EP4018856A1 - Endgerät, saugvorrichtung, informationsverarbeitungsverfahren und programm - Google Patents

Endgerät, saugvorrichtung, informationsverarbeitungsverfahren und programm Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4018856A1
EP4018856A1 EP20921301.6A EP20921301A EP4018856A1 EP 4018856 A1 EP4018856 A1 EP 4018856A1 EP 20921301 A EP20921301 A EP 20921301A EP 4018856 A1 EP4018856 A1 EP 4018856A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inhalation
inhaler
information
inhaler device
identification information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20921301.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4018856A4 (de
Inventor
Yuka SUGANO
Kazutoshi SERITA
Masatoshi SENJU
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Publication of EP4018856A1 publication Critical patent/EP4018856A1/de
Publication of EP4018856A4 publication Critical patent/EP4018856A4/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a terminal device, an inhaler device, an information processing method, and a program
  • an inhaler device generates an aerosol having a flavor component imparted thereto, by using an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate including a flavor source or the like for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol.
  • a user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhaler device and having a flavor component imparted thereto (hereinafter also referred to as puff), and thereby being able to taste a flavor.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of collecting and displaying a usage history of an inhaler device.
  • Patent Literature 1 JP2019-512245A
  • Patent Literature 1 is based on the assumption that a user uses one inhaler device, and is thus unlikely to be suitable for a use case in which a user possesses and uses a plurality of inhaler devices.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of providing a service suitable for a use case in which a user uses a plurality of inhaler devices.
  • an aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device including a communicator that communicates with another device; and a controller that performs, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding an inhaler device received by the communicator from the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • the controller may control a storage device to store the inhalation-related information and first identification information in association with each other, the first identification information being identification information indicating the type of the inhaler device.
  • the controller may control the communicator to transmit the inhalation-related information and first identification information in association with each other, the first identification information being identification information indicating the type of the inhaler device.
  • the controller may select, in accordance with contents of the inhalation-related information, at least any of first identification information which is identification information indicating the type of the inhaler device, second identification information which is identification information unique to the inhaler device, or third identification information which is identification information unique to a user who uses the inhaler device, and may control the communicator to transmit the selected identification information and the inhalation-related information in association with each other.
  • the first identification information may be information that varies among types of inhaler devices and that is common to inhaler devices of the same type.
  • the controller may cause a storage device to store the first identification information and second identification information in association with each other, the second identification information being identification information unique to the inhaler device.
  • the controller may acquire the first identification information stored in the storage device in association with the second identification information of the inhaler device which is a source of the inhalation-related information, and may perform, as the process based on the type of the inhaler device, a process using the first identification information.
  • the controller may cause the storage device to store the first identification information and the second identification information that correspond to the new inhaler device in association with each other.
  • the inhaler device may generate, using a substrate, material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the inhalation-related information may include fourth identification information which is identification information indicating a type of the substrate.
  • the controller may identify the first identification information corresponding to the new inhaler device on the basis of the fourth identification information included in the inhalation-related information.
  • the controller may delete, from the storage device, a combination of the second identification information and the first identification information that correspond to the inhaler device.
  • the controller may control an output device to output the inhalation-related information in units of types of inhaler devices.
  • the inhalation-related information may include inhalation amount information indicating an amount of inhalation performed using the inhaler device by a user.
  • the controller may control an output device to output information indicating that the total amount of inhalation for the one type of inhaler device has reached the first threshold value.
  • the inhaler device may generate, using a substrate, material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the inhalation-related information may include fifth identification information which is identification information unique to the substrate, and inhalation amount information indicating an amount of inhalation performed using the inhaler device by the user.
  • the controller may control an output device to output information indicating that the total amount of inhalation for the substrate has reached the second threshold value.
  • an inhaler device including a controller that performs, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • the inhaler device may further include a communicator that communicates with another device.
  • the controller may control the communicator to transmit the inhalation-related information and first identification information in association with each other, the first identification information being identification information indicating the type of the inhaler device.
  • another aspect of the present invention provides an information processing method executed by a terminal device that communicates with another device.
  • the information processing method includes performing, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding an inhaler device received from the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • the information processing method includes performing, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer that controls a terminal device that communicates with another device to function as a controller that performs, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding an inhaler device received from the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer that controls an inhaler device to function as a controller that performs, on inhalation-related information which is information regarding the inhaler device, a process based on a type of the inhaler device.
  • a mechanism capable of providing a service suitable for a use case in which a user uses a plurality of inhaler devices.
  • elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished from each other by different alphabetic characters attached to the same reference numerals.
  • a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished from each other as necessary, for example, inhaler devices 100A and 100B.
  • a plurality of elements that have substantially the same functional configuration and that need not particularly be distinguished from each other are denoted by the same reference numerals.
  • inhaler devices 100A and 100B need not particularly be distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as inhaler devices 100.
  • An inhaler device generates material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the material generated by the inhaler device is an aerosol.
  • the material generated by the inhaler device may be gas.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the inhaler device according to the first configuration example.
  • the inhaler device 100A includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130.
  • the power supply unit 110 includes a power supply 111A, a sensor 112A, a notifier 113A, a memory 114A, a communicator 115A, and a controller 116A.
  • the cartridge 120 includes a heater 121A, a liquid guide 122, and a liquid storage 123.
  • the flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. In the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130, an airflow path 180 is defined.
  • the power supply 111A stores electric power.
