JP7833919B2 - Cooking recipe provision system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a cooking recipe provision system for presenting cooking recipe information to a user for a predetermined target dish specified by the user.

Conventional cooking recipe provision systems are configured to communicate with user terminals via a communication network. For example, they extract basic cooking recipe information for a target dish specified by the user terminal from an information database, generate cooking recipe presentation information based on the extracted basic cooking recipe information, and present the generated cooking recipe presentation information to the user from the user terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Furthermore, the cooking recipe provision system described in Patent Document 1 (see, for example, paragraphs 0018-0020, etc.) is configured to perform a task allocation process for multiple cooks, such as children and parents, assigning the multiple cooking steps contained in the basic information of the target dish's recipe to each cook based on the age of each cook, and to generate cooking recipe presentation information in a form that includes cooking step allocation information indicating the cooking steps assigned to each cook as a result of this task allocation process.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-76847

The cooking abilities of each cook, including the types of cooking tasks they can perform and the names of ingredients they understand, vary greatly depending on their cooking experience, even among cooks of the same age. Therefore, if the above task allocation process is performed based on the age of each of the multiple cooks, as in the cooking recipe provision system described in Patent Document 1, it may be possible to present cooking task allocation information that is not feasible, as it may not be possible to actually have each cook perform their assigned cooking step as intended. This has the problem that the meaning and value of presenting cooking task allocation information is diminished.
For example, assuming a parent and child are the cooks, and the child's cooking ability is lower than the average for their age, they may be assigned cooking steps that are too difficult for them. In such cases, they may have to ignore the provided information on how to divide the cooking steps and proceed with their assigned steps. Conversely, if the child's cooking ability is higher than the average for their age, they may only be assigned simple cooking steps, preventing them from showcasing their abilities and achieving satisfaction.
In view of this situation, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a cooking recipe provision system that performs a task allocation process to assign multiple cooking steps, which are the assigned cooking steps for each of the multiple cooks, to each of the cooks as their respective assigned cooking steps, and generates cooking step allocation information that shows the assigned cooking steps for each of the multiple cooks as cooking step allocation information presented to the user, thereby providing a technology that can generate cooking step allocation information that is highly feasible so that each cook can actually carry out their respective assigned cooking steps as described, and thereby improve the value of the cooking step allocation information presented.

The first characteristic configuration of the present invention is that it is configured to communicate with a user terminal via a communication network,
An information database that stores basic recipe information for each of the multiple dishes, consisting of multiple cooking steps,
Information generation means for extracting basic recipe information for a predetermined target dish from the information database and generating recipe presentation information related to the extracted basic recipe information,
The system includes an information presentation means that presents the cooking recipe presentation information generated by the information generation means to the user from the user terminal,
A cooking recipe provision system in which the information generation means performs a division of labor process in which the multiple cooking steps contained in the basic cooking recipe information of the target dish are assigned to multiple cooks as assigned cooking steps to be handled by each of the multiple cooks as a result of the division of labor process, and generates cooking step division of labor information indicating the assigned cooking steps to each of the multiple cooks as cooking recipe presentation information,
The system includes a registration means for receiving registration of cooking ability information indicating the cooking ability of each of the aforementioned cooks from the user terminal,
The information generation means performs the task allocation process based on the cooking ability information of each of the multiple cooks that has been registered by the registration means.

According to this configuration, the registration means allows the user terminal to register cooking ability information indicating the cooking capabilities of each of the multiple cooks. Then, the information generation means executes the task allocation process based on the cooking ability information of each of the multiple cooks, and the cooking process allocation information is generated. As a result, the cooking process assigned to each of the multiple cooks in the generated cooking process allocation information will be commensurate with the cooking capabilities of each cook. Therefore, highly feasible cooking process allocation information that allows each cook to perform their assigned cooking process accordingly can be generated as cooking recipe presentation information and presented to users, including cooks, from the user terminal.
Therefore, the present invention provides a cooking recipe provision system that performs a task allocation process to assign multiple cooking steps, which are part of a basic cooking recipe, to multiple cooks, and generates cooking step allocation information that shows the cooking steps assigned to each cook as cooking step allocation information, which is then presented to the user as cooking recipe presentation information. The present invention provides a technology that can generate cooking step allocation information that is highly feasible, so that each cook can actually carry out their assigned cooking step as described, thereby improving the value of the cooking step allocation information presented.

