. The timer of the foodstuff management device manages the expiration date included in the foodstuff information, and outputs the foodstuff whose expiration date is approaching to an output device to alert the user. The weight of the food is periodically measured by a measurement sensor provided in the food storage room, and is managed and accumulated as a part of the food information.

Further, the present invention is a cooking support system for searching a menu for preferentially consuming a food whose expiration date is approaching from food information stored in a storage device. The menu search server that searches for "." Compares the menu information of the search result with the information on the owned ingredients to extract ingredients that are insufficient for the dishes (insufficient ingredients) among the ingredients required for the dishes. The information on the missing ingredients extracted in this manner is passed from the food management apparatus to the store server that provides the online commercial transaction service. The store server presents information on the matching product (product information) from the information on the missing food to the food management device. The user decides the ingredients to be purchased from the presented product information. In order to have the purchased ingredients delivered, enter the delivery information required for delivery, such as the address and delivery date, and the store server will automatically complete the procedure up to delivery to the home delivery receiving device. Prepare.

[0067]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of a cooking support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The food support system according to the present embodiment includes a food storage room 02 that is a so-called Internet refrigerator, a food management device 10, a food information input device 11, an inter-network communication network 09,
The menu search server 70 constitutes the main part. Reference numeral 01 denotes a user, and reference numeral 20 denotes a food material.

The food storage room 02 is provided with a tray 22 for holding the food 20, a weighing sensor 39, a cooling management device 54, and the like.

The food management device 10 includes a storage device 33, a weighing device 38, a food information identification unit 46, and a food information management unit 48.

The food information input device 11 is a product label 1 attached to the food material 20 by a nondestructive inspection technique using an optical character reader, an image recognition device, a near-infrared device or the like.
5 (see FIG. 3) or the receipt 16 (see FIG. 3) received by the user 01 when the food 20 is purchased.
Recognize or estimate the characteristics of 0, the name of the food, the weight, etc., and input the food information.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the food information input device 11 can also input food information by voice using a voice recognition technique. The user 01, the ingredient information ingredients 20 to be stored in the food managing device 10, food by read aloud by voice toward the information input device 11, the voice recognition unit 32 ingredient information on the food managing apparatus 10 with a built-in microphone recognizes, ingredient information management table 19 of the storage device 33
(See FIG. 4). It is also possible to register food information continuously by voice input.

The menu search server 70 includes a menu database 71 for storing menu information, and a menu search device 72 for searching the menu database 71 for menu information.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the food management device 10. As shown in FIG. This food management device 10
Storage device 33 that stores the input device 05, the output device 12, the food information management database 13, the food information management table 19, the user information management table 45, the menu information management table 73, and the expiration date management table 130.
, A time management device 36, a timer 37, a food information identification unit 46, a food information conversion unit 47, and a food information management unit 48.
, Food information verification unit 49, food information display management unit 50
When it is configured to include a storage medium reading device 51.
Reference numeral 15 indicates a product label, 16 indicates a receipt, and 55 indicates an external storage medium.

The storage device 33 stores the food information management unit 4
8 is not limited to being provided inside the foodstuff management device 10 as long as the configuration can exchange information with each other. For example, if the configuration is such that the connection between the food information management unit 48 and the storage device 33 installed at a remote location via the inter-network communication network 09 is guaranteed, the configuration is included in the range of the cooking support system according to the first embodiment. It is.

As exemplified in FIG. 4, the food information management table 19 includes, for example, management ID, product name, JAN code (common product code), type, quantity, quantity unit, purchase date, expiration date, and production date. It has a table format for storing a record of foodstuff information consisting of:

The user information stored in the user information management table 45 is the user 01 who uses the food management apparatus 10.
Of the user 01, for example, personal data used for menu search of the user 01's favorite food, disliked food, favorite food, and the like. Further, menu search conditions input when the user 01 previously used the food management device 10 and selected dishes are also handled as user information, so that the food management device 10 can infer the preference of the user 01. It is possible to use.

The menu information stored in the menu information management table 73 is data including the name of the dish, ingredients, quantity, preparation, cooking, nutritional value, etc. (see FIG. 35).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the expiration date management table 130 has a table format for storing a plurality of records including the names of ingredients and expiration dates.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show the food information input device 11.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a foodstuff information input / output device 58 that also serves as an input device 05 and an output device 12. FIG.
Then, as the foodstuff information input device 11, product labels 15,
A barcode reader that reads a barcode such as a receipt 16 and a memory card reader that reads a user identification card 56 that is a card-type recording medium are exemplified. As the foodstuff information input / output device 58, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device is exemplified. The food information input device 11 such as a barcode reader and a memory card reader is connected to a food information input / output device 58 via a cable.

The food information management unit 48 includes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) display unit 481, a card authentication unit 482, and a card type recording device for controlling the food information input device 11 such as a bar code reader and a memory card reader. a medium personal information management unit 483, an information comparing unit 484, a card type recording medium information reading unit 485, a card type recording medium information writing section 486, is configured to include a card-type recording medium product information analysis unit 487 (See FIG. 6).

The food information management unit 48 controls the food information input / output device 58 by using a GUI display unit 481.
Weighing setting section 488, menu search setting section 489, food order setting section 490, food information search section 491, food information setting section 492, and expiration date setting section 493 (see FIG. 1). (See FIG. 7).

Further, the food information management unit 48 controls the food information input / output device 58 by using a GUI display unit 481.
, Menu search setting section 489, and food order setting section 490.
And a expiration date setting unit 493 and a timer management unit 494 (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the food information input processing when the food information input device 11 is a bar code reader.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an outline of the food information input processing when the food information is recognized from the voice read by the user 01 using the microphone of the food information input device 11.

FIG. 11 shows a wireless label 2 attached to tableware.
3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the foodstuff information input means of the foodstuff 20 according to FIG. This food information input means attaches the identifiable wireless label 23 to the tableware as a recording medium, and installs the tray 22 in which the wireless label identification device 24 capable of identifying the wireless label 23 is installed in the food storage room 02. In this manner, the food management device 10 identifies the food 20 placed on the tableware from the identification information of the wireless label 23 attached to the tableware. In this manner, the expiration date of the food 20 can be managed by identifying the food 20. For example, to measure the weight of the food A in FIG. 11, the food A is placed on the food A to which the wireless label 23 is attached. The state where nothing is put on the tableware A (the weight of only the tableware A) is recorded in advance in the foodstuff management device 10 and is managed by the identification information of the wireless label 23, so that the tableware A on which the foodstuff A is placed
Can be obtained by subtracting the weight of the tableware A from the total weight of the tableware A and the foodstuff A measured when the foodstuff A is placed on the tray 22 of the foodstuff management apparatus 10. When placing another foodstuff 20 on the tableware A, the wireless label 2
The weight of the foodstuff 20 managed by the identification information of No. 3 may be initialized and newly weighed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user 01 searching for a menu.

Next, the operation of the cooking support system according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 13 is a screen hierarchy diagram of the food management device 10 displayed on the food information input / output device 58.

FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying an initial screen of the food management device 10 displayed on the food information input / output device 58. On the initial screen of the food management device 10, a food information input screen button, a food information confirmation screen button, a menu search screen button, and a user information confirmation screen button are arranged.
In order to the initial screen is displayed, in order to identify the user 01 utilizing the ingredients management apparatus 10 now, to input a password that is determined for each user 01, user identification card It is assumed that the authentication work has been completed by inserting 56 (see FIG. 6).