  • the power supply 111A supplies electric power to the structural elements of the inhaler device 100A under the control of the controller 116A.
  • the power supply 111A may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • the sensor 112A acquires various items of information regarding the inhaler device 100A.
  • the sensor 112A may be a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquire a value generated in accordance with the user's inhalation.
  • the sensor 112A may be an input device that receives information input by the user, such as a button or a switch.
  • the notifier 113A provides information to the user.
  • the notifier 113A may be a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.
  • the memory 114A stores various items of information for operation of the inhaler device 100A.
  • the memory 114A may be a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.
  • the communicator 115A is a communication interface capable of communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • a communication standard may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).
  • the controller 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls the overall operations of the inhaler device 100A in accordance with various programs.
  • the controller 116A includes an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, for example.
  • the liquid storage 123 stores an aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohol or water. Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include glycerine and propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol source may include a flavor component that is either derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco.
  • the aerosol source may include a medicine.
  • the liquid guide 122 guides, from the liquid storage 123, the aerosol source that is the liquid stored in the liquid storage 123, and holds the aerosol source.
  • the liquid guide 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twining fiber material such as glass fiber or porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the capillary action of the wick guides the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123.
  • the heater 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate the aerosol.
  • the heater 121A includes a coil wound around the liquid guide 122.
  • the heater 121A produces heat, the aerosol source held by the liquid guide 122 is heated and atomized to generate the aerosol.
  • the heater 121A produces heat when receiving electric power from the power supply 111A.
  • the electric power may be supplied in response to the sensor 112A detecting a start of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information. Subsequently, the supply of the electric power may be stopped in response to the sensor 112A detecting an end of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information.
  • the flavor source 131 is a structural element for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol.
  • the flavor source 131 may include a flavor component that is either derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco.
  • the airflow path 180 is a flow path of air to be inhaled by the user.
  • the airflow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inlet hole 181 and an air outlet hole 182 at both ends.
  • the air inlet hole 181 is an inlet of air into the airflow path 180
  • the air outlet hole 182 is an outlet of the air from the airflow path 180.
  • the liquid guide 122 is on the airflow path 180 at an upstream position (closer to the air inlet hole 181)
  • the flavor source 131 is on the airflow path 180 at a downstream position (closer to the air outlet hole 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181 when the user inhales mixes with the aerosol generated by the heater 121A.
  • the mixture fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131 and is conveyed to the air outlet hole 182.
  • the flavor component included in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.
  • the mouthpiece 124 is to be held in a mouth of the user during inhalation.
  • the mouthpiece 124 has the air outlet hole 182. When the user inhales with the mouthpiece 124 in his/her mouth, the mixture fluid of the aerosol and the air enters the oral cavity of the user.
  • the configuration example of the inhaler device 100A has been described above.
  • the inhaler device 100A is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured in various ways as exemplified below.
  • the inhaler device 100A does not have to include the flavor imparting cartridge 130.
  • the cartridge 120 includes the mouthpiece 124.
  • the inhaler device 100A may include various types of aerosol sources. Still another type of aerosol may be generated by mixing a plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources in the airflow path 180 and causing a chemical reaction.
  • means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heater 121A.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be atomizing of a liquid by generating a surface acoustic wave (SAW) by using a piezoelectric element substrate having a pair of comb-shaped electrodes.
  • SAW surface acoustic wave
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the inhaler device according to the second configuration example.
  • an inhaler device 100B according to the present configuration example includes a power supply 111B, a sensor 112B, a notifier 113B, a memory 114B, a communicator 115B, a controller 116B, a heater 121B, a holder 140, and a heat insulator 144.
  • the power supply 111B, the sensor 112B, the notifier 113B, the memory 114B, the communicator 115B, and the controller 116B are substantially the same as the respective corresponding structural elements included in the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example.
  • the holder 140 has an internal space 141, and holds a stick substrate 150 in a manner partially accommodated in the internal space 141.
  • the holder 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with outside.
  • the holder 140 holds the stick substrate 150 that is inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142.
  • the holder 140 may be a tubular body having the opening 142 and a bottom 143 on its ends, and may define the pillar-shaped internal space 141.
  • the holder 140 can also define a flow path of air to be supplied to the stick substrate 150.
  • the bottom 143 has an air inlet hole that is an inlet of air into the flow path.
  • the opening 142 serves as an air outlet hole that is an outlet of the air from the flow path.
  • the stick substrate 150 includes a substrate 151 and an inhalation port 152.
  • the substrate 151 includes an aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source according to the present configuration example is not limited to a liquid.
  • the aerosol source may be a solid.
  • the stick substrate 150 held by the holder 140 includes the substrate 151 at least partially accommodated in the internal space 141 and the inhalation port 152 at least partially protruding from the opening 142. When the user inhales with the inhalation port 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his/her mouth, air flows into the internal space 141 through the air inlet hole (not illustrated), and the air and an aerosol generated from the substrate 151 reach inside the mouth of the user.
  • the heater 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heater 121A according to the first configuration example. Note that, in the example illustrated in Fig. 2 , the heater 121B has a film-like shape and surrounds the outer circumference of the holder 140. Subsequently, heat produced from the heater 121B heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from the outer circumference, generating the aerosol.
  • the heat insulator 144 prevents heat from transferring from the heater 121B to the other structural elements.
  • the heat insulator 144 may be a vacuum heat insulator or an aerogel heat insulator.