A second characteristic feature of the present invention is that the cooking process includes the cooking operations to be performed and the names of the ingredients to be handled,
The key feature of the aforementioned cooking capability information is that it includes both the types of cooking tasks that can be performed and the names of the ingredients that can be handled.

According to this configuration, the registration means receives registration information from the user terminal regarding the cooking capabilities of multiple cooks, specifically the cooking tasks and ingredients each cook can handle. Then, the information generation means executes the task allocation process based on the cooking tasks and ingredients each cook can handle, generating the cooking process allocation information. In the generated cooking process allocation information, the assigned cooking tasks for each cook include their respective cooking tasks and ingredients, ensuring that each cook can perform tasks within the scope of their own cooking capabilities. Therefore, more feasible cooking process allocation information can be generated and presented to the user as recipe information.

A third feature of the present invention is that it is possible to identify whether or not the cooking process involves danger,
The key feature of the aforementioned cooking ability information is that it includes information indicating whether or not the cook is a cook who should avoid dangerous cooking processes.

According to this configuration, the registration means receives registration information from the user terminal regarding the cooking ability of each of the multiple cooks, specifically the information on whether or not each cook needs to avoid danger. Then, the information generation means executes the task allocation process based on this information, generating the cooking process allocation information. In the generated cooking process allocation information, the assigned cooking processes for each of the multiple cooks are such that cooks who need to avoid danger perform only non-dangerous processes, while other cooks who do not need to avoid danger perform processes that include dangerous ones, ensuring that each cook can perform tasks within the scope of their own cooking ability. Therefore, more feasible cooking process allocation information can be generated and presented to the user as cooking recipe information.

A fourth characteristic feature of the present invention is that the information generation means is configured to perform a workload equalization process, which assigns each of the multiple cooking processes to the respective cooking processes of each of the multiple cooks, so that the workload of each of the multiple cooks is equalized.

According to this configuration, the information generation means performs an equalization and distribution process, thereby equalizing the workload of each cook and generating the cooking process distribution information. As a result, in the generated cooking process distribution information, the cooking processes assigned to each cook can be performed by multiple cooks with approximately equal workloads. Therefore, for users who request equalization of workload, cooking process distribution information that meets their request can be generated and presented as cooking recipe information.

A fifth characteristic feature of the present invention is that the information generation means is configured to perform a priority allocation process, which, as part of the allocation process, assigns each of the multiple cooking processes to be the cooking process each of the multiple cooks is responsible for, prioritizing a specific cook.

According to this configuration, the information generation means executes the priority allocation process, generating cooking process allocation information such that a specific cook is given priority, and all cooking processes that that specific cook is capable of handling are assigned to that cook, while the remaining cooking processes are assigned to other cooks. As a result, in the generated cooking process allocation information, the cooking processes assigned to each cook will consist only of those that the specific cook cannot handle, which are then performed by other cooks. Therefore, for users who request that a specific cook take the lead in the workload, cooking process allocation information that meets their request can be generated and presented as cooking recipe information.

The sixth feature of the present invention is the inclusion of a means for changing the assigned cooking process for each of the multiple cooks, based on the cooking process assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal, through input operations from the user terminal.

According to this configuration, by providing the above-mentioned means for changing assigned tasks, the user can arbitrarily change the assigned tasks of each of the multiple cooks based on the cooking task assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal, through input operations on the user terminal. Therefore, the cooking task assignment information presented from the user terminal can be changed as needed, further improving the feasibility of realizing said cooking task assignment information.

This diagram shows the schematic configuration of the cooking recipe provision system of this embodiment. A diagram showing the contents of basic information for cooking recipes. Figure showing cooking capacity information (a) and cooking process division information (b) in Example 1. Figure showing cooking capacity information (a) and cooking process division information (b) in Example 2. Figure showing cooking capacity information (a) and cooking process division information (b) in Example 3.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in Figure 1, the cooking recipe provision system 10 of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this system") is a server system for information providers that is connected to a user terminal 40 via a predetermined communication network 30 such as the Internet, enabling data transmission and reception. It is configured as a system for operating a cooking recipe provision site that presents users with cooking recipe provision information describing information about cooking recipes for predetermined target dishes.