Here, the user sets the initial screen (see FIG. 14).
Is selected, the food information input screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On this food information information input screen, the product label 15 attached to the food 20 and the receipt 1
When barcode information such as 6 is read by the foodstuff information input device 11 composed of an optical reading device or the like, the barcode number is input and the foodstuff name is displayed.

More specifically, when the user 01 reads the information of the food 20 to be managed using the food information input device 11, the information is read by the food information identification unit 4 of the food management device 10.
The food information is converted into food information by the food information management unit 48.
It is stored in the ingredient information management table 19 of the storage device 33 by.

When the weight of the foodstuff 20 that changes every time it is used for cooking is read by the weighing sensor 39 at regular intervals, the weight is measured by the weighing device 38 and processed by the foodstuff information management unit 48. And is stored in the food information management table 19 of the storage device 33.

As described above, the food information input by the food information input device 11 is transmitted to the food
By automatically issuing a management ID for each 0 and managing it in the food information management table 19, it becomes possible to process and edit the food information as needed and to extract it.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input operation of the food material information is performed by using the food material information input device 11 from the food material 20, the product label 15 attached to the package, and the receipt 16 specifying the food material information. By automatically extracting the food information using the weighing sensor 39, the work of the user 01 to input the food information is reduced.

[0096] In this case, ingredient information identifying ingredient information input device 11 is not necessarily the all items of the ingredient information management table 19, for example as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, generally in foodstuff Management It is also possible to respond by obtaining food information necessary for food management by the food management apparatus 10 from the menu search server 70 via the inter-network communication network 09 based on the used barcode information.

More specifically, the bar code information of the food 20 is input by the food information input device 11 in the food management device 10 (step S101 in FIG. 9), and the bar code information read by the food information input device 11 is sent to the menu search server 70. (Step S102 in FIG. 9). Then, the menu search server 70 receives the barcode information (step S201 in FIG. 9), searches for foodstuff information from the barcode information (step S202 in FIG. 9), and transmits the foodstuff information to the foodstuff management device 10 (step S202 in FIG. 9). Step S203 in FIG. 9). The food management device 10 receives the food information (step S10 in FIG. 9).
3) The food information is stored in the food information management table 19 of the storage device 33 (step S104 in FIG. 9). Next, the ingredient information is displayed (step S105 in FIG. 9), and the ingredient 20 is displayed.
Is weighed by the weighing sensor 39 (step S106 in FIG. 9), and the weight of the food 20 is stored in the food information management table 19 of the storage device 33 as additional information of the food information (step S107 in FIG. 9).

When it is difficult to read barcode information with the foodstuff information input device 11, as shown in FIG. 15, when the "input barcode number" button is selected on the foodstuff information input screen, as an example of manual input means. The numerical information described in the barcode can be directly input by a keyboard expression unit using software displayed on the food information input screen.

If it is difficult to read the barcode information with the food information input device 11, as shown in FIG. 16, when the "input name" button is selected on the food information input screen,
As an example of the manual input means, it is possible to input the name of the food or the like in a keyboard expression unit using software displayed on the food information input screen.

[0100] FIGS. 17 to 19 shows an example regarding the software keyboard representation of the design which varies depending on the type of characters to be entered manually inputted. FIG.
Is a diagram showing an example of a hiragana input software keyboard displayed on the display screen, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a katakana input software keyboard displayed on the display screen,
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a software keyboard for inputting numbers displayed on the display screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the food information input screen of the food management device 10 displayed on the food information input / output device 58 when the food information is input from the food information input device 11 by voice.

The user 01 selects the voice input button 107 on the food information input screen shown in FIG. 20 (step S301 in FIG. 10), and selects the food information category button 101 for the category of the food information for which voice input is desired. (Step S302 in FIG. 10). The designated food information category is displayed in the food information category dialog box 106 (step S3 in FIG. 10).
03), the user 01 presses the voice input start button 102 (step S304 in FIG. 10), and inputs the food information by voice toward the microphone of the food information input device 11 (step S305 in FIG. 10). When the voice recognition button 103 is pressed when the input by voice is completed (step S306 in FIG. 10), the voice recognition unit 32 performs voice recognition (step S307 in FIG. 10), and the recognition result is stored in the voice recognition result dialog box 104. Is displayed (Step S3 in FIG. 10)
08). If the recognition result is correct, the user 01 (FIG. 10)
, The input completion button 105 is pressed (step S310 in FIG. 10), and the ingredient information of the recognition result is registered in the ingredient information management table 19 (step S311 in FIG. 10). Next, when the input completion button 105 is selected in response to an inquiry as to whether or not to end the voice input (step S312 in FIG. 10), the input of the food information is completed.

When the ingredient information confirmation screen button on the initial screen (refer to FIG. 14) is selected, as shown in FIG. 21, the ingredient information confirmation screen in which the ingredient information is visually easy and the information can be easily changed is displayed. Is displayed. Food information management section 48
Outputs the food information stored in the food information management table 19 of the storage device 33 to the food information input / output device 58. The food information confirmation screen of the food information input / output device 58 is provided with a button group 30 for rearranging the food information, so that the display order can be appropriately changed in the order of name, expiration date, and purchase date. ing. In FIG. 21, the ingredient information (production date, expiration date, purchase date) related to the date is stored in a position corresponding to the date of the calendar at the production date designation tool 68, the expiration date designation tool 66, and the purchase date designation tool 67, respectively. Is displayed in the form of a graph to explicitly show the correspondence between the date, the production date, the expiration date, and the purchase date. For example,
In the case of the food A displayed on the screen of the food information input / output device 58, the production date is May 2, the expiration date is May 15, and the purchase date is May 3. To change the ingredient information, the production date designation tool 68 and the expiration date designation tool 6
6, and the purchase date designation tool 67 may be moved to the date to be changed on the graph.

The storage device 33 of the foodstuff management device 10 stores a shelf life management table 130 in which a shelf life value which is a general guide for the typical foodstuff 20 is described in advance.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the food name is food D, the expiration date is 30 days.
It can be estimated that the expiration date is reached in 0 days. The expiration date setting unit 493 (see FIG. 7) in the ingredient information management unit 48
By searching the expiration date management table 130 from the name of the food 20 input by the user 01, the expiration date corresponding to the food 20 input by the user 01 is obtained. Then, on the food information confirmation screen, the purchase date designation tool 67 automatically sets the date on which the food name is input, assuming that the date on which the food name is input together with the input food 20 as the purchase date of the food material 20 (specifically). Is set so that the date of the date tool 65 matches the date of the purchase date designation tool 67).
The expiration date of 0 is a date obtained by adding the expiration date obtained from the expiration date management table 130 with the purchase date as a reference. Date added).

(Food purchase date) = (Date when food name is input) (1)

(Estimated date of expiration date of input foodstuff) = (purchase date of foodstuff) + (expiration date value of foodstuff) (2)

It is possible to estimate and automatically set the purchase date and the expiration date of the foodstuff 20 input from the formulas (1) and (2).

