JP7729916B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that produce substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavoring components using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavoring components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device.

In recent years, various technologies related to inhalation devices have been developed to enhance the user's inhalation experience. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that allows the user to set the temperature at which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source.

International Publication No. 2019/104227

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above had the problem that it was difficult for users to understand how the temperature they set would affect their inhalation experience.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user's inhalation experience.

In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided that includes: an information processing device that generates a display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol when an aerosol source is heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for which the aerosol source is heated, in which the aerosol source is heated by an suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate; and a control unit that displays the characteristics of the aerosol in the display image and changes the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image.

The aerosol source may be liquid, and the inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter when it detects a puff by the user.

The heating setting may include a plurality of first parameters and second parameters associated with different third parameters, and the inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on the first parameters and the second parameters corresponding to the third parameter at the time the puff is detected.

The third parameter may also relate to the number of puffs.

The third parameter may be the cumulative number of puffs since use of the substrate began.

The third parameter may be the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time.

The control unit may generate the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters, and based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to a specific third parameter among the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, change the display of the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter.

The particular third parameter may be the third parameter at the time when the puff is detected in the future.

The specific third parameter may be the third parameter at the time when the puff is next detected.

The control unit may generate the display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected.

The control unit may generate the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol that is generated when the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use.

The control unit may also change the heating settings based further on the type of substrate.

The control unit may also change the heating settings based further on the environment in which the suction device operates.

The characteristics of the aerosol may include the amount of the aerosol produced.

The characteristics of the aerosol may include the amount of flavor component contained in the aerosol produced.

The control unit may control the suction device to use the changed heating setting.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, which includes generating a display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for which the aerosol source is heated, and changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute the following: generate a display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aspiration device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate heats the aerosol source based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for which the aerosol source is heated; and display the characteristics of the aerosol in the display image and change the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image.

As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user's inhalation experience.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

<1. Configuration example>
<1.1. Configuration example of suction device>
An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an inhalation device. As shown in Figure 1, the inhalation device 100 of this example configuration includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111, a sensor section 112, a notification section 113, a memory section 114, a communication section 115, and a control section 116. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

The power supply unit 111 stores power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The memory unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

The control unit 116 functions as a processing unit and control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medication.

The liquid guide section 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guide section 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121 is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As one example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.

Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is the entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is the exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121 and transported to the air outlet 182 through the flavor source 131, as shown by arrow 190. When the aerosol-air mixture passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

The mouthpiece 124 is a component that is held in the user's mouth when inhaling. An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into their mouth.

The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations are possible, as exemplified below.

As an example, the inhalation device 100 may not include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

As another example, the inhalation device 100 may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

<1.2. System configuration example>
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the system 1 includes the suction device 100 and a terminal device 200. The configuration of the suction device 100 is as described above.

The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 may be any information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable device. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that houses the suction device 100 and charges the housed suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a memory unit 250, and a control unit 260.

The input unit 210 has the function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a user. Examples of input devices include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones. The input unit 210 may also include various sensors such as image sensors.

The output unit 220 has the function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of output devices include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting information input from the control unit 260.

The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect location information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (e.g., GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites) and detects location information consisting of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor and detects angular velocity and acceleration.

The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, standards using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). For example, the communication unit 240 communicates with the suction device 100.

The memory unit 250 stores various types of information. The memory unit 250 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The control unit 260 functions as a processing unit or control device, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the programs and calculation parameters used, as well as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 260. The processing of information input by the input unit 210, the output of information by the output unit 220, the detection of information by the detection unit 230, the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as the input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

The functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 260 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

<2. Technical Features>
(1) Heating Setting The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user by heating the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 based on a heating setting. The heating setting is information that defines the control sequence of the heating unit 121. The heating setting is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the base material. Therefore, by generating an aerosol based on the heating setting, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

The heating setting includes a first parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, and a second parameter related to the time for which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the first parameter is the target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). An example of the second parameter is the length of time for which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the heating time). When a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected, the inhalation device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the target temperature for the heating time. In the following, the first parameter is the target temperature, and the second parameter is the heating time.

An example of a user operation that instructs the start of heating is a puff. When the inhalation device 100 detects a puff by the user, it may heat the aerosol source based on the heating settings (i.e., the target temperature and heating time). Alternatively, the user operation that instructs the start of heating may be an operation on the inhalation device 100, such as pressing a button provided on the inhalation device 100. Below, the user operation that instructs the start of heating is considered to be a puff.