The user terminal 40 is a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, and the user operates an application launched on the user terminal 40 to send and receive various information to and from the system 10 via the communication network 30, and the system 10 can present the information it receives to the user in the form of displaying it on the screen or outputting it as sound.
Furthermore, in Figure 1, multiple cooks A and B are shown jointly preparing the target dish, and each of these cooks A and B uses their own user terminal 40 to refer to the information presented by the system 10. However, these multiple cooks A and B may also use the same user terminal 40 to refer to the information presented by the system 10. Also, in this embodiment, the number of cooks is set to two, but the number of cooks can be changed as appropriate.

The system 10 includes an information database 20 that stores basic recipe information for each of several dishes, consisting of multiple cooking steps. The basic recipe information stored in this information database 20 includes, for example, an ingredients section (upper left part of Figure 2) that describes the names and quantities of the necessary ingredients, a cooking instructions section that describes an overview of how to make the dish, and a cooking steps section that describes the multiple cooking steps for each phase of the work sequence, as shown in Figure 2.
By executing a predetermined computer program, this system 10 functions as a presentation request receiving means 11, an information generation means 13, and an information presentation means 14, as described below.

The above-mentioned information request receiving means 11 is configured to receive input from a user terminal 40 that allows a user who wishes to receive cooking recipe information to input a request for information that can identify the target dish specified by the user.
In this embodiment, the system is configured so that the user specifies the target dish. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that, prior to this, the user inputs information such as the ingredients they wish to use or the type of dish they wish to make. Based on this input information, the system 10 presents the user with multiple dish options from the user terminal 40, and the user selects the target dish from among these options.

The information generation means 13 described above is configured as a means for extracting basic cooking recipe information for the target dish from the information database 20 and generating cooking recipe presentation information related to the extracted basic cooking recipe information.
Furthermore, the information generation means 13 performs a task allocation process that assigns the multiple cooking steps contained in the basic recipe information of the target dish to multiple cooks A and B, respectively, as the cooking steps to be handled by each cook. This task allocation process then generates cooking step allocation information (see, for example, Figures 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b)) indicating the cooking steps assigned to each cook A and B, as recipe presentation information.

The information presentation means 14 is configured to transmit the cooking recipe presentation information, including the cooking process division information generated by the information generation means 13, to the user terminal 40 via the communication network 30, and to present it to users, including cooks A and B, from the user terminal 40.
Specifically, on the user terminal 40, the cooking process assignment information is displayed on the screen in a table format, for example, as shown in Figures 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b), describing the cooking processes assigned to each cook A and B for each phase of the work sequence. Furthermore, when displaying the cooking processes assigned to each cook A and B on a single user terminal 40, multiple screens may be used to display the cooking processes assigned to each cook A and B on each screen.

Furthermore, when presenting the above-mentioned cooking process assignment information to each user terminal 40 of cooks A and B, it is possible to display all cooking processes assigned to cooks A and B on each user terminal 40, or it is also acceptable to display only the cooking processes assigned to cooks A and B who are referencing that user terminal 40. Regarding the method of presenting the above-mentioned cooking process assignment information on the user terminal 40, any presentation method can be adopted as long as each cook A and B can recognize their assigned cooking process. For example, the names of cooks A and B responsible for each cooking process may be added, the cooking process assignment information for child cooks A and B may be written in hiragana, or the cooking process assignment information may be output aloud in the order of the cooking processes.

The above describes the basic configuration of System 10. System 10 generates highly feasible cooking process assignment information that ensures each person actually performs their assigned cooking process, and employs a configuration to enhance the value presented by this cooking process assignment information. Details of this configuration are explained below.

This system 10, by executing a predetermined computer program, functions as a registration means 12 and a task change means 15, as described below, and also performs unique task allocation processing using the information generation means 13.