When the display of the calendar and the display of the food information exceed the display area of the screen of the food information input / output device 58, the display screen is scrolled by a scroll function provided in a general graphical user interface. Therefore, the date exceeding the display area of the screen of the foodstuff information input / output device 58 (for example, in the case of FIG.
It is possible to output or change the food information of the food 20 that is not displayed (before the 27th of the month or after the 15th of May) or not displayed (for example, in the case of FIG. 21, after the food C).
The food information input by the food information input device 11 is automatically registered on the screen, and the food information that can be estimated from the food 20 is displayed as shown in FIG. It is possible to easily change the food information by using the tools 65 to 68. In addition, when manually inputting food information that is difficult to extract automatically, the user can press a “new input” button on the food information confirmation screen in FIG. 21 to input the information using a software keyboard or the like.

In order to display the food information stored in the food management apparatus 10 in more detail, the user presses a detail display button 110 on the food information confirmation screen shown in FIG. Can be referred to as shown in FIG. At this time, the food information management table 19, which cannot be displayed on the output screen, is checked by operating the vertical and horizontal slide bars to move the displayed portion. As shown in FIG. 23, the food information displayed on the food information management table 19 can be corrected by a software keyboard by directly specifying the food information.

When the menu search screen button on the initial screen (see FIG. 14) is selected, as shown in FIG. 24, a menu search screen displaying an icon of the menu search server 70 is displayed. At this time, information on seasonal ingredients,
Special price information, advertisement information, and the like are also displayed.

When the "input menu search conditions" button is selected on the menu search screen shown in FIG.
A menu search screen on which a search key required for the menu search shown in FIG. On this menu search screen, the name of the dish and the keyword can be entered from the software keyboard. it can.

When search conditions and the like are input on the menu search screen shown in FIG. 25 and a “search start” button is selected, menu information search is performed.

More specifically, the food information management 10 authenticates the user (step S111 in FIG. 12) and searches for the user's family preference data (favorite food, dislike food, favorite food genre). (Step 112 in FIG. 12). Next, the user accesses the food information (step S11 in FIG. 12).
3), ingredient information (food name, weight, expiry date) is displayed (step S114 of FIG. 12). Subsequently, the user accesses the menu search server 70 (step S115 in FIG. 12).

When there is a menu search request, the menu search server 70 first transmits special information (seasonal ingredients, bargains) to the ingredient management apparatus 10 (step S221 in FIG. 12).

The food management device 10 displays the special information (step S116 in FIG. 12), inputs the current request (step S117 in FIG. 12), and sends the taste data, the food information, and the today's request to the menu search server 70. (Step S118 in FIG. 12).

The menu search server 70 searches the menu database 71 based on the transmitted preference data, food information, and today's request, and transmits a list of menu search results to the food management apparatus 10 (step S212 in FIG. 12). ).

The food management device 10 displays a list of menu search results (step S119 in FIG. 12). As a result,
A screen displaying a list of menu search results as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. This screen shows the dish name, keywords,
A list of tastes of dishes, a degree of mastery of dishes, people who eat dishes, menu search results, and the like are displayed. If the "Redo" button is selected on this screen, the menu search is performed again.
When the user 01 wants to retry, step S117
And re-enter today's request.

On the other hand, if the user 01 selects a dish name and selects the "menu display" button (step S12 in FIG. 12).
0), to send the dish name in the menu search server 70 (FIG. 12
Step S121).

The menu search server 70 searches the menu database 71 based on the transmitted dish name, and transmits menu information of the search result to the foodstuff management apparatus 10 (step S213 in FIG. 12).

For this reason, in the foodstuff management apparatus 10, FIG.
The menu information of the dish name selected from the menu search result list is displayed as shown in FIG.

[0121] In the food managing apparatus 10, when the user 01 desires to retry reselects the dish name returns control to step S120, (Step of Fig. 12 to determine the cooking otherwise S122).

The menu information searched by the user 01 is stored in the menu information table 72 of the storage device 33. Since it is possible to extract the nutritional value and the nutritional value from the menu information in which the text is structured (see FIG. 31), as shown in FIG. 25, the menu search is performed by designating a person who eats the food in advance. Thus, it is understood that the nutrition value and the nutritional value of the user 01 who has consumed the menu dish are obtained by dividing the nutritional value and the nutritional value of the menu information by the number of people who have eaten the menu item.

[0123] (nutritional value amount of nutritional value A that people who ate the food ingested the menu) = (nutritional value amount of nutritional value A that is included in the cooking) / (number of people who ate the dishes)

By adding the nutritional value thus obtained for each user 01 during an arbitrary period, the total of the total nutritional value taken by the user 01 during the arbitrary period is calculated. can do. As user information, user 01
Since the age of, gender, height, weight has been input in advance,
From these user information, the nutritional value and the nutritional value to be taken by the user 01 can be known from the statistically known nutritional value table and the nutritional value table. The value obtained by subtracting the nutritional value of the user 01 from the nutritional value is the nutritional value and the nutritional value of the user 01.

(Nutrient value of nutritive value A insufficient for user A) = (nutritive value A to be consumed by user A during an arbitrary period)
Nutritive value of nutrient)-(nutritive value of nutritive value A taken by user A during an arbitrary period)

[0126] The lack of nutritional value and nutritional value that are high for the users 01 included in the food eater during menu search are displayed at the top of the menu in the menu search result list. Suggest food that can be consumed.

In the food management device 10, as shown in FIG. 25, a person who eats a dish is input as a menu search condition, so that the number of people who eat a dish is obvious. As shown in menu search screen in FIG. 25, the structured menu information, "number" specified by the tag name amount of that was in (specified by the tag name number in FIG. 32) "quantity" (FIG. 32 Is described, the amount of the foodstuff 20 per person in the menu information is obtained as follows.

(Amount of ingredients per person in menu information) = (Amount described in menu information) / (Number of people described in menu information)

For example, when the number of people who usually eat food is three and the number of people described in the menu information is four, the user must calculate the amount described in the menu information according to the number of people who eat. However, since the above-mentioned (the amount of food per person in the menu information) is automatically obtained, the food management device 10 obtains the following information, which is necessary for the person who cooks to actually cook the food. It is possible to display the amount of the food 20.

(Amount of ingredients necessary for actually making a dish) = (Amount of ingredients per person in menu information) × (Number of people who eat dishes) (3)

In this way, the food management device 10 replaces the component indicating the amount of the original menu information with the component of each food 20 obtained by the above-mentioned equation (3). By replacing the quantity with the quantity, the quantity of the food 20 indicated in the menu information is displayed by the number of people who eat the dish.

Further, the user is prompted for an initial screen (see FIG. 14).
When the user information confirmation screen button is selected, as shown in FIG. 28, the user information of the user 01 who uses the food management device 10 is input in advance and stored in the user information management table 45 of the storage device 33. A user information confirmation screen that can be saved is displayed. The user information is a set of personal data of the user 01, such as age, gender, height, weight, likes and dislikes of ingredients, likes and dislikes of cooking, and a degree of mastery of cooking. As shown in FIG. 28, numerical values such as age, height, and weight can be easily input by moving the slider of the slide bar right and left. Gender specifies male or female. The likes and dislikes of ingredients and dislikes of cooking include items such as “favorite ingredients”, “dislike ingredients”, “favorite dishes”, and “dislike dishes” so that preference data can be added or deleted for each. There are add and delete buttons. For example, when the add button is selected for a disliked dish, as shown in FIG. 29, the screen switches to a screen for inputting “disliked dish”, and the user can enter the disliked dish on the software keyboard or select a dish name from the list. Just select the disliked dishes and add the disliked dishes.

