WO2021240617A1

WO2021240617A1 - Inhaling device, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2021240617A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/020611
Authority: WO
Inventors: 和俊芹田; 有香柴田; 雅俊千住; 寛手塚
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-05-25
Filing date: 2020-05-25
Publication date: 2021-12-02
Also published as: JP7369294B2; EP4094604A1; JPWO2021240617A1; EP4094604A4

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system capable of suitably detecting bio-information on a user who uses an inhaling device. [Solution] This inhaling device comprises: an operation part that receives an operation of a user; and a bio-information detection part that detects bio-information on the user, wherein the bio-information detection part is disposed in the operation part or near the operation part.

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 substrate 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 considered to detect the biometric information of the user who uses the suction device and use it for various services. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for detecting a user's biological information from a contact portion when a user's finger comes into contact with the suction device.

International Publication No. 2019/175810

However, the technology for detecting the biometric information of the user who uses the suction device is still young, and further improvement is required.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of appropriately detecting biometric information of a user who uses a suction device. be.

In order to solve the above problems, according to a certain viewpoint of the present invention, the biometric information detection unit comprises an operation unit that accepts an operation by a user and a biometric information detection unit that detects the biometric information of the user. A suction device is provided that is arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit.

The biometric information detection unit may transmit the transmitted wave, receive the reflected wave reflected by the user's body, and detect the biometric information based on the received reflected wave.

At least one of the operation unit or the vicinity of the operation unit may be provided with a transmission unit that transmits the transmission wave and the reflected wave.

The biological information may include at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, and oxygen saturation.

Further, a control unit that controls the operation of the generation unit that generates the aerosol sucked by the user may be provided according to the operation accepted by the operation unit.

The biometric information detection unit may detect the biometric information before the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit.

The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the first operation when the first operation for continuously performing a predetermined operation is received by the operation unit. The biometric information detection unit may detect the biometric information during the period in which the first operation is performed.

The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the second operation when the second operation of performing a predetermined operation continuously a predetermined number of times is received by the operation unit. The biometric information detection unit may detect the biometric information during the period in which the second operation is performed.

The biometric information detection unit may detect the biometric information after the generation of the aerosol by the generation unit is started.

The control unit has the first biological information detected before the generation unit starts the generation of the aerosol and the second biological information detected after the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit. When the difference from the information satisfies a predetermined condition, a predetermined control may be performed.

The predetermined control may include at least one of changing an operation profile that defines the operation of the generator and imposing a limitation on the function of generating the aerosol.

A notification unit for notifying information indicating that the predetermined control has been performed may be further provided.

The control unit may execute control according to the operation accepted by the operation unit on condition that the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit.

The suction device further includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with another device and a storage unit that stores information, and when the wireless communication unit and the other device are wirelessly connected. When the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit, the wireless communication unit transmits the biometric information, and the biometric information is detected when the wireless communication unit and the other device are not wirelessly connected. When the biometric information is detected by the unit, the storage unit may store the biometric information.

The wireless communication unit associates at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material used by the generation unit to generate the aerosol, and the identification information of the suction device with the biological information. Upon transmission, the storage unit may store at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the substrate, and the identification information of the suction device in association with the biological information.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, it is a control method for controlling a suction device having an operation unit and a biological information detection unit, and detects an operation by a user to the operation unit. A control method including the above-mentioned operation unit or the detection of the biometric information of the user by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the vicinity of the operation unit or the operation unit is provided.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, the operation by the user to the operation unit is detected by the computer that controls the suction device having the operation unit and the biological information detection unit. , The program for detecting the biometric information of the user by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the vicinity of the operation unit or the operation unit is provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a mechanism capable of appropriately detecting the biometric information of the user who uses the suction device.

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 figure for demonstrating an example of arrangement of the biological information detection part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of arrangement of the biological information detection part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process executed in the suction apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

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

<< 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 guiding 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 about 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 configured by 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 tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the suction device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.

The liquid guiding 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 guiding portion 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 capillary effect of the wick.

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 sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started suction and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when it is detected by the sensor unit 112A that the user has finished the suction and / or that the predetermined information has been input, 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 a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.

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 and sucking the mouthpiece 124.

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. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from a plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, whereby another type of aerosol may be produced.

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.

(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. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air to such a flow path, is arranged, for example, at 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 portion 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 unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 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 periphery 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 to 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 portion 121B is a combination of two or more of a first heating portion that covers the outer periphery of the holding portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating portion, and a third heating portion that covers the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 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 sandwiched portion in 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 flow path 180 air outflow hole 182. 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. Technical issues >>
The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a sensor is provided in a recess provided in a suction device, and when a user's finger comes into contact with the recess, the biometric information of the user is detected from the contact portion in the recess.

However, due to the characteristic of detecting biometric information from the contact portion, biometric information cannot be detected unless the user touches the sensor with a finger. Moreover, in Patent Document 1, the recess in which the sensor is provided is provided at a position not related to the operation required for the puff. As a measure for detecting biometric information, it is possible to urge the user to bring his finger into contact with the sensor, but this requires the user to perform unnecessary actions on the puff, which is not appropriate from the viewpoint of usability. ..