The registration means 12 described above is configured to receive registration of cooking ability information indicating the cooking abilities of multiple cooks A and B from the user terminal 40. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3(a), 4(a), and 5(a), the cooking ability information includes the cooking tasks that can be performed and the names of the ingredients that can be handled. Furthermore, the cooking ability information includes information indicating whether or not a cook is a cook who should avoid dangerous cooking processes. This cooking ability information is received by the registration means 12 when the user considers the cooking abilities of each cook A and B and inputs it into the user terminal 40. In addition, the cooking abilities of each cook A and B received in this way are stored in the information database 20 along with the identification information of cooks A and B, and can be extracted as needed. Furthermore, in order to support users in inputting the cooking abilities of each cook, A and B, the user terminal 40 can be configured to display options for the names of ingredients that can be handled, the cooking procedures, and whether or not the cook is a cook who requires hazard avoidance, allowing the user to select from these options.
In this embodiment, the names of applicable ingredients, applicable cooking tasks, and information on whether or not hazard avoidance is necessary were used as cooking capability information. However, the cooking capability information only needs to represent the cooking capabilities of cooks A and B.

The information generation means 13 then performs a task allocation process based on the cooking ability information of each of the multiple cooks A and B whose registrations have been received by the registration means 12. As a result, the cooking tasks assigned to each of the multiple cooks A and B in the generated cooking task allocation information will be commensurate with the cooking abilities of each cook A and B. Therefore, the information generation means 13 generates cooking task allocation information as cooking recipe presentation information that is highly feasible, allowing each cook to perform their assigned cooking task accordingly, and the information presentation means 14 can present this information to users, including cooks A and B, from the user terminal 40.
Furthermore, while the cooking tasks that can be handled by each of the multiple cooks A and B, which are accepted by the registration means 12, can cover all cooking processes, in this embodiment, these cooking processes are divided into a preparation phase and a cooking phase, and only the cooking processes included in the preparation phase are targeted.

The registration means 12 receives registration information from the user terminal 40 regarding the cooking capabilities of multiple cooks A and B, specifically the cooking tasks they can handle and the names of the ingredients they can handle. The information generation means 13 then performs the task allocation process based on the cooking tasks and ingredients of each cook, generating the cooking process allocation information. In this generated cooking process allocation information, the assigned cooking tasks for each cook A and B include their respective cooking tasks and ingredients. Tasks that do not include these tasks are assigned to other cooks, ensuring that cooks A and B can perform tasks within the scope of their own cooking capabilities.

Furthermore, the registration means 12 receives registration information from the user terminal 40 regarding the cooking ability of each of the multiple cooks A and B, specifically the information on whether or not they need to avoid danger. The information generation means 13 then executes the task allocation process based on this information, generating the cooking process allocation information. In this generated cooking process allocation information, the assigned cooking processes for each of the multiple cooks A and B are such that cooks who need to avoid danger perform only non-dangerous cooking processes, while other cooks who do not need to avoid danger perform cooking processes that include dangerous ones, ensuring that cooks A and B can perform tasks within the scope of their own cooking abilities.

The above-mentioned assignment change means 15 is configured to allow the user to change the assigned cooking processes of multiple cooks A and B based on the cooking process assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal 40, as described above, through input operations from the user terminal 40. For example, the user can change the cook responsible for a cooking process by performing a drag-and-drop operation on the user terminal 40 to move a cooking process assigned to one cook to another cook. With this configuration, the user can arbitrarily change the assigned cooking processes of multiple cooks based on the cooking process assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal 40 through input operations from the user terminal 40. Therefore, the cooking process assignment information presented from the user terminal 40 can be changed as needed, further improving the feasibility of the cooking process assignment information.

The information generation means 13 described above is configured to perform the equalization processing and priority processing described below as part of the distribution processing described above.
In other words, when a request for equalization of workload is received from a user via the user terminal 40, an equalization processing is performed to generate and present cooking process division information as cooking recipe presentation information in response to that request. In this equalization processing, as described above, while referring to the cooking abilities of multiple cooks A and B, each of the multiple cooking processes is assigned as the cooking process to each of the multiple cooks A and B in order to equalize the workload of each of the multiple cooks A and B.

On the other hand, when a request for specific cooks to take on a particular workload is received from a user via the user terminal 40, the priority allocation process described above is executed to generate and present cooking process allocation information as cooking recipe presentation information in response to that request. In this priority allocation process, as described above, the cooking abilities of multiple cooks A and B are referenced, and multiple cooking processes are assigned to the respective cooking processes of multiple cooks A and B, prioritizing the specific cook. The designation of a specific cook can be received from the user terminal 40 when executing the priority allocation process.