According to the subjective judgment of the user 01, the user can confirm the degree of mastery of the cooking by sliding the slide bar knob between “bad”, “normal” and “good” in the user information confirmation screen shown in FIG. Move left and right to decide. The maximum value of the knob is set to 100 and the minimum value is set to 0, and the food management device 1
Store to 0. The degree of mastery of this dish is based on the assumption that the user 01 who uses the menu search makes a dish.
Every time the menu search is used within the set period, the degree of mastery of the dish is automatically set to the "good" side by gradually sliding the knob to the right, and it is estimated that the mastery level is improved. Therefore, the cooking proficiency of the user 01 who uses the menu search does not change after a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous menu search was used. Further, the proficiency of the user 01 who does not use the menu search for a long period of time is estimated to be lower than the proficiency, as the knob is gradually slid to the left and set to the “bad” side.

The food information stored in the food information management table 19 of the food management device 10 is stored in the storage device 33 for each date.
Is accumulated in Therefore, the consumption of the food 20 can be predicted by statistically analyzing the change in the weight of the food 20 managed by the food information management table 19. For example, FIG. 30 is a graph of consumption trends of the food materials A and B. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the date, and the vertical axis represents the weight of food A and food B, respectively, which are a1 to a4 and b1 to b4. The consumption vector is determined for each day as follows.

(Consumption Vector of Ingredient A on Date X)
= (1, weight of food A on date X-date (X-1)
Weight of food A in Japan)

By calculating the average value Va of the consumption vector from the consumption vector for each date up to the current time when the user 01 uses the food management apparatus 10, the current consumption vector Sa is predicted to be Va = Va. And In FIG. 30, in the case of food A, consumption vector S of food A is used.
Assuming that the weight of the food A at the present time is the starting point a4, the weight of the food A is expected to be minus (plot a5) on the next day.
The possibility of the shortage of the food A is presented on the screen of the output device 12.

[0137] (wt predicted value ingredients A) = {(weight of ingredients A at the present time) + (average value Va of the consumption vector ingredients A)} / 2

In the case of the food B, if the average value Vb of the consumption vector of the food B is the starting point b4 of the current weight of the food B in the food management apparatus 10, the weight of the food B becomes positive the next day. Therefore, the food management device 10 determines that there is no possibility that the food B is insufficient. As shown in FIG. 30, by preliminarily determining the vicinity where the weight is close to zero as the shortage possibility range C, if the weight of the foodstuff 20 becomes the shortage possibility range C according to the consumption prediction, even if the foodstuff 20 becomes shortage possible,
Even when the weight of the food does not become minus, it is also possible to present the shortage of the foodstuff 20 to the user 01.

In the first embodiment, the menu search server 7
The main menu elements of the menu information are extracted from the sentence structure of the menu information provided from 0, and converted into a unified menu information text to provide the menu information to the user.
Figure 31 is illustrates a document structure of the menu information composed of the main components of the menu information, 32 is a tag used to describe the structure. Menu search server 70
FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 describe menu information provided by XML in XML language used on the Internet using tags corresponding to the components. The menu information described in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 can be displayed as shown in FIG. 35 by using the food management device 10 capable of displaying the XML language.

(2) Second Embodiment FIGS. 36 and 37 are a block diagram and a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment is an example in which a plurality of menu search servers 70 exist, and a cooking support proxy server 95 is interposed between the food management device 10 and the plurality of menu search servers 70. Is configured. By cooking support proxy server 95 a plurality of menu search server 70 to connect to the network communication network 09 is managed by integrating the necessary operation screen to search for menu (information services integrated screen 97), smoothly user Menu search server 7
This is suitable for selecting and using 0.

The cooking support proxy server 95 includes a menu search device switching device 75 and an information service integrated screen 97.

FIG. 38 shows an information integration service screen 97 for the foodstuff information input / output device 58 suitable for operating a plurality of menu search servers 70 in an integrated manner in the cooking support system according to the second embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a display. On the information integration service screen 97, icons representing a plurality of menu search servers 70 are selectably displayed. The information integration service screen 97 is an example in which the features of a plurality of menu search servers 70 connected to the cooking support proxy server 95 are explicitly personified and expressed. The user 01 can easily receive the service of the menu search server 70 by designating the icon of the menu search server 70 displayed on the information integration service screen 97.

The other parts of the cooking support system according to the second embodiment are configured in exactly the same manner as the corresponding parts of the cooking support system according to the first embodiment. I omit the explanation.

Next, the operation of the thus configured cooking assistance system according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the operation of the cooking assistance system according to the first embodiment.

[0145] Menu information search server 7 from foodstuff information management section 48
0 is sent to the cooking support proxy server 9
The menu search device switching device 75 of FIG. 5 transfers the menu to the menu search server 70 specified from the information service integrated screen 97 displayed as the menu search screen of the menu search server 70 on the foodstuff information input / output device 58.

More specifically, when the user 01 designates an icon of the desired menu search server 70 as an anthropomorphic user on the information integration service screen 97, the menu search device switching device 75 automatically switches to the menu search server 70 corresponding to the icon. Connection.

The menu search server 70 receiving the menu search request
Then, the menu search device 72 searches the menu database 71 for menu information that meets the menu search conditions, and transmits the menu information of the search result to the cooking support proxy server 95.

[0148] Upon receiving the menu information of the search result, the cooking support proxy server 95 transmits the menu information to the food information management unit 48 on the information service integrated screen 97.

The food information management unit 48 outputs the menu information of the search result received from the information service integrated screen 97 to the food information input / output device 58 as a response to the menu search request, thereby completing a series of menu search steps.

According to the cooking support system according to the second embodiment, a plurality of menu search servers 70 connected to the cooking support proxy server 95 are used.
Of the menu search server 70 displayed on the information integration service screen 97, the user 01 specifies the icon of the menu search server 70 desired by the user. Service can be easily received.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment is a configuration example of a cooking support system using a store server 60 and a menu search server 70,
Food storage room 02, food management device 10, cooking support proxy server 95, menu search server 70, store server 60
Thus, the main part is constituted.

The store server 60 manages the food information database 41 for storing the food information, the product management database 61 for storing the product information, the food information management server 42 for managing the food information database 41, and the product management database 61. And a store controller 64.

Note that the other parts in the cooking support system according to the third embodiment are configured in exactly the same manner as the corresponding parts in the cooking support systems according to the first and second embodiments. A detailed explanation of them will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the cooking assistance system according to the third embodiment thus configured will be described focusing on the differences from the operations of the cooking assistance systems according to the first and second embodiments. explain.

The cooking support proxy server 95 responds to the menu search request of the user 01 from the food management device 10 to the menu search server 70 designated by the user 01 to send menu search conditions including the ingredient information and the user information. Submit and request a menu search that meets the menu search criteria.

In the menu search server 70, the menu search device 7
2 receives the menu search conditions containing ingredient information and user information, and searches the matching menu information from menu database 71 in menu search condition, and transmits the menu information of the search results to the cooking support proxy server 95.