  • the configuration example of the inhaler device 100B has been described above.
  • the inhaler device 100B is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured in various ways as exemplified below.
  • the heater 121B may have a blade-like shape, and may be disposed so that the heater 121B protrudes from the bottom 143 of the holder 140 toward the internal space 141. In this case, the heater 121B having the blade-like shape is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from its inside. In another example, the heater 121B may be disposed so that the heater 121B covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140. In still another example, the heater 121B may be implemented as a combination of two or more selected from a first heater that covers the outer circumference of the holder 140, a second heater having the blade-like shape, and a third heater that covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140.
  • the holder 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism that at least partially opens and closes an outer shell defining the internal space 141.
  • the opening/closing mechanism include a hinge.
  • the holder 140 may sandwich the stick substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell.
  • the heater 121B may be at the sandwiching position of the holder 140 and may produce heat while pressing the stick substrate 150.
  • means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heater 121B.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.
  • the inhaler device 100B may also include the heater 121A, the liquid guide 122, the liquid storage 123, and the airflow path 180 according to the first configuration example.
  • the air outlet hole 182 of the airflow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, a mixture fluid of air and an aerosol generated by the heater 121A flows into the internal space 141, mixes further with an aerosol generated by the heater 121B, and then reaches the oral cavity of the user.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system 1 includes an inhaler device 100, a terminal device 200, and a server 300.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are capable of communicating with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 and the server 300 are capable of communicating with each other.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are related to each other.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are related to each other in terms of being used by the same user.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are related to each other in terms of being associated with each other in advance by an authentication connection or the like for wireless communication.
  • the authentication connection is means for establishing a connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • the authentication connection includes, for example, a process of exchanging pieces of identification information (for example, service set identifiers (S SIDs)) between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200, and a process of sharing key information for encoding/decoding information transmitted and received between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • S SIDs service set identifiers
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are related to each other in terms of being capable of communication.
  • the inhaler device 100 generates material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the user's inhalation of the material generated by the inhaler device 100 using the inhaler device 100 will be hereinafter also simply referred to as inhalation (puff) or an inhalation action.
  • the inhaler device 100 generates, using a substrate, material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the inhaler device 100 consumes contents stored in the substrate, thereby generating material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the cartridge 120, the flavor imparting cartridge 130, and the stick substrate 150 described above are examples of the substrate.
  • the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123, the flavor source 131 included in the flavor imparting cartridge 130, and the aerosol source included in the stick substrate 150 are examples of the contents stored in the substrate.
  • An aerosol is an example of the material to be inhaled by a user.
  • the inhaler device 100 may adopt any configuration example of the above-described first configuration example and second configuration example. That is, the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of either the inhaler device 100A or the inhaler device 100B or that of a modification of these configuration examples.
  • the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 can be electrically and/or mechanically (including physically) connected to each other.
  • the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 are configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from each other.
  • the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 can be electrically and/or mechanically (including physically) connected to each other.
  • the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from each other.
  • inhalation is performed by a user, with the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 being connected to each other and the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 being connected to each other.
  • the cartridge 120 is removed and replaced with a new cartridge 120.
  • the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is removed and replaced with a new flavor imparting cartridge 130.
  • the sensor 112 further includes a position information acquirer that acquires position information indicating the position of the inhaler device 100.
  • the position information acquirer receives a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal from a GNSS satellite (for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal from a GPS satellite), and acquires position information including a latitude and a longitude of the device.
  • GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the sensor 112 may acquire information indicating the state of the power supply 111.
  • the sensor 112 may be configured to acquire information indicating a state of charge (SOC), an integrated current value, a voltage, and the like of the power supply 111.
  • SOC state of charge
  • the integrated current value may be obtained by using a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like.
  • the sensor 112 may acquire information regarding the substrate. For example, the sensor 112 reads information from an electronic tag attached to the substrate or captures an image of the substrate.
  • the sensor 112 may acquire biological information of the user.
  • the biological information of the user includes a body temperature, a pulse rate, and so forth of the user. It is desired that the sensor for acquiring biological information be provided, for example, a position close to the body of the user, such as the mouthpiece 124 or the outer circumference of the inhaler device 100.
  • the sensor 112 has an operation unit that accepts a user operation. In response to a predetermined operation on the operation unit being accepted, for example, the operation state of the inhaler device 100 changes.
  • the operation unit may have any configuration, such as a button, a touch sensor, a toggle switch, or a rotation switch.
  • the operation unit is a button as an example.
  • the button is also referred to as a power supply button.
  • the operation state of the inhaler device 100 may be changed in response to detection of inhalation by the user.
  • the operation state of the inhaler device 100 may be changed in response to detection of an action of changing the position or attitude of the inhaler device 100, such as an action of adding a predetermined motion to the inhaler device 100 by the user.
  • the operation state of the inhaler device 100 may include a sleep state, a standby state, and an aerosol generation state (inhalation state).
  • the sleep state is a state in which one or some of the functions of the inhaler device 100 are executable.
  • the sleep state among the functions of the sensor 112, only the function of detecting an operation of bringing the inhaler device 100 into an activated state (standby state or aerosol generation state) may be executable. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize power consumption while making it possible to shift to an activated state at any timing.
  • the standby state is a state in which all the functions of the inhaler device 100 are executable.
  • the standby state is a state in which the heater 121 is not performing heating.