Below, we will describe Example 1 (see Figure 3) concerning recipe information generated by performing equalization processing, and Examples 2 (see Figure 4) and 3 (see Figure 5) concerning recipe information generated by performing priority processing.
In these embodiments, as shown in the basic recipe information in Figure 2, the target dish is "yakisoba" (fried noodles), and it is assumed that the "yakisoba" is prepared jointly by a parent, cook A, and their child, cook B. Referring to Figure 2, the cooking process for preparing "yakisoba" includes preparation phase 1, consisting of steps 1-1 to 1-5; preparation phase 2, consisting of steps 2-1 to 2-5; and the cooking phase, consisting of steps 3-1 to 1-16.
Furthermore, in Figures 3, 4, and 5 referenced in these embodiments, (a) shows the cooking capability information registered by the registration means 12, and (b) shows the cooking process division information generated by the information generation means 13 and presented to the user as cooking recipe information from the user terminal 40. In addition, the cooking work content that can be handled among the cooking capability information registered by the registration means 12 is limited to cooking processes included in preparation phases 1 and 2.

(Example 1)
Based on Figure 3, we will now describe an embodiment 1 in which, as a work-sharing process performed by the information generation means 13 described above, an equalization work-sharing process is executed in which each of the multiple cooking processes is assigned to each of the multiple cooks A and B so that the workload of each of the multiple cooks A and B is equalized.
As shown in Figure 3(a), the cooking ability information for Cook A, the parent, is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that Cook A cannot handle. On the other hand, the cooking ability information for Cook B, the child, is set to "peeling,""frying,""simmering," and "cutting (soft ingredients only)." Furthermore, Cook A is not designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes, while Cook B is designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes. In the multiple cooking processes for preparing "yakisoba" in this embodiment, process 3-1 (adding salad oil to a frying pan) is designated as a dangerous cooking process.

In this embodiment 1, the equalization and distribution process performed by the information generation means 13, as described above, takes into account the cooking abilities of multiple cooks A and B, and assigns each of the multiple cooking processes as the cooking process to be handled by cook A and cook B respectively, so as to equalize the workload of cook A and cook B. Then, cooking process distribution information as shown in Figure 3(b) is generated, and this cooking process distribution information is presented to cook A and cook B respectively from the user terminal 40.
In detail, this equalization and distribution process alternately assigns multiple cooking steps included in each of the preparation phases 1 and 2 and the cooking phase to cook A and cook B as their respective assigned cooking steps. During this process, in preparation phases 1 and 2, the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the assigned cooking steps are checked sequentially to see if they are included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that the assigned cook can handle in their cooking ability information. If the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in a cooking step are not included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that the assigned cook can handle in their cooking ability information, it is determined that the cook cannot handle that cooking step, and the assignment to that cook is skipped, with the step being assigned to the other cook.

Specifically, in preparation phase 1, the multiple cooking processes included in preparation phase 1 are alternately assigned to cook A and cook B as their respective assigned cooking processes, referring to their cooking ability information. As shown in Figure 3(b), processes 1-1 (tearing the cabbage into single leaves), 1-3 (peeling the onion), and 1-5 (heating the Chinese noodles in the microwave for about 1.5 minutes) are assigned to cook A, while processes 1-2 (peeling the carrot) and 1-4 (removing the roots from the bean sprouts) are assigned to cook A. In this case, the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the assigned cooking processes are included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that the candidate cooks can handle in their cooking ability information, so there is no change in the assigned cooking processes based on that cooking ability information.
Furthermore, through input operations from the user terminal 40 on the cooking assignment information, which shows the cooking process assigned to each cook A and B in preparation phase 1, the process 1-3 (peeling onions), which was initially assigned to cook A, is changed to the cooking process assigned to cook B.

Furthermore, in preparation phase 2, the multiple cooking processes included in preparation phase 2 are alternately assigned to cook A and cook B as their respective assigned cooking processes, referring to their cooking ability information. As shown in Figure 3(b), first, process 2-1 (cutting the pork into bite-sized pieces) is assigned to cook A. Next, for process 2-2 (shredding the cabbage), since cabbage is not included in the list of ingredients that cook B can handle, the assignment to cook B is skipped and it is assigned as a cooking process to cook A. From this process onward, process 2-3 (cutting the carrots into strips) is assigned to cook B, process 2-4 (thinly slicing the onions) is assigned to cook A, and process 2-5 (loosening the steamed noodles) is assigned to cook B.
Furthermore, based on the cooking assignment information, which shows the cooking process assigned to each cook A and B in preparation phase 2, input operations from the user terminal 40 by the user can be changed. This means that process 2-4 (slicing onions) which was initially assigned to cook A is changed to cook B's assigned process, and process 2-5 (loosening steamed noodles) which was initially assigned to cook B is changed to cook A's assigned process.