[0157] Upon receiving the menu information of the search result, the cooking support proxy server 95 converts the menu information of the search result into a data format that can be output to the food information input / output device 58 of the food management device 10, and then performs the cooking support. The information is temporarily stored in the proxy server 95.

Next, the cooking support proxy server 95 prepares the ingredients 20 described in the menu search conditions and menu information of the search results.
Is transmitted to the store server 60. At this time, the cooking support proxy server 95
Can select the store usage frequency of the user 01 based on the user information stored in the foodstuff management device 10 when selecting the store server 60 to which the search request is transmitted. By transmitting the stored menu search conditions and menu information of the search results to the store server 60, it becomes possible to automatically search for detailed information related to the menu and transmit it to the food management device 10.

In the store server 60, in response to a search request from the cooking support proxy server 95, the food information management server 42
Extracts food information that meets the request from the food information database 41, and the product information management server 62 extracts product information that meets the request from the product management database 61. The store server 60 transmits the extracted ingredient information and product information to the cooking support proxy server 95.

[0160] When the food support proxy server 95 receives the food information and the product information from the shop server 60,
The data is converted into a data format that can be output to the output device 12 of the food management device 10, and then temporarily stored in the cooking support proxy server 95.

The information service integrated screen 97 converts the stored menu information of the search results, the food information, and the product information into a data format that can be output to the output device 12 of the food management device 10, and then to the food management device 10. Send.

Therefore, the foodstuff management device 10 operates as the output device 1
2, it is possible to display menu information, food material information and product information, and it is also possible to display only menu information, food material information, or product information as necessary.

(4) Fourth Embodiment FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment is a cooking support system including a menu search server 70 and an advertisement management server 90, and includes a food storage room 02, a food management device 10, a menu search server 70, and an advertisement management server. It comprises a server 90 and a cooking support proxy server 95.

The advertisement management server 90 comprises an advertisement database 91 for storing advertisement information, and an advertisement management device 92 for managing advertisement information in the advertisement database 91.

Note that the other parts in the cooking support system according to the fourth embodiment are configured in exactly the same manner as the corresponding parts in the cooking support systems according to the first to third embodiments. A detailed explanation of them will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the cooking support system according to the fourth embodiment thus configured will be described focusing on the differences from the operation of the cooking support system according to the first to third embodiments. explain.

When the menu information of the search result is transmitted from the menu search server 70 based on the menu search request from the food management device 10, the cooking support proxy server 95 uses the menu information of the search result to select the ingredients to be used in the dish. The name is extracted and transmitted to the advertisement management server 90.

In the advertisement management server 90, the advertisement management device 9
2 searches the advertisement database 91 for advertisement information that matches the food material using the food material name, and transmits the search result advertisement information to the cooking support proxy server 95.

The cooking support proxy server 95 uses the menu information of the search result and the advertisement information of the search result to display an information service integrated screen 9 in a data format that can be displayed on the food information input / output device 58.
Create a 7 to send to the food management device 10.

The food management device 10 outputs an information service integrated screen 97 integrating menu information and advertisement information to the output device 1.
2 is displayed. Thereby, the user can easily browse the menu information and the advertisement information related thereto.

(5) Fifth Embodiment FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment is an example of a configuration in which a series of operations from inputting of food information to ordering of food can be performed by a series of operations. The food storage room 02, the food management device 10, Store server 60, menu search server 70 including menu database 71 and menu search device 72, home delivery receiving device 80, settlement device 85, and advertisement database 9
1 and an advertisement management server 90 including an advertisement management device 92
, Cooking support proxy server 95, and nutrient database 1
From nutrient management server 100 Metropolitan including the 01 and nutrient management apparatus 102, a main part is configured.

The store server 60 includes a food information database 41, a food information management server 42 for providing a PLU (Price Look Up) service, and a store controller 64.

The home delivery receiving device 80 includes a center controller.

The settlement device 85 includes a center controller.

The other parts in the cooking support system according to the fifth embodiment are configured in exactly the same manner as the corresponding parts in the cooking support systems according to the first to fourth embodiments. A detailed explanation of them will be omitted.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the processing of the cooking support system according to the fifth embodiment. The connection from the barcode information to the food information management server 42 is realized by the cooking support proxy server 95 mediating. At this time, the cooking support proxy server 95 responds by storing in advance a table capable of specifying the food information management server 42 for obtaining the food information from the barcode information.

Next, the operation of the cooking support system according to the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be described focusing on differences from the operation of the cooking support system according to the first to fourth embodiments. explain.

[0178] First of all, the food management apparatus 10 to be connected to the network between the communication network 09, queries the store server 60 ingredients information to be managed through the cooking support proxy server 95.
The store server 60 searches for the required ingredient information from the ingredient information database 41 by the ingredient information management server 42,
The search result is transmitted to the food management device 10 via the cooking support proxy server 95. At this time, the store server 60
The advertisement information is transmitted to the cooking support proxy server 95 as special information. The special information is temporarily stored in the cooking support proxy server 95. Then, the food management device 10 associates the information received from the store server 60 with the food 20 managed in the food storage room 02 and stores the information as storage information 33 as food information.
To accumulate. The information stored in the storage device 33 can be displayed on the foodstuff information input / output device 58 as necessary.

More specifically, first, the user 01 using the foodstuff management apparatus 10 inputs a password determined for each user 01, inserts a user identification card 56 as shown in FIG. 6, and the like. Then, the user 01 is authenticated (state A).

[0180] When the authentication is completed, the user information of the user 01 et al., Which was registered in food management device 10 is automatically retrieved and read into the food information management unit 48. Next, the ingredient information management unit 48 accesses the ingredient information managed in the ingredient information management table 19 via the ingredient information verification unit 49, and converts the accessed ingredient information according to the operation of the user, for example, as shown in FIG. Next, food information is displayed on the food information input / output device 58 to the user 01 who has selected the food information confirmation screen button (state B).

When the user 01 selects the menu search screen button, an information service integrated screen 97 including icons from the menu search server 70 connected to the cooking support proxy server 95 is displayed on the foodstuff information input / output device 58 in FIG. Is displayed as shown. Menu search server 7 desired by user 01
When 0 selects an anthropomorphic icon, it accesses the selected menu search server 70 via the cooking support proxy server 95, and at the same time, the cooking support proxy server 95 provides information on the seasonal ingredients 20 of the cooking support proxy server 95. And special items are transmitted to the food management device 10 as special information. At the same time, the advertisement information distributed by the advertisement management server 90 connected to the cooking support proxy server 95 can be presented to the user 01 as shown in FIG. 24 (state C).

When the "input menu search condition" button in FIG. 24 is selected, the screen is switched to a menu search screen in FIG. 25 for inputting a menu search key (search condition). When a search key is entered from the menu search screen, the cooking support proxy server 95 causes the menu search server 70 that has already been accessed.
The search key is sent to the
Is received from the menu search server 70 and then transmitted to the food management device 10. At this time, if the desired dish name is not included in the list of menu search results, it is possible to retry to correct the search key (state D).

When the user 01 selects a dish name from the list of menu search results, the food management device 10 transmits menu information of the dish name selected by the user 01 from the menu search server 70 via the dish support proxy server 95. (State E).