  • the inhaler device 100 is capable of executing heating by the heater 121, notification by the notifier 113, and communication by the communicator 115.
  • the aerosol generation state is a state in which an aerosol to be inhaled by the user is being generated.
  • the aerosol generation state is a state in which the heater 121 is performing heating.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the first type is configured as the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the first type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response to an inhalation action by the user being detected in a standby state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the first type shifts to a standby state in response to end of the inhalation action by the user being detected in the aerosol generation state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the second type is configured as the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a standby state in response to the power supply button being pressed in a sleep state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response to an inhalation action by the user being detected in the standby state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a standby state in response to end of the inhalation action by the user being detected in the aerosol generation state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a sleep state in response to the power supply button being pressed in the standby state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the third type is configured as the inhaler device 100B according to the second configuration example.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response the power supply button being pressed in a sleep state.
  • the user becomes able to perform inhalation in response to the temperature of the stick substrate 150 (more precisely, the temperature of the substrate 151, which is a target to be heated by the heater 121) reaching (for example, exceeding) a predetermined temperature (hereinafter also referred to as an inhalation-enabled temperature).
  • the heating executed by the inhaler device 100 of the third type until the temperature of the stick substrate 150 reaches the predetermined temperature is also referred to as preliminary heating.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to a standby state in response to a predetermined time elapsing in the aerosol generation state.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to a sleep state in response to the stick substrate 150 being pulled out in the standby state.
  • the terminal device 200 is an information processing device operated by a user.
  • the terminal device 200 functions as a device serving as an interface for the user.
  • the terminal device 200 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or the like.
  • the terminal device 200 includes a sensor 210, a notifier 220, a communicator 230, a memory 240, and a controller 250.
  • the sensor 210 acquires various items of information regarding the terminal device 200.
  • the sensor 210 outputs the acquired information to the controller 250.
  • the sensor 210 includes an input unit that receives information input by the user.
  • the input unit includes, for example, at least any of a button, a keyboard, a touch screen, or a microphone.
  • the sensor 210 further includes a position information acquirer that acquires position information indicating the position of the terminal device 200.
  • the position information acquirer receives a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal from a GNSS satellite (for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal from a GPS satellite), and acquires position information including a latitude and a longitude of the device.
  • GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the notifier 220 provides information to the user.
  • the notifier 220 includes at least any of a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, or a sound output device that outputs sound.
  • An example of the display device is a display.
  • An example of the light-emitting device is a light-emitting diode (LED).
  • An example of the vibration device is an eccentric motor.
  • An example of the sound output device is a speaker.
  • the notifier 220 outputs information received from the controller 250, thereby providing the information to the user.
  • the notifier 220 displays information to be provided to the user, emits light in a light emission pattern corresponding to information to be provided to the user, vibrates in a vibration pattern corresponding to information to be provided to the user, or outputs information to be provided to the user by using sound.
  • the notifier 220 is an example of an output device according to the present invention.
  • the communicator 230 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and another device.
  • the communicator 230 performs communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • a communication standard may be, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).
  • LAN wireless local area network
  • Wi-Fi registered trademark
  • Bluetooth registered trademark
  • the memory 240 stores various items of information for operation of the terminal device 200.
  • the memory 240 may be a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.
  • the memory 240 is an example of a storage device according to the present invention.
  • the controller 250 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls the overall operations of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs.
  • the controller 250 includes an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, for example.
  • the controller 250 may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a program, an arithmetic parameter, and the like to be used, and a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores a parameter or the like that changes as appropriate.
  • ROM read only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • Processing of information acquired by the sensor 210, notification of information by the notifier 220, transmission and reception of information by the communicator 230, and storing and reading of information in the memory 240 are examples of processes controlled by the controller 250.
  • Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information into individual structural elements and a process based on information output from the individual structural elements, are also controlled by the controller 250.
  • the functions of the controller 250 may be implemented by using an application.
  • the application may be preinstalled or downloaded.
  • the functions of the controller 250 may be implemented by Progressive Web Apps (PWA).
  • the server 300 controls overall services provided to the user who uses the inhaler device 100. For example, the server 300 collects inhalation-related information described below from the inhaler device 100 via the terminal device 200.
  • the server 300 includes a database that stores the collected inhalation-related information.
  • the server 300 is operated by, for example, a company that collects inhalation-related information and uses the collected inhalation-related information for marketing or the like.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of collecting and displaying a usage history of an inhaler device. However, there is an assumption that a user uses one inhaler device, and thus usage histories are managed in units of inhaler devices and displayed in units of inhaler devices.
  • one user possesses a plurality of inhaler devices 100. It is also assumed that the user uses the plurality of inhaler devices 100 by switching therebetween. For example, the user may switch the inhaler device 100 to be used every time the remaining electric power of the inhaler device 100 that is being used is depleted.
  • the inhaler device 100 it is assumed that one user possesses a plurality of power supply units 110. It is also assumed that the user uses the plurality of power supply units 110 by replacing one of them with another for the same substrate (the same cartridge 120 and/or the same flavor imparting cartridge 130). For example, the user may switch the power supply unit 110 to be used every time the remaining electric power of the power supply unit 110 that is being used is depleted.
  • usage histories may be compiled and managed for individual users. In such means, however, usage histories of different types of inhaler devices 100 are complied into one piece of information, which is not an appropriate solution.