Furthermore, regarding the cooking phase, as shown in Figure 3(b), the multiple cooking steps included in this phase are alternately assigned to cooks A and B, each responsible for a specific cooking step. In this case, since cook B is designated as a cook requiring hazard avoidance, step 3-1 (adding salad oil to the frying pan), which is considered a hazardous cooking step, is prohibited from being assigned to cook B, who is a cook requiring hazard avoidance, and is instead assigned to another cook, A, who is not a cook requiring hazard avoidance.

Furthermore, if, after assigning each cooking process in each phase to cook A and cook B, there is a difference of two or more in the total number of cooking processes handled by cook A and cook B, the system can be configured to automatically change some of the cooking processes handled by the cook with the heavier workload to those handled by the cook with the lighter workload.
Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, as described above, through input operations from the user terminal 40 by the user, processes 1-3 and 2-3 assigned to cook A are changed to the cooking processes assigned to cook B, and process 2-4 assigned to cook B is changed to the cooking processes assigned to cook A. As a result, the total number of cooking processes assigned to cook A and cook B, which represent their respective workloads, is exactly the same at 13.

(Example 2)
Based on Figure 4, we will now describe an embodiment 2 in which, as a division of labor process performed by the information generation means 13 described above, a B-priority division of labor process is executed, in which each of the multiple cooking processes is assigned to multiple cooks A and B, respectively, in order to prioritize cook B, who is a child.
As shown in Figure 4(a), the cooking ability information for Cook A, the parent, is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that Cook A cannot handle. On the other hand, the cooking ability information for Cook B, the child, is set to "peeling,""frying,""simmering," and "cutting (soft ingredients only)." Furthermore, Cook A is not designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes, while Cook B is designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes. In the multiple cooking processes for preparing "yakisoba" in this embodiment, step 3-1 (adding salad oil to a frying pan) is designated as a dangerous cooking process.

In this embodiment 2, the cooking B priority allocation process performed by the information generation means 13, as described above, takes into account the cooking abilities of multiple cooks A and B, and assigns each of the multiple cooking processes to be the assigned cooking process of each of the multiple cooks A and B, prioritizing cook B, who is the child. Then, cooking process allocation information as shown in Figure 4(b) is generated, and this cooking process allocation information is presented to each cook A and cook B from the user terminal 40.
In detail, this priority allocation process for cook B prioritizes assigning multiple cooking steps included in each of the preparation phases 1 and 2 and the cooking phase to cook B. During this process, in preparation phases 1 and 2, the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the cooking steps to be assigned are checked sequentially to see if they are included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that can be handled in the cooking ability information of the specific cook B to whom the cooking steps will be assigned. If the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the cooking steps are not included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that can be handled in the cooking ability information of the specific cook B to whom the steps will be assigned, it is determined that cook B is unable to handle that cooking step, and the assignment to that specific cook B is skipped, and the step is assigned to the other cook A.

Specifically, in Preparation Phase 1, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook, A and B, the system prioritizes assigning the multiple cooking processes included in Preparation Phase 1 to a specific cook, B. As shown in Figure 4(b), steps 1-2 (peeling carrots) and 1-3 (peeling onions) are assigned to cook B because they include the cooking tasks and ingredients that cook B is capable of handling. However, steps 1-1 (shredding cabbage leaves), 1-4 (removing the roots from bean sprouts), and 1-5 (heating Chinese noodles in a microwave for about 1.5 minutes) are skipped from cook B because they include tasks and ingredients that are not included in cook B's capabilities or ingredients. Therefore, these steps are assigned to another cook, A.