In order to solve the above problems, a mechanism related to this embodiment is provided.

<< 3. Technical features >>
(1) Supplement to the configuration of the suction device 100 The suction device 100 is a device that produces a substance to be sucked by the user. The operation in which the user tries to suck the substance generated by the suction device 100 by using the suction device 100 is also simply referred to as suction (puff) or suction operation below. An example of a puff is to hold the mouthpiece 124 of the suction device 100A and suck it. Another example of the puff is to hold and suck the mouthpiece 152 of the stick-type base material 150 inserted into the suction device 100B. The user can suck the substance produced by the suction device 100 by performing the puff.

The suction device 100 generates a substance to be sucked by the user by consuming the contents contained in the base material. The cartridge 120, the flavor-imparting cartridge 130, and the stick-type base material 150 described above are examples of the base material. The aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123, the aerosol source 131 contained in the flavoring cartridge 130, and the aerosol source contained in the stick-type base material 150 are examples of the contents contained in the base material. Aerosols are an example of a substance that is inhaled by a user.

In the present embodiment, the suction device 100 may take any configuration example from 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 modified example of these configurations.

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.

In the first configuration example, the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 can be electrically and / or mechanically (including physically) connected to each other. The power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 are detachably configured. Similarly, the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are electrically and / or mechanically (including physically) connectable to each other. The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are detachably configured.

Typically, the user sucks in a state where the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 are connected, and the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are connected. When the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 is exhausted, the old cartridge 120 is removed and replaced with a new cartridge 120. When the flavor component contained in the flavor-imparting cartridge 130 is exhausted, the old flavor-imparting cartridge 130 is removed and replaced with a new flavor-imparting cartridge 130.

(2) Information Detection Mechanism for Suction Device 100 The suction device 100 includes a suction-related information detection unit that detects information about the suction device 100. The suction-related information detection unit is included in, for example, the sensor unit 112. Hereinafter, an example of the information detected by the suction-related information detection unit will be described.

The suction-related information detection unit may detect that a user operation has been input to the suction device 100 as information regarding the suction device 100. The suction device 100 includes an operation unit that accepts operations by the user. Then, the suction-related information detection unit detects an operation on the operation unit. The base material in the first configuration example is a cartridge 120 and a flavor-imparting cartridge 130. The base material in the second configuration example is a stick-type base material 150. An example of an operation unit is a button. An example of an operation by the user is pressing a button.

The suction-related information detection unit may detect that the user tried to suck the aerosol generated by the suction device 100, that is, that the puff was performed, as the information regarding the suction device 100. For example, the suction-related information detection unit detects that the puff has been performed based on the value associated with the suction by the user acquired by the pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, or the like.

The suction-related information detection unit may detect information on the base material used by the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol as information on the suction device 100. As an example, the suction-related information detection unit detects that the base material is set on the suction device 100. Setting the base material on the suction device 100 means connecting the power supply unit 110, the cartridge 120, and the flavoring cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and connecting the stick-type base material 150 to the suction device 100B in the second configuration example. Refers to inserting. As another example, the suction-related information detection unit detects that the setting of the base material in the suction device 100 has been released. Canceling the setting of the base material means disconnecting the power supply unit 110, the cartridge 120, and the flavoring cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and disconnecting the stick-type base material 150 from the suction device 100B in the second configuration example. Refers to removal. As another example, the suction-related information detection unit detects the identification information of the base material set in the suction device 100. An example of the identification information of the base material is information indicating the type of the base material. The suction-related information detection unit may include a camera, detects the setting / release of the base material depending on whether or not the captured image contains the base material, and analyzes the image containing the base material to perform the base material. Identification information may be detected.

(3) Biometric Information Detection Mechanism The suction device 100 includes a biometric information detection unit that detects the biometric information of the user. The biological information detection unit is included in, for example, the sensor unit 112. Biological information refers to all information about the body. For example, biometric information includes at least one of blood pressure, heart rate (or pulse), blood oxygen concentration, and oxygen saturation. In addition, the biological information may include any other information such as body temperature and respiratory rate. In addition, the biological information may include information obtained secondarily such as drowsiness, which is obtained by processing information obtained primarily such as blood pressure. The secondaryly acquired information may include mental information such as user's emotions, which is estimated from physical information such as blood pressure.

The biometric information detection unit transmits a transmitted wave, receives the reflected wave reflected from the user's body, and detects biometric information based on the received reflected wave. Specifically, the biological information detection unit detects biological information based on the reflected wave alone or based on the relationship between the reflected wave and the transmitted wave. For example, the biological information detection unit detects information about a blood vessel such as blood pressure based on the time-series transition of the diameter of the blood vessel indicated by the time-series transition of the reflected wave. In addition, the biological information detection unit may include an infrared camera and may detect body temperature as the temperature of the skin surface.

An example of a transmitted wave is light. The transmitted wave may be visible light or invisible light such as infrared rays and ultraviolet rays. The biological information detection unit may transmit a plurality of types of transmitted waves. Of course, the transmitted wave may be any other wave that can detect biometric information based on the reflected wave reflected by the user's body. As an example, the transmitted wave may be a radio wave.