The food management device 10 calculates the missing food 20 from the menu information based on the type and amount of the food 20 used for cooking prepared by the user 01 and the food information managed in the food information management table 19. The missing food material 20 is presented to the user 01. If the user selects the desired food item 20 from the presented candidates for the insufficient food item 20, the order of the food item 20 is registered in the food management device 10 in the store server 6 in advance.
Send to 0. The store server 60 that has received the order of the food material 20 completes the payment procedure to the payment device 85 and the shipping procedure to the home delivery reception device 80 based on the confirmation of the order content, and confirms that the reception of the order of the food material 20 is completed. The information is displayed on the output screen of the management device 10 and the process ends (state F).

The food management device 10 stores the contents of the menu information selected by the user 01 and the food 2 stored by the food management device 10.
Even if the food 20 ordered using the food server 20 and the store server 60 is used, the food 20 that is still insufficient for preparing the dish of menu information is replaced with the information terminal of another user 01 (see FIG. 43).
To end the menu search (state G).

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the menu search request from the food management device 10 is transmitted to the cooking support proxy server 9.
5 transmits necessary information to the menu search server 70, the store server 60, the home delivery receiving device 80, and the settlement device 85 through the intermediary of the menu, so that an appropriate operation screen from the user can be provided by an unified interface. Searching and procurement of the foodstuffs 20 become possible.

(6) Sixth Embodiment FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment converts the menu information retrieved by the user 01 (A) using the food management device 10 to another user (here, the user 01 (B), the user 01 ( C), the user 01 (D) is applicable) and shows the mechanism to be transmitted to each information terminal 59 with the, the food storage room 02, the food material management apparatus 10, a plurality of information terminals 59, menu information Menu server 70 including menu database 71 and menu search server 70 storing information, and information service integrated screen 9
The main part is constituted by the cooking support proxy server 95 including the server 7.

[0188] Incidentally, other portions in cooking support system according to the sixth embodiment, because it is exactly the same configuration as the corresponding parts in cooking support system according to the first to fifth embodiments, A detailed explanation of them will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the menu distribution system in the cooking support system according to the sixth embodiment configured as described above differs from the operation of the cooking support system according to the first to fifth embodiments. It described about the point.

The food management device 10 stores in advance the display capability of the information terminal 59 to which menu information is to be transmitted, and the information of the user to be delivered to the cooking support proxy server 95 which requests the delivery of menu information. Along with the terminal 59, information on the display ability and the food shortage 20 is transmitted.

The cooking support proxy server 95 is an information terminal 59 to be distributed based on the information received from the food management device 10.
The menu information is processed so as to be menu information suitable for the display ability of the user and transmitted to the information terminal 59. In addition, when there is a shortage of the ingredients 20 necessary for making the dish described in the menu information, information on the insufficient ingredients 20 (insufficient ingredients) can be transmitted together with the processed menu information. .

(7) Seventh Embodiment FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The cooking support system according to the present embodiment includes a food storage room 02, a food management device 10, a plurality of information terminals 59, and a menu search server 7.
0, and the menu database 71, cooking support proxy server 9
5 and the communication base station 99 constitute a main part thereof.

The cooking support system according to the seventh embodiment communicates with the food management system 10 via the inter-network communication network 09 with respect to the cooking support system according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. Connect the base station 99 and connect the user 01
(A) also enables the input operation of food information using the input device 11 and the information terminal 59 (E) to be performed at a place remote from the food management device 10.

The other parts in the cooking support system according to the seventh embodiment are configured in exactly the same manner as the corresponding parts in the cooking support systems according to the first to sixth embodiments. It is omitted and the detailed description thereof.

Next, the operation of the cooking assistance system according to the seventh embodiment thus configured will be described focusing on the differences from the operations of the cooking assistance systems according to the first to sixth embodiments. explain.

When the user 01 (A) inputs the food 20 using the input device 11 of the information terminal 59, the information is transmitted to the food management device 10 via the communication base station 99.

[0197] foodstuff management apparatus 10, FIG. 4 the received information
Similarly to the information input from the input device 11 shown in 3,
Execute a series of processes up to menu search. Since the information output by the food information management unit 48 to the food information input / output device 58 is also transmitted to the information terminal 59 via the communication base station 99, the user 01 (A) operates the display unit of the information terminal 59. It is possible to check the search results while looking at. At this time, since the food information management unit 48 stores the display capability of the information terminal 59 in advance, it is processed into display information suitable for the information terminal 59 and transmitted.
It does not need to be a dedicated information terminal that operates.

In the cooking support system according to the seventh embodiment, the food management device 10 and the information terminal 59 do not relay the communication base station 99.
Is a configuration that can be applied even if the connection form allows direct communication between the food management device 10 and the information terminal 59. The connection form that allows direct communication between the food management device 10 and the information terminal 59 is an example of the present embodiment, and is not necessarily a communication base. The method is not limited to the method of inputting foodstuff information via the station 99.

[0199]

The first effect is that the food information necessary for storage and use of food in daily life is automatically extracted and stored as reusable information, so that labor required for food management is required. it is that it is possible to reduce the.

[0200] The second effect is that menu information that matches the user's preference can be provided, and food that can be efficiently consumed without wasting food can be produced, and unnecessary expenditure can be suppressed. That's what it means. The reason is that it is possible to quickly search for menus in consideration of user information and the expiration date of ingredients.

A third effect is that preparation for cooking can be promptly advanced. The reason is that the input operation required from menu search to ordering of ingredients can be performed by a series of operations from menu search.

The fourth effect is that product information and advertisement information for promoting the product can be provided in a timely manner. The reason is that the menu search service provider can provide necessary product information and advertisement information at a time when the user has a high desire to purchase, in cooperation with menu information of the search result.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying a configuration in a case where food information is input by voice using a voice recognition technique in the cooking support system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the food management device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying ingredient information in an ingredient information management table in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of a best-before date management table in FIG. 3;

6 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of a food information management unit in FIG. 3 and a specific example of a food information input device in FIG. 1;

7 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a food information management unit in FIG. 3 and a specific example of a food information input / output device serving as an input device and an output device in FIG. 1;

8 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of a food information management unit in FIG. 3 and a specific example of a food information input / output device serving as an input device and an output device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of food information input processing when the food information input device in FIG. 1 is a bar code reader.

10 is a flowchart showing an operation of recognizing food information from voice read by a user in the cooking support system shown in FIG. 2;

11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a food information input unit using a wireless label attached to tableware in the food storage room in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of menu search processing of the cooking support system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a screen hierarchy diagram of the food management device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying an initial screen of the food management device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of inputting numbers in a keyboard expression section by software displayed on a food information input screen of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of hiragana input of a keyboard expression unit by software displayed on a food information input screen of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

17 is a diagram showing an example of a hiragana input software keyboard displayed on the display screen of the food management device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a katakana input software keyboard displayed on the display screen of the food management device in FIG. 1;

19 is a diagram showing an example of a software keyboard for inputting numbers displayed on the display screen of the food management device in FIG. 1. FIG.

20 is a diagram exemplifying a food information input screen for inputting food information by voice in the configuration shown in FIG. 2;

21 is a diagram illustrating the ingredient information confirmation screen food management device in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram exemplifying food information of a food information management table displayed on a food information confirmation screen of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which food information displayed on the food information confirmation screen of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1 is directly specified and corrected.