  • the present embodiment provides a mechanism of managing pieces of information collected from inhaler devices 100 in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • This configuration makes it possible to manage pieces of information collected from inhaler devices 100 of the same type as continuous information.
  • the type of an inhaler device 100 may be defined in accordance with the type of a substrate usable for generating an aerosol.
  • the type of an inhaler device 100 may be defined in accordance with a function of the inhaler device 100.
  • the type of an inhaler device 100 may be defined in accordance with a trigger of shifting the state of the inhaler device 100.
  • the identification information of an inhaler device 100 may include identification information indicating the type of the inhaler device 100 (an example of first identification information). Such identification information is hereinafter also referred to as a group identification (ID).
  • ID is information that varies among types of inhaler devices 100 and that is common to inhaler devices 100 of the same type. That is, different group IDs are set for inhaler devices 100 of different types. The same group ID is set for inhaler devices 100 of the same type. The group ID makes it possible to identify the type of inhaler device 100.
  • the identification information of an inhaler device 100 may include identification information unique to the inhaler device 100 (an example of second identification information). Such identification information is hereinafter also referred to as a device ID.
  • the device ID is information that varies among inhaler devices 100. That is, different device IDs are set for different inhaler devices 100. The device ID makes it possible to uniquely identify the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 is given and stores a device ID at manufacturing.
  • the identification information of an inhaler device 100 may include identification information unique to a user who uses (possesses) the inhaler device 100 (an example of third identification information). Such identification information is hereinafter also referred to as a user ID.
  • the user ID is information that varies among users. That is, different user IDs are set for different users. The user ID makes it possible to uniquely identify the user of the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits inhalation-related information, which is information regarding the inhaler device 100, to the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 receives the inhalation-related information transmitted by the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 typically transmits inhalation-related information in association with the device ID of the inhaler device 100. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to uniquely identify the inhaler device 100 which is a source of the received inhalation-related information.
  • examples of information included in the inhalation-related information will be described.
  • Inhalation-related information may include inhalation history information, which is information indicating a history of inhalation performed using the inhaler device 100 by a user.
  • the inhalation history information may include inhalation amount information indicating the amount of inhalation performed using the inhaler device 100 by the user.
  • the amount of inhalation indicated by the inhalation amount information may be the number of times an inhalation action has been performed (hereinafter also referred to as the number of inhalations) or may be a total time of inhalation actions.
  • the inhalation history information may include position information indicating the position of the inhaler device 100 when the user inhaled by using the inhaler device 100. These pieces of inhalation history information are acquired by the sensor 112.
  • the inhalation-related information may include identification information indicating the type of a substrate (an example of fourth identification information). Such identification information is hereinafter also referred to as a substrate type ID.
  • the substrate type ID is information that varies among types of substrates and that is common to substrates of the same type. That is, different substrate type IDs are set for substrates of different types.
  • the same substrate type ID is set for substrates of the same type.
  • the substrate type ID makes it possible to identify the type of substrate.
  • the substrate type ID may be acquired by the sensor 112 from an electronic tag attached to the substrate, or may be acquired by performing image recognition on a captured image of the substrate acquired by the sensor 112.
  • the substrate type ID may be included in inhalation history information.
  • the inhalation history information may include the substrate type ID of the substrate used to generate an aerosol inhaled by using the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhalation history information includes information indicating inhalation histories of individual types of substrates.
  • the inhalation-related information may include identification information unique to a substrate (an example of fifth identification information). Such identification information is hereinafter also referred to as a substrate ID.
  • the substrate ID is information that varies among substrates. That is, different substrate IDs are set for different substrates. The substrate ID makes it possible to uniquely identify the substrate.
  • the substrate ID may be acquired by the sensor 112 from an electronic tag attached to the substrate, or may be acquired by performing image recognition on a captured image of the substrate acquired by the sensor 112.
  • the substrate ID may be included in inhalation history information.
  • the inhalation history information may include the substrate ID of the substrate used to generate an aerosol inhaled by using the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhalation history information includes information indicating inhalation histories of individual substrates.
  • the inhalation-related information may include state information, which is information indicating the state of the inhaler device 100.
  • the state information may include information indicating the state of the power supply 111, such as an amount of remaining electric power.
  • the state information may include information indicating presence or absence of a failure, and information indication the details of the failure.
  • the state information is acquired by the sensor 112.
  • the inhalation-related information may include ecological information of a user. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to identify, for example, whether the user is relaxed during an inhalation action.
  • the biological information is acquired by the sensor 112.
  • the inhalation-related information is typically acquired by the sensor 112 of the inhaler device 100. However, part of the inhalation-related information may be acquired by the terminal device 200. For example, position information may be acquired, as the position information of the terminal device 200 when the terminal device 200 receives inhalation-related information from the inhaler device 100, by the sensor 210 of the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 stores a plurality of pieces of identification information set to inhaler devices 100 in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 stores a group ID, a device ID, and a user ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 stores the group ID and the device ID in association with each other.
  • the user may possess a plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type.
  • the terminal device 200 associates a plurality of device IDs with one group ID and stores the IDs.
  • Information stored in the terminal device 200 and including a plurality of pieces of identification information set to inhaler devices 100 and associated with each other is hereinafter also referred to as an ID table.
  • Table 1 is an example of the ID table.
