EP4218456A1 - Dispositif d?inhalation, dispositif terminal, et programme - Google Patents

Dispositif d?inhalation, dispositif terminal, et programme Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4218456A1
EP4218456A1 EP20965951.5A EP20965951A EP4218456A1 EP 4218456 A1 EP4218456 A1 EP 4218456A1 EP 20965951 A EP20965951 A EP 20965951A EP 4218456 A1 EP4218456 A1 EP 4218456A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
log information
inhaler device
certain
information
controller
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
EP20965951.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Tatsunari AOYAMA
Takeshi Akao
Toru Nagahama
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 EP4218456A1 publication Critical patent/EP4218456A1/fr
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
    • 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
    • A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
    • 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
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inhaler device, a terminal device, and a program.
  • Inhaler devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by the user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used.
  • An inhaler device generates an aerosol with a flavor component, for example, using a substrate including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol.
  • a user can taste a flavor by inhaling the aerosol with the flavor component generated by the inhaler device.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for displaying, using a terminal device, a use history of an inhaler device on the basis of information received from the inhaler device.
  • Patent Literature 1 WO 2020/006311 A
  • the present invention has been conceived in view of the above problem and aims to provide a mechanism capable of maintaining a certain level of reliability about information stored in an inhaler device even when operation of the inhaler device becomes instable.
  • an inhaler device including a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate, a memory that stores information, a power supply that accumulates and supplies power for operating the inhaler device, and a controller that controls operation of the inhaler device.
  • the controller stores, in the memory, log information, which is information obtained when a certain operation relating to the inhaler device is performed.
  • the controller performs a certain type of processing on the log information stored in the memory using, as a trigger, a fact that an amount of power remaining in the power supply has fallen below a threshold.
  • the certain type of processing may be addition of a certain flag to the log information stored in the memory.
  • the inhaler device may further include a communicator that communicates with another device.
  • the controller may control the communicator such that the communicator transmits the log information stored in the memory along with the certain flag added to the log information.
  • the controller may remove, from the memory, the log information to which the certain flag is added using, as a trigger, a start of charging of the power supply.
  • the controller may remove information indicating a time at which the log information to which the certain flag is added was obtained, the information being included in the log information, using, as a trigger, a start of charging of the power supply.
  • the certain type of processing may be removal of information indicating a time at which the log information was obtained, the information being included in the log information.
  • the certain type of processing may be removal of the log information from the memory.
  • the controller may change a value of a counter each time unit time has elapsed.
  • the log information may include, as information indicating a time at which the certain operation was performed, the value of the counter at a first timing, at which the certain operation was performed.
  • the inhaler device may further include a communicator that communicates with another device.
  • the communicator may transmit, at a second timing, the log information stored in the memory and then transmit the value of the counter at the second timing.
  • the certain operation may include the generation unit starting to generate the aerosol.
  • the certain operation may include inhalation of the aerosol by the user.
  • the certain operation may include charging of the power supply.
  • the controller may permit the generation of the aerosol.
  • the certain operation may include an operation that satisfies the first condition.
  • the controller may inhibit the generation of the aerosol.
  • the certain operation may include an operation that satisfies the second condition.
  • a terminal device including a communicator that communicates with another device and a controller that performs different types of processing on log information that is obtained by an inhaler device, which generates an aerosol using a substrate, when a certain operation relating to the inhaler device is performed and that is received by the communicator depending on whether a certain flag is added to the log information.
  • the terminal device may further include a memory that stores information.
  • the controller may discard the log information to which the certain flag is added and store, in the memory, the log information to which the certain flag is not added.
  • the terminal device may further include an outputter that outputs information.
  • the controller may control the outputter such that the outputter outputs the log information in different modes depending on whether the certain flag is added to the log information.
  • the controller may control the outputter such that the outputter outputs information indicating that information indicating a time at which the log information to which the certain flag is added was obtained is not accurate.
  • the inhaler device may change a value of a counter each time unit time has elapsed.
  • the log information may include the value of the counter at a first timing, at which the certain operation was performed.
  • the communicator may receive the value of the counter at a second timing, at which the inhaler device transmitted the log information.
