WO2021149178A1

WO2021149178A1 - Inhalation device, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2021149178A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/002066
Authority: WO
Inventors: 和俊芹田; 有香菅野; 雅俊千住
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-01-22
Filing date: 2020-01-22
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: JP7323648B2; JPWO2021149178A1; EP4014769A4; EP4014769A1

Abstract

Proposed is a setup in which an inhalation device performs communication intermittently. An inhalation device that comprises a wireless communication part that performs intermittent communication on the basis of wireless communication standards that define the intermittent communication and a control part that controls processing that generates a substance that is inhaled by a user.

Description

Suction device, control method, and program

The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program.

Suction devices that generate substances that are sucked by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, the suction device uses a base material containing an aerosol source for producing an aerosol, a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the produced aerosol, and the like to generate an aerosol to which the flavor component is added. The user can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol to which the flavor component is added (hereinafter, also referred to as puff) generated by the suction device.

In recent years, it has been studied to provide various services according to the information of the suction device by giving the suction device a wireless communication function and transmitting the information of the suction device to a server or the like on the Internet. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique in which when a suction device transmits position information, the suction device is remotely controlled based on the position information.

International Publication No. 2018/092093

However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1 and the like, it was premised that the suction device can always perform wireless communication. That is, in the prior art, no consideration has been given to the possibility that the suction device may not communicate wirelessly.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to propose a mechanism in which a suction device intermittently communicates.

In order to solve the above problems, according to a certain viewpoint of the present invention, a wireless communication unit that performs intermittent communication and a substance that is sucked by the user are generated in accordance with a wireless communication standard in which intermittent communication is defined. A suction device including a control unit for controlling processing is provided.

The suction device further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the suction device, and the control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit. You may.

The control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the information when the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation for sucking the substance generated by the suction device is acquired. You may.

The control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit when information indicating that the user has performed the first operation is acquired. You may.

The first operation includes at least one of an operation on an operation unit provided in the suction device for receiving an operation by the user and an operation of sucking a substance sucked by the user.
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit when information indicating that the user has performed the first operation is acquired. You may.

The control unit may control whether or not to impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit.

Does the control unit impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the wireless communication unit? You may control whether or not.

The control unit imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the wireless communication unit. If so, reception by the wireless communication unit may be stopped.

The control unit may make the process of generating the substance sucked by the user infeasible as a limitation on the operation of the suction device.

The suction device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of information, and the control unit may control the notification unit to notify predetermined information indicating a limitation on the operation of the suction device.

The notification unit may include at least one of a display device, a light emitting device, a vibration device, and a sound output device.

The control unit may control whether or not to impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on whether or not the user is moving.

The control unit imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device, and when information indicating that the user has performed the second operation is acquired in a state where the operation of the suction device is restricted, the restrictions imposed on the operation of the suction device. May be canceled.

The second operation may include movement while the user is on a moving body.

When the difference between the position of the suction device and the current position of the suction device when the operation of the suction device is restricted within the second predetermined period in the past is within the predetermined range, the control unit may use the control unit. Restrictions may be placed on the operation of the suction device.

The control unit may control the wireless communication unit so as to transmit information including destination information destined for a terminal device associated with another user different from the user.

The destination information may be the identification information of the suction device or the identification information of the terminal device associated with the other user.

The control unit may control the transmission interval of information by the wireless communication unit based on the moving speed of the suction device.

The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device, and the control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit information when the power supply unit is charged. You may.

The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device, and the control unit sets an interval of information transmission by the wireless communication unit based on whether or not the power supply unit is charging. You may control it.

The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device, and the control unit has a transmission interval of information by the wireless communication unit based on the remaining electric power stored in the power supply unit. May be controlled.

The suction device may control the wireless communication unit to transmit information when information indicating that the suction operation has been performed a predetermined number of times or more is acquired within a third predetermined period.

In the wireless communication standard, a frequency band of less than 1 GHz is used, and the transmission rate may be 100 kbps or less.

In the wireless communication standard, a period during which downlink communication is possible may be defined after the period during which uplink communication is possible.

The wireless communication standard may define a period during which downlink communication is possible at predetermined time intervals.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, the intermittent communication is performed and a substance sucked by the user is generated in accordance with a wireless communication standard in which intermittent communication is defined. Control methods performed by the suction device are provided, including controlling the processing to be performed.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, the computer that controls the suction device is a wireless communication unit that performs the intermittent communication in accordance with the wireless communication standard in which intermittent communication is defined. And a program for functioning as a control unit that controls a process of generating a substance sucked by the user is provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism is provided in which the suction device intermittently communicates.

It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the 1st structural example of a suction device. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the 2nd structural example of a suction device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the operation restriction processing executed by the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the operation restriction processing executed by the server which concerns on this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, so that duplicate description will be omitted.

Further, in the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different alphabets after the same reference numerals. For example, a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as necessary, such as

suction devices

100A and 100B. However, if it is not necessary to distinguish each of a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are given. For example, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the

suction devices

100A and 100B, the suction device 100 is simply referred to as the suction device 100.

<< 1. Configuration example of suction device >>
The suction device is a device that produces a substance that is sucked by the user. In the following, the substance produced by the suction device will be described as being an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the suction device may be a gas.

(1) First Configuration Example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Then, the power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A based on the control by the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires a value associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

The notification unit 113A notifies the user of the information. The notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibrating vibration device, and the like.

The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted.

The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The atomization of the aerosol source produces an aerosol. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water. Aerosol sources may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the suction device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.

The liquid induction unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid induction unit 122 is a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as a porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is induced by the wick's capillary effect.

The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid induction unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid induction unit 122 is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the user has started suction and / or the input of predetermined information is acquired by the sensor unit 112A. Then, when the user has finished the suction and / or the input of predetermined information is acquired by the sensor unit 112A, the power supply may be stopped.

The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

The air flow path 180 is a flow path of air sucked by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole 181 which is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180 and an air outflow hole 182 which is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180 at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guiding portion 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side close to the air inflow hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side close to the air outflow hole 182). The air flowing in from the air inflow hole 181 due to the suction by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A, and is transported to the air outflow hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.

The mouthpiece 124 is a member that can be held by the user during suction. An air outflow hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. The user can take in the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 124 and sucking it.

The configuration example of the suction device 100A has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations exemplified below can be adopted.

As an example, the suction device 100A does not have to include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

As another example, the suction device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. Further, another type of aerosol may be produced by mixing a plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources in the air flow path 180 and causing a chemical reaction.

Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be oscillating atomization or induction heating. In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be a means for atomizing a liquid by generating SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) using a piezoelectric element substrate having a comb-shaped electrode pair.

(2) Second Configuration Example FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a holding unit 140. Includes insulation 144.

Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. Is.

The holding portion 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-type base material 150 in the internal space 141. The holding portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-type base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding portion 140 is a tubular body having an opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding portion 140 also has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the stick-type base material 150. The air inflow hole, which is the inlet of air to such a flow path, is arranged at, for example, the bottom 143. On the other hand, the air outflow hole, which is an outlet for air from such a flow path, is an opening 142.

The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 contains an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. In a state where the stick-type base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds and sucks the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inflow hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material 151.

The heating unit 121B has the same configuration as the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating portion 121B is formed in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference to generate an aerosol.

The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating portion 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an airgel heat insulating material, or the like.

The configuration example of the suction device 100B has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations exemplified below can be adopted.

As an example, the heating portion 121B may be configured in a blade shape and may be arranged so as to project from the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating portion 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150, and the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 121B may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140. Further, the heating unit 121B is a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom portion 143 of the holding unit 140. It may be configured as.

As another example, the holding portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens / closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. Then, the holding portion 140 may sandwich the stick-type base material 150 inserted in the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the holding portion of the holding unit 140 and may be heated while pressing the stick-type base material 150.

Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

Further, the suction device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outflow hole 182 of the air flow path 180. May also serve as an air inflow hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

<< 2. One Embodiment >>
<2.1. Configuration example>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a server 300. The suction device 100 and the server 300 can communicate with each other.

(1) Suction device 100
The suction device 100 is a device that produces a substance that is sucked by the user. The user sucking the substance produced by the suction device 100 using the suction device 100 is also hereinafter simply referred to as suction (puff) or suction operation.

In the present embodiment, the suction device 100 may take any configuration example of the first configuration example or the second configuration example described above. That is, the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as either the suction device 100A or the suction device 100B, or a modification of these configuration examples.

In the following, among the configurations of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment, points to be supplemented or emphasized with respect to the configurations of the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B described in each of the above configuration examples will be mainly described.

-Sensor unit 112
The sensor unit 112 according to the present embodiment further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the position of the suction device 100. The position information acquisition unit receives, for example, a GNSS signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite (for example, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite) and obtains position information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. get.

The sensor unit 112 may acquire information indicating the state of the power supply unit 111. As an example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to acquire information indicating the SOC (State of Charge, charging state), current integrated value, voltage, and the like of the power supply unit 111. The current integration value may be obtained by the current integration method, the SOC-OCV (0pen Circuit Voltage, open circuit voltage) method, or the like.

The sensor unit 112 has a button for accepting a user operation. Such a button will also be referred to as a power button below.

-Communication unit 115
The communication unit 115 according to the present embodiment is a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard. The wireless communication standard will be described in detail later.

-Control unit 116
The control unit 116 according to the present embodiment controls the communication unit 115 to transmit various information. Further, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the information received by the communication unit 115.

In particular, the control unit 116 controls the process of generating the aerosol sucked by the user. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls whether or not to execute the process of generating the aerosol by controlling whether or not the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 may control the process of generating the aerosol based on the information acquired by the sensor unit 112.

As an example, the control unit 116 obtains information indicating that the power button has been pressed and / or information indicating that a suction operation has been performed (that is, accompanying suction by the user). When a negative pressure is acquired), the operating state of the suction device 100 is controlled. The operating state of the suction device 100 is classified into, for example, a start-up state, a power-off state, and a dead battery state.

The activated state is a state in which all the functions of the suction device 100 can be executed. For example, in the activated state, the suction device 100 can execute heating by the heating unit 121, notification by the notification unit 113, and communication by the communication unit 115. The startup state may be classified into an aerosol generation state and a standby state. The aerosol generation state is a state in which an aerosol sucked by the user is being generated. For example, the aerosol generation state is a state in which heating is performed by the heating unit 121. The standby state is a state in which an aerosol sucked by the user can be generated. For example, the standby state is a state in which heating is not performed by the heating unit 121.

The power-off state is a state in which some of the functions of the suction device 100 can be executed. For example, in the power-off state, among the functions of the sensor unit 112, only the function of acquiring information indicating that the operation of setting the suction device 100 to the activated state has been performed may be executable. As a result, it is possible to minimize the power consumption while making it possible to transition to the start-up state at an arbitrary timing.

The dead battery state is a state in which the suction device 100 cannot operate due to insufficient power remaining. When the remaining amount of electric power stored in the power supply unit 111 falls below a predetermined threshold value, the suction device 100 transitions to the dead battery state.

The triggers for transitioning the operating state can be considered in various ways. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described while supposing the first to third types of suction devices 100 in which the triggers for transitioning the operating states are different.

The first type suction device 100 is configured as the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. The first type suction device 100 transitions to the aerosol generation state when the information indicating that the suction operation is performed by the user is acquired in the power-off state. On the other hand, the first type suction device 100 transitions to the power-off state when the information indicating that the suction operation by the user is completed in the aerosol generation state is acquired.

The second type suction device 100 is configured as the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. The second type suction device 100 transitions to the standby state when the power button is pressed in the power off state. Then, the second type suction device 100 transitions to the aerosol generation state when the information indicating that the suction operation is performed by the user in the standby state is acquired. On the other hand, the second type suction device 100 transitions to the standby state when the information indicating that the suction operation by the user is completed in the aerosol generation state is acquired. Then, the second type suction device 100 transitions to the power-off state when the power button is pressed in the standby state.

The third type suction device 100 is configured as the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example. The third type suction device 100 transitions to the aerosol generation state when the power button is pressed in the power off state. The temperature of the stick-type base material 150 (more accurately, the temperature of the base material portion 151 to be heated by the heating unit 121) has reached a predetermined temperature (hereinafter, also referred to as a suctionable temperature) (for example, exceeding). In that case, the user can suck. The heating performed by the third type suction device 100 until the temperature of the stick-type base material 150 reaches a predetermined temperature is also referred to as preheating. Even after the temperature of the stick-type base material 150 reaches the suctionable temperature by the preheating, heating for maintaining the temperature can be performed. On the other hand, the third type suction device 100 transitions to the standby state when a predetermined time elapses in the aerosol generation state. Then, the third type suction device 100 transitions to the power-off state when the stick-type base material 150 is pulled out in the standby state.

(2) Server 300
The server 300 is a device that controls the suction device 100. The server 300 collects information from the suction device 100. Then, the server 300 controls the suction device 100 based on the collected information. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the server 300 and other devices. The communication unit 310 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, the communication unit 310 transmits / receives information to / from the suction device 100 directly or indirectly via the base station.

Stores various information for the operation of the storage unit 320 and the server 300. The storage unit 320 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the server 300 according to various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 330 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be used, calculation parameters, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters and the like that change as appropriate. The server 300 executes various processes based on the control by the control unit 330. The transmission / reception of information by the communication unit 310 and the storage and reading of information by the storage unit 320 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 330.

<2.2. Technical features>
(1) LPWA
The suction device 100 performs intermittent communication in accordance with a wireless communication standard in which intermittent communication is defined. Intermittent communication is a communication method in which a period during which transmission and reception are not performed regularly exists.

LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) can be mentioned as such a wireless communication standard. LPWA is a wireless communication standard characterized by a long communicable distance at the cost of a low transmission rate. Then, in LPWA, intermittent communication is basically performed.

In LPWA, a communication node and a device (hereinafter, also referred to as a base station) that functions as a gateway typically perform wireless communication. Then, the base station relays the communication between the communication node and the server or the like on the Internet. The communication path from the communication node to the base station is also referred to as an uplink. The signal transmitted by the uplink is also referred to as an uplink signal, and the transmission and reception of the uplink signal is also referred to as uplink communication. The communication path from the base station to the communication node is also referred to as a downlink. The signal received by the downlink is also referred to as a downlink signal, and the transmission and reception of the downlink signal is also referred to as downlink communication.

An example of a wireless communication standard classified into LPWA will be described below.

-LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is an open standard for which LoRa Alliance (registered trademark) has established technical specifications. The LoRaWAN specifications comply with the radio law of each country. Therefore, LoRaWAN specifications differ from country to country. However, in common in each country, the frequency band is less than 1 GHz. The transmission rate is about 0.25 kbps to 50 kbps. In LoRaWAN, the following three classes are defined.

(Class A)
Class A is a method of starting communication from a communication node. In class A, the period during which downlink communication is possible is defined after the period during which uplink communication is possible. For example, in class A, a reception slot for receiving the downlink signal is provided a predetermined time after the communication node transmits the uplink signal. The reception slot is a period during which the communication node waits for reception. The receiving slot is provided, for example, to receive an acknowledgment (ACK (acknowledgement) or NACK (negative acknowledgement)) from the base station. In class A, the receiving slot is set twice for each transmission of the uplink signal. In class A, a pause period is set in which the communication node does not transmit an uplink signal or receive a downlink signal. That is, class A is a method of performing intermittent communication.

(Class B)
Class B is a method of starting communication from a base station. In class B, a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined at predetermined time intervals. For example, in class B, a receiving slot for receiving a downlink signal is periodically set. The base station periodically transmits a beacon as a downlink signal according to the receiving slot. The communication node can transmit an uplink signal when it receives the beacon. In class B, two more receive slots are set after the transmission of the uplink signal triggered by the reception of the beacon. Such a receive slot is typically provided to receive an acknowledgment from a base station. In class B, a pause period is set in which the communication node does not transmit an uplink signal or receive a downlink signal. That is, class B is a method of performing intermittent communication.

(Class C)
Class C is a method capable of constantly communicating. In class C, the period during which the communication node does not transmit the uplink signal is defined as a receiving slot for receiving the downlink signal. That is, in class C, the communication node always waits for reception during the period when it is not transmitted. In class C, a pause period in which the communication node does not transmit an uplink signal or receive a downlink signal is not set. That is, class C is a method in which intermittent communication is not performed.

-Sigfox
Sigfox is a standard for which companies have established technical specifications. In Sigfox, base stations and cloud services are provided by companies that are developing technical specifications. On the other hand, services in each country are provided by operators in each country. The frequency band used is the 920 MHz band for both the uplink and downlink. The transmission rate is 100 bps for the uplink and 600 bps for the downlink.

In Sigfox, an ultra-narrow band signal is used. A 100 Hz wide signal is used for the uplink, and an 800 Hz wide signal is used for the downlink.

In Sigfox, time diversity and frequency diversity are realized. Specifically, in Sigfox, the same frame is transmitted three times in different periods while changing the frequency.

Space diversity is realized in Sigfox. Specifically, in Sigfox, a plurality of base stations receive signals transmitted by communication nodes.

Due to these features, Sigfox can improve communication stability, interference resistance, and fault tolerance.

-ELTRES®
ELTRES is a standard for which companies have established technical specifications. In ELTRES, one-way communication is basically performed only by transmitting an uplink signal from a communication node to a base station. The frequency band used is 923.6 MHz to 928.0 MHz. Of the 38 channels defined in such a frequency band, 4 channels are used while frequency hopping. The size of the packet payload is 128 bits. Within 0.4 seconds, the same packet is repeatedly transmitted four times. From these, the transmission rate is about 80 bps when calculated as 128 ÷ 0.4 ÷ 4.

In ELTRES, the uplink signal is periodically transmitted once every 3 minutes to 24 hours. Alternatively, trigger transmission may be performed. Trigger transmission is to transmit when a specific event has occurred as a trigger. In ELTRES, the uplink signal is transmitted at intervals of 3 minutes for 60 minutes from the occurrence of the trigger. In ELTRES, a pause period is set in which the communication node does not transmit the uplink signal or receive the downlink signal. That is, ELTRES is a standard in which intermittent communication is defined.

-Summary The above is an example of a wireless communication standard classified as LPWA. The suction device 100 may use any one of the wireless communication standards described above. In any of the wireless communication standards described above, a frequency band of less than 1 GHz is used, and the transmission rate is 100 kbps or less. That is, the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment performs intermittent communication in accordance with a wireless communication standard in which a frequency band of at least 1 GHz is used and the transmission rate is 100 kbps or less. In particular, in the present embodiment, the suction device 100 shall perform intermittent communication in accordance with LoRaWAN class A or class B.

(2) Information transmission The suction device 100 transmits arbitrary information to the server 300. For example, the suction device 100 may transmit the position information acquired by the sensor unit 112. As a result, the suction device 100 can operate according to the control according to the position information by the server 300. For example, as will be described in detail later, it is possible to implement operation restrictions according to the position of the suction device 100.

The suction device 100 transmits information to the server 300 at an arbitrary timing. For example, the suction device 100 may transmit the information when the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation for sucking the aerosol generated by the suction device 100 is acquired. The first operation includes at least one of an operation on the operation unit provided in the suction device 100 for receiving an operation by the user, or an operation of sucking the aerosol generated by the suction device 100. An example of the first operation is an operation of pressing the power button provided in the suction device 100. The power button is an example of an operation unit. Another example of the first operation is a suction operation in which the mouthpiece 124 of the suction device 100A is held and sucked, or the stick-type base material 150 inserted in the suction device 100B is held and sucked.

That is, the fact that the first operation is performed indicates that the user has performed the suction operation or is about to perform the suction operation. Therefore, by transmitting the position information at the timing when the user performs the first operation, it is possible to limit the suction operation according to the position of the suction device 100 at an appropriate timing.

Hereinafter, the information transmitted by the suction device 100 is also referred to as suction information. The suction information notifies the server 300 that the user has performed the suction operation or is about to perform the suction operation. Further, when the suction information includes the position information, the server 300 is notified at which position the suction operation is performed or is going to be performed.

(3) Operation restriction The suction device 100 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the information received by the communication unit 115. For example, the suction device 100 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the information for controlling the suction device 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as control information) transmitted from the server 300.

Specifically, the suction device 100 controls whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device 100 based on the control information received by the communication unit 115. The suction device 100 imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 or does not impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 based on the control information. Not imposing a restriction on the operation of the suction device 100 includes, for example, removing the restriction when the operation of the suction device 100 is already restricted. For example, if the position of the suction device 100 is included in the range of positions where the operation of the suction device 100 should be restricted, the restriction is imposed, and if it is not included, the restriction is not imposed. Examples of the range of positions where restrictions should be imposed on the operation of the suction device 100 include places where the use of the suction device 100 is prohibited by laws and regulations or the agreement of local residents. On the other hand, the range of position information that does not require restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 includes, for example, a place where the use of the suction device 100 is permitted by law or the agreement of local residents. Hereinafter, the range of positions where the operation of the suction device 100 should be restricted is also referred to as a limited range.

As an example, the control information may include information instructing whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device 100. For example, the server 300 determines whether or not the position of the suction device 100 indicated by the position information included in the suction information is included in the limited range. Then, the server 300 generates control information including information instructing the operation restriction to be imposed when the position of the suction device 100 is included in the restriction range. On the other hand, the server 300 generates control information including information instructing not to impose an operation restriction when the position of the suction device 100 is not included in the restriction range. After that, the server 300 transmits the generated control information to the suction device 100, which is the transmission source of the suction information. The suction device 100 imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 or does not impose restrictions according to the instructions included in the control information.

As another example, the control information may include information instructing to control whether or not to impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 based on whether or not the user is moving. In that case, the suction device 100 controls whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device 100 based on whether or not the user is moving according to the control information. For example, within certain limits, suction may be prohibited while walking, while suction may be permitted while stationary. In that case, the suction device 100 imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 when the user is moving, and does not impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 when the user is not moving. Whether or not the user is moving is determined based on whether or not the moving speed calculated based on the time-series change of the position information acquired by the sensor unit 112 is included in the walking speed range. obtain. Of course, the suction device 100 does not have to perform such control outside the limited range.

The suction device 100 may make the process of generating an aerosol infeasible as a limitation on the operation of the suction device 100. For example, the suction device 100 does not heat by the heating unit 121. This makes it physically difficult for the user to aspirate the aerosol.

The suction device 100 may notify the predetermined information indicating the limitation on the operation of the suction device 100 by the notification unit 113. Predetermined information includes information that warns the user that he / she is currently in a place where the use of the suction device 100 is prohibited. This makes it psychologically difficult for the user to inhale the aerosol.

By imposing restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100 in this way, it becomes physically or psychologically difficult for the user to suck the aerosol. Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to suck in in compliance with the law or manners.

Hereinafter, the restrictions imposed on the operation of the suction device 100 are also simply referred to as operation restrictions. Further, the state in which the operation restriction is imposed is also referred to as a restricted state. The state in which the operation restriction is not imposed is also referred to as the restriction release state.

In LoRaWAN class A, the suction device 100 starts communication. Therefore, the suction device 100 may separately transmit an uplink signal in order to provide a reception slot for receiving control information after receiving the confirmation response in the reception slot defined after transmitting the suction information. The server 300 may transmit control information with or in place of the acknowledgment of such an uplink signal.

-Operation restriction in intermittent communication Here, since the suction device 100 performs intermittent communication, a time lag may occur between the timing of transmitting suction information and the timing of receiving control information according to the transmitted suction information. .. Due to this time lag, the position of the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 transmits the suction information (hereinafter, also referred to as the transmission position of the suction information) and the position of the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 receives the control information. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a control information reception position) may deviate from. Such a discrepancy between the suction information transmission position and the control information reception position due to the time lag from the transmission of the suction information to the reception of the control information can cause various inconveniences.

As an example, when the difference between the transmission position of the suction information and the reception position of the control information is large, the suction information including the position information acquired within the limited range is transmitted, and then the suction information is generated based on the position information. Control information instructing to impose an operation restriction may be received outside the restriction range. In that case, the usability is deteriorated because the operation restriction is imposed even though it is out of the restriction range.

As another example, when the deviation between the transmission position of the suction information and the reception position of the control information is large, the suction information including the position information acquired outside the limited range is transmitted and then generated based on the position information. In addition, control information instructing not to impose operation restrictions can be received within the restricted range. In that case, since the operation limit is not imposed even though it is within the limit range, it becomes possible to suck the aerosol even though it is within the limit range.

Therefore, does the suction device 100 impose a limit on the operation of the suction device 100 based on the information received by the communication unit 115 by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the communication unit 115? You may control whether or not. In other words, the suction device 100 may ignore the information received by the communication unit 115 after the lapse of the first predetermined period after the information is transmitted by the communication unit 115. The first predetermined time is arbitrarily set as an upper limit value of an acceptable time lag. The upper limit of the allowable time lag includes, for example, the time expected to be required for the user in the center of the limit range to move out of the limit range. With such a configuration, the control information having a large time lag from the timing of transmitting the position information to the reception of the position information is ignored, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience can be avoided.

When the suction device 100 imposes an operation restriction based on the information received by the communication unit 115 by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the communication unit 115, the suction device 100 receives the information by the communication unit 115. You may stop. For example, when the suction device 100 operates in accordance with LoRaWAN class A, the suction device 100 stops the transmission of the suction information, thereby stopping the waiting for the reception of the control information generated by the transmission of the suction information. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption.

-Release of operation restriction The suction device 100 operates the suction device 100 when information indicating that the user has performed the second operation is acquired while the operation of the suction device 100 is restricted. You may lift the restrictions imposed on. An example of the second action is a user operation such as pressing the power button. As a result, usability can be improved by releasing the restriction imposed on the operation of the suction device 100 in a situation where the above-mentioned inconvenience due to the time lag occurs.

Another example of the second action is the movement of the user while riding on a moving body. Whether or not the vehicle is moving while riding on the moving body is determined by whether or not the moving speed calculated based on the time-series change of the position information acquired by the sensor unit 112 is included in the range of the moving speed of the moving body. Can be determined based on. Examples of the moving body include a car. While the above-mentioned restriction range is specified by laws and regulations for pedestrians, it often excludes users who ride on moving objects such as cars. This is because when a pedestrian performs a suction operation, the aerosol after suction is released to the outside air, but even if the suction operation is performed in the vehicle interior, the aerosol after suction stays in the vehicle interior and does not easily leak to the outside air. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an unreasonable operation restriction is imposed even though the vehicle is in the vehicle interior.

-Operation restriction based on history As described above, in order to avoid inconvenience caused by the discrepancy between the suction information transmission position and the control information reception position due to the time lag between the transmission of suction information and the reception of control information. Operation restrictions based on history may be applied. Specifically, when the difference between the position of the suction device 100 and the current position of the suction device 100 when the operation of the suction device 100 is restricted in the past is within a predetermined range, the suction device 100 of the suction device 100. You may impose restrictions on movement. That is, the suction device 100 stores the position information when the operation of the suction device 100 is restricted in the past. Then, the suction device 100 imposes a limitation on the operation of the suction device 100 when the current position information matches the stored position information or is within an error range. According to such a configuration, the suction device 100 can shift to the restricted state without waiting for the control information from the server 300, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience can be avoided.

The suction device 100 sucks when the difference between the position of the suction device 100 and the current position of the suction device 100 when the operation of the suction device 100 is restricted within the second predetermined period in the past is within a predetermined range. Restrictions may be imposed on the operation of device 100. That is, the suction device 100 may store the position information when the operation of the suction device 100 is restricted only within the second predetermined period in the past. The second predetermined period can be arbitrarily set as an upper limit of the allowable storage amount. For example, the second predetermined period may be set in relation to the capacity of the storage unit 114. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the amount of storage.

-Processing Flow Hereinafter, the processing flow executed by the suction device 100 with respect to the operation limitation described above will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation restriction process executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the suction device 100 determines whether or not information indicating that the user has performed the first operation has been acquired (step S102). When it is determined that the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation has not been acquired (step S102: NO), the suction device 100 acquires the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation. Wait until it is done. When it is determined that the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation has been acquired (step S102: YES), the suction device 100 transmits the suction information (step S104).

Next, the suction device 100 determines whether or not the difference between the position of the suction device 100 when the operation restriction is imposed in the past and the current position of the suction device 100 is within a predetermined range (step S106). When it is determined that the difference between the position of the suction device 100 when the operation restriction is imposed in the past and the position of the current suction device 100 is within a predetermined range (step S106: YES), the process proceeds to step S112. ..

When it is determined that the difference between the position of the suction device 100 when the operation restriction is imposed in the past and the position of the current suction device 100 is out of the predetermined range (step S106: NO), the suction device 100 controls. It is determined whether or not the information has been received (step S108). If it is determined that the control information has not been received (step S108: NO), the suction device 100 waits until the control information is received.

When it is determined that the control information has been received (step S108: YES), the suction device 100 determines whether or not the control information includes information instructing the operation restriction to be imposed (step S110). If it is determined that the control information includes information instructing the operation restriction to be imposed (step S110: YES), the process proceeds to step S112.

When it is determined that the control information does not include the information instructing to impose the operation restriction (step S110: NO), the suction device 100 does not impose the operation restriction (step S114). If the operation restriction has already been imposed, the suction device 100 releases the imposed operation restriction. After that, the process ends.

In step S112, the suction device 100 imposes an operation restriction (step S112). After that, the suction device 100 determines whether or not the information indicating that the user has performed the second operation has been acquired (step S116). When it is determined that the information indicating that the user has performed the second operation has not been acquired (step S116: NO), the suction device 100 acquires the information indicating that the user has performed the second operation. Wait until it is done. When it is determined that the information indicating that the user has performed the second operation has been acquired (step S116: YES), the suction device 100 releases the operation restriction (step S118). After that, the process ends.

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of processing executed by the server 300 regarding the operation restrictions described above will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation restriction process executed by the server 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the server 300 determines whether or not the suction information has been received (step S202). If it is determined that the suction information has not been received (step S202: NO), the server 300 waits until the suction information is received. When it is determined that the suction information has been received (step S202: YES), the server 300 transmits the control information (step S204). For example, the server 300 determines whether or not the position of the suction device 100 indicated by the position information included in the suction information is included in the limited range. Then, the server 300 generates control information including information instructing the operation restriction to be imposed when the position of the suction device 100 is included in the restriction range. On the other hand, the server 300 generates control information including information instructing not to impose an operation restriction when the position of the suction device 100 is not included in the restriction range. Then, the server 300 transmits the generated control information to the suction device 100, which is the transmission source of the suction information (step S206).

(4) Transmission control The suction device 100 performs various controls regarding the transmission of suction information by the communication unit 115.

The suction device 100 may control the transmission interval of suction information by the communication unit 115 based on the moving speed of the suction device 100. As an example, the suction device 100 may narrow the transmission interval of suction information as the moving speed of the suction device 100 increases. This makes it possible to reduce the discrepancy between the suction information transmission position and the control information reception position due to the time lag from the transmission of the suction information to the reception of the control information. As another example, the suction device 100 may widen the transmission interval of suction information as the moving speed of the suction device 100 is slower. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption.

The suction device 100 may transmit suction information when the power supply unit 111 is charged. As an example, in the suction device 100, when the power supply unit 111 is connected to the charger, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply unit 111 was connected to the charger, or when the power supply unit 111 has reached a predetermined value or more due to charging. Occasionally, suction information may be transmitted. In other words, the suction device 100 does not have to transmit the suction information during the period when the power supply unit 111 is not connected to the charger. As a result, the suction information can be transmitted only when the possibility of running out of the battery is low.

The suction device 100 may control the transmission interval of suction information based on whether or not the power supply unit 111 is charging. As an example, the suction device 100 may shorten the transmission interval of suction information during the period when the power supply unit 111 is charging as compared with the period when the power supply unit 111 is not charging. This makes it possible to reduce the discrepancy between the suction information transmission position and the control information reception position due to the time lag between the transmission of suction information and the reception of control information when the possibility of battery exhaustion is low. .. As another example, the suction device 100 may extend the transmission interval of suction information during the period when the power supply unit 111 is not charging as compared with the period when the power supply unit 111 is charging. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption and the possibility of running out of battery.

The suction device 100 may control the transmission interval of suction information based on the remaining amount of electric power stored in the power supply unit 111. As an example, the suction device 100 may shorten the transmission interval of suction information as the remaining amount of electric power increases. This makes it possible to reduce the discrepancy between the suction information transmission position and the control information reception position due to the time lag between the transmission of suction information and the reception of control information when the possibility of battery exhaustion is low. .. As another example, the suction device 100 may lengthen the transmission interval of suction information as the remaining amount of electric power decreases. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption and suppress the possibility of running out of battery.

The suction device 100 may transmit the suction information when the information indicating that the suction operation has been performed a predetermined number of times or more is acquired within the third predetermined period. In other words, the suction device 100 may transmit suction information when the suction frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the operation restriction is imposed based on the suction information, it is possible to suppress excessive suction of the aerosol.

(5) Accumulation of position information When the operation restriction is imposed on the suction device 100 based on the suction information collected from the suction device 100, the server 300 may store the position information included in the suction information. This makes it possible to obtain a distribution of position information that imposes motion restrictions.

Similarly, when the operation restriction is not imposed on the suction device 100 based on the suction information collected from the suction device 100, the server 300 may store the position information included in the suction information. This makes it possible to obtain a distribution of position information that does not impose movement restrictions.

(6) Watching function The transmission of information by the suction device 100 is also effective for watching. Watching here refers to remotely supporting the target person by sensing the behavior of the target person such as the elderly.

For monitoring purposes, the suction device 100 may transmit suction information including destination information destined for a terminal device associated with another user different from the user of the suction device 100. The user of the suction device 100 is a person to be watched over by an elderly person or the like. Other users are those who watch over the target person, such as the family of the elderly. The terminal device is an arbitrary device such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). With such a configuration, since the person watching over is notified in real time that the suction operation has been performed, the person watching over the target person can check the suction frequency and the like in real time. Further, when the suction information includes the position information, the person watching over the target person can confirm the position of the target person. Further, if the suction device 100 is stolen, it can be easily searched for.

The destination information may include identification information of the terminal device associated with the person watching over the target person. Examples of the terminal device identification information include information indicating the destination, such as an e-mail address and an SNS (social networking service) account. In that case, the server 300 transmits the received suction information to the destination indicated by the identification information of the terminal device. Alternatively, the destination information may include the identification information of the suction device 100. In that case, the server 300 stores in advance the identification information of the suction device 100 and the identification information of the terminal device associated with the person watching over the target person. Then, the server 300 transmits the suction information to the destination indicated by the identification information of the terminal device stored in association with the received identification information of the suction device 100.

<< 3. Supplement >>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present invention belongs can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims. It is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the control information includes information indicating whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device 100, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the control information may include information used by the suction device 100 to determine whether or not to impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device 100. As an example of such control information, for example, information indicating a limited range can be mentioned. The suction device 100 autonomously controls whether or not to impose an operation restriction according to whether or not the position information acquired by the sensor unit 112 is included in the restriction range indicated by the control information. In this case, the server 300 generates control information including information indicating a limited range in the vicinity of the position information collected from the suction device 100, and transmits the control information to the suction device 100.

Note that the series of processes by each device described in the present specification may be realized by using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance in, for example, a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into RAM at the time of execution by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Further, the above computer program may be distributed via, for example, a network without using a recording medium.

Further, the processes described in the present specification using the flowchart and the sequence diagram do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

100 Suction device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 120 Cartridge 121 Heating unit 122 Liquid induction unit 123 Liquid storage unit 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Insulation 150 Stick type base material 151 Base material 152 Suction port 180 Air flow path 181 Air inflow hole 182 Air outflow hole 250 Control unit 300 Server 310 Communication unit 320 Storage unit 330 Control unit

Claims

In accordance with the wireless communication standard that defines intermittent communication, the wireless communication unit that performs the intermittent communication and
A control unit that controls the process of generating substances that are sucked by the user,
A suction device equipped with.
The suction device further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the suction device.
The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit.
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the information when the information indicating that the user has performed the first operation for sucking the substance generated by the suction device is acquired. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2.
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit when information indicating that the user has performed the first operation is acquired. , The suction device according to claim 3, which cites claim 2.
The first operation includes at least one of an operation on an operation unit provided in the suction device for receiving an operation by the user and an operation of sucking a substance sucked by the user.
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit when information indicating that the user has performed the first operation is acquired. , The suction device according to claim 4.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit.
Does the control unit impose restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the wireless communication unit? The suction device according to claim 6, which controls whether or not the suction device is used.
The control unit imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device based on the information received by the wireless communication unit by the time when the first predetermined period elapses after the information is transmitted by the wireless communication unit. The suction device according to claim 7, wherein if this is the case, reception by the wireless communication unit is stopped.
The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit makes the process of generating a substance sucked by the user infeasible as a restriction on the operation of the suction device.
The suction device further includes a notification unit for notifying the user of information.
The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify predetermined information indicating a limitation on the operation of the suction device.
The suction device according to claim 10, wherein the notification unit includes at least one of a display device, a light emitting device, a vibration device, and a sound output device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the control unit controls whether or not to impose a restriction on the operation of the suction device based on whether or not the user is moving.
The control unit imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device, and when information indicating that the user has performed the second operation is acquired while imposing restrictions on the operation of the suction device, the restrictions imposed on the operation of the suction device. The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the suction device is released.
The suction device according to claim 13, wherein the second operation includes movement while the user is on a moving body.
When the difference between the position of the suction device and the current position of the suction device when the operation of the suction device is restricted within the second predetermined period in the past is within the predetermined range, the control unit may use the control unit. The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 13, which imposes restrictions on the operation of the suction device.
Any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit information including destination information destined for a terminal device associated with another user different from the user. The suction device described in.
The suction device according to claim 16, wherein the destination information is identification information of the suction device or identification information of a terminal device associated with the other user.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the control unit controls an information transmission interval by the wireless communication unit based on the moving speed of the suction device.
The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control unit controls the wireless communication unit so as to transmit information when the power supply unit is charged.
The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the control unit controls an information transmission interval by the wireless communication unit based on whether or not the power supply unit is charging.
The suction device includes a power supply unit that stores electric power for operating the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the control unit controls an information transmission interval by the wireless communication unit based on the remaining amount of electric power stored in the power supply unit.
The suction device controls the wireless communication unit to transmit information when information indicating that the suction operation has been performed a predetermined number of times or more within a third predetermined period is acquired. The suction device according to any one of the above.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a frequency band of less than 1 GHz is used in the wireless communication standard, and a transmission rate is 100 kbps or less.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined after a period during uplink communication in the wireless communication standard.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined in the wireless communication standard.
Performing the above-mentioned intermittent communication in accordance with the wireless communication standard in which intermittent communication is defined, and
Controlling the process of producing substances that are aspirated by the user
Control methods performed by the suction device, including.
The computer that controls the suction device,
In accordance with the wireless communication standard that defines intermittent communication, the wireless communication unit that performs the intermittent communication and
A control unit that controls the process of generating substances that are sucked by the user,
A program to function as.