Furthermore, in Preparation Phase 2, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook A and B, the system prioritizes assigning the multiple cooking processes included in Preparation Phase 2 to a specific cook B. As shown in Figure 4(b), steps 2-3 (cutting carrots into strips) and 2-4 (thinly slicing onions) are assigned to cook B because they include the cooking tasks and ingredients that cook B is capable of handling. However, steps 2-1 (cutting pork into bite-sized pieces), 2-2 (shredding cabbage), and 2-5 (loosening steamed noodles) are skipped from cook B's assignment and assigned to another cook A because they include tasks and ingredients not included in cook B's capabilities or ingredients.

Furthermore, regarding the cooking phase, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook A and B, when assigning multiple cooking steps included in the cooking phase to a specific cook B as the responsible cooking step, as shown in Figure 4(b), since cook B is designated as a cook who needs to avoid danger, only step 3-1 (adding salad oil to the frying pan), which is considered a cooking step that involves danger, is prohibited from being assigned to cook B, who is a cook who needs to avoid danger, and is instead assigned to another cook A who is not a cook who needs to avoid danger.
Furthermore, based on the cooking assignment information, which indicates the cooking process assigned to each cook A and B during the cooking phase, the user's input operation from the user terminal 40 changes the cooking process 3-14 (adding A), 3-15 (transferring from the frying pan to a plate), and 3-16 (garnishing with pickled ginger and dried seaweed), which were initially assigned to cook B, to the cooking process assigned to cook A.

(Example 3)
Based on Figure 5, we will now describe an embodiment 3 in which, as a division of labor process performed by the information generation means 13 described above, a cooking A-priority division of labor process is executed, which assigns each of the multiple cooking processes to the respective cooking processes of the multiple cooking processes A and B, respectively, in order to prioritize cooking A, who is the parent cooking process.
As shown in Figure 5(a), the cooking ability information for Cook A, the parent, is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that Cook A cannot handle. On the other hand, the cooking ability information for Cook B, the child, is set to "peeling,""frying,""simmering," and "cutting (soft ingredients only)." Furthermore, Cook A is not designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes, while Cook B is designated as a cook who needs to avoid dangerous cooking processes. In the multiple cooking processes for preparing "yakisoba" in this embodiment, step 3-1 (adding salad oil to a frying pan) is designated as a dangerous cooking process.

In this embodiment 3, the cook A priority allocation process executed by the information generation means 13, as described above, takes into account the cooking abilities of the multiple cooks A and B, and assigns each of the multiple cooking processes to the respective cooks A and B, prioritizing the parent cook A. Then, cooking process allocation information as shown in Figure 5(b) is generated, and this cooking process allocation information is presented to cooks A and B respectively from the user terminal 40.
In detail, this priority allocation process for cook A prioritizes assigning multiple cooking steps included in each of the preparation phases 1 and 2 and the cooking phase to cook A. During this process, in preparation phases 1 and 2, the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the cooking steps to be assigned are checked sequentially to see if they are included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that can be handled in the cooking ability information of the specific cook A to whom the cooking steps will be assigned. If the cooking tasks and ingredient names included in the cooking steps are not included in the cooking tasks and ingredient names that can be handled in the cooking ability information of the specific cook A to whom the steps will be assigned, it is determined that cook A is unable to handle that cooking step, and the assignment to that specific cook A is skipped, and the cooking step is assigned to the other cook B.

Specifically, in preparation phase 1, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook A and B, the system assigns the multiple cooking processes included in preparation phase 1 to a specific cook A as the assigned cooking process, prioritizing them. The cooking ability information of the parent cook A is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that it cannot handle. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(b), all processes 1-1 to 1-5 are assigned to the specific cook A that should be prioritized.
Furthermore, through input operations from the user terminal 40 on the cooking assignment information, which shows the cooking processes assigned to each cook A and B in preparation phase 1, processes 1-1 (tearing the cabbage into individual leaves) and 1-3 (peeling the onion), which were initially assigned to cook A, are changed to the cooking processes assigned to cook B.

Furthermore, in preparation phase 2, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook A and B, the multiple cooking processes included in preparation phase 2 are assigned to a specific cook A as the priority cooking process. The cooking ability information of the parent cook A is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that it cannot handle. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(b), all processes 2-1 to 2-5 are assigned to the specific cook A that should be given priority.
Furthermore, through input operations from the user terminal 40 on the cooking assignment information, which shows the cooking process assigned to each cook A and B in preparation phase 2, process 2-5 (loosening the steamed noodles), which was initially assigned to cook A, is changed to the cooking process assigned to cook B.