  • the controller may calculate a time corresponding to the first timing on a basis of the value of the counter at the first timing, the value of the counter at the second timing, and a time at which the communicator received the log information.
  • a mechanism capable of maintaining a certain level of reliability about information stored in an inhaler device even when operation of the inhaler device becomes instable is provided.
  • elements having substantially the same functional configuration might be given different alphabets after the same reference numeral herein and the in the drawings.
  • a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration will be distinguished from each other like inhaler devices 100A and 100B as necessary.
  • a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration need not be particularly distinguished from each other, however, only the same reference numeral will be given.
  • the inhaler devices 100A and 100B need not be particularly distinguished from each other, for example, the inhaler devices 100A and 100B will be 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.
  • an inhaler device 100A according to the present configuration example 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), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.
  • 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 CPU (central processing unit) 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 1 1 1A.
  • 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.
  • 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 also has a function of defining a path of air supplied to the stick substrate 150.
  • the bottom 143 has an air inlet hole that is an inlet of air into the airflow path.
  • the opening 142 on the other hand, has an air outlet hole that is an outlet of the air from the airflow 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, and 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.
  • the heater 121B has the same configuration as the heater 121A according to the first configuration example. In the example illustrated in Fig. 2 , however, 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 accommodate the stick substrate 150 while sandwiching 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 service as an air inlet hole for the internal space 141. In this case, a mixture fluid of the 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 diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 3 , the system 1 includes an inhaler device 100 and a terminal device 200.
  • the inhaler device 100 generates, using a substrate, an aerosol to be inhaled by the user.
  • a heater 121 is an example of a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate.
  • the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 in the first configuration example and the stick substrate 150 in the second configuration example are examples of the substrate in the present embodiment.
  • the inhaler device 100 generates the aerosol using a substrate attached to the inhaler device 100.
  • the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 connected to the power supply unit 110 are examples of the substrate attached to the inhaler device 100.
  • the stick substrate 150 inserted into the inhaler device 100 is an example of the substrate attached to the inhaler device 100.
  • the heater 121 may heat an aerosol source as liquid guided from the substrate, instead.
  • the inhaler device 100 may generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol source guided by the liquid guide 122 from the liquid storage 123.
  • the heater 121 may heat a substrate containing an aerosol source and formed in a certain shape, instead.
  • An example of the certain shape is a stick.
  • the inhaler device 100 may generate the aerosol by heating the stick substrate 150.
  • Another example of the certain shape is a card.
  • Another example of the certain shape is a cube.
  • the inhaler device 100 can take any of the above-described first and second configuration examples.
  • An example of a case where the inhaler device 100 takes the second configuration example will be mainly described hereinafter in order to simplify description.
  • inhalation by the user, of the aerosol generated by the inhaler device 100 will be simply referred to as an "inhalation” or a "puff".
  • user puffs when the user inhales, it will be paraphrased as the "user puffs" hereinafter.
  • the terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of the inhaler device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 is any information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device.
  • the terminal device 200 includes an inputter 210, an outputter 220, a communicator 230, a memory 240, and a controller 250.
  • the inputter 210 has a function of receiving inputs of various pieces of information.
  • the inputter 210 may include an input device for receiving inputs of information from the user.
  • the input device is, for example, a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, or the like.
  • the inputter 210 may also include various sensors including an image sensor.
  • the outputter 220 has a function of outputting information.
  • the outputter 220 may include an output device that outputs information for the user.
  • the output device is, for example, a display device that displays information, a light emission device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, a sound output device that outputs sound, or the like.
  • An example of the display device is a display.
  • An example of the light emission device is an LED (light-emitting diode).
  • An example of the vibration device is an eccentric motor.
  • An example of the sound output device is a speaker.
  • the outputter 220 notifies the user of information input from the controller 250 by outputting the information.
  • the communicator 230 is a communication interface for communicating information between the terminal device 200 and another device.
  • the communicator 230 performs communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • a communication standard may be, for example, USB (universal serial bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.
  • the memory 240 stores various pieces of information.
  • the memory 240 is, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.
  • the controller 250 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device and controls overall operations in the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs.