  • Table 1 Example of ID table User ID ID_U01 Type of device First type Second type Third type ID Group ID Device ID Group ID Device ID Group ID Device ID First device ID_G01 ID_D11 ID_G02 ID_D21 ID_G03 ID_D31 Second device ID_D12 ID_D22 Third device ID_D13
  • the above Table 1 is an example of the ID table in a case where a user possesses three inhaler devices 100 of the first type, two inhaler devices 100 of the second type, and one inhaler device 100 of the third type.
  • the user has a user ID ID_U01 set thereto.
  • the inhaler devices 100 of the first type have a group ID ID_G01 set thereto.
  • the three inhaler devices 100 of the first type have device IDs ID_D11, ID_D12, and ID_D13 set thereto, respectively.
  • the inhaler devices 100 of the second type have a group ID ID_G02 set thereto.
  • the two inhaler devices 100 of the second type have device IDs ID_D21 and ID_D22 set thereto, respectively.
  • the inhaler device 100 of the third type has a group ID ID_G03 set thereto.
  • the one inhaler device 100 of the third type has a device ID ID_D31 set thereto.
  • the terminal device 200 is capable of identifying the group ID of an inhaler device 100 (i.e., the type of an inhaler device 100) on the basis of the device ID of the inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 is capable of identifying the user ID of an inhaler device 100 (i.e., the user of an inhaler device 100) on the basis of the device ID of the inhaler device 100.
  • Addition of information to the ID table and deletion of information from the ID table are executed by the terminal device 200 as appropriate.
  • the terminal device 200 In response to detecting a new inhaler device 100 corresponding to a device ID not stored in the ID table, the terminal device 200 stores a group ID and the device ID that correspond to the new inhaler device 100 in the ID table in association with each other.
  • the new inhaler device 100 is, for example, an inhaler device 100 newly purchased by a user.
  • the terminal device 200 detects that the inhaler device 100 is a new inhaler device 100. Subsequently, the terminal device 200 stores the device ID of the new inhaler device 100 and the group ID corresponding to the type of the new inhaler device 100 in the ID table in association with each other.
  • the group ID corresponding to the type of the new inhaler device 100 may be designated by the user.
  • the terminal device 200 may estimate the group ID on the basis of the device ID.
  • the type of an inhaler device 100 may be defined in accordance with the type of a substrate usable to generate an aerosol.
  • the terminal device 200 may identify, on the basis of a substrate type ID included in inhalation-related information received from a new inhaler device 100, a group ID corresponding to the new inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 identifies, as the type of the new inhaler device 100, the type of an inhaler device 100 capable of using the substrate indicated by the substrate type ID included in the inhalation-related information received from the new inhaler device 100. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to automatically identify the group ID of the new inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 In response to a predetermined condition regarding an inhaler device 100 being satisfied, the terminal device 200 deletes a combination of a device ID and a group ID that correspond to the inhaler device 100 from the ID table.
  • An example of the predetermined condition is that the inhaler device 100 is discarded. In this case, the terminal device 200 deletes a combination of a device ID and a group ID that correspond to the existing inhaler device 100 to be discarded from the ID table.
  • Another example of the predetermined condition is that the inhaler device 100 is replaced by purchase.
  • the terminal device 200 deletes a combination of a device ID and a group ID that correspond to the existing inhaler device 100 to be replaced by purchase from the ID table, and adds a combination of a device ID and a group ID that correspond to a new inhaler device 100 to the ID table.
  • This configuration makes it possible to maintain the amount of information in the ID table minimum.
  • the inhaler device 100 to be discarded or replaced by purchase is typically designated by the user.
  • the terminal device 200 may determine that the inhaler device 100 is to be discarded.
  • the terminal device 200 performs, on inhalation-related information received by the communicator 230 from an inhaler device 100, a process based on the type of the inhaler device 100. Because a user may possess and use a plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type, this configuration makes it possible to provide a service according to a type of inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 acquires a group ID stored in the ID table in association with the device ID of the inhaler device 100 which is the source of the inhalation-related information. Subsequently, the terminal device 200 performs, as a process based on the type of the inhaler device 100, a process using the acquired group ID. For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits the inhalation-related information and the device ID in association with each other. Subsequently, the terminal device 200 acquires the group ID of the inhaler device 100 by referring to the received device ID in the ID table, and performs a process based on the group ID on the received inhalation-related information.
  • This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to perform a process based on the type of the inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may acquire a user ID by referring to the received device ID in the ID table, and perform a process based on the user ID on the received inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 may store a group ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to later perform a process using the group ID on the stored inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 may store a device ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to later perform a process using the device ID on the stored inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 may store a user ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other. This configuration enables the terminal device 200 to later perform a process using the user ID on the stored inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 may output inhalation-related information in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation-related information associated with the same group ID, thereby outputting inhalation-related information on one type of inhaler devices 100.
  • This configuration enables a user to collectively check pieces of inhalation-related information acquired from a plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type as continuous information.
  • this point will be described in detail with reference to specific examples illustrated in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 .
  • the terminal device 200 acquires inhalation history information from each of two inhaler devices 100 of the same type.
  • the two inhaler devices 100 are an inhaler device 100C and an inhaler device 100D.
  • Fig. 4 is an example of a graph generated by compiling pieces of inhalation history information acquired from the inhaler device 100C according to the present embodiment.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph 10C illustrated in Fig. 4 represents time in the unit of day.
  • the vertical axis of the graph 10C represents the total number of inhalations in the inhaler device 100C. That is, the graph 10C illustrates day-to-day transition of the number of inhalations in the inhaler device 100C.