The control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the current temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) and the target temperature. Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulse in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage through feedback control.

The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

(2) Customization of Heating Settings The terminal device 200 generates and displays a display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol generated when the inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source based on the heating settings. The terminal device 200 then changes the display of the aerosol characteristics and the heating settings in the display image based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image. That is, the terminal device 200 generates the changed heating settings while updating the display image to display the changed aerosol characteristics. With this configuration, the user can change the heating settings while visually checking how the aerosol characteristics are being changed. In particular, the terminal device 200 changes the target temperature and heating time included in the heating settings. More specifically, the terminal device 200 calculates the target temperature and heating time that achieve the aerosol characteristics changed by the user, and sets the changed heating settings as the changed heating settings. In this way, the user can indirectly change the target temperature and heating time by changing the aerosol characteristics. The user can intuitively change the aerosol characteristics, which directly affect the inhalation experience, making it possible to easily achieve the user's preferred inhalation experience.

One example of an aerosol characteristic is the amount of aerosol generated (hereinafter also referred to as the atomization amount). The atomization amount tends to increase as the target temperature increases. However, the relationship between the target temperature and the atomization amount is not necessarily linear; for example, the increase in the atomization amount as the target temperature increases may saturate. The same can be said for the heating time. In other words, when the user changes the atomization amount, it becomes easier to achieve the user's preferred inhalation experience compared to when the user changes the target temperature and heating time themselves.

An example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 is explained with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10A shown in Figure 3 includes a double-arrow slider bar 20 and a slider 21 that can slide within the slider bar 20. The amount of atomization is set according to the position of the slider 21 on the slider bar 20. The slider bar 20 indicates the range in which the amount of atomization can be set. The slider 21 is an object that can be operated by the user to set the amount of atomization according to the position on the slider bar 20. The amount of atomization increases the higher the slider 21 is positioned, and decreases the lower the slider 21 is positioned. The user can set the amount of atomization that they prefer by moving the slider 21 up and down. The terminal device 200 calculates the target temperature and heating time that will achieve the amount of atomization specified by the slider 21, and sets these as the changed heating settings.

The terminal device 200 generates a display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol generated when the inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source based on the currently used heating setting. The terminal device 200 calculates the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting currently used by the inhalation device 100 based on the heating setting, and generates a display image showing the calculation result. For example, the initial position of the slider 21 in the display image 10A shown in FIG. 3 may be a position corresponding to the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting currently used by the inhalation device 100. In this case, the user can intuitively understand the difference between the amount of atomization achieved by the currently used heating setting and the amount of atomization achieved by the customized heating setting, based on the position of the slider 21 before and after the change.

The terminal device 200 controls the inhalation device 100 to use the changed heating setting. For example, the terminal device 200 receives information from the inhalation device 100 indicating the heating setting currently being used by the inhalation device 100, and generates and displays the display image 10A illustrated in FIG. 3. The terminal device 200 then calculates the target temperature and heating time required to achieve the atomization amount changed by the user, and transmits information indicating the changed heating setting, including the calculated target temperature and heating time, to the inhalation device 100. In this case, the terminal device 200 may transmit the changed heating setting or the difference between the settings before and after the change. The inhalation device 100 stores the changed heating setting indicated by the received information and operates according to the changed heating setting the next time aerosol is generated. This configuration allows the user to freely customize the operation of the inhalation device 100. This allows the user to, for example, search for a heating profile that achieves a desired inhalation experience through repeated customization.

(3) Processing Flow Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are involved in this sequence.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the heating setting currently being used by the suction device 100 to the terminal device 200 (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 transmits identification information assigned to the heating setting currently being used by the suction device 100.

Next, the terminal device 200 displays a customization screen for the heating setting (step S104). For example, the terminal device 200 generates and displays the display image 10A illustrated in Figure 3, in which the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting currently being used by the inhalation device 100 received in step S102 is set to the initial position of the slider 21.

Next, the terminal device 200 changes the heating settings based on the user's operation on the customization screen (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 calculates the target temperature and heating time that will achieve the amount of atomization corresponding to the position of the slider 21 after movement in the display image 10A displayed in step S104, and sets these as the changed heating settings.

Next, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the changed heating settings to the suction device 100 (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 transmits the changed heating settings, including the target temperature and heating time calculated in step S106, to the suction device 100.