  • the controller 250 is achieved, for example, by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a microprocessor.
  • the controller 250 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) that stores programs to be used and arithmetic parameters and a RAM (random-access memory) that temporarily stores parameters which change as necessary and the like.
  • the terminal device 200 performs various types of processing under control of the controller 250. Processing of information input using the inputter 210, output of information using the outputter 220, communication of information performed by the communicator 230, and storing and reading of information performed by the memory 240 are examples of processing controlled by the controller 250.
  • the controller 250 also controls other types of processing performed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component.
  • the functions of the controller 250 may be achieved by applications.
  • the applications may be preinstalled or downloaded.
  • the functions of the controller 250 may be achieved by PWAs (progressive web apps).
  • the inhaler device 100 can communicate with other devices.
  • a communication link used for the communication between the inhaler device 100 and other devices may be wireless or wired.
  • the present embodiment will be described on an assumption that the communication link is wireless.
  • the inhaler device 100 establishes connections especially with other devices paired therewith and communicates information.
  • two devices exchange and save information regarding the two devices.
  • the information to be exchanged include identification information regarding a paired device, such as SSIDs (service set identifiers) and information regarding encryption keys to be used to encrypt information to be communicated.
  • SSIDs service set identifiers
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 perform pairing first, and then communicate information.
  • a wireless communication standard used for wireless communication between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 is desirably a short-distance wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 can establish a connection and communicate with each other if located within a range where short-distance wireless communication is possible. It is assumed in the following description that the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 perform communication based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)).
  • the inhaler device 100 has a locking function.
  • the locking function is a function of controlling whether the heater 121 is to produce heat. Inhibition of the heating performed by the heater 121 will also be referred to as locking hereinafter. Permission of the heating performed by the heater 121 will also be referred to as unlocking.
  • the inhaler device 100 When a user operation for requesting a start of the heating is performed in an unlocked state, the inhaler device 100 starts the heating using the heater 121.
  • An example of the operation for requesting a start of the heating is pressing of a button provided for the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 does not start the heating performed by the heater 121. With this configuration, since the heating by the heater 121 does not start in the locked state should the button be pressed by mistake inside a bag, for example, safety in use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved.
  • the inhaler device 100 unlocks.
  • the inhaler device 100 may unlock if one of the plurality of first conditions is satisfied.
  • the first condition may include detection of operations corresponding to a preset first operation pattern.
  • An operation pattern refers to a combination of operations performed on operation units that are provided for the inhaler device 100 and that are capable of receiving physical operations.
  • the inhaler device 100 may be provided with a button and a slider for opening and closing the opening 142, for example, as the operation units. In this case, a combination of pressing of the button and an operation for opening and closing the opening 142 is set as the first operation pattern. With this configuration, the inhaler device 100 does not unlock unless the operations corresponding to the first operation pattern are performed. As a result, misuse by a person other than the user, such as a child, can be prevented, and the safety in use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved.
  • the first condition may include communication that is being performed between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • an example of the communication that is being performed between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 is establishment of a connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 based on a short-distance wireless communication standard such as BLE.
  • BLE short-distance wireless communication standard
  • the safety in use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved.
  • the inhaler device 100 automatically unlocks, thereby sparing the user from performing an unlocking operation and increasing usability.
  • the inhaler device 100 locks.
  • the inhaler device 100 may lock if one of the plurality of second conditions is satisfied.
  • the second condition may include detection of operations corresponding to a preset second operation pattern.
  • the second condition may include an end of communication between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200. That is, the second condition may include an end of a connection established between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 based on a short-distance wireless communication standard such as BLE.
  • BLE short-distance wireless communication standard
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information, which is information obtained in accordance with use of the inhaler device 100, in a memory 114.
  • the log information is obtained when a certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 is performed.
  • the log information includes a time at which the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores information indicating a time at which a certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed and identification information indicating the certain operation while associating these pieces of information with each other.
  • the inhaler device 100 then transmits the log information stored in the memory 114 to the terminal device 200. It is assumed that the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are not constantly connected to each other. The inhaler device 100, therefore, accumulates the log information while not being connected to the terminal device 200 and transmits the accumulated log information when connected to the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 transfers, to another device, log information received from the inhaler device 100.