  • the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation history information stored in association with the device ID of the inhaler device 100C, thereby being capable of generating the graph 10C.
  • Fig. 5 is an example of a graph generated by compiling pieces of inhalation history information acquired from the inhaler device 100D according to the present embodiment.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph 10D illustrated in Fig. 5 represents time in the unit of day.
  • the vertical axis of the graph 10D represents the total number of inhalations in the inhaler device 100D. That is, the graph 10D illustrates day-to-day transition of the number of inhalations in the inhaler device 100D.
  • the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation history information stored in association with the device ID of the inhaler device 100D, thereby being capable of generating the graph 10D.
  • the user stops using the inhaler device 100C and starts using the inhaler device 100D on the day X.
  • the number of inhalations is zero after the day X in the graph 10C.
  • the number of inhalations is zero before the day X.
  • non-continuous pieces of information are generated across the day X as illustrated in the graph 10C and the graph 10D although the user uses the inhaler devices 100 on and around the day X as usual. If the graph 10C and the graph 10D are individually presented to the user, it is difficult for the user to collectively check these pieces of information as continuous information.
  • the terminal device 200 outputs inhalation history information in units of types of inhaler devices 100. That is, the terminal device 200 compiles and outputs pieces of inhalation history information acquired from inhaler devices 100 of the same type. For example, the terminal device 200 compiles and outputs pieces of inhalation history information associated with the same group ID.
  • Fig. 6 is an example of a graph generated by compiling pieces of inhalation history information acquired from the inhaler devices 100 of the same type according to the present embodiment.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph 20 illustrated in Fig. 6 represents time in the unit of day.
  • the vertical axis of the graph 20 represents the total number of inhalations in the inhaler device 100C and the inhaler device 100D. That is, the graph 20 illustrates day-to-day transition of the sum of the numbers of inhalations in the inhaler device 100C and the inhaler device 100D.
  • the graph 20 is a graph generated by combining the graph 10C illustrated in Fig. 4 and the graph 10D illustrated in Fig. 5 .
  • the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation history information stored in association with the group ID common to the inhaler device 100C and the inhaler device 100D to generate the graph 20, and outputs the graph 20.
  • usage history information of the inhaler device 100C and usage history information of the inhaler device 100D are output as continuous information.
  • the user is able to collectively check pieces of inhalation-related information acquired by a plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type as continuous information.
  • the terminal device 200 may output information indicating that the amount of inhalation for the one type of inhaler device 100 has reached the first threshold value. For example, the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation history information associated with the same group ID, thereby calculating the total amount of inhalation for one type of inhaler device 100. In response to the calculated total amount of inhalation reaching the first threshold value, the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating the fact. This configuration makes it possible to prevent excessive inhalation.
  • the terminal device 200 may output information indicating that the total amount of inhalation for the one substrate has reached the second threshold value. For example, the terminal device 200 compiles pieces of inhalation history information including the same substrate ID among pieces of inhalation history information associated with the same group ID, thereby calculating the total amount of inhalation for one substrate. In response to the calculated total amount of inhalation for the one substrate reaching the second threshold value, the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating the fact. This configuration makes it possible to prompt the user to replace the substrate before the contents (an aerosol source and a flavor source) stored in the substrate are depleted.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit a group ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit, to the server 300, the group ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other. This configuration enables a destination device to process inhalation-related information in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may select, in accordance with contents of inhalation-related information, at least any of a group ID, a device ID, or a user ID, and may transmit the selected ID and the inhalation-related information in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits the inhalation history information and a group ID in association with each other. This enables the server 300 to manage inhalation history information in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • the server 300 is capable of performing a process based on the type of an inhaler device 100, such as a process of outputting inhalation history information in units of types of inhaler devices 100 or a process of outputting information based on inhalation history information in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit, as well as inhalation history information, information that is to be desirably managed in units of types of inhaler devices 100 by associating a group ID therewith.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits the state information and a device ID in association with each other.
  • This configuration enables the server 300 to manage state information in units of inhaler devices 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit, as well as state information, information that is to be desirably managed in units of inhaler devices 100 by associating a device ID therewith.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits the biological information and a user ID in association with each other.
  • This configuration enables the server 300 to manage biological information in units of users.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit, as well as biological information, information that is to be desirably managed in units of users by associating a user ID therewith.
  • Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits inhalation-related information and a device ID in association with each other (step S102).
  • the terminal device 200 In response to receiving the inhalation-related information and the device ID from the inhaler device 100, the terminal device 200 refers to the received device ID in the ID table, thereby acquiring the group ID of the inhaler device 100 (step S104). Thereafter, the terminal device 200 performs, on the received inhalation-related information, a process based on the acquired group ID (steps S106 to S110).
  • the terminal device 200 stores the inhalation-related information and the group ID in association with each other (step S106).
  • the terminal device 200 stores inhalation history information and the group ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits the inhalation-related information and the group ID in association with each other (step S108).
  • the terminal device 200 transmits inhalation history information and the group ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 outputs inhalation-related information in units of group IDs (step S110). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs a graph generated by compiling pieces of inhalation history information stored in association with the same group ID.
  • At least any one of the processes in the above steps S106 to S108 may be executed.
  • the order of the processes in the above steps S106 to S108 is not limited.