24 is a diagram illustrating a menu search screen food management device in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a diagram exemplifying a menu search screen for inputting a search key required for menu search of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

26 is a diagram exemplifying a menu search screen for displaying a list of menu search results of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a diagram exemplifying a menu search screen for displaying menu information of search results of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a diagram exemplifying a user information confirmation screen of the food management apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 is a diagram exemplifying a user information confirmation screen of the food management device in FIG. 1 for inputting a disliked dish.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example in which consumption trends of food materials A and B are graphed.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a document structure including main components of menu information.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a tag used to describe the structure of menu information.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the first half of an example in which menu information is described in XML language using tags.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the latter half of an example in which menu information is described in XML language using tags.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example in which the menu information of FIGS. 33 and 34 is displayed using a food management device capable of displaying an XML language.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of a cooking support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a display example of an information integrated service screen suitable for operating a plurality of menu search servers in an integrated manner in the cooking support system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cooking support system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cooking support system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

42 is a flowchart showing the menu search process cooking support system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cooking support system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cooking support system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a menu search process in a conventional menu search service.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu search condition input form in a conventional menu search service.

FIG. 47 is a diagram exemplifying a list of menu search results in a conventional menu search service.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating menu information on dishes in a conventional menu search service.

[Explanation of symbols]

 01 User 02 Food storage room (Internet refrigerator) 05 Input device 09 Inter-network communication network 10 Food management device 11 Food information input device 12 Output device 13 Food information management database 15 Product label 16 Receipt 20 Food material 22 Tray 32 Voice recognition unit 33 Storage device 36 Time management device 37 Timer 38 Metering device 39 Weighing sensor 41 Food information database 42 Food information management server 45 User information management table 46 Food information identification unit 47 Food information conversion unit 48 Food information management unit 49 Food information verification unit 50 Food information display management section 51 Storage medium reading device 54 Cooling management device 55 External storage medium 58 Food information input / output device 59 Information terminal 60 Store server 61 Product management database 62 Product information management server 64 Store controller 65 Date Tool 66 Expiration Date Designation Tool 67 Purchase Date Designation Tool 68 Manufacturing Date Designation Tool 70 Menu Search Server 71 Menu Database 72 Menu Search Device 75 Menu Search Device Switching Device 80 Home Delivery Reception Device 85 Payment Device 90 Advertising Management Server 91 Advertising Database 92 Advertising Management device 95 Cooking support proxy server 96 Nutrient management server 97 Nutrient database 98 Nutrient management device 99 Communication base station 101 Food information category button 102 Voice input start button 103 Voice recognition button 104 Voice recognition result dialog box 105 Input completion button 106 Food information Category dialog box 107 Voice input button 110 Detail display button 130 Shelf life management table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) F25D 23/00 301 F25D 23/00 301K G06F 17/30 170 G06F 17/30 170Z 310 310B 310C

Claims (36)