  • An example of the other device is a server that provides services relating to the inhaler device 100.
  • the server collects and analyzes the log information and uses the log information for services including update of firmware of the inhaler device 100. With this configuration, services provided in relation to the inhaler device 100 can be improved.
  • the terminal device 200 may output the log information received from the inhaler device 100 to the user. In this case, the user can view a use history of the inhaler device 100 thereby.
  • the inhaler device 100 includes a counter.
  • the counter is a logical or physical component for counting a number.
  • the inhaler device 100 changes a value of the counter each time unit time has elapsed.
  • An example of the change is counting up.
  • the counter may count the number of clock pulses of the CPU included in the controller 116, for example, and in this case, the unit time corresponds to the length of each clock pulse.
  • the counter may be an RTC (real-time clock), and the unit time may be 1 second.
  • the inhaler device 100 starts to change the value of the counter when the inhaler device 100 is activated for a first time. With this configuration, it is guaranteed that the counter indicates different values at different timings. Time, therefore, can be calculated on the basis of the value of the counter.
  • the log information includes the value of the counter as the information indicating a time. That is, the log information includes the value of the counter at a first timing, at which the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed, as the information indicating a time at which the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate, as described later, a time corresponding to the first timing at which the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits the stored log information at a second timing and also transmits the value of the counter at the second timing.
  • the terminal device 200 receives the log information including the value of the counter at the first timing, at which the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed, and the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the inhaler device 100 transmitted the log information.
  • the terminal device 200 then calculates the time corresponding to the first timing on the basis of the value of the counter at the first timing, the value of the counter at the second timing, and a time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information.
  • the time corresponding to the first timing here is a time indicated by a clock included in the terminal device 200 when the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100 was performed.
  • the time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information corresponds to the value of the counter at the second timing.
  • a time obtained by multiplying a difference between the value of the counter at the first timing and the value of the counter at the second timing by the unit time of the counter corresponds to a period of time from the first timing to the second timing.
  • the terminal device 200 therefore, calculates, as the time corresponding to the first timing, a time the calculated period of time from the first timing to the second timing before the time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information.
  • the time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information was 10: 15. It is assumed that the value of the counter at the first timing was 400 and the value of the counter at the second timing was 1000. It is assumed that the unit time of the counter was 1 second. In this case, 600 seconds, which is obtained by multiplying 600, which is obtained by subtracting 400 from 1000, by 1 second, which is the unit time, is the period of time from the first timing to the second timing. 10:05, which is 600 seconds before 10:15, therefore, is calculated as the time corresponding to the first timing.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate the time corresponding to the first timing. In addition, even when the inhaler device 100 does not include a clock, or even when there is a discrepancy between the clock included in the inhaler device 100 and the clock included in the terminal device 200, the time corresponding to the first timing based on the clock included in the terminal device 200 can be obtained.
  • the terminal device 200 may convert the value of the counter included in the log information into the calculated time.
  • the terminal device 200 may then store the log information after the conversion or transfer the log information after the conversion to another device.
  • An example of the other device is a server that provides services relating to the inhaler device 100. With this configuration, a time at which the log information was obtained can be used for an analysis conducted by the server.
  • the inhaler device 100 may transmit information indicating the unit time of the counter.
  • the terminal device 200 calculates the time corresponding to the first timing further on the basis of the unit time of the counter indicated by the received information. More specifically, when calculating the period of time from the first timing to the second timing, the terminal device 200 multiplies the difference between the value of the counter at the first timing and the value of the counter at the second timing by the unit time of the counter indicated by the received information. With this configuration, an accurate time can be calculated even when the unit time of the counter is different between inhaler devices 100.
  • the certain operation may include the heater 121 starting to generate the aerosol.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at a timing when a user operation for requesting a start of the heating was performed and the heater 121 started the heating.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate a time at which the inhaler device 100 started to generate the aerosol.
  • the certain operation may include inhalation of the aerosol by the user.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at a timing when a value accompanying a puff by the user, such as a decrease in temperature of the heater 121 or an increase in an airflow rate of the airflow path 180.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate a time at which the user puffed.
