JP7190052B2 - COMMUNICATION SUPPORT METHOD, PROGRAM AND COMMUNICATION SERVER - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a communication support method, program, and communication server.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for combining smoking and virtual space. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, when a user wearing a head-mounted unit smokes using a flavor inhaler, a three-dimensional object of smoke accompanying smoking a cigarette is displayed on the head-mounted unit. This is a technology that simulates a cigarette smoking experience for the user by displaying it.

WO2017/121979

By the way, in recent years, the number of places where smoking is allowed has decreased, and users of flavor inhalers are sometimes forced to use limited environments. Therefore, users are demanding a use experience in a virtual use environment different from the real world. Patent Literature 1 enables a simulated smoking experience using a flavor inhaler, but does not provide a use experience in a virtual use environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication support method, program, and communication server capable of providing a usage experience in a virtual usage environment.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication support method includes a receiving step of receiving usage information indicating that the flavor inhaler has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the flavor inhaler is used. an allocation step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information; an arrangement step of arranging an object of the user or a character corresponding to the user terminal in the virtual space; a determination step of determining a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on the information; and a transmission step of transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal. include.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the program receives usage information indicating that the flavor inhaler has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the flavor inhaler is used, to the computer. an allocation step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information; an arrangement step of arranging an object of the user or a character corresponding to the user terminal in the virtual space; a determination step of determining a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on the usage information; and a transmission step of transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal. to run.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication server includes a communication unit that receives usage information indicating that the flavor inhaler has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the flavor inhaler is used. an allocation unit for allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information; an arrangement unit for arranging an object of a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal in the virtual space; and the usage information. and a determination unit that determines the display mode of the object in the virtual space based on the above, and the communication unit transmits display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal Send to

According to at least one of the above aspects, the communication server can provide the user of the flavor inhaler with a usage experience in a virtual usage environment different from the real world.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the communication system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor inhaler according to a first example; FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor inhaler according to a second example; It is a figure which shows an example of the schematic external appearance of a flavor inhaler. 1 is an example of a schematic appearance of a flavored inhaler holding an aerosol-generating substrate; 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is an example of a display mode displayed on the user terminal according to the first embodiment. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a communication server according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is an example of information stored in a virtual space storage unit according to the first embodiment. It is an example of the information which the user information storage part which concerns on 1st Embodiment memorize|stores. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the communication server according to the first embodiment; 9 is a flow chart showing another operation example of the communication server according to the first embodiment; 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment; FIG.

<First embodiment>
<<Configuration of communication system>>
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the first embodiment.
A communication system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a flavor inhaler 100 , a user terminal 200 and a communication server 300 . The flavor inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 communicate with each other, for example, via near field communication. Also, the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate with each other, for example, via wireless communication.
The flavor inhaler 100 transmits usage information indicating that the user has used the flavor inhaler 100 to the user terminal 200 via near field communication, for example. Also, the user terminal 200, for example, transmits the received usage information to the communication server 300 via wireless communication.
When receiving the usage information, the communication server 300 allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 and transmits display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal 200 via wireless communication. The communication server 300 also transmits display information for displaying the virtual space to other user terminals 200 via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the virtual space based on the received display information.
Also, the user terminal 200 transmits a message to the communication server 300 via wireless communication. Also, when receiving a message, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message in the virtual space to other user terminals 200 assigned to the virtual space via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the message in the virtual space based on the received display information (more specifically, displays communication information, which is an object indicating the message, in the virtual space. ).

According to the first embodiment, when the communication server 300 detects use of the flavor inhaler 100, the communication server 300 places the user's avatar V1 in the virtual space V and uses the display image of the virtual space V. displayed on the user terminal 200. An avatar V1 of another user using the flavor inhaler 100 is also placed in the virtual space V at the same time. Communication information V2 such as messages issued by each user is also displayed in the virtual space V. FIG. The flavor inhaler object V11 possessed by each avatar V1 in the virtual space V may have the same shape as the flavor inhaler 100 used by the user. Also, in the virtual space V, a decorative object V3 is arranged. Thereby, each user of the flavor inhaler can obtain a usage experience in a virtual usage environment.

The “usage information” may be various kinds of usage information that can be collected by the flavor inhaler 100 . The usage information is information relating to the usage of the flavor inhaler, and includes, for example, usage frequency, usage amount, and/or usage fact. Further, the usage information is not limited to these, and includes information regarding the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 . The information on the usage status of the flavor suction tool 100 includes, for example, the usage time of the flavor suction tool 100, the charging status and remaining amount status of the battery included in the flavor suction tool 100, the position of the flavor suction tool 100 (user), and the flavor suction tool. In 100, it includes information such as the fact that a predetermined capsule has been attached, or the time the flavor inhaler 100 has been carried around or held. The usage information may be, for example, the number of puffs, the number of refill replacements, the amount of liquid consumed and remaining amount, and the like. Note that the refill is a replaceable member, such as a reservoir or flavor source included in the flavor inhaler 100, the smoking article 140, various atomizers, and the like. The usage information can be measured by various sensors provided in the flavor inhaler 100 or the like.

Also, the “virtual space” is a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 200, and is, for example, a three-dimensional or two-dimensional space imitating a smoking area or a scenic spot. Moreover, the virtual space V is not limited to smoking areas, scenic spots, and the like, and may be any area or place. Also, the virtual space V does not have to be a real place, and may be any area or place such as a fictitious area or place that does not actually exist. Also, the virtual space V does not necessarily have to be a three-dimensional space, and may be a two-dimensional space. In this way, the virtual space V may be anything as long as it can be displayed on the user terminal 200 .

A "message" is various information transmitted by the user terminal 200, and includes, for example, text information, voice information, video information, or image information. The message may include image information, moving image information, audio information, or the like corresponding to a predetermined character (including an avatar described below). Also, the message may include a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), a QR code (registered trademark), or the like relating to a predetermined home page on the Internet. Also, the message may include Morse code, a predetermined encrypted signal, or the like. Also, the message may be various information for the user of the user terminal 200 to transmit to other users of the user terminal 200 . The message is not limited to these examples, and may include advertisement information, failure information, coupons indicating discounts for accessories of the flavor inhaler 100, and the like.

≪Operation of the communication system≫
FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 2, the virtual space is allocated to the user terminal 200 triggered by the communication server 300 receiving the usage information. However, the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example of the operation of the communication system 1, and the trigger for allocating the virtual space is not limited to reception of usage information.