The inhalation device 100 then heats the aerosol source based on the changed heating setting indicated by the received information (step S110). For example, the inhalation device 100 maintains the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the target temperature indicated by the changed heating setting for the heating time indicated by the changed heating setting, triggered by the detection of a puff by the user.

3. Modified Examples
(1) First Modification The heating setting may include multiple target temperatures and heating times associated with different third parameters. That is, the heating setting may include combinations of target temperatures and heating times associated with the third parameters for multiple third parameters. Then, inhalation device 100 may heat the aerosol source based on the target temperature and heating time corresponding to the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected. That is, inhalation device 100 may heat the aerosol source by switching the target temperature and heating time depending on the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a more appropriate inhalation experience.

The third parameter may relate to the number of puffs. As the number of puffs increases, the cumulative intake of flavor components, for example, increases, so even if the atomization volume remains the same, the user may experience a different impression. In this regard, by switching the target temperature and heating time according to the number of puffs, it is possible to achieve an appropriate inhalation experience that corresponds to the user's sensations, which change according to the number of puffs.

In particular, the third parameter may be the cumulative number of puffs since the cartridge 120 began to be used. In other words, the heating setting may specify the target temperature and heating time for a series of puffs from the start of use of the cartridge 120 to the end. This configuration makes it possible to achieve an appropriate inhalation experience for a series of puffs from the start of use of the cartridge 120 to the end. Hereinafter, the third parameter will be considered to be the cumulative number of puffs since the cartridge 120 began to be used.

The terminal device 200 generates a display image displaying an atomization amount corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts. Then, based on a user operation to change an atomization amount corresponding to a specific cumulative puff count among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts displayed in the display image, the terminal device 200 changes the display of the atomization amount corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count in the display image, as well as the target temperature and heating time associated with the specific cumulative puff count. Specifically, the terminal device 200 calculates a target temperature and heating time to achieve the atomization amount corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count changed by the user among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts. The terminal device 200 then changes the target temperature and heating time of the heating settings corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count to the calculated target temperature and heating time. With this configuration, the user can change the target temperature and heating time of the heating settings corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count while visually observing the change in the atomization amount corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts displayed in the display image.

The specific cumulative number of puffs is the cumulative number of puffs at the time when a puff is detected in the future. In other words, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature and heating time for a future puff based on a user operation that changes the amount of atomization for a future puff.

In particular, the specific cumulative number of puffs may be the cumulative number of puffs at the time when a puff is next detected. In other words, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature and heating time for the next puff based on a user operation that changes the amount of atomization for the next puff.

The terminal device 200 may generate a display image that displays the amount of atomization corresponding to the cumulative number of puffs at one or more times when puffs were detected in the past, as a display image that displays the amount of atomization corresponding to one or more cumulative puffs. That is, the terminal device 200 may generate a display image that displays the amount of atomization during past puffs. With this configuration, the user can change the amount of atomization during subsequent puffs while visually checking the amount of atomization during past puffs. This allows the user to design the amount of atomization during subsequent puffs while visually checking the amount of atomization during past puffs and recalling the inhalation sensation of past puffs.

An example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 is explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. Display image 10B shown in Figure 5 displays a graph 30B showing the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph represents the amount of atomization. Display image 10B is displayed when three puffs have been performed so far and the next puff will be the fourth. Display image 10B displays marks 31A-31C indicating the amount of atomization of the aerosol generated in each of the three cumulative puffs performed so far. Referring to marks 31A-31C, the amount of atomization is greatest in the first puff, and then gradually decreases until the third puff. Display image 10B also displays a slider 21 indicating the amount of atomization in the next fourth puff, and a slider bar 20 indicating the range within which the slider 21 can be slid. The slider bar 20 and slider 21 are as described above with reference to Figure 3. By moving the slider 21 up and down, the user can set the atomization amount for the next fourth puff to the user's preferred amount.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10C shown in FIG. 6 displays a graph 30C showing the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph represents the amount of atomization. The display image 10C is displayed when three cumulative puffs have been performed so far and the next puff will be the fourth. The display image 10C displays marks 31A-31C indicating the amount of atomization of the aerosol generated in each of the three cumulative puffs performed in the past. The display image 10C also displays sliders 21A-21H indicating the amount of atomization for the fourth through eleventh puffs to be performed in the future, and slider bars 20A-20H indicating the ranges within which the sliders 21A-21H can be slid. By moving the sliders 21A to 21H up and down, the user can set the atomization amount for the fourth to eleventh puffs to the user's preferred amount.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. Display image 10D shown in Figure 7 displays a graph 30D showing the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph represents the amount of atomization. Display image 10D is displayed when three cumulative puffs have been taken so far and the next puff will be the fourth. Similar to display image 10C shown in Figure 6, display image 10D displays marks 31A-31C, sliders 21A-21H, and slider bars 20A-20H. However, the terminal device 200 adjusts the initial positions of sliders 21A-21H in display image 10D to match the previous and subsequent amounts of atomization. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the positions of marks 31A-31C and the initial positions of sliders 21A-21H change smoothly as the cumulative number of puffs increases. By customizing the settings with reference to the initial positions of the sliders 21A to 21H, the user can prevent an inappropriate inhalation experience, such as a sudden change in the amount of atomization between the previous puff and the next puff.