  • the certain operation may include charging of a power supply 111 that accumulates power and that supplies the power for the operation of the inhaler device 100.
  • a power supply 111 that accumulates power and that supplies the power for the operation of the inhaler device 100.
  • the inhaler device 100 starts to charge the power supply 111.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at a timing when the inhaler device 100 was connected to the external power supply and started the charging.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate a time at which the inhaler device 100 started the charging.
  • the certain operation may include an operation that satisfies the first condition set for the locking function.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at a timing when the inhaler device 100 unlocked on the basis of detection of the operations corresponding to the preset first operation pattern or establishment of a connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate a time at which the inhaler device 100 unlocked.
  • the certain operation may include an operation that satisfies the second condition set for the locking function.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at a timing when the inhaler device 100 locked on the basis of detection of the operations corresponding to the preset second operation pattern or an end of a connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate a time at which the inhaler device 100 locked.
  • the inhaler device 100 performs a certain type of processing on the log information stored in the memory 114 using, as a trigger, a fact that the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 has fallen below a threshold.
  • An example of the threshold is a discharge end voltage or a value obtained by adding a certain value to the discharge end voltage.
  • the discharge end voltage is a voltage at or below which discharge is not recommended.
  • the inhaler device 100 performs a certain type of processing on the log information stored in the memory 114 using, as a trigger, a fact that the power supply 111 has entered an over-discharged state or that the power supply 111 has entered a nearly over-discharged state. In the over-discharged state or the nearly over-discharged state, it can be difficult to store log information correctly. With this configuration, however, a certain level of reliability can be maintained for the log information stored in the inhaler device 100.
  • the counter can stop or be reset. This is because there is not enough power to operate the counter. In this case, it is difficult to accurately calculate a time at which log information was obtained on the basis of the value of the counter included in the log information. This is because once the counter stops or is reset, the difference between the value of the counter at the first timing and the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the log information is transmitted, does not match the period of time between the first timing and the second timing.
  • the inhaler device 100 has not been used for an extended period of time and the counter has stopped. After the non-use for the extended period of time, the inhaler device 100 is charged and activated again and, after the counter restarts, transmits log information stored before the non-use of the inhaler device 100. In this case, a difference between the value of the counter at the first timing, at which the log information was obtained, before the stop and the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the log information was transmitted, after the restart does not reflect the period of time for which the counter had remained stopped.
  • the terminal device 200 therefore, erroneously calculates, as a time at which the log information was obtained, a time later than an actual one by the period of time for which the counter had remained stopped. In the present embodiment, however, a certain level of reliability can be maintained for the log information stored in the inhaler device 100, especially the information indicating the time at which the log information was obtained.
  • An example of the certain type of processing is addition of a certain flag to the log information stored in the memory 114.
  • the certain flag may be included in the log information.
  • the inhaler device 100 may then transmit the log information stored in the memory 114 along with the certain flag added to the log information.
  • the terminal device 200 can distinguish log information stored when the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 falls below the threshold and log information stored after the power supply 111 is charged and the amount of power remaining becomes larger than or equal to the threshold.
  • the terminal device 200 performs different types of processing on received log information depending on whether the certain flag is added to the log information. With this configuration, different types of processing are used for log information in which information indicating a time is inaccurate and log information in which information indicating a time is accurate. The terminal device 200, therefore, can maintain a certain level of reliability for the log information.
  • the terminal device 200 may discard log information to which the certain flag is added and store, in the memory 240, log information to which the certain flag is not added.
  • log information in which information indicating a time is inaccurate can be discarded, and only log information in which information indicating a time is accurate can be selectively stored.
  • the terminal device 200 may cause the output unit 220 to output the log information in different modes depending on whether the certain flag is added.
  • log information in which information indicating a time is inaccurate and log information in which information indicating a time is accurate can be provided for the user in a distinguishable manner.
  • the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating that information indicating a time at which log information to which the certain flag is added was obtained is inaccurate.
  • the user can be alerted to log information in which information indicating a time is in accurate.
