EP4623733A1 - Terminal device and control method - Google Patents

Terminal device and control method

Info

Publication number
EP4623733A1
EP4623733A1 EP22968399.0A EP22968399A EP4623733A1 EP 4623733 A1 EP4623733 A1 EP 4623733A1 EP 22968399 A EP22968399 A EP 22968399A EP 4623733 A1 EP4623733 A1 EP 4623733A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
timing
puff
user
aerosol
terminal device
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
EP22968399.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Manabu Yamada
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 EP4623733A1 publication Critical patent/EP4623733A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A24F40/10—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
    • A24F40/50—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
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • 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
    • 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
    • A24F47/00—Smokers' requisites not otherwise provided for
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10—Services

Definitions

  • an inhalation device uses a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a flavor source to impart flavor components to the generated aerosol, thereby producing an aerosol with flavor components.
  • a flavor source to impart flavor components to the generated aerosol, thereby producing an aerosol with flavor components.
  • the action of the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter referred to as a puff or puff action.
  • PTL 1 discloses a substrate configuration capable of improving smoking taste. Furthermore, PTL 1 discloses the evaluation of smoking taste in examples of multiple substrates.
  • factors that can affect the smoking taste are not limited to the configuration of the substrate.
  • an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience.
  • a terminal device comprising a control unit that sets, based on a user's behavior history, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, and controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
  • the control unit may set multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history may include intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  • the control unit may set multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history may include each of multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  • the control unit may set the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users.
  • the control unit may control the inhalation device to notify information indicating the first puff timing.
  • the inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to a temperature for heating the aerosol source, and the control unit may set the first puff timing based on the control information used by the inhalation device.
  • the control unit may set the puff timing based on the substrate used by the inhalation device.
  • the control unit may, based on the puff timing, set an evaluation period allowing the user to set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, and control a process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.
  • the control unit may terminate the acceptance of the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the smoking taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires.
  • the control unit may control a process of notifying the user of the set smoking taste evaluation.
  • the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  • the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  • a control method executed by a computer including setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate an aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
  • the present disclosure as described above provides a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1 , the system 1 includes an inhalation device 100 and a terminal device 200.
  • the inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance inhaled by the user.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 will be described as an aerosol.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas.
  • the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-type substrate 150.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source.
  • the inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate to generate an aerosol.
  • the terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various information processing related to the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 is used by the user of the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer).
  • the terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 performs processing to support use of the inhalation device 100 by the user. As an example, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the appropriate usage method of the inhalation device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 accepts user operations to change the settings of the inhalation device 100 and changes the settings of the inhalation device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 collects operation logs of the inhalation device 100 and reports them to a server.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device 100.
  • the inhalation device 100 includes a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
  • the power source unit 111 stores electrical power. Then, based on control by the control unit 116, the power source unit 111 supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100.
  • the power source unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • the sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100.
  • the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user.
  • the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
  • the notification unit 113 notifies information to the user.
  • the notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.
  • the memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100.
  • the memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
  • the communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • Such communication standards may include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • the control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100 in accordance with various programs.
  • the control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
  • the accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141.
  • the accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142.
  • the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 as the bottom surface, defining a columnar internal space 141.
  • An air passage that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140.
  • An air inlet which is the entrance of air to the air passage, is, for example, arranged on the side of the inhalation device 100.
  • An air outlet, which is the exit of air from the air passage to the internal space 141 is, for example, arranged on the bottom portion 143.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152.
  • the substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source includes flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco sources. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.
  • the aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.
  • the heating unit 121 generates aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source through heating.
  • the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference, generating aerosol.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111.
  • power may be supplied when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that the user has started inhaling and/or predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that the user has finished inhaling and/or predetermined information has been input.
  • the heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components.
  • the heat insulating portion 144 may be constituted by vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.
  • the inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.
  • the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. In another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Additionally, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.
  • the accommodating portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, to open and close a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141.
  • the accommodating portion 140 may accommodate the stick-type substrate 150 while holding by opening and closing the outer shell.
  • the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location of the accommodating portion 140 and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing thereon.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.
  • the inhalation device 100 includes at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121.
  • a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100 or included in the stick-type substrate 150.
  • the inhalation device 100 in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150, generates an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment.
  • the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a memory unit 250, and a control unit 260.
  • the input unit 210 has a function of accepting the input of various information.
  • the input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from the user. Examples of input devices include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones, etc. Additionally, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.
  • the output unit 220 has a function of outputting information.
  • the output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user.
  • Examples of output devices include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound.
  • An example of a display device is a display.
  • An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
  • An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor.
  • An example of a sound output device is a speaker.
  • the output unit 220 outputs information input from the control unit 260 to notify the user of the information.
  • the detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200.