For example, the communication server 300 may allocate a virtual space to the user terminal 200 triggered by the user terminal 200 logging into the communication system 1 . Also, the communication server 300 may allocate a virtual space to the user terminal 200, for example, using predetermined information as a trigger instead of the usage information. The predetermined information is, for example, information indicating that the flavor inhaler 100 and/or the user terminal 200 exist in a predetermined space (for example, an actual smoking area), or information indicating that a predetermined time has come. and information indicating that the switch of the flavor inhaler 100 has been pressed. The predetermined space is, for example, an actual smoking area, a house or other building in which the flavor inhaler 100 can be used, an automobile or other vehicle in which the flavor inhaler 100 can be used, or a space in which the flavor inhaler 100 can be used. If the use of the flavor inhaler 100 is not prohibited, such as a store, a smoking room in which the flavor inhaler 100 can be used, or an area or region in which the flavor inhaler 100 can be used, can be any place. Also, the predetermined space may be designated as a point or area by latitude and longitude, or may be indicated as an area on a predetermined map.

The flavor inhaler 100 detects the user's inhalation action (puff) (S1001), and transmits usage information to the user terminal 200 via, for example, short-range wireless communication (S1002). The user terminal 200 transmits usage information to the communication server 300, for example, via wireless communication (S1003).
The communication server 300 allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 based on the reception of the usage information (S1004), and transmits the display information for displaying the virtual space to the user via wireless communication. It transmits to the terminal 200 (S1005). The user terminal 200 displays the virtual space based on the received display information (S1006).
Another user terminal 200 assigned to the same virtual space receives the message input by another user (S1007), and transmits the message to the communication server 300 via wireless communication (S1008).
When the communication server 300 receives the message (S1009), it transmits display information for displaying the message in the virtual space via wireless communication to the user terminal 200 assigned to the same virtual space. (S1010). The user terminal 200 displays the message in the virtual space based on the received display information (S1011).
The flavor inhaler 100, the user terminal 200, and the communication server 300 included in the communication system 1 will be described below.

<<Structure of Flavor Inhaler>>
The flavor inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling flavor and is intended for, but not limited to, electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn cigarettes, and conventional cigarettes. The flavor inhaler 100 also includes an aerosol generator for inhaling the generated aerosol, and the aerosol generator is intended for, for example, electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn cigarettes, and medical nebulizers. More specifically, the aerosol generator is, for example, a device that uses electric power to atomize a liquid (aerosol source) to generate an aerosol. Aerosols are atomized aerosol sources and are particles so small that they are suspended in a gas. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be flavored. Examples of aerosol generators include heated cigarettes (T-vapor and Infused) and electronic cigarettes (E-vapor). The aerosol generator includes a type that directly heats tobacco (direct heating), a type that indirectly heats tobacco (indirect heating), and a type that heats liquid. Further, the aerosol generator may atomize the liquid by generating SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) using a piezoelectric element substrate having a comb-shaped electrode pair.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the flavor inhaler according to the first example. As shown in FIG. 3, the flavor inhaler 100A according to the first example comprises a first member 102 and a second member 104. As shown in FIG. As shown, by way of example, the first member 102 may include a control portion 106, a communication portion 108, a battery 110, a sensor 112 and a memory 114. FIG.

As an example, second member 104 may include reservoir 116 , atomizing portion 118 , air intake channel 120 , aerosol channel 121 and mouthpiece 122 . Some of the components contained within first member 102 may be contained within second member 104 . Some of the components contained within second member 104 may be contained within first member 102 . The second member 104 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 102 . Alternatively, all components contained within first member 102 and second member 104 may be contained within the same housing instead of first member 102 and second member 104 .

Reservoir 116 holds an aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 116 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds the aerosol source as a liquid in the interstices between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. For the fibrous or porous material described above, for example, cotton, glass fiber, tobacco raw material, or the like can be used. Reservoir 116 may be configured as a tank that contains liquid. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, liquids such as water. If the flavored inhaler 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient. As another example, the aerosol source may include tobacco materials or extracts derived from tobacco materials that release flavor and taste components upon heating. Reservoir 116 may have a configuration that allows it to be replenished with a spent aerosol source. Alternatively, reservoir 116 may be configured such that reservoir 116 itself can be replaced when the aerosol source is exhausted. Also, the aerosol source is not limited to liquid, and may be solid. If the aerosol source is solid, the reservoir 116 may be, for example, a hollow container without fibrous or porous materials.

Atomization section 118 is configured to atomize the aerosol source to produce an aerosol. When a suction action is detected by sensor 112, atomization section 118 generates an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect reservoir 116 and atomization section 118 . In this case, a portion of the wick leads into the interior of reservoir 116 and contacts the aerosol source. Another part of the wick extends to the atomization section 118 . The aerosol source is transported from reservoir 116 to atomization section 118 by the capillary effect of the wick. As an example, atomization section 118 includes a heater electrically connected to battery 110 . A heater is placed in contact with or in close proximity to the wick. When a suction action is detected, the controller 106 controls the heater of the atomizer 118 to heat the aerosol source carried through the wick to atomize the aerosol source. Another example of the atomizer 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source through ultrasonic vibrations. An air intake channel 120 is connected to the atomizing section 118, and the air intake channel 120 leads to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100A. The aerosol generated in atomizing section 118 is mixed with air taken in through air intake channel 120 . The aerosol/air mixture is delivered to aerosol channel 121 as indicated by arrow 124 . The aerosol flow path 121 has a tubular structure for transporting the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated in the atomizing section 118 to the mouthpiece section 122 .

The mouthpiece 122 is located at the end of the aerosol channel 121 and configured to open the aerosol channel 121 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100A. The user takes in the air containing the aerosol into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 122 and sucking.

The communication unit 108 communicates with user terminals and other computers. The communication unit 108 may be implemented using at least a network interface or the like as a hardware resource.

The battery 110 powers each component of the flavor inhaler 100A, such as the communication unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, the atomization unit 118, and the like. The battery 110 may be recharged by connecting to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the flavor inhaler 100A. The battery 110 alone may be removable from the first member 102 or flavor inhaler 100A and may be replaced with a new battery 110. It may also be possible to replace the battery 110 with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102 .