  • the terminal device 200 may remove information (e.g., the value of the counter) indicating a time at which log information was obtained, the information being included in the log information.
  • information e.g., the value of the counter
  • the terminal device 200 may remove information (e.g., the value of the counter) indicating a time at which log information was obtained, the information being included in the log information.
  • Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of a process relating to log information performed by the system 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are involved in this sequence.
  • a process when log information regarding a puff, which is an example of the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100, is obtained will be described hereinafter.
  • the inhaler device 100 stores log information including the value of the counter at the first timing, at which the user puffed (step S102).
  • the inhaler device 100 performs the processing in step S102 each time the user puffs.
  • step S104 the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection therebetween.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located within a range where short-distance wireless communication is possible and a certain user operation is performed on the inhaler device 100, for example, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection therebetween.
  • the inhaler device 100 transmits the log information stored in step S102 and also transmits the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the inhaler device 100 transmitted the log information (step S106).
  • the terminal device 200 receives these pieces of information.
  • the terminal device 200 calculates a time corresponding to the first timing, at which the user puffed, on the basis of the received information and a time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information (step S108). More specifically, first, the terminal device 200 calculates a period of time between the first timing, at which the user puffed, and the second timing, at which the inhaler device 100 transmitted the log, by multiplying a difference between the value of the counter at the first timing and the value of the counter at the second timing by the unit time of the counter. The terminal device 200 then calculates, as the time corresponding to the first timing, a time the calculated period of time earlier than the time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information.
  • the terminal device 200 outputs the time at which the user puffed (step S110). The process then ends.
  • Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process relating to log information performed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • a process when log information regarding a puff, which is an example of the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100, is obtained will be described hereinafter.
  • the controller 116 stores, in the memory 114, log information including the value of the counter at the first timing, at which the user puffed (step S202).
  • the controller 116 determines whether the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 is smaller than the threshold (step S204).
  • step S204 If determining that the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 is larger than or equal to the threshold (step S204: NO), the controller 116 transmits the log information stored in the memory 114 and also transmits the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the controller 116 transmitted the log information (step S212). The process then ends.
  • step S204 If determining that the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 is smaller than the threshold (step S204: YES), on the other hand, the controller 116 adds the certain flag to the log information stored in the memory 114 (step S206).
  • the controller 116 determines whether the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 has become larger than or equal to the threshold (step S208).
  • step S208 If determining that the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 is smaller than the threshold (step S208: NO), the controller 116 waits until the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 becomes larger than or equal to the threshold. For example, the controller 116 waits until the inhaler device 100 is connected to an external power supply through USB and the power supply 111 is charged.
  • step S208 If determining that the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 is larger than or equal to the threshold (step S208: YES), on the other hand, the controller 116 transmits the log information stored in the memory 114 and the certain flag added to the log information and also controls a communicator 115 such that the communicator 115 transmits the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the controller 116 transmitted the log information (step S210). After the controller 116 transmits the log information, the flag added to the log information may be removed from the memory 114. The process then ends.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process relating to log information performed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment.
  • a process when log information regarding a puff, which is an example of the certain operation relating to the inhaler device 100, is obtained will be described hereinafter.
  • the communicator 230 receives log information including the value of the counter at the first timing, at which the user puffed, and the value of the counter at the second timing, at which the inhaler device 100 transmitted the log information (step S302).
  • the controller 250 calculates a time corresponding to the first timing, at which the user puffed, on the basis of the received information and a time at which the terminal device 200 received the log information (step S304).
  • controller 250 determines whether the certain flag is added to the log information (step S306).
  • step S306 If determining that the certain flag is added to the log information (step S306: YES), the controller 250 controls the outputter 220 such that the outputter 220 outputs information indicating a time at which the user puffed and information indicating that the time is not accurate (step S308).
  • step S306 determines that the certain flag is not added to the log information (step S306: NO)
  • the controller 250 controls the outputter 220 such that the outputter 220 outputs the information indicating the time at which the user puffed (step S310).
  • the certain type of processing performed when the amount of power remaining becomes small may be removal of information (i.e., the value of the counter) indicating a time at which log information was obtained, the information being included in the log information.