  • the detection unit 230 may detect the position information of the terminal device 200.
  • the detection unit 230 receives GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals (e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System) signals) from GNSS satellites to detect position information consisting of latitude and longitude of the device.
  • GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
  • the detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200.
  • the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor to detect angular velocity and acceleration.
  • the communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices.
  • the communication unit 240 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • Such communication standards may include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • the memory unit 250 stores various information.
  • the memory unit 250 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
  • the control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device and controls the overall operation within the terminal device 200 according to various programs.
  • the control unit 260 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. Additionally, the control unit 260 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and operation parameters that are used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed.
  • the terminal device 200 executes various processes based on control by the control unit 260.
  • the processing of information input by the input unit 210, the output of information by the output unit 220, the detection of information by the detection unit 230, the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260.
  • Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as processing based on information input to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.
  • control unit 260 may be realized using an application.
  • the application may be pre-installed or downloaded.
  • function of the control unit 260 may be realized using PWA (Progressive Web Apps).
  • the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.
  • the control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121.
  • the heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power source unit 111 to heat the stick-type substrate 150.
  • the heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.
  • the heating profile specifies parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source.
  • An example of the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the temperature of the heating unit 121.
  • An example of a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature).
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time from the start of heating.
  • the heating profile includes information specifying the time-series transition of the target temperature.
  • the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121.
  • the power supply parameters may include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, the ON/OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted.
  • the ON/OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the ON/OFF of the heating unit 121.
  • the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) transitions similarly to the target temperature specified in the heating profile.
  • the heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.
  • the temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by known feedback control, for example.
  • the feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller).
  • the control unit 116 may supply power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in the feedback control.
  • control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121), for example. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature.
  • the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor, for example.
  • the voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor.
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 20 represents time.
  • the vertical axis of graph 20 represents temperature.
  • Line 21 shows the time-series transition of the target temperature.
  • the heating session may sequentially include an initial temperature rise period, an intermediate temperature drop period, and a re-temperature rise period.
  • the initial temperature rise period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises and is maintained at a high temperature after the start of heating.
  • the intermediate temperature drop period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after the initial temperature rise period.
  • the terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff at an appropriate timing and accepts an evaluation of the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol.
  • the terminal device 200 stores the accepted evaluation information (hereinafter also referred to as evaluation results) and transmits the evaluation results to a server for collection.
  • evaluation results refers to the elapsed time from the start of heating of one stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile.
  • the terminal device 200 performs various processes to accept evaluations of the smoking taste that contribute to improving the quality of the user experience. The following is a detailed explanation of this point.
  • the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing.
  • the second puff timing is the timing at which the user actually performed a puff during a past heating session.
  • the terminal device 200 may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing as the same as the second puff timing or shifted by a few seconds. According to this configuration, the user can evaluate the smoking taste while puffing at the usual timing. In other words, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation without changing their usual behavior. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced.
  • the user's behavior history may include each of the multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session. With this configuration, the user can puff at the usual timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users. That is, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the behavior history of multiple users. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the second puff timings of multiple users as the first puff timing. With this configuration, the user can puff at the same timing as many other users. Furthermore, it becomes easier to aggregate the evaluation results collected from multiple users.
  • the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the set first puff timing. For example, the inhalation device 100 may transmit information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 when heating based on the heating profile begins. In that case, the terminal device 200 counts the elapsed time from the start of heating as a trigger upon receiving such information and determines the arrival of the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of notifying information indicating the set first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may output an image to the display indicating that the first puff timing will arrive in a few seconds or has arrived, or it may vibrate at the first puff timing. According to this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may control the inhalation device 100 to notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may control the inhalation device 100 to emit light from an LED or vibrate at the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may transmit information instructing the inhalation device 100 to notify the user each time the first puff timing arrives. In that case, the inhalation device 100 emits light from an LED or vibrates each time it receives such information. According to this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing even in situations where the terminal device 200 is stored in a bag while using the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 sets multiple evaluation periods within the heating session. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets one evaluation period for each first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 sets a predetermined period including the first puff timing or a predetermined period following the first puff timing as the evaluation period. According to this configuration, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff immediately after puffing in response to the notification of the first puff timing. Therefore, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff before the memory fades. Additionally, compared to setting the smoking taste evaluation after the heating session has ended, the user's burden can be reduced.
  • the relationship between the first puff timing and the evaluation period may be fixed.
  • the start of the evaluation period may be the first puff timing
  • the end of the evaluation period may be 10 seconds after the first puff timing.
  • setting the first puff timing can be regarded as synonymous with setting the evaluation period.
  • notifying the first puff timing can be regarded as synonymous with notifying the evaluation period. That is, the terminal device 200 may be regarded as controlling the process of setting the evaluation period based on the user's behavior history and notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period.
  • Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment.
  • the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the smoking taste evaluation on the evaluation setting screen 30.
  • the evaluation setting screen 30 includes an evaluation method description section 31, a progress display section 32, and evaluation setting sections 33 to 35.
  • the progress display section 32 is a section for notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process of generating aerosol by the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the progress display section 32 is a section for notifying the user of information indicating the first puff timing and information indicating the evaluation period.
  • the progress of the heating session is displayed by using the number of the next first puff timing as the numerator and the total number of set first puff timings as the denominator.
  • the progress of the heating session is displayed by using the elapsed time from the start of heating as the numerator and the duration of the heating session as the denominator.
  • the evaluation setting section 33 for draw resistance includes buttons 33A to 33C, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of draw resistance.
  • the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is strong when button 33A is selected, the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is just right when button 33B is selected, and the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is weak when button 33C is selected.
  • the evaluation setting section 34 for the amount of smoke includes buttons 34A to 34C, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of the amount of smoke.
  • the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is large when button 34A is selected, the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is just right when button 34B is selected, and the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is small when button 34C is selected.
  • Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process flow executed by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 6 , this sequence involves the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • the inhalation device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (Step S102).
  • the inhalation device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (Step S104).
  • the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing (Step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the elapsed time from the start of heating.
  • the terminal device 200 determines that the first puff timing has arrived, it transmits information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing to the inhalation device 100 (Step S110).
  • the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period (Step S114).
  • the user senses the vibration in Step S112, he or she performs a puff and sets the smoking taste evaluation.
  • the inhalation device 100 may determine the arrival of the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating each of the set multiple first puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) collectively to the inhalation device 100.
  • the inhalation device 100 determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if it is difficult to operate under real-time control by the terminal device 200, such as when communication between the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 is disconnected, the inhalation device 100 alone can notify the user of information indicating the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100.
  • the inhalation device 100 may transmit identification information indicating the heating profile used, along with information indicating the start of heating, to the terminal device 200.
  • the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history corresponding to the identification information.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history obtained when the same heating profile as that used by the inhalation device 100 was used. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each heating profile used. Additionally, the duration of the heating session and the time from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period may differ for each heating profile. In this regard, according to this configuration, it becomes possible to appropriately set the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the heating profile that the inhalation device 100 may use, in association with the heating profile, to the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may report information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings set based on the heating profile that the inhalation device 100 may use (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating), along with the identification information of the heating profile, to the inhalation device 100.
  • the inhalation device 100 determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings associated with the identification information of the heating profile used and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if there are multiple heating profiles that the inhalation device 100 may use, the inhalation device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history obtained when the same type of stick-type substrate 150 as that used by the inhalation device 100 was used.
  • the type of stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100 may be determined based on identification information such as a two-dimensional code attached to the stick-type substrate 150 and may be reported to the terminal device 200 along with information indicating the start of heating. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each type of stick-type substrate 150 used.
  • the terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use, in association with the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100.
  • the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating), along with information indicating the type of the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100.
  • the inhalation device 100 identifies the type of stick-type substrate 150 at the start of heating and determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings associated with the identified type of stick-type substrate 150 and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if there are multiple types of stick-type substrates 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use, the inhalation device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. That is, the terminal device 200 may set a timing shifted from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. As an example, if the user puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in multiple past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing at 30-second intervals in the next heating session.
  • the terminal device 200 may set a time shifted by about 10 seconds before or after the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session.
  • the terminal device 200 may set a time shifted by about 10 seconds before or after the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session.
  • the user's behavior history may include information indicating the set smoking taste evaluation in addition to information indicating the second puff timing.
  • the user's behavior history may include a combination of the second puff timing and information indicating the smoking taste evaluation set for the aerosol inhaled at the second puff timing.
  • the terminal device 200 may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set as the first puff timing. According to this configuration, the user can perform a puff at a timing that is the same as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set in the past.
  • the parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source specified in the heating profile is the target temperature of the heating unit 121
  • the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
  • the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 may be included as a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source.
  • the target value of the susceptor's temperature or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source may be included as a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source specified in the heating profile.
  • the inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization-type aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating and atomizing the aerosol source as a liquid.
  • the technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to liquid atomization-type aerosol generating devices.
  • the setting of the first puff timing and the evaluation period, as well as the acceptance of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period are executed by the terminal device 200.
  • the execution of the above processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above processes by a native application installed on the terminal device 200.
  • the execution of the above processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above processes by a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) provided for the terminal device 200.
  • a server may execute the above processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.
  • the series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.
  • Programs constituting the software are prestored on a recording medium (more specifically, a nontransitory computer-readable storage medium) provided internally or externally to each device, for example.
  • the programs are then executed, for example, by a computer for controlling each device described in the present description, the programs are read into a RAM and executed by means of a processing circuit such as a CPU.