The sensor 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects fluctuations in the internal pressure of at least one of the air intake channel 120 and the aerosol channel 121 or a flow sensor that detects the flow rate. Sensors 112 may also include weight sensors that sense the weight of components such as reservoir 116 . Sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs by a user with flavor inhaler 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to integrate the energization time of the atomization section 118 . Sensor 112 may also be configured to sense the level of liquid in reservoir 116 . The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery 110, current integration value, voltage, and the like. The integrated current value may be obtained by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 may also be a user-operable operation button or the like.

The controller 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer. Controller 106 may be configured to control operation of flavor inhaler 100A according to computer-executable instructions stored in memory 114 . The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition to the computer-executable instructions as described above, the memory 114 may also store setting data and the like necessary for controlling the flavor inhaler 100A. For example, the memory 114 may store various data such as the control method of the communication unit 108 (modes such as light emission, vocalization, vibration, etc.), values detected by the sensor 112, heating history of the atomization unit 118, and the like. . The control unit 106 reads out data from the memory 114 as necessary, uses it for controlling the flavor inhaler 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 as necessary.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the flavor inhaler according to the second example. As illustrated, the flavor inhaler 100B according to the second example includes a third member 126 in addition to the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A of FIG. Third member 126 may include flavor source 128 . As an example, if the flavor inhaler 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may include flavor components contained in tobacco. As shown, aerosol channel 121 extends through second member 104 and third member 126 . The mouthpiece 122 is provided on a third member 126 .

Flavor source 128 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. Flavor source 128 is arranged in the middle of aerosol channel 121 . A mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the atomizing section 118 (note that the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as an aerosol hereinafter) flows through the aerosol flow path 121 to the mouthpiece section 122. Thus, the flavor source 128 is located downstream of the atomizer 118 with respect to the aerosol flow. In other words, the flavor source 128 is positioned closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the aerosol flow path 121 than the atomization section 118 is. Therefore, the aerosol generated by atomization section 118 passes through flavor source 128 before reaching mouthpiece section 122 . As the aerosol passes through the flavor source 128, the flavor and taste components contained in the flavor source 128 are imparted to the aerosol. As an example, if the flavor inhaler 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be tobacco-derived, such as shredded tobacco or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. Flavor sources 128 may also be of non-tobacco origin, made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mints, herbs, etc.). By way of example, flavor source 128 includes tobacco components. Flavor source 128 may contain a flavoring ingredient such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 128, the reservoir 116 may also contain substances containing flavoring components. For example, the flavor inhaler 100B may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavorant in the flavor source 128 and a non-tobacco-derived flavorant in the reservoir 116 .

The user can take in the air containing the flavored aerosol into the oral cavity by sucking while holding the mouthpiece 122 in the mouth.

The controller 106 is configured to control the flavor inhaler 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure in various ways. Also, the control unit 106 generates usage information of the flavor inhaler 100 and transmits it to the user terminal 200 . The flavor inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 are associated with each other, and data can be transmitted and received between the two by executing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication. It becomes possible. The transmission and reception of data between the flavor inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 is not limited to BLE communication. Any communication may be used. Also, the transmission and reception of data between the flavor inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication, and may be wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Mini USB, Micro USB, and Lightning. The usage information may include the type of flavor inhaler 100, the type of flavor, the number of puffs, location information, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler. FIG. 6 is an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler holding an aerosol-generating substrate.
In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 produces a flavor-bearing aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a smoking article, having a flavor-generating substrate, e.g., a filling comprising an aerosol source and a flavor source. configured to generate It should be noted that the smoking article 140 may be used as an aerosol-generating substrate.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, smoking article 140 is but one example of an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol source contained in the aerosol-generating substrate can be solid or liquid. The aerosol source can be, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or liquids such as water. The aerosol source may comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived from the tobacco material that releases flavor and taste components upon heating. If the flavored inhaler 100 is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient. For some applications, the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of flavor sources.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flavor inhaler 100 has a top housing 131A, a bottom housing 131B, a cover 132, a switch 133, and a lid portion . The top housing 131A and the bottom housing 131B constitute the outermost housing 131 of the flavor inhaler 100 by being connected to each other. Housing 131 may be sized to fit in the hand of a user. In this case, when the user uses the flavor inhaler 100, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 by hand and inhale the aerosol.

Top housing 131A has an opening (not shown), and cover 132 is coupled to top housing 131A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 6, cover 132 has an opening 132B into which smoking article 140 can be inserted. Lid portion 134 is configured to open and close opening 132B of cover 132 . Specifically, the lid portion 134 is attached to the cover 132 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 132 between a first position that closes the opening 132B and a second position that opens the opening 132B. .

A switch 133 is used to switch the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 on and off. For example, the user operates the switch 133 with the smoking article 140 inserted into the opening 132B as shown in FIG. 6 to supply power from the battery (not shown) to the heater (not shown). , the smoking article 140 can be heated without burning. When the smoking article 140 is heated, an aerosol is generated from an aerosol source contained in the smoking article 140 and the flavor of the flavor source is incorporated into the aerosol. The user can inhale the flavor-containing aerosol by inhaling the portion of the smoking article 140 that protrudes from the flavor inhaler 100 (the portion illustrated in FIG. 6). In this specification, the direction in which the aerosol-generating substrate such as the smoking article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.

The configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is merely an example of the configuration of the flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure. Flavored inhalers according to the present disclosure can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate that includes an aerosol source, and can be in various forms such that the generated aerosol source can be inhaled by a user. can be configured with

<<Operation of flavor sucker>>
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment.
When the user starts sucking (puffing) from the mouthpiece 122 , pressure is generated inside the flavor sucker 100 and detected by the sensor 112 . When the sensor 112 detects pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S1), the battery 110 starts supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S2). When the control unit 106 to which power supply is started is activated, the battery 110 starts supplying power to the heater of the atomization unit 118 (step S3). The heater thereby heats the aerosol source of the atomizing section 118 . Further, the control unit 106 transmits usage information of the flavor inhaler 100 to the user terminal 200 (step S4).

The control unit 106 determines whether or not the pressure detected by the sensor 112 has become less than a predetermined value (step S5). If the pressure detected by the sensor 112 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S5: NO), power supply to the heater is continued. On the other hand, when the pressure detected by the sensor 112 is less than the predetermined value (step S5: YES), the controller 106 causes the battery 110 to stop supplying power to the heater (step S6).