  • information i.e., the value of the counter
  • the certain type of processing performed when the amount of power remaining becomes small may be removal of information (i.e., the value of the counter) indicating a time at which log information was obtained, the information being included in the log information.
  • the certain type of processing performed when the amount of power remaining becomes small may be removal of log information from the memory 114.
  • log information in which information indicating a time is in accurate is not left in the inhaler device 100.
  • the memory 114 may also include a volatile storage medium in addition to the nonvolatile storage medium.
  • the nonvolatile storage medium may store log information, and the volatile storage medium stores logical position information indicating an area of the nonvolatile storage medium where the log information is stored.
  • the removal of log information performed when the amount of power remaining becomes small may be achieved by removing the logical position information stored in the volatile storage medium. This is because when the logical position information is removed, the log information stored in the nonvolatile storage medium can no longer be accessed.
  • the removal of the logical position information stored in the volatile storage medium may be removal accompanying a stop of supply of power to the volatile storage medium.
  • the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the inhaler device 100 may perform another type of processing in accordance with the certain flag, instead.
  • the inhaler device 100 may remove log information to which a certain flag is added from the memory 114 using, as a trigger, satisfaction of a certain condition.
  • An example of the certain condition is a start of charging of the power supply 111.
  • Another example of the certain condition is the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 becoming larger than or equal to the threshold as a result of charging of the power supply 111.
  • the inhaler device 100 may remove information (i.e., the value of the counter) indicating a time at which log information to which a certain flag is added was obtained, the information being included in the log information, using, as a trigger, satisfaction of a certain condition.
  • An example of the certain condition is a start of charging of the power supply 111.
  • Another example of the certain condition is the amount of power remaining in the power supply 111 becoming larger than or equal to the threshold as a result of charging of the power supply 111.
  • the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 may communicate with each other indirectly through a relay device, instead.
  • the relay device may be a charger for charging the inhaler device 100.
  • the relay device receives, from the inhaler device 100, the log information and the value of the counter at the second timing and transfers the log information and the value of the counter to the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 can calculate, using the method described in the above embodiment, a time at which the inhaler device 100 obtained the log information.
  • the log information might remain in the relay device, and a time lag might occur until the relay device transfers the log information.
  • the relay device also transmits, to the terminal device 200, a value of a counter included in the relay device at a second timing, at which the relay device received the information from the inhaler device 100, and the value of the counter at a third timing, at which the relay device transmitted information to the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 calculates the length of time for which the log information had remained in the relay device on the basis of a difference between the values of the counter at the second and third timings.
  • the terminal device 200 can then calculate a time at which the inhaler device 100 obtained the log information by taking into consideration the length of time for which the log information had remained in the relay device.
  • the processes performed by the devices described herein may be achieved by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.
  • Programs constituting software are stored in advance in storage media (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside the devices.
  • storage media non-transitory media
  • the storage media may include, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory.
  • the computer programs may be distributed over a network, for example, without using the storage media.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
EP20965951.5A 2020-12-17 2020-12-17 Dispositif d?inhalation, dispositif terminal, et programme Pending EP4218456A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/JP2020/047141 WO2022130563A1 (fr) 2020-12-17 2020-12-17 Dispositif d'inhalation, dispositif terminal, et programme

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JP2005217621A (ja) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-11 Kyocera Corp 携帯通信端末及び通信システム
CN106455023B (zh) * 2010-01-07 2021-01-26 日本电气株式会社 无线通信系统、无线终端、无线网络、无线通信方法
JP6163133B2 (ja) * 2014-05-28 2017-07-12 京セラ株式会社 電子機器および電子機器における充電報知方法
US9936734B2 (en) * 2016-03-11 2018-04-10 Altria Client Services, Llc. Personal carrying case for electronic vaping device
EP3814951A1 (fr) 2018-06-27 2021-05-05 Juul Labs, Inc. Systèmes de dispositifs vaporisateurs connectés
CN112514193A (zh) * 2018-07-31 2021-03-16 日本烟草产业株式会社 充电装置以及信息处理系统
JP2020195347A (ja) * 2019-06-04 2020-12-10 Smk株式会社 煙霧質発生装置および煙霧質発生方法

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