  • the recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc.
  • the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without the use of a recording medium.
  • the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as ASIC, a general-purpose processor which executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing, etc.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.
  • processing described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in the present description need not necessarily be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps may be implemented in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed and some processing steps may be omitted.

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Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience.
[Solution] A terminal device comprising a control unit that sets, based on the user's behavior history, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, and controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a terminal device and a control method.
    • BACKGROUND ART
  • Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, an inhalation device uses a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a flavor source to impart flavor components to the generated aerosol, thereby producing an aerosol with flavor components. By inhaling the aerosol with flavor components generated by the inhalation device, the user can enjoy the flavor. The action of the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter referred to as a puff or puff action.
  • There is a demand to further improve the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as smoking taste) experienced by the user when puffing inhalation devices. For example, PTL 1 discloses a substrate configuration capable of improving smoking taste. Furthermore, PTL 1 discloses the evaluation of smoking taste in examples of multiple substrates.
    • CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE
  • PTL 1: JP 6839181 B2
    • SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM
  • However, factors that can affect the smoking taste are not limited to the configuration of the substrate.
  • Therefore, the present disclosure has been devised in view of the above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience.
    • SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
  • To solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal device is provided, comprising a control unit that sets, based on a user's behavior history, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, and controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
  • The control unit may set multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history may include intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  • The control unit may set multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history may include each of multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  • The control unit may set the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users.
  • The control unit may control the inhalation device to notify information indicating the first puff timing.
  • The inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to a temperature for heating the aerosol source, and the control unit may set the first puff timing based on the control information used by the inhalation device.
  • The control unit may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the control information that the inhalation device may use, in association with the control information, to the inhalation device.
  • The control unit may set the puff timing based on the substrate used by the inhalation device.
  • The control unit may, based on the puff timing, set an evaluation period allowing the user to set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, and control a process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.
  • The control unit may terminate the acceptance of the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the smoking taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires.
  • The control unit may control a process of notifying the user of the set smoking taste evaluation.
  • The user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  • The user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  • Additionally, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by a computer is provided, including setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate an aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
    • ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
  • The present disclosure as described above provides a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
    • Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment.
    • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device.
    • Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the present embodiment.
    • Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile.
    • Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device according to the present embodiment.
    • Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the system according to the present embodiment.
    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. It should be noted that in the specification and the drawings, duplicate descriptions are omitted by using the same reference signs to denote constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration.
    • <1. Configuration Example> (1) Configuration Example of System
  • Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the system 1 includes an inhalation device 100 and a terminal device 200.
  • The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance inhaled by the user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-type substrate 150. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate to generate an aerosol.
  • The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various information processing related to the inhalation device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by the user of the inhalation device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging the inhalation device 100.
  • The terminal device 200 performs processing to support use of the inhalation device 100 by the user. As an example, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the appropriate usage method of the inhalation device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 accepts user operations to change the settings of the inhalation device 100 and changes the settings of the inhalation device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 collects operation logs of the inhalation device 100 and reports them to a server.
    • (2) Configuration Example of Inhalation Device 100
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. As shown in Figure 2, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
  • The power source unit 111 stores electrical power. Then, based on control by the control unit 116, the power source unit 111 supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100. The power source unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
  • The notification unit 113 notifies information to the user. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.
  • The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
  • The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
  • The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 as the bottom surface, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. An air inlet, which is the entrance of air to the air passage, is, for example, arranged on the side of the inhalation device 100. An air outlet, which is the exit of air from the air passage to the internal space 141, is, for example, arranged on the bottom portion 143.
  • The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco sources. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. In a state in which the stick-type substrate 150 is being held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via the air flow path, which is not illustrated in the drawings, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.
  • The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source through heating. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that the user has started inhaling and/or predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that the user has finished inhaling and/or predetermined information has been input.
  • The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 may be constituted by vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.
  • A configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.
  • As an example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. In another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Additionally, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.
  • Another example is that the accommodating portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, to open and close a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 may accommodate the stick-type substrate 150 while holding by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location of the accommodating portion 140 and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing thereon.
  • Additionally, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the inhalation device 100 includes at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100 or included in the stick-type substrate 150.
  • The inhalation device 100, in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150, generates an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.
    • (3) Configuration Example of Terminal Device
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a memory unit 250, and a control unit 260.
  • The input unit 210 has a function of accepting the input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from the user. Examples of input devices include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones, etc. Additionally, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.
  • The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of output devices include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 outputs information input from the control unit 260 to notify the user of the information.
  • The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect the position information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals (e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System) signals) from GNSS satellites to detect position information consisting of latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor to detect angular velocity and acceleration.
  • The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • The memory unit 250 stores various information. The memory unit 250 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
  • The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device and controls the overall operation within the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. Additionally, the control unit 260 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and operation parameters that are used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 executes various processes based on control by the control unit 260. The processing of information input by the input unit 210, the output of information by the output unit 220, the detection of information by the detection unit 230, the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as processing based on information input to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.
  • Note that the function of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Furthermore, the function of the control unit 260 may be realized using PWA (Progressive Web Apps).
    • <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating Profile
  • The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power source unit 111 to heat the stick-type substrate 150.
  • The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile specifies parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. An example of the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time from the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information specifying the time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters may include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, the ON/OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. The ON/OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the ON/OFF of the heating unit 121.
  • The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) transitions similarly to the target temperature specified in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.
  • The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by known feedback control, for example. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may supply power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.
  • The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121), for example. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor, for example. The voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.
  • The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-type substrate 150 is hereinafter also referred to as a heating session. In other words, a heating session is the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes an initial preheating period and a subsequent puffing-possible period. The puffing-possible period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffing-possible period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.
  • The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information predicting the end of preheating before preheating ends or notify information indicating that preheating has ended at the timing when preheating ends. Notification to the user may be performed by lighting an LED or vibrating, for example. The user can perform a puff immediately after the end of preheating by referring to such a notification.
  • Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which the puffing-possible period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information predicting the end of the puffing-possible period before the puffing-possible period ends or notify information indicating that the puffing-possible period has ended at the timing when the puffing-possible period ends. Notification to the user may be performed by lighting an LED or vibrating, for example. The user can perform a puff until the puffing-possible period ends by referring to such a notification.
  • An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20 represents time. The vertical axis of graph 20 represents temperature. Line 21 shows the time-series transition of the target temperature. As shown in Figure 4, the heating session may sequentially include an initial temperature rise period, an intermediate temperature drop period, and a re-temperature rise period. The initial temperature rise period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises and is maintained at a high temperature after the start of heating. The intermediate temperature drop period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after the initial temperature rise period. The re-temperature rise period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the intermediate temperature drop period. In the example shown in Figure 4, the target temperature rapidly rises to around 300°C during the initial temperature rise period, then decreases to about 230°C during the intermediate temperature drop period, and then gradually rises to around 260°C during the re-temperature rise period. During the intermediate temperature drop period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted, and heating may be turned off. In the example shown in Figure 4, the period from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature rise period is the preheating period, and the period from the middle of the initial temperature rise period to the end of the re-temperature rise period is the puffing-possible period.
    • (2) Setting of Smoking Taste Evaluation
  • The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff at an appropriate timing and accepts an evaluation of the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol. The terminal device 200 stores the accepted evaluation information (hereinafter also referred to as evaluation results) and transmits the evaluation results to a server for collection. Note that in this description, timing refers to the elapsed time from the start of heating of one stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile.
  • The server collects and accumulates evaluation results from multiple terminal devices 200 operated by multiple users and utilizes them for various purposes. For example, the server first aggregates the evaluation results. An example of a method for aggregating evaluation results is to average the evaluations for the Xth puff performed during the heating session across multiple evaluation results for all puffs. Then, the server updates the heating profile to further improve the evaluation. In this way, by prompting the user to puff and accepting the evaluation of the smoking taste, the terminal device 200 is expected to improve the quality of the subsequent user experience.
  • The terminal device 200 performs various processes to accept evaluations of the smoking taste that contribute to improving the quality of the user experience. The following is a detailed explanation of this point.
    • - Setting and Notification of First Puff Timing
  • The terminal device 200 (for example, the control unit 260) sets the first puff timing. The first puff timing is the timing at which the user should inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history. Then, the terminal device 200 controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. According to this configuration, the user can perform a puff at an optimal timing derived from the user's own behavior history. Additionally, by performing a puff at the notified first puff timing, it becomes possible to collect evaluation results that are easier to aggregate on the server compared to when the user performs a puff at a free timing.
  • The terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings within the period in which one stick-type substrate 150 is heated to generate an aerosol, that is, within the heating session. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings within the puffing-possible period. This allows the user to perform puffs at multiple optimal timings within one heating session.
  • The user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing. The second puff timing is the timing at which the user actually performed a puff during a past heating session. The terminal device 200 may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing as the same as the second puff timing or shifted by a few seconds. According to this configuration, the user can evaluate the smoking taste while puffing at the usual timing. In other words, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation without changing their usual behavior. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced.
  • As an example, the user's behavior history may include intervals between multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For instance, if the user puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in multiple past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing at 20-second intervals in the next heating session. With this configuration, the user can puff at the usual timing.
  • In another example, the user's behavior history may include each of the multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session. With this configuration, the user can puff at the usual timing.
  • The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users. That is, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the behavior history of multiple users. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the second puff timings of multiple users as the first puff timing. With this configuration, the user can puff at the same timing as many other users. Furthermore, it becomes easier to aggregate the evaluation results collected from multiple users.
  • The terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the set first puff timing. For example, the inhalation device 100 may transmit information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 when heating based on the heating profile begins. In that case, the terminal device 200 counts the elapsed time from the start of heating as a trigger upon receiving such information and determines the arrival of the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of notifying information indicating the set first puff timing.
  • As an example, the terminal device 200 may notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may output an image to the display indicating that the first puff timing will arrive in a few seconds or has arrived, or it may vibrate at the first puff timing. According to this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing.
  • In another example, the terminal device 200 may control the inhalation device 100 to notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may control the inhalation device 100 to emit light from an LED or vibrate at the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may transmit information instructing the inhalation device 100 to notify the user each time the first puff timing arrives. In that case, the inhalation device 100 emits light from an LED or vibrates each time it receives such information. According to this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing even in situations where the terminal device 200 is stored in a bag while using the inhalation device 100.
    • - Setting and Notification of Evaluation Period
  • The terminal device 200 sets an evaluation period during which the user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, based on the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a UI (User Interface) screen for setting the smoking taste evaluation on a touch panel and accepts touch operations for setting the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period. According to this configuration, the user can evaluate the smoking taste while using the inhalation device 100. Since there is no need to use a dedicated device for evaluating the smoking taste, it becomes easier to conduct the evaluation. Additionally, it becomes possible to collect smoking taste evaluations from a wide range of general users.
  • The terminal device 200 sets multiple evaluation periods within the heating session. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets one evaluation period for each first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 sets a predetermined period including the first puff timing or a predetermined period following the first puff timing as the evaluation period. According to this configuration, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff immediately after puffing in response to the notification of the first puff timing. Therefore, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff before the memory fades. Additionally, compared to setting the smoking taste evaluation after the heating session has ended, the user's burden can be reduced.
  • Here, the relationship between the first puff timing and the evaluation period may be fixed. For example, the start of the evaluation period may be the first puff timing, and the end of the evaluation period may be 10 seconds after the first puff timing. In this case, setting the first puff timing can be regarded as synonymous with setting the evaluation period. Also, notifying the first puff timing can be regarded as synonymous with notifying the evaluation period. That is, the terminal device 200 may be regarded as controlling the process of setting the evaluation period based on the user's behavior history and notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period.
  • The terminal device 200 terminates the acceptance of the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the smoking taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the once-set smoking taste evaluation from being mistakenly changed or an incorrect evaluation from being set based on unintended operations outside the evaluation period.
    • (3) UI Screen
  • An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to Figure 5.
  • Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the smoking taste evaluation on the evaluation setting screen 30. As shown in Figure 5, the evaluation setting screen 30 includes an evaluation method description section 31, a progress display section 32, and evaluation setting sections 33 to 35.
  • The evaluation method description section 31 is a section for notifying the user of the evaluation method. The evaluation method description section 31 states that the terminal device 200 will vibrate when the first puff timing, which is the timing at which the aerosol should be inhaled, arrives. The user can refer to this description to perform a puff at the timing when the terminal device 200 vibrates and set the smoking taste evaluation.
  • The progress display section 32 is a section for notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process of generating aerosol by the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the progress display section 32 is a section for notifying the user of information indicating the first puff timing and information indicating the evaluation period. In the upper part of the progress display section 32, the progress of the heating session is displayed by using the number of the next first puff timing as the numerator and the total number of set first puff timings as the denominator. In the lower part of the progress display section 32, the progress of the heating session is displayed by using the elapsed time from the start of heating as the numerator and the duration of the heating session as the denominator. In the example shown in Figure 5, the progress display section 32 displays that the Xth first puff timing out of a total of 15 first puff timings is the next to arrive, and that the progress has reached Y minutes and Z seconds out of a 5-minute heating session. The user can refer to this display to grasp the progress of the heating session and recognize the arrival of the first puff timing and the evaluation period.
  • The evaluation setting sections 33 to 35 are sections for accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation by the user. The evaluation setting section 33 is a section for accepting the setting of the evaluation of the draw resistance. The evaluation setting section 34 is a section for accepting the setting of the evaluation of the amount of smoke. The evaluation setting section 35 is a section for accepting the setting of the evaluation of taste preference.
  • The evaluation setting section 33 for draw resistance includes buttons 33A to 33C, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of draw resistance. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is strong when button 33A is selected, the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is just right when button 33B is selected, and the setting of the evaluation that the draw resistance is weak when button 33C is selected.
  • The evaluation setting section 34 for the amount of smoke includes buttons 34A to 34C, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of the amount of smoke. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is large when button 34A is selected, the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is just right when button 34B is selected, and the setting of the evaluation that the amount of smoke is small when button 34C is selected.
  • The evaluation setting section 35 for taste preference includes buttons 35A and 35B, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of taste preference. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation that the taste is liked when button 35A is selected, and the setting of the evaluation that the taste is disliked when button 35B is selected.
  • The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the smoking taste evaluation for multiple evaluation items within one evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation of draw resistance, the amount of smoke, and taste preference during the evaluation period set in response to the arrival of the first puff timing each time it arrives. In the example shown in Figure 5, buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A are selected as the smoking taste evaluation for the Xth first puff timing. That is, the user has set the evaluation that the draw resistance is just right, the amount of smoke is large, and the taste is liked. According to this configuration, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation from multiple standpoints.
  • The terminal device 200 notifies the user of information indicating the set smoking taste evaluation. In the example shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 200 displays the buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A selected by the user in a manner different from other buttons. As an example, the terminal device 200 may display the buttons selected by the user in a different color from other buttons. According to this configuration, the user can confirm the smoking taste evaluation they have set.
  • An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 has been explained.
    • (4) Process Flow
  • Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process flow executed by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, this sequence involves the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200.
  • First, the inhalation device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (Step S102).
  • Next, the inhalation device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (Step S104).
  • Then, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing and the evaluation period based on the user's behavior history (Step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets a timing that is the same as the second puff timing indicated by the user's behavior history as the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then sets a period of predetermined duration starting from the first puff timing as the evaluation period. Here, the terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings and multiple evaluation periods during the heating session.
  • Next, the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing (Step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the elapsed time from the start of heating.
  • When the terminal device 200 determines that the first puff timing has arrived, it transmits information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing to the inhalation device 100 (Step S110).
  • Upon receiving the information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing, the inhalation device 100 vibrates (Step S112).
  • Meanwhile, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period (Step S114). When the user senses the vibration in Step S112, he or she performs a puff and sets the smoking taste evaluation.
  • The processes related to Steps S108 to S114 are repeatedly executed for the multiple first puff timings and multiple evaluation periods set during the heating session.
  • <3. Supplementary Information>
  • Preferred embodiments of the present invention were described in detail above with reference to the appended drawings, but the present invention is not limited to those examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs will be able to conceive of a number of variant examples or modified examples within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims, and any such variant examples or modified examples are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
    • (1) First Variant Example
  • In the above embodiment, an example in which the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing has been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may determine the arrival of the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating each of the set multiple first puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) collectively to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 then determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if it is difficult to operate under real-time control by the terminal device 200, such as when communication between the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 is disconnected, the inhalation device 100 alone can notify the user of information indicating the first puff timing.
    • (2) Second Variant Example
  • The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100. As an example, the inhalation device 100 may transmit identification information indicating the heating profile used, along with information indicating the start of heating, to the terminal device 200. Then, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history corresponding to the identification information. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history obtained when the same heating profile as that used by the inhalation device 100 was used. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each heating profile used. Additionally, the duration of the heating session and the time from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period may differ for each heating profile. In this regard, according to this configuration, it becomes possible to appropriately set the first puff timing.
  • The terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the heating profile that the inhalation device 100 may use, in association with the heating profile, to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the terminal device 200 may report information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings set based on the heating profile that the inhalation device 100 may use (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating), along with the identification information of the heating profile, to the inhalation device 100. Then, the inhalation device 100 determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings associated with the identification information of the heating profile used and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if there are multiple heating profiles that the inhalation device 100 may use, the inhalation device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.
    • (3) Third Variant Example
  • The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100. As an example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history obtained when the same type of stick-type substrate 150 as that used by the inhalation device 100 was used. Note that the type of stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100 may be determined based on identification information such as a two-dimensional code attached to the stick-type substrate 150 and may be reported to the terminal device 200 along with information indicating the start of heating. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each type of stick-type substrate 150 used.
  • The terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use, in association with the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating), along with information indicating the type of the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100. Then, the inhalation device 100 identifies the type of stick-type substrate 150 at the start of heating and determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings associated with the identified type of stick-type substrate 150 and notifies the user. According to this configuration, even if there are multiple types of stick-type substrates 150 that the inhalation device 100 may use, the inhalation device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.
    • (4) Fourth Variant Example
  • In the above embodiment, an example in which the terminal device 200 sets a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing has been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The terminal device 200 may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. That is, the terminal device 200 may set a timing shifted from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. As an example, if the user puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in multiple past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing at 30-second intervals in the next heating session. In another example, the terminal device 200 may set a time shifted by about 10 seconds before or after the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to collect evaluations of the smoking taste when puffs are performed at various timings. As a result, it becomes possible to more effectively update the heating profile.
    • (5) Other
  • In the above embodiment, an example in which the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing has been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The user's behavior history may include information indicating the set smoking taste evaluation in addition to information indicating the second puff timing. For example, the user's behavior history may include a combination of the second puff timing and information indicating the smoking taste evaluation set for the aerosol inhaled at the second puff timing. Then, the terminal device 200 may set a timing that is the same as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set as the first puff timing. According to this configuration, the user can perform a puff at a timing that is the same as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set in the past.
  • In the above embodiment, an example in which the parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source specified in the heating profile is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 has been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. In addition to the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself described in the above embodiment, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 may be included as a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. Additionally, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, the target value of the susceptor's temperature or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source may be included as a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source specified in the heating profile.
  • In the above embodiment, an example in which the inhalation device 100 heats the stick-type substrate 150 to generate an aerosol has been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization-type aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating and atomizing the aerosol source as a liquid. The technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to liquid atomization-type aerosol generating devices.
  • As described in the above embodiment, the setting of the first puff timing and the evaluation period, as well as the acceptance of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period, are executed by the terminal device 200. Here, the execution of the above processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above processes by a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Additionally, the execution of the above processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above processes by a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, a server may execute the above processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.
  • The series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting the software are prestored on a recording medium (more specifically, a nontransitory computer-readable storage medium) provided internally or externally to each device, for example. When the programs are then executed, for example, by a computer for controlling each device described in the present description, the programs are read into a RAM and executed by means of a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without the use of a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as ASIC, a general-purpose processor which executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing, etc. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.
  • Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in the present description need not necessarily be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps may be implemented in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed and some processing steps may be omitted.
  • It should be noted that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
    1. (1) A terminal device comprising a control unit that sets, based on the user's behavior history, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, and controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
    2. (2) The terminal device according to (1), wherein the control unit sets multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history includes intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
    3. (3) The terminal device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit sets multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history includes each of multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
    4. (4) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit sets the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users.
    5. (5) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit controls the inhalation device to notify information indicating the first puff timing.
    6. (6) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to a temperature for heating the aerosol source, and the control unit sets the first puff timing based on the control information used by the inhalation device.
    7. (7) The terminal device according to (6), wherein the control unit transmits information indicating the first puff timing set based on the control information that the inhalation device may use, in association with the control information, to the inhalation device.
    8. (8) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the control unit sets the puff timing based on the substrate used by the inhalation device.
    9. (9) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit sets an evaluation period allowing the user to set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing based on the puff timing, and controls a process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.
    10. (10) The terminal device according to (9), wherein the control unit terminates the acceptance of the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the smoking taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires.
    11. (11) The terminal device according to (9) or (10), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying the user of the set smoking taste evaluation.
    12. (12) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit sets a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
    13. (13) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit sets a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
    14. (14) A control method executed by a computer, including setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
    REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
    • 1 System
    • 100 Inhalation device
    • 111 Power source unit
    • 112 Sensor unit
    • 113 Notification unit
    • 114 Memory unit
    • 115 Communication unit
    • 116 Control unit
    • 121 Heating unit
    • 140 Accommodating portion
    • 141 Internal space
    • 142 Opening
    • 143 Bottom portion
    • 144 Heat insulating portion
    • 150 Stick-type substrate
    • 151 Substrate portion
    • 152 Mouthpiece portion
    • 200 Terminal device
    • 210 Input unit
    • 220 Output unit
    • 230 Detection unit
    • 240 Communication unit
    • 250 Memory unit
    • 260 Control unit

Claims (14)

  1. A terminal device comprising a control unit that sets, based on a user's behavior history, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, and controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
  2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history includes intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit sets multiple first puff timings within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history includes each of multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.
  4. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit sets the first puff timing also based on the behavior history of other users.
  5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls the inhalation device to notify information indicating the first puff timing.
  6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to a temperature for heating the aerosol source, and the control unit sets the first puff timing based on the control information used by the inhalation device.
  7. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit transmits information indicating the first puff timing set based on the control information that the inhalation device may use, in association with the control information, to the inhalation device.
  8. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit sets the puff timing based on the substrate used by the inhalation device.
  9. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit sets an evaluation period allowing the user to set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing based on the puff timing, and controls a process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.
  10. The terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit terminates the acceptance of the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the smoking taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires.
  11. The terminal device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying the user of the set smoking taste evaluation.
  12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit sets a timing that is the same as the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  13. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate an aerosol in the past, and the control unit sets a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.
  14. A control method executed by a computer, including setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate the aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.
EP22968399.0A 2022-12-13 2022-12-13 Terminal device and control method Pending EP4623733A1 (en)

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JP2022102721A (en) * 2020-12-25 2022-07-07 株式会社イノス・ジャポン Cosmetics development service management system
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