  • the terminal device 200 may store a device ID and/or a user ID acquired by referring to the device ID in the ID table in association with the inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 stores state information and the device ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 stores biological information and the user ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit a device ID and/or a user ID acquired by referring to the device ID in the ID table in association with the inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits state information and the device ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits biological information and the user ID in association with each other.
  • the terminal device 200 may output inhalation-related information in units of device IDs. For example, the terminal device 200 compiles and outputs pieces of state information stored in association with the same device ID. Alternatively, in the above step S110, the terminal device 200 may output inhalation-related information in units of user IDs. For example, the terminal device 200 compiles and outputs pieces of biological information stored in association with the same user ID.
  • Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed in the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment.
  • the terminal device 200 receives inhalation history information and a device ID transmitted by the inhaler device 100 (step S202). Subsequently, the terminal device 200 determines whether the received device ID has been stored in the ID table (step S204).
  • the terminal device 200 In response to determining that the received device ID has been stored in the ID table (YES in step S204), the terminal device 200 acquires a group ID stored in association with the device ID in the ID table (step S206). Subsequently, the terminal device 200 executes, on the inhalation history information, a process based on the group ID (step S208).
  • the terminal device 200 In response to determining that the received device ID has not been stored in the ID table (NO in step S204), the terminal device 200 stores the group ID corresponding to the type of the inhaler device 100 as the source and the received device ID in the ID table in association with each other (step S210). For example, the terminal device 200 requests the user to input the type of the inhaler device 100, and stores the group ID corresponding to the type of the inhaler device 100 designated by the user in the ID table in association with the device ID. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.
  • Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing a modification of the system 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the inhaler device 100 communicates with the terminal device 200 and the server 300.
  • the terminal device 200 communicates with the inhaler device 100 and the server 300. That is, in the present modification, the inhaler device 100 is capable of communicating with the server 300 without via the terminal device 200.
  • LPWA Low Power Wide Area
  • LPWA is a wireless communication standard characterized by a low transmission rate and a long communication distance.
  • cellular communication or the like may be used for the communication between the inhaler device 100 and the server 300.
  • the inhaler device 100 performs, on inhalation-related information, a process based on the type of the inhaler device 100. For example, the inhaler device 100 performs a process using the group ID of the inhaler device 100. Because a user may possess and use a plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type, this configuration makes it possible to provide a service according to a type of inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 may be given a group ID from the terminal device 200 or the server 300. Alternatively, the inhaler device 100 may be given and store a group ID at manufacturing or the like.
  • a process performed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present modification is similar to the process that is performed on inhalation-related information by the terminal device 200 according to the above embodiment and that is based on the type of the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores a group ID and inhalation-related information in association with each other. This configuration enables the inhaler device 100 to later perform a process using the group ID on the stored inhalation-related information.
  • the inhaler device 100 outputs a group ID and inhalation-related information in association with each other.
  • the inhaler device 100 may communicate with another inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 may compile and output inhalation-related information of the inhaler device 100 and inhalation-related information received from the other inhaler device 100 of the same type. This configuration enables the user to collectively check the pieces of inhalation-related information acquired from the plurality of inhaler devices 100 of the same type as continuous information.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits a group ID and inhalation-related information in association with each other.
  • the inhaler device 100 may transmit the group ID and the inhalation-related information to the server 300 in association with each other. This configuration enables a destination device to process inhalation-related information in units of types of inhaler devices 100.
  • the memory 240 of the terminal device 200 is an example of the storage device in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the inhaler device 100, the server 300, or another device may function as the storage device in the present invention.
  • the notifier 220 of the terminal device 200 is an example of the output device in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the inhaler device 100, the server 300, or another device may function as the output device in the present invention.
  • a group ID is set as well as a device ID, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • part of the device ID may function as a group ID.
  • the device ID may be constituted by an upper bit indicating the type of the inhaler device 100 and a lower bit unique to the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits inhalation-related information and a device ID in association with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the inhaler device 100 may transmit a device ID when starting a connection to the terminal device 200. After transmitting the device ID, the inhaler device 100 may transmit only inhalation-related information.
  • the terminal device 200 performs, on the inhalation-related information received from the inhaler device 100 connected thereto, a process based on the device ID received at the time of starting the connection.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits a device ID, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the inhaler device 100 does not need to transmit the device ID and does not need to store the device ID.
  • the terminal device 200 acquires the device ID of the inhaler device 100 on the basis of, for example, connection information of the inhaler device 100 (for example, an SSID or a media access control (MAC) address).
  • connection information of the inhaler device 100 for example, an SSID or a media access control (MAC) address.
  • the correspondence between the connection information and the device ID is made in advance, for example, when the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection for the first time.
  • the series of steps performed by the individual devices described in this specification may be implemented by using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware.
  • Programs constituting software are, for example, stored in advance in recording media (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside the individual devices.
  • Each program is, for example, at the time of being executed by a computer, loaded into a RAM and executed by a processor such as a CPU.
  • the recording media are, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and the like.
  • the computer programs may be distributed, for example, via a network without using recording media.

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EP20921301.6A 2020-02-27 2020-02-27 Endgerät, saugvorrichtung, informationsverarbeitungsverfahren und programm Pending EP4018856A4 (de)

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US9888725B2 (en) * 2015-07-28 2018-02-13 Lunatech, Llc Inhalation puff counter gauge and display system
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EP4018856A4 (de) 2023-06-14
JP7256330B2 (ja) 2023-04-11
JPWO2021171486A1 (de) 2021-09-02

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