The control unit 106 determines whether or not the transmission of the usage information in step S4 has been completed (step S7). If the transmission of the usage information has not been completed (step S7: NO), the power supply to the control unit 106 is continued. On the other hand, if the transmission of the usage information has been completed (step S7: YES), the control unit 106 causes the battery 110 to stop supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S8). That is, the control unit 106 stops the power supply to the control unit 106 at the timing when the pressure of the sensor 112 becomes less than a predetermined value or the timing when the transmission of the usage information is completed, whichever is later.
In this manner, the control unit 106 according to the first embodiment transmits usage information to the user terminal 200 for each puffing action of the user. That is, the usage information is an example of suction information (puff data) issued for each suction (puff) operation of the flavor inhaler 100 .

《User terminal》
The user terminal 200 is, for example, a terminal having a communication function such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 200 has, for example, a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC, and a wireless communication function via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user terminal 200 and the flavor inhaler 100 communicate by short-range wireless communication, and the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate by a wireless communication function via a wide area network. The transmission and reception of data between the user terminal 200 and the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to short-range wireless communication, and may be wireless communication such as wireless LAN or LPWAN. Further, the user terminal 200 may have a wired communication function such as USB, may communicate with the flavor suction tool 100 via the wired communication function, or may communicate with the communication server 300 via the wired communication function. may communicate.

As described above, the user terminal 200 is, for example, a smart phone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may be a computer (for example, a desktop, a laptop, etc.), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or a wristwatch type terminal device. , glasses-type terminal device, or other types of computers. The user terminal 200 may be a smart speaker (AI speaker; "AI" is an abbreviation for "artificial intelligence") or a head mounted display (HMD). Note that the user terminal 200 is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal according to the first embodiment.
The user terminal 200 includes a display section 201 , a communication section 202 , a memory 203 , a storage section 204 , an information processing section 205 and an operation section 206 . Each component is electrically connected to each other by bus lines such as an address bus and a data bus.

The display unit 201 is means for displaying various kinds of display information. The display unit 201 is, for example, a display, but may be of any type as long as it can display various types of display information. The display unit 201 displays the virtual space V based on the display information received from the communication server 300, for example.

The communication unit 202 is implemented by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 202 is configured by a wireless device or the like that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as short-range wireless communication, wireless LAN (registered trademark), or LTE. Also, the communication unit 202 may be configured by a device that performs wired communication. The communication unit 202 communicates with the flavor inhaler 100 via, for example, short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 202 transmits usage information indicating that the user has used the flavor inhaler 100 to the user terminal 200, for example, via short-range wireless communication. Also, the communication unit 202 communicates with the communication server 300, for example, via wireless communication. The communication unit 202 transmits the received usage information and messages to the communication server 300 via wireless communication. The communication unit 202 also receives display information from the communication server 300 via wireless communication.

The memory 203 is composed of a RAM such as a volatile memory using semiconductor elements, and is used as a work memory for the information processing section 57 . The memory 203 is configured by, for example, a flash memory or the like. Note that the memory 203 may be part of the storage unit 204 .

The storage unit 204 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a hybrid storage device in which a plurality of these are combined. The storage unit 204 stores, for example, a program 207 executed by the information processing unit 205, an application 208, and the like.

The program 207 is, for example, an operating system, which is positioned between the user/application program and the hardware, provides a standard interface to the user/application program, and at the same time, efficiently manages each resource such as hardware. management.

The application 208 is an application program for communicating with other users through the virtual space V. FIG. The user terminal 200 receives usage information from the flavor inhaler 100 and transmits the usage information to the communication server 300 by executing the application program. Also, the user can display the virtual space V based on the display information received from the communication server 300 . Also, the user can send a message for communication with other users to the communication server 300 by operating the user terminal 200 . The user terminal 200 may realize these functions by PWA (Progressive Web Apps) instead of the native application program.

All or part of the information processing unit 205 is a functional unit (hereinafter referred to as software function unit). Note that all or part of the information processing unit 207 may be realized by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). It may be realized by a combination of units and hardware.

The information processing section 205 executes a process of transferring the usage information received from the flavor inhaler 100 to the communication server 300 via the communication section 202 . The information processing section 205 also executes processing for displaying the display information received from the communication server 300 on the display section 201 . The information processing unit 205 also executes processing for displaying a message input by the user using the operation unit 206 on the communication server 300 via the communication unit 202 .

The operation unit 206 is configured by, for example, a touch panel, detects a touch operation on the screen displayed on the display unit 201 , and outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the information processing unit 205 .

≪Display mode of the user terminal≫
FIG. 9 is an example of a display mode displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 according to the first embodiment.
A virtual space V is displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 . The display unit 201 displays, for example, a virtual three-dimensional space simulating a smoking area.
Also, in the virtual space V, the user's avatar V1 is displayed on the display unit 201 . Avatar V1 is the avatar of the user of user terminal 200 assigned to virtual space V. FIG. Avatar V1 is displayed, for example, as a human-like object. Note that the avatar V1 is not limited to a human-like object, and may be displayed as any object such as a fictitious character object.
Also, the avatar V1 may be able to move in at least one region within the virtual space V. FIG. In this case, the area in which the avatar V1 moves may be a predetermined area for each virtual space V, or may be the entire virtual space V. FIG.
Also, communication information, which is an object indicating the message V2, is displayed (arranged) in the virtual space V on the display unit 201 . It should be noted that hereinafter, displaying a message may also be expressed in the sense of displaying communication information, which is an object indicating the message V2.

In the example of FIG. 9, message V2 is displayed around avatar V1. The message V2 is displayed, for example, around the avatar V1 corresponding to the user who sent the message V2. The message V2 may be displayed, for example, as a speech bubble, or may simply be displayed as a text message. Note that when the avatar V1 moves within the virtual space V, the message V2 may move within the virtual space V together with the moving avatar V1.
Also, the message V2 does not necessarily have to be displayed in the virtual space V, and may be displayed in a different area from the virtual space V on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200. FIG. In this case, the message V2 may be displayed in chronological order or in a chat format, for example. Also, the message V2 may be output by voice as a voice message, or may be output in another form or mode.
A message input section M is also displayed on the display section 201 . The message input unit M is composed of a plurality of icons with which the user of the user terminal 200 can input a message, an area for displaying the input message, and the like. It should be noted that the message input section M may take any form as long as the user can input a message. Also, the message is not limited to manual input, and may be voice input or the like.