(2) Second Modification The terminal device 200 may change the heating setting further based on the type of cartridge 120 used by the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the terminal device 200 may calculate a target temperature and heating time to be achieved when the aerosol source included in the cartridge 120 is heated based on the atomization amount changed by the user, and use these as the changed heating setting. For example, for a cartridge 120 whose aerosol source includes menthol, the terminal device 200 multiplies the target temperature calculated based on the atomization amount by 1.02, and for other cartridges 120, the terminal device 200 uses the target temperature calculated based on the atomization amount as is. The aerosol source included in each cartridge 120 may differ depending on the type of cartridge 120. Therefore, even if heating is performed based on the same heating setting, the atomization amount may also differ depending on the type of cartridge 120. In this regard, this configuration enables the inhalation device 100 to generate an appropriate heating setting based on the type of cartridge 120 used.

There are various possible methods for identifying the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100. As one example, the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100 may be identified by image recognition of a color or a two-dimensional code attached to the cartridge 120. As another example, the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100 may be identified based on the electrical resistance value when the power supply unit 110 applies a voltage to the heating portion 121 of the cartridge 120 connected to the power supply unit 110.

For similar reasons as above, the terminal device 200 may also change the heating settings based further on the type of flavoring cartridge 130 used by the inhalation device 100.

(3) Third Modification The terminal device 200 may change the heating setting based on the environment in which the suction device 100 operates. More specifically, the terminal device 200 may calculate a target temperature and heating time to achieve the atomization amount changed by the user in the environment in which the suction device 100 operates, and use the calculated target temperature and heating time as the changed heating setting. Examples of the environment in which the suction device 100 operates include temperature and humidity. For example, if the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the terminal device 200 multiplies the target temperature calculated based on the atomization amount by 0.98, and if the temperature is lower than the predetermined value, the terminal device 200 uses the target temperature calculated based on the atomization amount as is. Even if heating is performed based on the same heating setting, the atomization amount may also differ depending on the environment in which the suction device 100 operates. In this regard, this configuration enables the generation of an appropriate heating setting based on the environment in which the suction device 100 operates.

The information indicating the environment in which the suction device 100 operates may be acquired by the suction device 100 or by the terminal device 200. As one example, the temperature or humidity may be detected by a temperature sensor or humidity sensor mounted on the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200. As another example, the information indicating the environment in which the suction device 100 operates may be provided by an external device such as a server on the Internet.

<4. Supplementary Information>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 generates and displays a display image, accepts user operations, and generates changed heating settings, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The device that generates the display image, the device that displays it, the device that accepts user operations, and the device that generates changed heating settings are not limited to the terminal device 200, and may each be different. As one example, the suction device 100 may generate and display a display image, accept user operations, and generate changed heating settings. As another example, a server on the Internet may generate a display image, the terminal device 200 may display the display image and accept user operations, and the server on the Internet may generate changed heating settings.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the aerosol characteristic displayed in the display image and subject to change is the atomization amount, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The aerosol characteristic may include the amount of flavor components contained in the generated aerosol, in addition to or instead of the atomization amount. The amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol is at least one of the amount, density, or volume of the flavor components per given volume of aerosol. For example, instead of a user operation to increase or decrease the atomization amount, the user may perform a user operation to increase or decrease the flavor. The terminal device 200 then changes the heating setting based on this user operation. This configuration allows the user to easily achieve the flavor that they personally prefer.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first parameter included in the heating profile is a target temperature and the second parameter is the length of time for which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As one example, the first parameter may be a target value for the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. As another example, the second parameter may be the length of time for which a voltage is applied to the heating unit 121. In this case, the length of time for which the temperature or resistance value of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target value specified in the first parameter will be shorter than the length of time specified in the second parameter.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the cartridge 120 began to be used, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