[Claims] In a cooking support system in which a food management device is connected to a menu search server via an inter-network communication network, a food storage room for storing food and food information of the food stored in the food storage room are stored. A food information input device to be input, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and requesting a menu search from the menu search server with user information and food information as menu search conditions; A food management system for outputting menu information of search results returned from the menu search server to an output device. 2. A food storage system in which a food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. A storage room, a food information input device for inputting food information of the food stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and user information and food information. a foodstuff management device to select the menu search server as menus search request to search for menu in the cooking support proxy server, and outputs the menu information of the food support proxy server search results returned from the output device, When a menu search request is received from the food management device, a menu search is requested to the selected menu search server, and a search returned from the menu search server is returned. Cooking support system characterized in that the result of the menu information and a cooking support proxy server to be transmitted to the food material management apparatus. 3. A food storage system in which a food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. and storage, and ingredient information input device for inputting ingredient information of ingredients stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing food information inputted from the ingredient information input device, the user information and ingredient information A food management device that selects the menu search server as a menu search condition, requests a menu search from the cooking support proxy server, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the cooking support proxy server to an output device; When the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server, the food information of the ingredients described in the menu information is required in the store server of the food distributor. And, cooking support system characterized by having a cooking support proxy server sending the food information returned from the shop server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information. 4. In a food support system in which a food management device is connected to a food support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and the food support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers, the food storage system stores food materials. A storage room, a food information input device for inputting food information of the food stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and user information and food information. A food management device that selects the menu search server as a menu search condition, requests a menu search from the cooking support proxy server, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the cooking support proxy server to an output device; When the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server, the product information of the ingredients described in the menu information is required for the store server of the food distributor. And, cooking support system characterized by having a cooking support proxy server that transmits product information returned from the shop server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information. 5. A food storage system in which a food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and wherein the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. A storage room, a food information input device for inputting food information of the food stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and user information and food information. A food management device that selects the menu search server as a menu search condition, requests a menu search from the cooking support proxy server, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the cooking support proxy server to an output device; When the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server, the advertisement information of the ingredients described in the menu information is required for the advertisement management server of the advertisement company. Cooking support system that is characterized by having a cooking support proxy server transmits the advertisement information returned from the advertisement management server to the food material management apparatus as an integrated screen together with the menu information. 6. A food storage system in which a food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and wherein the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. A storage room, a food information input device for inputting food information of the food stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and user information and food information. A food management device that selects the menu search server as a menu search condition, requests a menu search from the cooking support proxy server, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the cooking support proxy server to an output device; When the menu information of the search result is returned from the menu search server, the food information of the ingredients described in the menu information is required for the store server of the food distributor. Requesting the advertisement information of the ingredients described in the menu information from the advertisement management server of the advertiser, and requesting the nutrient information of the ingredients described in the menu information to the nutrient management server, which is returned from the store server. A food support proxy server that transmits the food information, the advertisement information returned from the advertisement management server, and the nutrient information returned from the nutrient management server to the food management apparatus together with the menu information as an integrated screen. A distinctive cooking support system. 7. A food storage system in which a food management device is connected to a cooking support proxy server via an inter-network communication network, and wherein the cooking support proxy server is further connected to a plurality of menu search servers. A storage room, a food information input device for inputting food information of the food stored in the food storage room, a storage device for storing the food information input from the food information input device, and user information and food information. A food management device that selects the menu search server as a menu search condition, requests a menu search from the cooking support proxy server, and outputs menu information of search results returned from the cooking support proxy server to an output device; needed Atonement merchant store server of the food information that are described in 該献 elevation information when the menu information of the search result from the menu search server has been returned The food information returned from the store server is transmitted to the food management device as an integrated screen together with the menu information, and the delivery of the purchased food to the home delivery receiving device based on the purchase information of the food from the store server. A cooking support system that includes a cooking support proxy server that requests the payment device to settle the purchase price of a foodstuff at the same time. 8. The food information input device recognizes or estimates the characteristics, name, or weight of the food by non-destructive inspection techniques using an optical character reader, an image recognition device, a near-infrared device, etc., and inputs the food information. 8. The cooking support system according to claim 1, wherein the food management device accumulates the food information in the storage device. 9. The food information input device includes a voice input means, and the food management device recognizes the food information from a voice read out by the user toward the food information input device to thereby recognize the food information. 8. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein is stored in the storage device. 10. The food information input device reads food information stored in a user identification card, which is a card-type recording medium used when purchasing food, and the food management device stores the food information in the storage device. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cooking assistance system is stored in an apparatus. 11. The food information input device reads user information stored on a user identification card, which is a card-type recording medium used when purchasing food, and the food management device reads the user information. cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that stored in the storage device. 12. The food information input device reads a dedicated recording medium capable of storing user identification information and personal information, and the food management device reads the personal information and the personal information recorded on the dedicated recording medium. By arbitrarily using the user information stored in the storage device as a menu search condition, it is possible to estimate a user's preference from the personal information and the user information and set the user search condition as a menu search condition. The cooking support system according to claim 1. 13. The food information input device is an antenna for identifying a wireless label built in a tray that can be installed in the food storage room, and a wireless type attached to tableware placed on the tray. 8. The expiration date of a food placed on tableware is read from a label, and the food management device stores the expiration date of the food in the storage device as food information. The cooking support system described in 1. 14. The ingredient information input apparatus reads the total weight of the result in the weighing sensor for measuring the weight applied to the installable tray food storage room, put on the placed tableware tray foodstuffs, the The food management device measures the weight of the food by subtracting the weight of the previously measured tableware from the total weight of the food placed on the tableware, and stores the weight of the food as the food information in the storage device. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: 15. The food management device according to claim 1, wherein said food management device stores in advance said user's cooking degree in said storage device as user information.
The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a word of the menu information and a notation method of a figure as a search result are changed according to a user's cooking skill level. 16. The food management apparatus records the history of menu information in the storage device, calculates the total nutritional value of menus used during an arbitrary period, and finds out the nutritional balance from the viewpoint of nutritional balance. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a menu capable of ingesting the nutritional value is presented. 17. The food material management device allows a user to directly input a purchase date, a production date, and a shelf life of the food material as food material information, and serves as a general guideline for a typical food material. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage date is stored in advance in the storage device, so that the purchase date and the expiration date of the input ingredients are automatically set. 18. The food management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of people who eat the food is input in the menu search condition, and the amount of the food indicated in the menu information of the search result is displayed by the input number of people. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which performs the cooking. 19. The food management device predicts a food consumption trend from food consumption statistics stored in the storage device, and presents a food material predicted to be insufficient in future cooking. The cooking support system according to claim 1. 20. The food management apparatus displays icons representing a plurality of menu search servers on the menu search server selection screen, and the cooking support proxy server selects an icon on the menu search server selection screen. Requesting a menu search from the desired menu search server, the user can specify the desired menu search server without being aware of the individual menu search servers distributed on the inter-network communication network, and search for the menu. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the cooking support system can request the following. 21. The food support device transmits barcode information written on a product label attached to the food or a receipt received when the food is purchased to the food support proxy server, and the food support proxy server sends the barcode information to the food support proxy server. The food material information corresponding to the food material is automatically obtained from the store server and returned to the food material management device, and the food material management device stores the food material information in the storage device. cooking support system according to claim 7. 22. The food management apparatus further comprises means for issuing a menu information distribution request to a user terminal registered in advance, wherein the cooking support proxy server distributes menu information from the food management apparatus. The cooking assistance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the menu information of the search result returned from the menu search server when requested is processed and distributed to the information terminal. system. 23. A means for receiving a menu information distribution request from a user's information terminal via a communication base station, wherein the food management device is registered in advance when the menu information distribution request is received. Means for transferring a menu information distribution request to an information terminal owned by the users who are present, wherein the cooking support proxy server sends a menu information distribution request from the food management device to the menu search server. The cooking support system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the returned menu information of the search result is processed and distributed to the information terminal. 24. A storage device for storing an input device, an output device, a food information management database, a food information management table, a user information management table, a menu information management table, and a best-before date management table, and a time management device. , A timer, a food information identification unit, a food information conversion unit, a food information management unit, a food information verification unit, a food information display management unit, and a storage medium reading device. Characteristic food management device. 25. A food information management unit, comprising: a GUI display unit, a card authentication unit, a card type recording medium personal information management unit, an information comparison unit, a card type recording medium information reading unit, a card type recording medium. An information writing unit, a card-type recording medium product information analysis unit, a weighing setting unit, a menu search setting unit, a food order setting unit, a food information search unit, a food information setting unit, a shelf life setting unit, The food management apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a menu search setting unit and a timer management unit. 26. The food information identification unit, based on the barcode information read by the ingredient information input device to read the bar code information described on the receipt that was passed at the time of purchase of the attached product label or foodstuff to foodstuff 25. The food management apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the food information is identified by storing the food information in the storage device. 27. The food information identifying unit transmits barcode information to a cooking support proxy server, receives food information corresponding to the barcode information returned from the cooking support proxy server, and The food management device according to claim 24, wherein information is stored in the storage device. 28. A voice recognition unit for recognizing food information from voice read by a user toward a food information input device provided with voice input means, wherein the food information recognized by the voice recognition unit is stored. The foodstuff management device according to claim 24, wherein the foodstuff management device is stored in the device. 29. A foodstuff storage room having a built-in antenna for identifying a wireless label on a tray, wherein the antenna reads a wireless label attached to tableware placed on the tray, so that the tableware is attached to the dish. A foodstuff management device for managing the expiration date of the foodstuffs placed thereon. 30. A food storage room equipped with a weighing sensor for measuring the weight applied to the tray, wherein the weight of the previously measured tableware is subtracted from the total weight of the food on the tableware measured by the weighing sensor. A food management apparatus characterized in that the weight of food is managed by a weighing device that automatically measures the weight of food. 31. The food management apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the food storage room is a refrigerator provided with a cooling management apparatus. 32. A food management apparatus comprising a food information input / output device comprising a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, wherein the food information input / output device is connected to the food information input device. 33. A method of selecting a menu search server in which a user arbitrarily selects a plurality of menu search servers and requests a menu search, wherein the features of each menu search server are personified on a menu search server selection screen. The icons are displayed, and the user selects a desired icon, so that the user can specify a desired menu search server without being aware of the differences among a plurality of menu search servers distributed on the computer communication network. menu search server selection method characterized by can request the search. 34. A step of inputting barcode information of a foodstuff by a foodstuff information input device comprising a barcode reader, a step of transmitting the barcode information read by the foodstuff information input device to a cooking support proxy server, A step of receiving the food information retrieved based on the barcode information in the cooking support proxy server; a step of storing the food information in a storage device; a step of displaying the food information stored in the storage device; A method of managing food information, comprising: weighing the weight of a food with a weighing sensor; and storing the weight of the food in the storage device as additional information of the food. To 35. foodstuff storage room with a built-in antenna for identifying the wireless label to the tray, by storing the accompanying dishes identifiable wireless label shelf life as a recording medium, wherein in the antenna A method of managing food information, comprising reading information on a wireless label and managing the expiration date of the food placed on the tableware. 36. A tableware having foodstuffs stored therein in a foodstuff storage room equipped with a weighing sensor for measuring the weight applied to the tray, wherein the weighing sensor measures the total weight of the foodstuffs placed on the tableware, A method for managing food information, wherein the weight of the food is automatically measured by subtracting the previously measured weight of the food from the total weight, and the weight of the food placed on the food is managed. .