In addition, the display unit 201 displays, in the virtual space V, the flavor sucker object V11 possessed by the user's avatar V1. The flavor inhaler object V11 possessed by each avatar V1 in the virtual space V may have the same shape as the flavor inhaler 100 used by the user. Note that when the avatar V1 moves within the virtual space V, the flavor sucker object V11 may move within the virtual space V together with the moving avatar V1. Also, in the virtual space V, a decorative object V3 is arranged. In the example of FIG. 9, the decoration object V3 is a painting or a shelf. The decoration object V3 is suitable for the background data of the virtual space V in question. Note that the decoration object V3 may be of any type. Also, the decoration object V3 may be movable in at least one area within the virtual space V. FIG. In this case, the area in which the decoration object V3 moves may be a predetermined area for each virtual space V, or may be the entire virtual space V. FIG.

《Communication Server》
The communication server 300 arranges an avatar V1 and a decoration object V3 corresponding to the user (or the user terminal 200) in the virtual space V based on the usage information of the flavor inhaler 100 received from the user terminal 200, and displays the virtual Display information (video, image, etc.) of space V is transmitted to the user terminal 200 . Also, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message received from the user terminal 200 to the user terminal 200 assigned to the virtual space V. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server according to the first embodiment;
The communication server 300 includes a virtual space storage unit 301, a user information storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, an identification unit 304, an allocation unit 305, an arrangement unit 306, a mode determination unit 307, a message reception unit 308, a distribution unit 309, and a space decoration unit. A section 310 is provided.

11 is an example of information stored in a virtual space storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG.
The virtual space storage unit 301 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a hybrid storage device in which a plurality of these are combined. be.
The virtual space storage unit 301 stores information on the virtual space V for each user. Specifically, the virtual space storage unit 301 stores the background data of the virtual space V, the decoration object V3 in the virtual space V and its arrangement information (position and inclination), and the log-in data in the virtual space V for each user. The location information of the user and his/her avatar V1 is stored. The background data of the virtual space V may represent, for example, a room. Note that the virtual space V may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space.

12 is an example of information stored in a user information storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG.
The user information storage unit 302 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device in which a plurality of these are combined. be done.
The user information storage unit 302 stores, for each user, state information (login state or logout state to the communication system 1), identification information of the user terminal 200, model data of the avatar V1, assigned virtual space V, last store the time when usage information was received, history of usage information, and login frequency. These pieces of information stored in the user information storage unit 302 are the history of usage information and usage history information. The information stored in the user information storage unit 302 is not limited to these examples, and may be any information as long as it relates to the user.

The communication unit 303 is implemented by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 303 is configured by a wireless device or the like that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as a wireless LAN (registered trademark) or LTE. Also, the communication unit 303 may be configured by a device that performs wired communication. The communication unit 303 receives usage information of the flavor inhaler 100 from the user terminal 200 . The communication unit 303 records the received usage information and reception time in the user information storage unit 302 .
The specifying unit 304 determines whether the user (or the user terminal 200) has received the flavor inhaler based on the last time the user (or the user terminal 200) received the usage information stored in the user information storage unit 302. is in use. Specifically, the identifying unit 304 identifies a user (or user terminal 200) whose elapsed time from the last reception of usage information is within a predetermined period of time, among a plurality of users (or user terminal 200). is in use. That is, the identifying unit 304 identifies the user terminal 200 associated with the flavor inhaler 100 in use based on the collected usage information. The identification unit 304 determines that the state information of the user (or the user terminal 200) is the login state.

The allocation unit 305 allocates a newly logged-in user to one of a plurality of virtual spaces V. FIG. For example, the allocation unit 305 receives a selection from the user as to whether to allocate the virtual space V already allocated to another user or the virtual space V associated with the user. By being assigned to the virtual space V associated with the user, the user can obtain a smoking experience in the virtual space V decorated by the user. On the other hand, a user can be assigned to a virtual space V associated with another user to share the smoking experience with the other user in the virtual space V decorated by the other user.

The placement unit 306 places the object of the avatar V<b>1 associated with each user (or each user terminal 200 ) in the virtual space V allocated by the allocation unit 305 . The position where the object of the avatar V1 is arranged in the virtual space V may be a predetermined position or may be arranged arbitrarily. Also, the avatar V1 may be able to move in at least one region within the virtual space V. FIG.

Mode determination unit 307 determines the display mode of avatar V1 representing each user based on the information stored in user information storage unit 302 . For example, the mode determination unit 307 increases (or decreases) the transparency of the object of the avatar V1 when the frequency of login to the communication system 1 stored in the user information storage unit 302 is below a certain value (or above a certain value). ). Further, for example, when the frequency of login to the communication system 1 stored in the user information storage unit 302 in a predetermined period of time is less than or equal to a certain period of time (or more than a certain period of time), the mode determination unit 307 determines the transparency of the object of the avatar V1. may be increased. The login frequency may be calculated, for example, based on the frequency with which the allocation unit 305 has allocated the virtual space to the user terminal 200 and stored in the user storage unit 302 . Note that the predetermined period may be any period, such as one day, one week, or one month. Also, the certain period of time can be changed based on a predetermined period of time, and may be any period of time such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. For example, the mode determination unit 307 increases the transparency of the object of the avatar V1 when the login time to the communication system 1 in a predetermined period of one week is one hour or less. This allows the user and other users to visually understand that the frequency of use of the communication system 1 is decreasing (or increasing).

Further, the mode determining section 307 may determine the usage mode of the object of the avatar V1 based on the information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 stored in the user information storage section 302 . For example, the mode determination unit 307 determines from the usage history information stored in the user information storage unit 302 that the number of charging times or the charging frequency of the flavor inhaler 100 is a certain value or less (or a certain value or more). You may also increase the transparency of the object. The constant value is, for example, 1 or 10 charging times, and the charging frequency is 1 or 10 charging times per predetermined period (eg, one day, one week, one month, etc.). is. However, the constant value is not limited to these examples and may be any value.