As an example, the third parameter may be the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time (e.g., 3 minutes). A user may take puffs consecutively in a short period of time, similar to when using a cigarette. In this regard, the heating setting may specify a target temperature and heating time for a series of puffs taken consecutively in a short period of time. With this configuration, it is possible to change the smoking experience in a series of puffs taken consecutively using the inhalation device 100, similar to the change in smoking experience from lighting a cigarette to finishing smoking.

As another example, the third parameter may be, for example, time. More specifically, the third parameter may be the time elapsed since the cartridge 120 began to be used. In addition to being heated by the heating unit 121, the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 may also volatilize naturally over time. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to achieve an appropriate inhalation experience that takes into account the volatilization of the aerosol source. The third parameter may also be a combination of multiple parameters, such as a combination of the number of puffs and time.

The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed and processed by multiple computers.

Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
a control unit that changes the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
An information processing device comprising:
(2)
the aerosol source is a liquid;
the inhalation device, when detecting a puff by a user, heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter;
The information processing device according to (1) above.
(3)
the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter;
the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected.
The information processing device according to (2) above.
(4)
The third parameter relates to the number of puffs,
The information processing device according to (3) above.
(5)
The third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the use of the base material began.
The information processing device according to (4) above.
(6)
The third parameter is the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time.
The information processing device according to (4) above.
(7)
The control unit
generating the display image indicative of a property of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters;
and based on a user operation for changing the aerosol characteristic corresponding to a specific third parameter among the aerosol characteristics corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, changing the display of the aerosol characteristic corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and changing the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter.
The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (6).
(8)
the specific third parameter is the third parameter at a timing when the puff is detected in the future;
The information processing device according to (7) above.
(9)
the specific third parameter is the third parameter at the timing when the puff is next detected,
The information processing device according to (8) above.
(10)
the control unit generates the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected.
The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (9).
(11)
the control unit generates the display image that indicates a characteristic of the aerosol that would be generated if the inhalation device heated the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10).
(12)
The control unit changes the heating setting further based on the type of the substrate.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11).
(13)
The control unit changes the heating setting further based on an environment in which the suction device operates.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12).
(14)
The aerosol characteristics include the amount of the aerosol produced.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(15)
The aerosol characteristics include the amount of a flavor component contained in the generated aerosol.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(16)
the control unit controls the suction device to use the changed heating setting.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(17)
generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
An information processing method including:
(18)
On the computer,
generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
A program to execute.

1 System 100 Inhalation device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification section 114 Memory section 115 Communication section 116 Control section 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guide section 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 200 Terminal device 210 Input section 220 Output section 230 Detection section 240 Communication section 250 Memory section 260 Control section

Claims (17)

generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
a control unit that changes the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
Equipped with
the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter;
the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected.
Information processing device. the aerosol source is a liquid;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The third parameter relates to the number of puffs,
3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2 . The third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the use of the base material began.
The information processing device according to claim 3 . The third parameter is the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time.
The information processing device according to claim 3 . The control unit
generating the display image indicative of a property of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters;
and based on a user operation for changing the aerosol characteristic corresponding to a specific third parameter among the aerosol characteristics corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, changing the display of the aerosol characteristic corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and changing the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . the specific third parameter is the third parameter at a timing when the puff is detected in the future;
The information processing device according to claim 6 . the specific third parameter is the third parameter at the timing when the puff is next detected,
The information processing device according to claim 7 . the control unit generates the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . the control unit generates the display image that indicates a characteristic of the aerosol that would be generated if the inhalation device heated the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . The control unit changes the heating setting further based on the type of the substrate.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . The control unit changes the heating setting further based on an environment in which the suction device operates.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The aerosol characteristics include the amount of the aerosol produced.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The aerosol characteristics include the amount of a flavor component contained in the generated aerosol.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . the control unit controls the suction device to use the changed heating setting.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
Including,
the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter;
An information processing method in which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which correspond to the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected. On the computer,
generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated;
changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image;
Execute
the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter;
The inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected.