RU2784861C1 - Information processing device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information processing; tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: claimed group of inventions relates to the field of information processing devices, as well as to smoking products. The claimed device contains: a reception unit, which receives information about smoking from an aromatic substance inhaler associated with a user terminal; a creation unit, which creates output information for output of a message based on information about smoking to the user terminal; and a transmission unit, which sends output information to the user terminal or a control device, which controls output of messages to the user terminal.

EFFECT: retention percentage for users using an aromatic substance inhaler can be increased.

13 cl, 17 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

State of the art

[0002] In these years, technologies have been developed to provide various pieces of information to fragrance inhaler users via communications. Regarding this, in PTL 1, a technology is disclosed for notifying when a user uses a fragrance inhaler, a user of information regarding a conversation with another user, or an advertisement using an instant messaging service based on whether the user can have a conversation. Further, in PTL 2, a technology is disclosed for communicating preference information or recommendation information between fragrance inhaler users via a social network including users.

List of bibliographic references

Patent Documents

[0003] PTL 1: US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0285983

PTL 2: US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0337444

The essence of the invention

Technical task

[0004] With the conventional technologies described in PTLs 1 and 2, a message regarding a fragrance inhaler can be provided to a user of the fragrance inhaler. With these conventional technologies, however, a message whose content is determined in advance is provided, or the user simply creates the message he/she desires by operating the terminal device. Since suitable information cannot be provided according to the smoking state of the user, therefore, the retention rate for users using a flavor inhaler or a device including a cigarette mouthpiece (hereinafter referred to as "flavor inhaler, etc." ) may undesirably decrease.

[0005] Certain aspects of the present invention have been conceived under such circumstances, and the aim is to provide a technology adapted to increase the retention rate of users using a fragrance inhaler, etc.

The solution of the problem

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that obtains smoking information from a fragrance inhaler associated with a user terminal, a generating unit that generates output information for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal, and a transmission unit that sends output information to the user terminal or a control device that controls the output of messages to the user terminal.

[0007] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer. The method includes the steps of obtaining smoking information from a fragrance inhaler associated with a user terminal, generating a message output information based on the smoking information to the user terminal, and sending the output information to the user terminal or a control device that controls message output to the user terminal.

[0008] A program according to another aspect of the present invention instructs the computer to implement a receiving block that obtains smoking information from a fragrance inhaler associated with a user terminal, a generating block that generates output information for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal, and a block transmission, which sends output information to the user terminal or a control device that controls the output of messages to the user terminal.

[0009] According to these aspects, output information for outputting a message based on information about smoking from the fragrance inhaler to the user terminal is generated and sent to the user terminal or a control device that outputs messages to the user terminal. Since the output information can be appropriately provided according to the smoking state of the user, therefore, the retention rate for users using the fragrance inhaler can be increased.

[0010] In the present invention, "unit" and "device" do not simply refer to a physical means, but also refer to the case where the functions of the "unit" and "device" are performed by software. The function of a single "unit" or "device" may be performed by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "blocks" or "devices" may be performed by a single physical means or device.

Useful results of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the percentage of retention for users using the fragrance inhaler can be increased.

Brief description of the drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration drawing of an output information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates another example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler at the time when the fragrance inhaler holds the aerosol source material according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration drawing illustrating a functional configuration example of an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an example process for sending output information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a process for sending output information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen output example on a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a schematic configuration drawing of an output information providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen output example on a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a schematic configuration drawing of an output information providing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen outputs on user terminals according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples for describing the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to them. In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways, as long as they do not go beyond its scope. In addition, the same components are given the same reference numbers in the drawings as far as possible, and their redundant description is omitted.

[0014] <First Embodiment>

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration drawing (system configuration diagram) of an output information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the output system 100A includes, for example, a fragrance inhaler, and so on. 1 (perfume inhaler), a user terminal 2 used by a user, an information processing server 3 (information processing device) that generates message output information based on the smoking information of the user terminal 2, and which sends the output information to the control server 5, which will be described later, and a control server 5 (control device) that controls the output of messages based on the smoking information to the user terminal 2.

[0015] Although the information processing server 3 and the management server 5 will be described in the following description as separate components in the present embodiment, the configuration of the information processing server 3 and the management server 5 is not limited to this. For example, the information processing server 3 and the control server 5 may be combined with each other instead. That is, the information processing server 3 has the configuration and functions of the control server 5 to be described later. In this case, the information processing server 3 (control server 5) sends output information to the user terminal.

[0016] "Aromatic inhaler, etc." refers to a flavor inhalation device and refers to, but is not limited to, for example, an electronic cigarette, a non-burning tobacco cigarette, or a conventional cigarette. The fragrance inhaler includes an aerosol generating device for inhaling the generated aerosol. The aerosol generating device includes, for example, an electronic cigarette, a non-burnable tobacco cigarette, or a medical aerosol apparatus. More specifically, the aerosol generating device is, for example, a device that generates an aerosol by spraying a liquid (aerosol source) with the help of electric power. An aerosol is produced by spraying an aerosol source and is particles small enough to propagate in a gas. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device may have a fragrance. Examples of the aerosol generating device include non-burnable tobacco cigarettes (T-steam and infusion) and electronic cigarettes (E-vapor). The aerosol forming device may be of a type that directly heats tobacco (direct heating), a type that indirectly heats tobacco (indirect heating), or a type that heats a liquid. Alternatively, the aerosol generating apparatus may atomize liquid by generating a plurality of SAWs (surface acoustic waves) with a piezoelectric substrate including a pair of comb electrodes.

[0017] "Smoking information based message" (hereinafter referred to as "message") is information based on "smoking information" from an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1 and output to the user terminal 2. The message is information by which the retention percentage for users using the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 can be enlarged. The message may include, for example, text information, audio information, video clip information, or image information based on the user's smoking state or fragrance inhaler use state, and so on. 1 used by the user. More specifically, the message may include promotional information related to smoking or fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, malfunction information related to fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, a coupon indicating a discount for fragrance inhaler accessories, etc. 1 or the like, information of a PR video clip associated with a smoking area, or the like. The message may also include image information, video clip information, audio information or the like corresponding to a character to be described later. The message may also include a URL (uniform resource locator) of some Internet website, a QR code (registered trademark), or the like. The message may also include Morse code, some cipher code, or the like.

[0018] "Smoking information" is information related to smoking and includes, for example, smoking frequency, smoking amount, and smoking facts. The smoking information is not limited to this, and includes information relating to the condition of using the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1. Information related to the condition of using the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 includes, for example, information related to the frequency of use and period of use of the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, the state of charge or the remaining volume of the battery included in the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, fragrance inhaler positions, etc. 1 (of the user), the fact that a certain capsule was attached to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, the period during which the user has worn the fragrance inhaler, etc., the period during which the user has held the fragrance inhaler, etc., or the like. Alternatively, the smoking information may be, for example, information relating to the number of puffs, the number of times refills have been changed, the volume of liquid consumed, the volume of liquid remaining, or the like. Refills are replaceable items such as a reservoir, flavor source, smoking article 140, and various atomizers, which will be described later, included in the flavor inhaler, and so on. 1. Smoking information can be measured by various sensors and the like included in the fragrance inhaler and so on. 1, which will be described later.

[0019] The management server 5 is a system that performs an information exchange process over the network N. The management server 5 mediates the information exchange between the information processing server 3 and the user terminal 2, for example, and enables a conversation between the user and the information processing server 3 such as voice call or chat using text information. Labels and video clips, which are image information for communication, for example, can be used for the information exchange process, as well as text information and sound information entered via the network N. The control server 5 is thus a server computer that manages a conversation over a certain network N and performs a server function when a certain server program runs on the server computer. Although the management server 5 includes the communication system in the present embodiment, the information processing server 3 may include the communication system instead.

[0020] Network N is a communication line or communication network related to information processing, such as the Internet. The specific configuration of the network N is not particularly limited as long as the user terminal 2, the information processing server 3 and the control server 5 can communicate with each other.

[0021] Fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 and user terminal 2 associate with each other and become capable of communicating with each other by establishing a short range wireless communication such as Bluetooth [registered trademark] or BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication. Communication between fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 and the user terminal 2 is not limited to these communication technologies, and can be implemented through any communication technology such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWAN (low power wide area network) or NFC (near field communication). Communication between fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 and user terminal 2 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication, and may be wired communication via USB (Universal Serial Bus), mini-USB, micro-USB or Lightning instead, for example.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 2A schematically and conceptually illustrates components included in an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1 and does not illustrate exact positions, shapes, sizes, positional relationships or the like of the components and the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1. It should also be noted that fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 may include a component that is not illustrated in FIG. 2A, such as a tobacco capsule or liquid cartridge.

[0023] The sensor 11 is, for example, a sensor for detecting inhalation by a user. The sensor 11 may be some type of sensor for detecting inhalation by the user, such as a flow sensor, a flow rate sensor, or a pressure sensor. The sensor 11 may be a button pressed by the user to inhale instead. For example, the sensor 11 may be an inhalation sensor instead, and detect inhalation by the user using a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1. The sensor 11 may be an airflow sensor instead and detect the airflow caused by the user's inhalation. The sensor 11 may be a GPS sensor for measuring the position of the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, a gyro sensor for detecting the angle, attitude or the like of the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, or the like, instead.

[0024] The change block 12 is a block where some change that can be observed from the outside occurs. The change unit 12 may be an LED (light emitting diode) that emits light of a certain color such as blue LED, and some change may be the emission of light of a certain color such as blue. Some color is not limited to blue and can be any color. Some change may be a change in the color of the emitted light or the intensity of the emitted light according to the strength of inhalation detected by the sensor 11. The change unit 12 is not limited to LED and may be a light source of a different configuration that emits light of a certain color.

[0025] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the change unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 2B. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 may be, but is not limited to, a stick-shaped form including two ends 161 and 162. The user places the end 161 in their mouth to inhale. The user may place a cigarette mouthpiece in his mouth, which may be attached to the end 161, instead, in order to inhale through the end 161. When the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 has the form illustrated in FIG. 2B, the change block 12 is preferably provided at the other end 162 of the two ends. The change unit 12 is at least part of the outer surface of the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 and may be of any shape, such as the substantially rectangular shape illustrated in FIG. 2B, or a ring shape (not illustrated) around the circumference of the fragrance inhaler, etc. one.

[0026] Link will again be made in FIG. 2A. The control unit 13 is a unit that at least instructs some change in the change unit 12 based on the signal from the sensor 11. inspiratory time, determined based on the signal, is greater than or equal to some threshold value. In addition, for example, the control unit 13 may change the color or intensity of the light emitted from the change unit 12 according to the strength of the signal from the sensor 11 or the inspiratory force determined based on the signal. The control unit 13 may increase the intensity of emitted light when inhalation is strong, for example, and decrease the intensity of emitted light when inhalation is weak. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 13 may divide the inspiratory force into a plurality of stages, set a certain color for each of the stages, and instruct the emission of light of a certain color corresponding to the inspiratory force. The control unit 13 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer.

[0027] The communication unit 14 communicates with a user terminal or another computer. The communication unit 14 may be implemented with at least a network interface or the like as a hardware resource. The control unit 13 is adapted to send various pieces of information detected by the sensor 11 to a user terminal or other computer via the communication unit 14 . Information from various places sent from the control unit 13 to the user terminal or another computer via the communication unit 14 is, for example, smoking information. Smoking information will be described later. The communication unit 14 is adapted to receive various pieces of information sent from a user terminal or other computer.

[0028] Fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a conventional cigarette. The conventional cigarette does not include a sensor 11, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14, and its burning part corresponds to the change unit 12. The reason is that the burning part of a conventional cigarette causes some changes in color and temperature based on the user's inhalation.

[0029] When the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 is a conventional cigarette (eg, cigarette), the mouthpiece attached to the end of the cigarette (eg, cigarette mouthpiece) may include some or all of the functions of the sensor 11, control unit 13, and communication unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 2A. With this configuration, the mouthpiece can send various pieces of information detected by the sensor, such as smoking information, to a user terminal or another computer.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fragrance inhaler 1A includes a first member 102 and a second member 104. As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the first element 102 may include a control unit 106, a communication unit 108, a battery 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. The control unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 2A corresponds to the control unit 106 illustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor 11 illustrated in FIG. 2A corresponds to the sensor 112 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 2A corresponds to the communication unit 108 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0031] For example, the second element 104 may include a reservoir 116, a spray unit 118, an air inlet 120, an aerosol port 121, and a mouthpiece unit 122. Some of the components included in the first element 102 may be included in the second element 104 instead. Some of the components included in the second element 104 may be included in the first element 102 instead. The second element 104 may be removably attached to the first element 102. Alternatively, all of the components included in the first element 102 and the second element 104 may be included in the same housing instead of the first element 102 and the second element 104.

[0032] Reservoir 116 holds the aerosol source. Reservoir 116 is composed of a fibrous or porous material, for example, and holds an aerosol source that is liquid in gaps between fibers or pores in the porous material. Cotton, fiberglass or tobacco material, for example, can be used for the fibrous or porous material. Reservoir 116 may be configured as a reservoir that stores liquid. The source of the aerosol is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, which may be glycerol or propylene glycol, or water. When the fragrance inhaler 1A is a medical inhaler such as an aerosol machine, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by a patient. In another example, the aerosol source may include tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases a smoke flavor ingredient when heated. Reservoir 116 may be configured such that a spent aerosol source may be refilled. Alternatively, reservoir 116 may be configured such that reservoir 116 may be replaced after the aerosol source is used up. The source of the aerosol is not limited to liquid and may be solid instead. The reservoir 116 during the time when the aerosol source is solid may be, for example, a hollow container that does not use fibrous or porous material.

[0033] The spray unit 118 is configured to generate an aerosol by spraying an aerosol source. When the sensor 112 detects a breath, the spray unit 118 generates an aerosol. A wick (not illustrated), for example, may be provided to connect reservoir 116 and spray unit 118 to each other. In this case, a portion of the wick is inserted into the reservoir 116 and comes into contact with the aerosol source. The other part of the wick is drawn into the spray unit 118 . The aerosol source flows from reservoir 116 to spray unit 118 due to capillary action created by the wick. For example, spray unit 118 includes a heater electrically coupled to battery 110. The heater is positioned to contact or be in close proximity to the wick. When inhalation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomization unit 118 and atomizes the aerosol source that has flowed through the wick, heating the aerosol source. Another example of the atomization unit 118 may be an ultrasonic nebulizer that atomizes an aerosol source through ultrasonic vibration. The air inlet 120 is connected to the atomization unit 118 and leads to the outside of the fragrance inhaler 1A. The aerosol generated by the atomization unit 118 mixes with the air entrained through the air inlet 120. The mixed fluid from the aerosol and air flows into the aerosol channel 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol channel 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid from the aerosol generated spray block 118, and air to the mouthpiece block 122.

[0034] The mouthpiece block 122 is located at the end of the aerosol channel 121 and is configured to open the aerosol channel 121 to the outside of the fragrance inhaler 1A. The user places the mouthpiece unit 122 in their mouth and inhales to draw air including the aerosol into the oral cavity.

[0035] The communication unit 108 communicates with a user terminal or another computer. The communication unit 108 may be implemented with at least a network interface or the like as a hardware resource.

[0036] The battery 110 supplies power to some components of the fragrance inhaler 1A, such as the communication unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, and the spray unit 118. The battery 110 can be charged by connecting the fragrance inhaler 1A to an external power source through some port (not illustrated). Only battery 110 can be removed from first cell 102 or fragrance inhaler 1A and replaced with new battery 110. Battery 110 can be replaced with new battery 110 by replacing the entire first cell 102 with a new first cell 102.

[0037] Sensor 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects a change in pressure within air inlet 120 and/or aerosol channel 121, or a flow sensor that detects flow. The sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of a component, such as the reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may be configured to count the number of puffs the user has taken with the fragrance inhaler 1A. The sensor 112 may be configured to accumulate periods of time during which the spray unit 118 has been supplied with energy. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the liquid level within the reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the SOC (state of charge), integral value of the current, voltage, or the like of the battery 110. The integral current value may be obtained by integrating current, SOC-OCV (open circuit voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 may be a control button that can be used by the user.

[0038] The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer instead. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the operation of the fragrance inhaler 1A in accordance with computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. The memory 114 may also store setting data and the like necessary for controlling the fragrance inhaler 1A, as well as computer-executable instructions. For example, the memory 114 may store various pieces of data such as methods for controlling the communication unit 108 (modes of light emission, voice output, vibration, etc.), the values detected by the sensor 112, and the heating history of the spray unit 118. The control unit 106 reads the data from the memory 114 as needed, uses the data to control the fragrance inhaler 1A, and stores in the memory 114 as needed.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another schematic configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the fragrance inhaler 1B includes a third member 126 in addition to the components included in the fragrance inhaler 1A illustrated in FIG. 3. The third element 126 may include a scent source 128. When the flavor inhaler 1B is an electronic cigarette, for example, the flavor source 128 may include a smoke flavor ingredient contained in tobacco. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the aerosol channel 121 extends through the second element 104 and the third element 126. The mouthpiece block 122 is included in the third element 126.

[0040] The flavor source 128 is an aerosol flavoring component. The aroma source 128 is housed in the aerosol channel 121. The mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the spray unit 118 and air (note that the mixed fluid may simply be referred to as aerosol hereinafter) flows to the mouthpiece block 122 through the aerosol channel 121. Source 128 aroma is thus provided downstream of the spray unit 118 in terms of the aerosol flow. In other words, the flavor source 128 is closer to the mouthpiece block 122 in the aerosol channel 121 compared to the spray block 118 . The aerosol generated by the spray unit 118 therefore reaches the mouthpiece unit 122 after passing through the flavor source 128. As the aerosol passes through the flavor source 128, the smoke flavor ingredient contained in the flavor source 128 is provided to the aerosol. When the flavor inhaler 1B is an electronic cigarette, for example, the flavor source 128 may be ground tobacco or a processed tobacco-derived product such as tobacco material compressed into granules, sheets, or powder. Flavor source 128 may be derived from a non-tobacco plant (eg, mint, aromatic herbs, etc.) instead. For example, flavor source 128 includes a tobacco ingredient. The flavor source 128 may contain a flavor ingredient such as menthol. As well as flavor source 128, reservoir 116 may also include a substance including a smoke flavor ingredient. For example, flavor inhaler 1B may be configured to retain tobacco-derived flavor in flavor source 128 and contain non-tobacco-derived flavor in reservoir 116.

[0041] The user can capture air, including the aerosol to which the flavor has been transferred, into the oral cavity by inhaling through the mouthpiece block 122.

[0042] The control unit 106 is configured to control the fragrance inhalers 1A and 1B (hereinafter, may be collectively referred to as fragrance inhalers 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates another example of a schematic appearance of the fragrance inhaler at the time when the fragrance inhaler holds the aerosol source material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, for example, the flavor inhaler 1 is configured to generate an aerosol including flavor by heating an aerosol source material such as a smoking article including a flavor source material such as a filler including an aerosol source and aroma source. Smoking article 140 can be used as an aerosol source material.

[0044] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, smoking article 140 is just an example of an aerosol source material. The aerosol source included in the aerosol source material may be solid or liquid. The source of the aerosol may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, which may be glycerol or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may include tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases a smoke flavor ingredient when heated. When the fragrance inhaler 1 is a medical inhaler such as an aerosol machine, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by a patient. Depending on the application, the aerosol source material should not include an odor source.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6, the fragrance inhaler 1 includes an upper case 131A, a lower case 131B, a cover 132, a switch 133, and a cap 134. The upper case 131A and the lower case 131B are connected to each other to form an outer case 131 of the fragrance inhaler 1. Housing 131 may be sized to fit in a user's hand. In this case, when using the fragrance inhaler 1, the user can inhale the aerosol while holding the fragrance inhaler 1 with a hand.

[0046] The upper body 131A has an opening (not illustrated), and the cover 132 is connected to the upper body 131A so as to cover the opening. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cap 132 has an opening 132B into which the smoking article 140 can be inserted. The cap 134 is configured to open and close the opening 132B of the cap 132. More specifically, the cap 134 is attached to the cap 132 and is configured to be movable on the surface of the cap 132. between a first position where hole 132B is closed and a second position where hole 132B is open.

[0047] The switch 133 is used to turn the fragrance inhaler 1 on and off. With the switch 133 with the smoking article 140 inserted into the hole 132B as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, a user can power a heating unit (not illustrated) from a battery (not illustrated) and heat the smoking article 140 without burning the smoking article 140. When the smoking article 140 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source included in the smoking article 140, and the fragrance from the fragrance source is mixed with the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol including the flavor by inhaling through the part (the part illustrated in FIG. 6) of the smoking article 140 protruding from the flavor inhaler 1. The direction in which the aerosol source material such as the smoking article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B will be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the fragrance inhaler 1.

[0048] The configuration of the fragrance inhaler 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6 is just an example of the configuration of the fragrance inhaler according to the present invention. The fragrance inhaler according to the present invention can be configured in various modes, in which an aerosol can be generated by heating the aerosol source material including the aerosol source, and the generated aerosol source can be inhaled by the user.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 7 schematically and conceptually illustrates the components included in the user terminal 2 and does not illustrate the exact positions, shapes, sizes, positional relationships or the like of the components and the user terminal 2. It should also be noted that the user terminal 2 may include a component which is not illustrated in FIG. 7. An example of the user terminal 2 is a separate computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 21, which will be described later in this document, may be implemented by a digital camera attached to the computer from the outside.

[0050] The detection unit 21 detects some change that occurs in at least a part of the fragrance inhaler 1, i.e., the change unit 12, for example, and which can be observed from the outside. The detection unit 21 may be implemented with at least a digital camera, a temperature sensor, or the like as a hardware resource.

[0051] The output unit 22 performs a message output process based on the output information sent by the control server 5 illustrated in FIG. 1. The output unit 22 displays information indicating that some change has been detected. The output unit 22 may be implemented with at least a display (includes a touch panel display) as a hardware resource.

[0052] The input block 23 receives input from the user. The input unit 23 may be implemented with at least a keyboard and mouse, a touch panel display, or the like as a hardware resource.

[0053] The storage unit 24 stores programs, data, and the like. The storage unit 24 may be implemented with at least an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), a memory or the like. as a hardware resource.

[0054] The communication unit 25 communicates with other computers. The communication unit 25 may be implemented using at least a network interface or the like. as a hardware resource.

[0055] The control unit 26 performs various types of control. The control unit 26 may be implemented with at least a processor or the like. as a hardware resource. The control unit 26 may be configured to make a determination about the inspiratory methods used by the user. The output unit 22 may also display the determination result. The control unit 26 may be configured to allow the user to select one of the inspiratory methods through the input unit 23 . The output unit 22 may also display information based on the selected inhalation method. In addition, the control unit 26 may be configured to transmit data via the communication unit 25 . The output unit 22 may also output information based on the received data.

[0056] Various functions of the user terminal 2 can be implemented using an application that runs on the user terminal. The user terminal 2 may download the application and perform various functions with the downloaded application instead. The user terminal 2 can perform its various functions by downloading a program to perform the various functions and executing the downloaded program instead.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration drawing illustrating a functional configuration example of an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the information processing server 3 functionally includes an information processing unit 31 for executing a process for generating output information and a process for sending output information, and a storage unit 33 that stores information for performing various types of processing, results of executing various types of processing, and the like. . The information processing server 3 is implemented, for example, by means of one or a plurality of server devices. The information processing unit 31 may be implemented, for example, by executing a program (not illustrated) stored in the storage unit 33 by a CPU or the like. Alternatively, the information processing unit 31 may be carried out by downloading a program to be used for processing performed by the information processing unit 31 and executing the downloaded program.

[0058] The information processing unit 31 functionally includes an acquisition unit 311 that obtains smoking information from an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1 associated with the user terminal 2 illustrated in FIG. 1, a creation unit 313 that generates output information for outputting a message based on smoking information to the user terminal 2, a transmission unit 315 that sends output information to the user terminal 2 or a control server 5 that controls the output of messages to the user terminal 2, and a control unit 317, which controls one or more characters associated with one or more fragrance inhalers, and so on. 1. The information processing unit 31 also includes a comparison unit 319 that compares the usage conditions of a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1 with each other based on the information received about smoking. The comparison unit 319 performs its function in the output information providing system according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment, including a plurality of fragrance inhalers and so on. one.

[0059] As described above, the storage unit 33 stores smoking information SI, which is smoking-related information, and output information II, which is generated based on smoking information SI. The storage unit 33 also stores device information SI related to the fragrance inhaler and so on. 1 and character information CI related to the character associated with each of the one or more fragrance inhalers, and so on. 1. The character information CI may include, for example, information for associating with an icon image or sound information corresponding to each of the characters stored by the control server 5, or information for linking to an icon image or sound information. The storage unit 33 can store smoking information SI, output information II, device information SI, and character information CI with each other for each of the users.

[0060] [Output Sending Process]

An example of the output information sending process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example process for sending output information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a process for sending output information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] (Step S1 in FIG. 9)

The receiving unit 311 of the information processing server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 receives smoking information from the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 associated with the user terminal 2 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 sends smoking information to the user terminal 2 via BLE communication or the like. ((1) smoking information in Fig. 10). The acquisition unit 311 then obtains smoking information via the user terminal 2 ((2) smoking information in FIG. 10).

[0062] (Step S3 in FIG. 9)

The block 313 for creating the information processing server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 generates output information for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal 2. For example, the generating unit 313 creates output information for outputting a message regarding at least the smoking location or smoking time included in the smoking information received from the inhaler. aromatic substance, etc. 1 to the user terminal 2 based on information regarding the smoking location or smoking time. The smoking time may include information indicating a time period during which the user has been smoking as well as information indicating a point in time. The generating unit 313 may calculate or estimate the smoking amount from the smoking information and generate an output for outputting a message regarding the calculated or estimated smoking amount to the user terminal 2.

[0063] (Step S5 in FIG. 9)

The transmission unit 315 of the information processing server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 sends the output information to the control server 5, which controls the communication system adapted to send the output information to the user terminal 2 ((3) output information in FIG. 10). For example, the transmission unit 315 may send character information regarding the character to the user terminal 2 along with output information, so that the output information is output to the user terminal 2 as a message while being associated with the character information. The control server 5 transmits, to the user terminal 2, the output information received from the information processing server 3 and image information or sound information regarding the character corresponding to the character information ((4) output information in FIG. 10). The character information may be information included in the output information instead. The user terminal 2 then outputs the message using the output block 22 illustrated in FIG. 7 based on image information or sound information regarding the character. The transmission unit 315 may transmit output information and image information or sound information regarding the character corresponding to the character information to the user terminal 2 at any time. For example, the transmission unit 315 may transmit these pieces of information to the user terminal 2 at the time when smoking information is received from the fragrance inhaler, and so on. 1. Alternatively, the transmission unit 315 may transmit these pieces of information to the user terminal 2 at a predetermined time, namely, for example, at 22:00. Alternatively, the transmission unit 315 may transmit these pieces of information to the user terminal 2 at certain time intervals, namely daily or weekly.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen output example on a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, text information is output on the user terminal 2 as a message while being associated with the character icon image C1 (refer to FIG. 10) regarding the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1. For example, the text T1 at least includes information regarding smoking time "about 15:00 today" and information regarding smoking location "by the sea". Text T1 also includes information regarding the amount of smoking "twice". Text T3 includes information regarding the location of the smoking "Shinbashi".

[0065] The character icon image C1 can perform some movement inside. For example, the icon image C1 may perform a motion corresponding to an emotion, or a motion such as vertical or horizontal movement or rotation. The character icon image C1 can perform various movements based on the details or attributes of the character in it. In the case of a character that imitates a human, animal, or the like, for example, the motion generated by the character icon image C1 may be a motion performed by a human, animal, or the like, such as moving limbs, walking, running, or jumping. In the case of a character that imitates a car, aircraft, or the like, the movement performed by the character icon image C1 may be a movement performed by an automobile, aircraft, or the like, such as driving or flying. The motion generated by the character icon image C1 is not limited to these motions, and may be any kind of motion. Alternatively, the motion generated by the character icon image C1 may be determined based on the content of the text T1. If the content of the text T1 has a negative connotation, for example, the movement created by the character icon image C1 may include a negative movement such as crying or upsetting. If the content of the text T1 has a positive connotation, on the other hand, the movement created by the character icon image C1 can be a positive movement such as laughing and showing joy. The motion generated by the character icon image C1 is not limited to these motions, and may be any kind of motion.

[0066] With this configuration, the user can chat with the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 on the screen on which the output information is displayed. Since, through the character, the user becomes attached to the inhaler of the aromatic substance, etc. 1 associated with the character, the percentage of retention of users using the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 can be enlarged.

[0067] The image may include audio information regarding a character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 while associating audio information with the character icon image C1 (referring to FIG. 10 regarding the character. That is, the user terminal 2 can output the sound corresponding to the character as a message. The tone of the sound corresponding to the character can change based on the content of the T1 text.If the content of the T1 text has a negative connotation, for example, the sound corresponding to the character may have a sad tone.If the content of the T1 text has a positive connotation, on the other hand, the sound corresponding to the character may have a happy tone. or the interval of the sound corresponding to the character may vary based on the content of the text T1 The character may correspond to a person, in which case the sound corresponding to the character may be the voice of a person.

[0068] With this configuration, a conversation with a character associated with a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 can be performed not only with text information and image information, but also with the unique voice of the character.

[0069] The screen on which the output information is displayed does not need to display a character. In this case, the screen on which the output information is displayed may only display text information. With this configuration, the user can receive text information with an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1 and have cravings for a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 to some extent.

[0070] The screen on which the output information is displayed may only display the character instead. In this case, the message is output as sound information regarding the character. With this configuration, the user can chat with the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1, using a unique character voice, using an inhaler, etc. one.

[0071] The message may include video clip information related to the character. In this case, the user terminal 2 displays a video clip, such as an animation, as a message, and the character may issue a message in the video clip. When the character matches a person, the user terminal 2 may display a video message in which the person appears, and the person may display a message in the video message. The video clip information included in the message is not limited to these examples, and may be any kind of video clip information. With this configuration, the user can chat with the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 with a video clip related to the character.

[0072] The message may be configured to be removed from the user terminal 2 based on the fact that the message has been displayed on the user terminal 2 for a period of time. Alternatively, the message may be configured to be removed from the user terminal 2 in accordance with a request from the user of the user terminal 2. Alternatively, the message may be configured to be removed from the user terminal 2 based on the detection of some action. With this configuration, the message including the content related to smoking information is deleted from the user terminal 2 when a certain period of time has passed, or a request from the user or some action is detected, the privacy of specific content related to smoking information can be secured.

[0073] The message may include a URL (uniform resource locator), a QR code (registered trademark), or the like, related to a certain website on the Internet. In this case, the user may be able to browse a certain website in which text information, a character icon image, or the like. displayed by reading a URL or a QR code on the user terminal 2. Alternatively, authentication using a password or the like can be performed before the user browses a certain website using the user terminal 2. With this configuration, text information or character icon information can be viewed on some website. Because only the URL or QR code is displayed in the message, the privacy of specific content related to smoking information can be maintained.

[0074] The message may include image information or video clip information displayed when some operation performed by the user is detected. Some operation performed by the user is, for example, inputting a password to the user terminal 2, inhaling with a fragrance inhaler, and so on. 1 or the like. With this configuration, text information or character icon information can be viewed on some website. Because only the URL or QR code is displayed in the message, the privacy of specific content related to smoking information can be maintained.

[0075] The message may include image information or video clip information in which text information may scroll in vertical and/or horizontal directions. For example, the text information displayed on the user terminal 2 may be configured to scroll from the right edge of the screen to the left edge. With this configuration, since the text information is scrolled and displayed on the user terminal 2 only for a certain period of time, the confidentiality of specific content related to smoking information can be secured.

[0076] If the creation unit 313 does not receive smoking information from the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 for a certain period of time (eg, several days), output information to the user terminal 2, a message based on the fact that smoking information has not been received for a certain period of time can be generated. For example, the message may be textual information such as "Smoking-related information has not been received recently", audio information, or video clip information.

[0077] With this configuration, the user terminal 2 outputs output information, to the user terminal 2, a message based on the fact that no smoking information has been received. The user can therefore be notified, for example, of the likelihood that the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 has not been used for some period of time, or the likelihood of loss or breakage of the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 or the like.

[0078] The user terminal 2 may display, with a dedicated or general purpose application, a screen on which output information is displayed. The user terminal 2 may download a dedicated or universal application and display, with the downloaded application, a screen on which output information is displayed. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may display a screen on which the output information is displayed by downloading a program to display the screen on which the output information is displayed and executing the downloaded program. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may perform, with the function of a dedicated or general web browser, displaying a screen on which output information is output.

[0079] According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the output information for outputting a message based on smoking information from the fragrance inhaler, etc. user terminal is created and sent to the user terminal. The output information can therefore be appropriately provided according to the smoking state of the user, and the retention rate for users using the fragrance inhaler, etc. can be increased.

[0080] <Second Embodiment>

The output information providing system 100B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration drawing of an output information providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the output system 100B according to the second embodiment differs from the output system 100A according to the first embodiment in that the output system 100B includes a single user terminal 2, and a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1 are associated with a single user terminal 2. Differences from the output information providing system 100A according to the first embodiment will be specifically described later in this document. Fig. 12 illustrates a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a and fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n as fragrance inhalers, etc. When these n fragrance inhalers, etc. are not distinguished from each other in the following description, n fragrance inhalers, etc. will simply be referred to as "aromatic inhalers, etc. 1", while omitting part of the reference numbers.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 12, fragrance inhalers, etc. 1a and 1n send smoking information to the user terminal 2 via BLE communication or the like. ((1) smoking information in Fig. 12). The information processing server 3 then receives smoking information via the user terminal 2 ((2) smoking information in FIG. 12). Transmission unit 315 illustrated in FIG. 8 sends output information and character information to the control server 5 ((3) output information in FIG. 12). The control server 5 refers to the character information and sends the character icon image C3 (hare icon) and the character icon image C5 (tortoise icon) related to characters associated with fragrance inhalers and so on. 1a and 1n, respectively, to the user terminal 2 along with output information associated with fragrance inhalers, etc. 1a and 1n so that the output information is output on the user terminal 2 as messages while being associated with the character icon images C3 and C5 ((4) output information in FIG. 12).

[0082] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen output example on a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 13, text T5 associated with fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a is output as a message while being associated with the character icon image C3 related to the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a illustrated in FIG. 12. T7 text associated with fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n is output as a message while being associated with the character icon image C5 related to the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n illustrated in FIG. 12. As with the character icon image C1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the character icon image C3 and the character icon image C5 can make some movements inside.

[0083] With this configuration, output information associated with each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc., is output as a message while associated with character information regarding the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. . The user can therefore converse with the character associated with each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc., through the screen on which the message is displayed. Since, through the character, the user is attached to each of the fragrance inhalers, etc. associated with the characters, the retention rate for users using a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. can be increased. The screen on which the output is displayed must not display a character. In this case, the screen on which the output information is displayed may only display text information. With this configuration, a user can receive text information with a plurality of fragrance inhalers, and so on. 1 and be tied to multiple fragrance inhalers, etc. 1 to some extent.

[0084] The comparison unit 319 of the information processing server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 compares the conditions of use of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1a and 1n with each other based on the smoking information obtained. The generating unit 313 generates output information for outputting, to the user terminal 2, messages based on smoking information received from fragrance inhalers and so on. 1a and 1n. For example, the creation unit 313 generates output information for outputting a message to the user terminal 2 according to the usage conditions based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparison unit 319 . For example, comparer 319 illustrated in FIG. 8. Identifies fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a, whose frequency of use is higher, and fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n whose frequency of use is lower, and the generating unit 313 generates output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a, whose frequency of use is higher, and the output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n, whose frequency of use is lower, based on the comparison result, so that these parts of the output information become different from each other. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a, whose frequency of use is higher, is the text T5, "Thank you for choosing me!", and the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n, whose frequency of use is lower, is the T7 text, "See you tomorrow!"

[0085] With this configuration, the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc., whose usage frequency is higher, and the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc., whose usage frequency is lower, are different from each other, when withdrawn, and the user can accurately and easily understand which of the fragrance inhalers, etc., he/she used most frequently in a certain period.

[0086] As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the messages may include audio information related to characters, video clip information related to characters, or the like.

[0087] The server 3 creation unit 313 may generate output information for outputting, to the user terminal 2, information regarding the result of the comparison performed by the comparison unit 319 as well as messages based on smoking information. The information related to the comparison result is, for example, exhaustive information for notifying the user of the comparison result, such as a graph (eg, pie chart) indicating the proportion of the smoking amount for each of the fragrance inhalers, and so on. in relation to the total amount of smoking by the user, or textual information indicating the proportion as a percentage. With this configuration, information regarding the comparison result between the fragrance inhaler, etc., whose usage frequency is higher and the fragrance inhaler whose usage frequency is lower, is output, and the user can accurately and easily understand which of the inhalers aromatic substance, etc. the user used most often in a certain period.

[0088] According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, in the output system 100B, which includes a single user terminal 2, and in which a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1 are associated with a single user terminal 2, also, output information can be appropriately provided according to the smoking state of a user who uses a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1, and retention percentage for users using multiple fragrance inhalers, etc. 1 can be enlarged.

[0089]<Third Embodiment>

The output information providing system 100C according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration drawing of an output information providing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the output system 100C according to the third embodiment differs from the output system 100A according to the first embodiment in that the output system 100C includes a plurality of user terminals 2, and an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1 is associated with each of the plurality of user terminals 2. Differences from the output information providing system 100A according to the first embodiment will be specifically described later herein. Fig. 14 illustrates user terminal 2a and user terminal 2n as n user terminals. When the n user terminals are not distinguished from each other in the following description, the n user terminals will simply be referred to as "user terminals 2" while omitting part of the reference numbers.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the fragrance inhalers, etc. 1a and 1n sends smoking information to a different one of the plurality of user terminals 2a and 2n via BLE communication or the like ((1) smoking information in FIG. 14). The information processing server 3 then obtains smoking information through a plurality of user terminals 2a and 2n ((2) smoking information in FIG. 14). Transmission unit 315 illustrated in FIG. 8 sends output information and character information to the control server 5 ((3) output information in FIG. 14). The control server 5 sends a character icon (male icon) image C7 or a character icon (female icon) image C9 related to a character associated with each of the fragrance inhalers, and so on. 1a and 1n corresponding to one of the plurality of user terminals 2 along with output information associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a or 1n, so that the output information is output on the user terminal 2 as a message while being associated with the character icon image C7 or C9 ((4) output information in FIG. 14). As with the character icon image C1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the character icon image C7 and the character icon image C9 can perform some movements inside.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen outputs on user terminals according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The comparator 319 of the information processing server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 compares the usage conditions of a plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. 1a and 1n with each other based on the smoking information obtained. The generation unit 313 generates output information for outputting, to the user terminals 2, messages based on smoking information received from fragrance inhalers, and so on. 1a and 1n. For example, the creation unit 313 generates output information for outputting a message to at least one of the user terminals 2 according to the usage conditions based on the comparison result performed by the comparison unit 319 . For example, comparer 319 illustrated in FIG. 8 identifies, based on the obtained smoking information, the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a used by a user whose smoking amount is larger, and an aromatic inhaler, etc. 1n used by a user whose smoking amount is smaller, and the generation unit 313 generates output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a, which is used by a user whose smoking amount is larger, and output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n, which is used by the user whose smoking amount is smaller, based on the comparison result, so that these parts of the output information become different from each other. As illustrated in FIG. 15, for example, output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a, which is used by a user whose smoking amount is larger, is a character face image G1 indicating a smile (joy), and the output information corresponding to a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n, which is used by a user whose smoking amount is smaller, is a character face image G3 indicating a crying face (sadness). The output may include a character image by which the emotion may be identified. For example, the character image may be an image of the character's face indicating one of various emotions exemplifying joy, annoyance, sadness, and pleasure.

[0092] With this configuration, the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler etc. used by the user whose smoking amount is larger and the message corresponding to the fragrance inhaler etc. used by the user whose smoking amount is smaller are different. from each other when output. The user can therefore accurately and easily understand which of the fragrance inhalers, etc. was used to smoke more often or less often in a certain period.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 15, an image G1 of a character's face associated with a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a is output as a message while being associated with the character icon image C7 that is illustrated in FIG. 14 relating to the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1a. Image G3 of a character's face associated with a fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n is output as a message while being associated with the character icon image C9, which is illustrated in FIG. 14 relating to the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1n.

[0094] With this configuration, output information associated with each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers, etc. is output as a message while associated with character information regarding the character associated with the fragrance inhaler, etc. . Each of the users can therefore converse with a character associated with one of the fragrance inhalers, etc. associated with the user, through the output screen. Since, through the character, the user becomes attached to the fragrance inhaler, etc. associated with the character, the retention rate of users using the fragrance inhaler, etc. can be increased.

[0095] As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the message may include audio information related to a character, video clip information related to a character, or the like.

[0096] The generating unit 313 of the information processing server 3 may also generate output information for outputting, to the user terminals 2, information regarding the comparison result performed by the comparison unit 319 as well as messages based on smoking information. The information relating to the result of the comparison is, for example, exhaustive information for notifying each of the users of the result of comparing the amount of smoking by the users. With this configuration, since information relating to the result of comparing the smoking amount of the user and the smoking amount of other users with each other is output to the user, the user can accurately and easily understand which of the users have frequently used the fragrance inhaler, etc. in a certain period.

[0097] With the third embodiment of the present invention described above, in the output information providing system 100C which includes a plurality of user terminals 2, and in which the fragrance inhaler, etc. 1 is associated with each of the plurality of user terminals 2, also, output information can be appropriately provided according to the smoking states of the plurality of users who use fragrance inhalers, etc. 1, and retention percentage for each of the plurality of fragrance inhaler users, and so on. 1 can be enlarged.

[0098] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of a hardware configuration of a computer that can be used as a user terminal 2, an information processing server 3, or a control server 5 illustrated in FIG. 1, or which may be used to implement the user terminal 2, the information processing server 3, or the control server 5, will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the computer 40 mainly includes, as hardware resources, a processor 41, a main storage 42, a sub storage 43, an input/output interface 44, and a communication interface 45, and these components are connected to each other via a bus. 46 including an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. An interface circuit (not illustrated) may exist between bus 46 and each of the hardware resources.

[0100] The processor 41 controls the entire computer. The main memory 42 provides a working area for the processor 41 and is a non-volatile memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage device 43 is a non-volatile memory storing programs, data, and the like, which are software, such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory. Programs, data, etc. are loaded into the main storage device 42 from the auxiliary storage device 43 via the bus 46 at any time.

[0101] The input/output interface 44 provides and/or receives information and is a digital camera, keyboard, mouse, display, touch panel display, microphone, speaker, temperature sensor, and/or the like. The communication interface 45 is connected to the network N and communicates over the network N. The communication interface 45 and the network N may be wired or wirelessly connected. The communication interface 45 can receive information related to the network, namely, for example, information related to a Wi-Fi access point, or information related to a base station of a communication carrier.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, as a result of the interaction of the above described hardware and software resources, the computer 40 can function as the desired facility, perform the desired steps, and perform the desired functions.

[0103] The above described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from its scope, and also includes its equivalents.

List of reference numbers

[0104] 1 fragrance inhaler, etc.

2 user terminal

3 information processing server

5 management server

11 sensor

12 block change

13 control unit

21 detection units

22 output block

23 input block

24 block storage

25 communication block

26 control unit

31 information processing unit

33 storage unit

100A, 100V, 100C output system

161, 162 end

311 receive block

313 creation block

315 transmission block

317 control unit

319 comparison block

Claims (46)

1. Device for processing information about smoking, containing: an acquisition unit that obtains smoking information from the fragrance inhaler associated with the user terminal; a creation unit that generates output information for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal; a transmission unit that sends output information to a user terminal or a control device that controls message output to the user terminal; and a memory storing information about a character associated with the fragrance inhaler; wherein the acquisition unit obtains device information regarding the fragrance inhaler, wherein the creation unit generates output information including a message outputted by a character associated with the device information stored in the memory. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the generating unit generates output information for outputting to the user terminal a message related to at least the smoking location or smoking time based on information related to the smoking location or smoking time included in the smoking information. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if smoking information is not received from the fragrance inhaler within a certain period, the generation unit generates output information for outputting a message to the user terminal based on the fact that smoking information has not been received within a certain period. 4. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein said message includes at least one of the following: image information regarding a character associated with the device information, audio information regarding the character associated with the device information; and video clip information regarding the character associated with the device information. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit obtains smoking information from each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers associated with the user terminal, and the generating unit generates output information for outputting a message to the user terminal based on the smoking information received from each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers. 6. The device according to claim 5, further comprising: a comparison unit that compares the usage conditions of a plurality of fragrance inhalers with each other based on the obtained smoking information, wherein the generation unit generates output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler whose use frequency is higher and output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler whose use frequency is lower, based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparison unit, so that these parts output information becomes different from each other. 7. The device according to claim 1, in which the acquisition unit receives smoking information from each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers associated with a different terminal of the plurality of user terminals, and the generating unit generates output information for outputting a message to at least one of the plurality of user terminals based on the smoking information received from each of the plurality of fragrance inhalers. 8. The device according to claim 7, further comprising: a comparison unit that compares the usage conditions of a plurality of fragrance inhalers with each other based on the obtained smoking information, wherein the generation unit generates output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler, used by the user, the smoking amount of which is larger, and output information corresponding to the fragrance inhaler used by the user, the smoking amount of which is smaller, based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparator, so that these parts of the output information become different from each other. 9. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the message includes image information regarding the character, with which an emotion can be identified. 10. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the message includes information regarding accessories of the fragrance inhaler. 11. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the message includes information regarding the smoking area. 12. A method for processing information about smoking, executed by a computer and containing the steps, at which: storing information about a character associated with the fragrance inhaler associated with the user terminal; receiving smoking information from the fragrance inhaler; obtaining device information regarding the fragrance inhaler; creating an output for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal; and sending output information to the user terminal or a control device that controls the output of messages to the user terminal, wherein the output information includes a message output by a character associated with the device information stored in the memory. 13. A computer-readable storage medium containing a program, during the execution of which the processor ensures that the device for processing information about smoking: saving information about the character associated with a fragrance inhaler associated with a user terminal; obtaining information about smoking from the fragrance inhaler; obtaining device information regarding the fragrance inhaler; generating output information for outputting a message based on the smoking information to the user terminal; sending output information to the user terminal or a control device that controls the output of messages to the user terminal; wherein the output information includes a message output by a character associated with the device information stored in the memory.

Images