Further, the mode determination unit 307 determines from the usage history information stored in the user information storage unit 302 that if the number of times of suctioning or the frequency of suctioning by the flavor suction tool 100 is equal to or less than a certain value (or more than a certain value), the avatar V1 You may also increase the transparency of the object. The fixed value is, for example, 1 or 10 times as the number of times of suction, and as the frequency of suction, the number of times of suction per predetermined period (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.) is 10 times or 100 times. is. That is, the mode determination unit 307 determines the transparency (display mode) of the object of the avatar V1 based on the information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 included in the usage history information. This allows the user and other users to visually understand that the frequency of use of the flavor inhaler 100 is decreasing (or increasing).
Further, for example, the mode determination unit 307 determines that the current suction (puff) interval is significantly shorter than the past suction (puff) interval calculated from the usage history information stored in the user information storage unit 302 (for example, half ), the transparency of avatar V1's objects may be increased. In addition, the mode determination unit 307 may increase the transparency of the object of the avatar V1 when the current suction amount calculated from the usage history information is significantly smaller than the past suction amount. . In other words, the mode determination unit 307 determines the avatar based on the result of comparison between the current usage mode of the flavor inhaler 100 by the user and the past usage mode of the flavor inhaler by the user included in the usage history information. Determine the transparency (display mode) of the object of V1.
This allows the user and other users to visually understand the physical condition of the user.

In addition, every time the usage information is received from the user terminal 200, the mode determining section 307 may cause the avatar V1 associated with the user terminal 200 to suck (puff). Further, the mode determination unit 307 may change the flavor suction tool object V11 possessed by the avatar V1 to have the appearance of the flavor suction tool of the type indicated by the received usage information. Further, the mode determination unit 307 may display usage history information and purchase history information stored in the user information storage unit 302 near the object of the avatar V1.

The message receiver 308 receives messages from the user terminal 200 . Note that the message is an example of communication information. Note that the message receiving unit 307 may be implemented by the communication unit 303 .
The distribution unit 309 distributes the display information in which the virtual space V is drawn based on the information stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 to the user terminal 200 of the user assigned to each virtual space V. FIG. That is, the distribution unit 309 arranges the background data, the avatar V1, and the decoration object V3 in the virtual space V, and renders them to generate the display information. The distribution unit 309 also distributes the message received by the message reception unit 308 to the user terminal 200 of the user assigned to the same virtual space V as the sender (source) of the message. Messages may be distributed as objects in the virtual space V as shown in FIG. The display mode displayed on the user terminal 200 by the display information distributed by the distribution unit 308 is the same as the display mode illustrated in FIG. 9 described above, for example. Also, the distribution unit 308 may be implemented by the communication unit 303 .

The space decorating section 310 receives from the user an instruction to place the decorating object V3 in the virtual space V associated with the user, and updates the placement information of the decorating object V3 in the virtual space storage section 301 . The space decoration section 310 may allow the user to select any one of all the decoration objects V3, or allow the user to select any one of the decoration objects V3 for which the user has the right to place. may The placement right of the decoration object V3 is given in exchange for an exchange item distributed to the user according to the usage history of the flavor inhaler 100 or the usage history of the communication system 1, for example. For example, when the frequency of use, the number of times of use, the frequency of charging, and the number of times of charging of the flavor inhaler 100 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the placement right of the decoration object V3 is given. Further, for example, when the frequency of use or the number of times of use of the communication system 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the placement right of the decoration object V3 is given. Note that the predetermined value for obtaining the placement right of the decoration object V3 may be set according to the type of the decoration object V3 and the placement position.

The placement right of the decoration object V3 is the right to place the decoration object V3 in the virtual space V, and the user can place the decoration object V3 having the placement right in the virtual space V.
Also, the placement right of the decoration object V3 is given to the user when the points given to the user based on the frequency of use, the number of times of use, the frequency of charging, and the number of times of charging of the flavor inhaler 100 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. good. Also, the placement right of the decoration object V3 may be given to the user when the points given to the user based on the frequency of use or the number of times of use of the communication system 1 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Note that the predetermined value of points for obtaining the placement right of the decoration object V3 may be set according to the type of the decoration object V3 and the placement position.

<<Operation of Communication Server>>
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an operation example of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal 200 triggered by the reception of usage information by the communication server 300 .
The communication server 300 executes the following process at regular time intervals.
The identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 determines whether or not usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S101). When usage information is received (step S101: YES), the identifying unit 304 identifies the user ID (Identification) of the transmission source of the received usage information (step S102). The identifying unit 304 determines whether or not the state information associated with the user ID identified in step S102 is in a logout state (step S103). If the state information indicates a logged-in state (step S103: NO), the user associated with the user ID has already logged into the virtual space V. In this case, the specifying unit 304 updates the last received time of use information associated with the user ID specified in step S102 and the last received use information (step S104).

On the other hand, if the state information indicates a logout state (step S103: YES), the user (or user terminal 200) associated with the user ID has not logged into the virtual space V yet. In this case, the allocation unit 305 refers to the virtual space storage unit 301 to identify the virtual space V associated with the user (or the user terminal 200) and the virtual space V in which the avatar V1 is already placed. (step S105). The allocation unit 305 transmits to the user terminal 200 a selection screen for accepting selection of one virtual space V from among the specified plurality of virtual spaces V (step S106). The user operates the user terminal 200 and selects the virtual space V. FIG. For example, the user may operate the user terminal 200 to select the virtual space V in which the decoration object associated with the user terminal 200 (or the user) is arranged. The selection screen that the allocation unit 305 transmits to the user terminal 200 selects the virtual space V in which the decoration object associated with the user terminal 200 (or the user) is arranged as one of the selectable virtual spaces V. It may be presented. The user terminal 200 transmits identification information (user ID) of the selected virtual space V to the communication server 300 . The allocation unit 305 receives the identification information of the selected virtual space V (step S107).

The allocation unit 305 rewrites the state information stored in the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user ID specified in step S102 to the login state (step S108). The allocation unit 305 also adds the user ID specified in step S102 as a user to be stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 in association with the virtual space V selected in step S107 (step S109). The specifying unit 305 also updates the last received time of use information associated with the identification information of the user terminal 200 specified in step S102 and the last received use information (step S104).

If the storage unit has been updated based on the user information, or if the user information has not been received (step S101: NO), the communication server 300 stores the virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 one by one. After selection, the following steps S111 to S115 are executed for all virtual spaces V (step S110).
The placement unit 306 generates display information for each virtual space V based on the information for the virtual space V selected in step S110 stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S111). Specifically, the placement unit 306 generates display information in the following procedure. First, the placement unit 306 places the background data and the decoration object V3 in the virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301. FIG. The arrangement unit 306 reads the model data of the user's avatar V1 associated with the virtual space V from the user information storage unit 302. FIG. The placement unit 306 places the avatar V1 in the virtual space V based on the read model data. The arrangement unit 306 then renders the virtual space V to generate display information.
Also, the mode determination unit 307 determines the display mode of the arranged avatar V1 based on the information stored in the user information storage unit 302 (step S112).