Furthermore, in the cooking phase, while referring to the cooking ability information of each cook A and B, the system assigns the multiple cooking processes included in the cooking phase to a specific cook A as the assigned cooking process, prioritizing them. The cooking ability information of the parent cook A is set to "all," indicating that there are no cooking tasks or ingredients that it cannot handle. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(b), all processes 3-1 to 3-16 are assigned to the specific cook A who should be given priority.
Furthermore, through input operations from the user terminal 40 on the cooking assignment information, which shows the cooking steps assigned to each cook A and B in the cooking phase, steps 3-4 (putting carrots in the frying pan), 3-6 (putting onions in the frying pan), 3-8 (putting bean sprouts in the frying pan), 3-10 (putting cabbage in the frying pan), and 3-12 (putting steamed noodles in the frying pan), which were initially assigned to cook A, are changed to be assigned to cook B.

[Another embodiment]
Other embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Note that the configurations of each embodiment described below are not limited to being applied individually, but can also be applied in combination with the configurations of other embodiments.

(1) In the above embodiment, the information generation means 13 is configured to perform equalization and priority allocation processing as allocation processing according to the user's request. However, the allocation processing only needs to be performed based on the cooking ability information of multiple cooks A and B registered by the registration means 12. Multiple cooking steps in the basic recipe information of the target dish may be assigned to each of the multiple cooks A and B as their assigned cooking steps, using a method different from equalization and priority allocation processing.

(2) In the above embodiment, a means for changing the assigned cooking process for each of the multiple cooks A and B is provided, based on the cooking process assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal 40, through input operations from the user terminal 40. However, such a means for changing the assigned cooking process 15 can be omitted as appropriate.

10 Cooking recipe provision system 12 Registration means 13 Information generation means 14 Information presentation means 15 Assignment change means 20 Information database 30 Communication network 40 User terminals A, B Cook

Claims (6)

It is configured to communicate with the user terminal via a communication network,
An information database that stores basic recipe information for each of the multiple dishes, consisting of multiple cooking steps,
Information generation means for extracting basic recipe information for a predetermined target dish from the information database and generating recipe presentation information related to the extracted basic recipe information,
The system includes an information presentation means that presents the cooking recipe presentation information generated by the information generation means to the user from the user terminal,
A cooking recipe provision system in which the information generation means performs a division of labor process in which the multiple cooking steps contained in the basic cooking recipe information of the target dish are assigned to multiple cooks as assigned cooking steps to be handled by each of the multiple cooks as a result of the division of labor process, and generates cooking step division of labor information indicating the assigned cooking steps to each of the multiple cooks as cooking recipe presentation information,
The system includes a registration means for receiving registration of cooking ability information indicating the cooking ability of each of the aforementioned multiple cooks from the user terminal,
The information generation means executes the task allocation process based on the cooking ability information of each of the multiple cooks that has been registered by the registration means.
A cooking recipe provision system configured such that the information generation means can perform a priority assignment process, in which, as the assignment process, it prioritizes assigning cooking processes that match the cooking ability information of a specific cook to that specific cook, and assigns each of the multiple cooking processes as the cooking process to be handled by each of the multiple cooks, prioritizing the specific cook. The aforementioned cooking process includes the details of the cooking work to be performed and the names of the ingredients to be used,
The cooking capability information includes the types of cooking tasks that can be performed and the types of ingredients that can be used, as described in claim 1. The cooking recipe provision system according to claim 2, wherein, in the priority allocation process, the cooking process including the cooking tasks and ingredients that the specific cook can handle is assigned to the specific cook. It is possible to identify whether the cooking process involves any danger,
A cooking recipe provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooking ability information includes information indicating whether or not the cook is a cook who should avoid dangerous cooking processes. The cooking recipe provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information generation means is configured to perform an equalization work sharing process, in which the work burden of each of the multiple cooking processes is alternately assigned to each of the multiple cooking processes so as to be equalized among the multiple cooking processes. A cooking recipe provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a means for changing the assigned cooking process for each of the multiple cooks based on the cooking process assignment information presented to the user from the user terminal, through input operations from the user terminal.