The identifying unit 304 identifies the user assigned to the virtual space V selected in step S110 from the virtual space storage unit 301, and identifies the user terminal 200 of the user from the user information storage unit 302 (step S113). Next, the message receiving unit 308 determines whether or not a message has been received from the user terminal 200 identified in step S113 (step S114). If a message has been received from the user terminal 200 specified in step S113 (step S114: YES), the placement unit 306 adds the received message to the display information (step S115). For example, the arrangement unit 306 arranges the communication information V2, which is an object indicating the received message, in the display information.
If the communication information V2 is arranged in the virtual space, the distribution unit 309 does not receive the display information in which the communication information V2 is arranged in the virtual space, or if the message is not received from the user terminal 200 (step S114 : NO), the display information in which the communication information V2 is not arranged is distributed to the user terminal 200 specified in step S112 (step S116). As a result, display information is displayed on the user terminal 200 in which a plurality of avatars V1 including the user's own avatar V1 are exchanging messages while using the flavor inhalers in the virtual space V. FIG.

Further, the identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 refers to the user information storage unit 302, and identifies a case where the elapsed time from the time when the last usage information was received to the current time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, one hour). (Step S117). Note that the predetermined time may be any time such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. Also, the predetermined time may be arbitrarily set by the user. If a predetermined period of time has passed since the time of the last reception, there is a high possibility that the user has already finished using the flavor inhaler 100 . Therefore, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information stored in the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user specified in step S117 to the logout state (step S118). The specifying unit 304 also deletes the user ID of the user specified in step S117 from the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S119).
Note that when the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information to the logout state, the user may be confirmed to that effect before rewriting. For example, the specifying unit 304 may inquire of the user terminal 200 whether or not rewriting is possible, and may rewrite the state information to the logout state when instructed to rewrite. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user logs out while communicating with other users.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the communication server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 14 shows an operation example in which the communication server allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 triggered by the user terminal 200 logging into the communication system 1 .
When there is a login request for requesting login to the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200 (step S201), the identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 identifies the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 200 that requested the login. The associated status information is rewritten to login status (step S202). In this case, the allocation unit 305 refers to the virtual space storage unit 301 and transmits to the user terminal 200 a selection screen on which the virtual space V associated with the user (or the user terminal 200) can be selected. , the user may be allowed to select a virtual space V to log in to. Based on the login request including an identifier (for example, the ID of the virtual space V) that can identify the virtual space V to be logged in, the specifying unit 304 associates the login request with the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 200 that requested the login. The state information received may be rewritten to the login state. After that, the allocation unit 305 allocates the user (or the user terminal 200) to the virtual space V (step S203). Also, the allocation unit 305 stores the user (or the user terminal 200) associated with the virtual space V allocated by the virtual space storage unit 301 in step S203. is added (step S204).

After that, until the communication server 300 receives a logout request for requesting logout from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or while the usage information is not received for a predetermined time (for example, one hour), the communication server 300 The process of S212 is repeatedly executed (step S205). Note that the predetermined time may be any time such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. Also, the predetermined time may be arbitrarily set by the user. If a predetermined period of time has passed since the time of the last reception, there is a high possibility that the user has already finished using the flavor inhaler 100 . Therefore, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information stored in the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user ID in step S202 to logout state (step S213).

The identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 determines whether or not the usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S206). If usage information has been received (step S206: YES), the identifying unit 304 identifies the user ID (Identification) of the sender of the received usage information (step S207). After that, the arrangement unit 306 generates display information of the virtual space V based on the information of the virtual space V allocated in step S203 stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S208). Also, the mode determination unit 307 determines the display mode of the arranged avatar V1 based on the information stored in the user information storage unit 302 (step S209). On the other hand, if the usage information is not received (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

The message receiving unit 307 determines whether or not a message has been received from the user terminal 200 (step S210). If a message has been received from the user terminal 200 (step S210: YES), the placement unit 306 adds the received message to the display information (step S211). For example, the arrangement unit 306 arranges the communication information V2, which is an object indicating the received message, in the display information.
On the other hand, if no message has been received (step S211: NO), no message is added.
When the communication information V2 is arranged in the virtual space, the distribution unit 309 does not receive the display information in which the communication information V2 is arranged in the virtual space, or when the message is not received from the user terminal 200 (step S210 : NO), the display information in which the communication information V2 is not arranged is distributed to the user terminal 200 (step S212). As a result, display information is displayed on the user terminal 200 in which a plurality of avatars V1 including the user's own avatar V1 are exchanging messages while using the flavor inhalers in the virtual space V. FIG.

After that, when the communication server 300 receives a logout request for requesting logout from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or when the usage information is not received for a predetermined time (for example, one hour), steps S206 to The repetition of the process of step S212 is ended, and the process proceeds to step S213. Then, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information stored in the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user ID to the logout state (step S213). The specifying unit 304 also deletes the user ID from the virtual space storage unit 301 .

《Action and effect》
Thus, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 identifies the smoker's device based on the usage information of the flavor inhaler 100, and arranges the avatar V3 associated with the identified smoker's device. Display information related to the virtual space V is distributed. The avatar V3 is displayed in a manner based on the usage information of the flavor inhaler 100. FIG. Thereby, each user can obtain a smoking experience in a virtual smoking environment.

The communication server 300 also determines the display mode of the flavor inhaler object V11 in the virtual space V based on the type of the flavor inhaler 100 indicated by the collected usage information. In this way, the communication server 300 links the flavor inhaler 100 used by the user and the flavor inhaler object V11 possessed by the avatar V3, so that the user can feel immersed in the virtual space V. can be done.

The communication server 300 also determines the display mode of the object of the avatar V1 in the virtual space V based on the state of the flavor inhaler 100 indicated by the collected usage information. In this way, the communication server 300 links the usage status of the flavor inhaler 100 by the user and the display mode of the avatar V3, so that the user can get a feeling of being immersed in the virtual space V. FIG.

Further, the communication server 300 stores placement information of the decoration object V3 in the virtual space V for each user terminal 200, and distributes display information related to the virtual space in which the decoration object V3 is arranged in the virtual space V. FIG. As a result, the user can obtain the experience of using the virtual environment decorated by himself/herself, and by inviting other users to the virtual environment, the virtual environment decorated by himself/herself can be used by other users. can be shared with others.
Further, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 sends virtual space information to the user terminals 200 whose elapsed time from the output time of the usage information, which is puff information, to the current time is within a predetermined time. Assign V. Thereby, the communication server 300 can appropriately allocate the virtual space V to the user who is using the flavor inhaler 100 .

Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the one described above, and various design changes and the like can be made.
The communication server 300 according to the above-described embodiment arranges a balloon-shaped object in the virtual space V as the communication information V2, but is not limited to this. For example, the communication information V<b>2 according to another embodiment may be arranged in a timeline-format display column or the like provided separately from the virtual space V. Also, the communication information V2 according to another embodiment may be voice data.
Also, the user terminal 200 according to the above-described embodiment is a terminal such as a smart phone, but is not limited to this. For example, the user terminal 200 according to another embodiment may be a head mounted unit. In this case, the communication server 300 may generate, as display information, a stereo image rendered from the line of sight of the user's avatar V1.

Moreover, although the aspect determination part 307 which concerns on embodiment mentioned above determines the display aspect of the avatar V1, it is not restricted to this. For example, the aspect determining unit 307 according to another embodiment may change the aspect of the background data (day/night, weather (sunny, rainy, cloudy, etc.), spring, summer, autumn, winter, etc.) based on the usage information. You may change the aspect of. Also, the background data may be displayed in a mode suitable for each season (for example, a blizzard of cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, colored leaves in autumn, snow in winter, etc.). In another embodiment, when the user terminal 200 has a flavor display or a taste display, the flavor of the flavor inhaler 100 of another user may be emitted from the flavor display or the taste display.

Also, the decoration object V3 according to the above-described embodiment visually decorates the virtual environment V, but in another embodiment, the decoration object V3 may be associated with an application program. For example, decoration object V3 representing a storage shelf for flavor source 128 may be associated with a mail order program for flavor source 128 . As a result, in the virtual space V, the user can purchase the flavor source 128 when the avatar V1 touches the decoration object V3 representing the storage shelf for the flavor source 128 .
Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, the user of the flavor inhaler 100 has been described, but the communication system 1 can also be applied to a cigarette smoker wearing a mouthpiece with a communication function. According to this configuration, the mouthpiece can transmit various information such as cigarette smoking information detected by the sensor to the smoker's terminal (corresponding to user terminal 200 ) and communication server 300 .

<Computer configuration>
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment;
Computer 90 includes processor 91 , main memory 92 , storage 93 and interface 94 .
The flavor inhaler 100 , the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 described above are each implemented in the computer 90 . The operation of each processing unit described above is stored in the storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads out the program from the storage 93, develops it in the main memory 92, and executes the above processes according to the program. In addition, the processor 91 secures storage areas corresponding to the storage units described above in the main memory 92 according to the program. Examples of the processor 91 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), a microprocessor, and the like.

The program may be for realizing part of the functions that the computer 90 is caused to exhibit. For example, the program may function in combination with another program already stored in the storage or in combination with another program installed in another device. In another embodiment, the computer 90 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLD include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions implemented by processor 91 may be implemented by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor.

Examples of the storage 93 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). , semiconductor memory, and the like. The storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or an external medium connected to the computer 90 via an interface 94 or communication line. Further, when this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 receiving the distribution may develop the program in the main memory 92 and execute the above process. In at least one embodiment, storage 93 is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium.

Also, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that implements the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in the storage 93 .
It should be noted that if the computer of FIG. 15 is, for example, the communication server 300, the communication server 300 comprises a processor and the memory configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being flavor a receiving step of receiving usage information indicating that the flavor suction device has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the suction device is used; an allocation step of allocating a space; an arrangement step of arranging an object of a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal in the virtual space; and determining a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on the usage information. A determination step and a transmission step of transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal.

The communication server can provide the user of the flavor inhaler with a usage experience in a virtual usage environment different from the real world.

1 Communication system 100 Flavor sucker 200 User terminal 201 Display unit 202 Communication unit 203 Memory 204 Storage unit 205 Information processing unit 206 Operation unit 300 Communication server 301 Virtual space storage unit 302 User information storage unit 303 Communication unit 304 Identification unit 305 Allocation unit 306 Placement unit 307 Message reception unit 308 Delivery unit V Virtual space V1 Avatar V2 Communication information

Claims (10)

a receiving step of receiving usage information indicating that the flavor inhaler has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the flavor inhaler has been used;
an allocating step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information;
an arrangement step of arranging an object of a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal in the virtual space;
a determination step of determining a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler included in the history of usage information;
and a transmission step of transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal. 2. The communication support method according to claim 1, wherein in said determining step, said user terminal determines the display mode of said object based on the frequency assigned to said virtual space. In the determining step, the object is displayed based on a comparison between the user's current usage of the flavor inhaler and the user's past usage of the flavor inhaler included in the usage information. 3. The communication support method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a mode is determined. further comprising a storage step of associating and storing the user terminal with a decoration object for decorating the virtual space;
placing the decoration object in the virtual space in the placement step;
4. The communication support method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein in said transmitting step, display information for displaying said virtual space in which said decoration object is arranged is transmitted to said user terminal. the decoration object is associated with the user or the user terminal based on the history of the usage information;
In the placement step, the decoration object associated with the user or the user terminal can be placed in the virtual space.
The communication support method according to claim 4 . 6. The communication support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising a distribution step of distributing the message transmitted by said user terminal to other user terminals assigned to said virtual space. 7. The communication support method according to claim 6, wherein in said delivering step, display information for displaying said virtual space in which said message object is arranged is delivered to said other user terminal. receiving, in the receiving step, the usage information transmitted by the user terminal based on reception of the suction information from the flavor inhaler;
8. The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein in the assigning step, the user terminal whose elapsed time from the reception time of the suction information to the current time is within a predetermined time is assigned to the virtual space. how to help. to the computer,
a receiving step of receiving usage information indicating that the flavor inhaler has been used, which is transmitted by the user terminal when the flavor inhaler has been used;
an allocating step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information;
an arrangement step of arranging an object of a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal in the virtual space;
a determination step of determining a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler included in the history of usage information;
and a transmission step of transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged to the user terminal. a communication unit that receives usage information indicating that the flavor suction tool has been used, which is transmitted from the user terminal when the flavor suction tool is used;
an allocation unit that allocates a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information;
an arrangement unit that arranges an object of a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal in the virtual space;
a determination unit that determines a display mode of the object in the virtual space based on information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler included in the history of usage information;
A communication server, wherein the communication unit transmits display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object is arranged, to the user terminal.

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