The biometric information detection unit is arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to detect biometric information at the timing when the user operates the operation unit. That is, the biometric information detection unit can detect biometric information at the timing when the user intends to operate the suction device 100. Therefore, it is possible to detect biometric information naturally without requiring the user to perform unnecessary operations and impairing usability.

The suction device 100 includes a transmission unit that transmits transmitted waves and reflected waves on at least one of the operation unit and the vicinity of the operation unit. As an example, the transmissive portion may be configured to be transparent or translucent. With such a configuration, the biometric information detection unit can transmit the transmitted wave, receive the reflected wave, and detect the biometric information at the timing when the user operates the operation unit.

An example of the arrangement of the biological information detection unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of the biological information detection unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 160 is a button, and the user presses the operation unit 160 with the finger F. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the biological information detection unit 170 is built in the button which is the operation unit 160, that is, is arranged in the operation unit 160. Surface of the operation section 160 is configured as a transparent portion 161, and transmits the transmission wave transmitted from the biological information detecting unit 170 W _T, and the reflected wave W _R reflected transmitted wave W _T is the finger F of the user ..

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of the biological information detection unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 160 is a button, and the user presses the operation unit 160 with the finger F. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the biological information detection unit 170 is arranged in the vicinity of the base portion of the button which is the operation unit 160, that is, the operation unit 160. Periphery of the operating portion 160 of the base portion of the operating section 160 is configured as a transparent portion 161, the reflected transmitted waves transmitted from the biological information detecting unit 170 W _T, and the transmission wave W _T is the finger F of the user It transmits the reflected wave W _R.

(4) Other Features Regarding Detection of Biological Information The control unit 116 controls the operation of the generation unit that generates an aerosol according to the operation accepted by the operation unit 160. The generation unit in the present embodiment is a heating unit 121. As an example, the control unit 116 starts feeding power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and starts heating by the heating unit 121 to generate an aerosol. As another example, the control unit 116 makes it possible to start the generation of aerosol by making it possible to supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 when an additional operation is performed in such a state, and starts heating by the heating unit 121 to generate an aerosol. An example of an additional operation is a puff. These operations of starting aerosol generation and making the aerosol production in a state in which it can be started are also referred to as aerosol generation start operations. The user can suck the aerosol by performing the puff after the aerosol generation start operation is performed.

In this way, the user can operate the operation unit 160 to cause the suction device 100 to execute the aerosol generation start operation, puff the aerosol, and suck the aerosol. That is, the biometric information detection unit can detect biometric information at the timing when the user performs the operation of the operation unit 160, which is an operation necessary for sucking the aerosol. Therefore, it is possible to detect biometric information naturally without requiring the user to perform an unnecessary operation for sucking the aerosol and impairing usability.

The biological information detection unit 170 may detect biological information before the heating unit 121 starts to generate an aerosol. With such a configuration, it becomes possible for the user to detect biometric information before the aerosol is taken into the body, that is, before the aerosol is taken into the body by the puff.

The control unit 116 may control the heating unit 121 so as to perform an operation corresponding to the first operation when the operation unit 160 receives the first operation of continuously performing the predetermined operation for a predetermined period. .. In that case, the biometric information detection unit 170 detects the biometric information during the period in which the first operation is performed. An example of a predetermined operation is pressing the operation unit 160, which is a button. That is, one example of the first operation is a long press of the button. An example of the operation corresponding to the first operation is the aerosol generation start operation. According to such a configuration, it is possible to naturally detect biometric information without impairing usability while the user is pressing and holding the button, which is an operation necessary for sucking the aerosol.

The control unit 116 may control the heating unit 121 so as to perform an operation corresponding to the second operation when the operation unit 160 receives a second operation in which the predetermined operation is continuously performed a predetermined number of times. .. In that case, the biometric information detection unit 170 detects the biometric information during the period in which the second operation is performed. An example of a predetermined operation is pressing the operation unit 160, which is a button. That is, one example of the first operation is continuous pressing of buttons. An example of the operation corresponding to the second operation is the aerosol generation start operation. According to such a configuration, it is possible to naturally detect biometric information without impairing usability while the user continuously presses the button, which is an operation necessary for sucking the aerosol.

Here, the detection accuracy of biological information based on the reflected wave tends to increase as the period in which the reflected wave is obtained becomes longer and the number of reflected waves obtained in the period increases. For example, in a technique for detecting information on a blood vessel such as blood pressure based on a time-series transition of a blood vessel diameter indicated by a time-series transition of a reflected wave, in order to satisfy the minimum detection accuracy, a predetermined period (for example, for example). Data of time series transition (several seconds) may be required. In this regard, by detecting biometric information during the period in which the button is pressed for a long time or the button is continuously pressed, the period in which the reflected wave can be obtained can be lengthened and the number of reflected waves obtained can be increased. , It is possible to improve the detection accuracy of biological information.

The control unit 116 may execute control according to the operation accepted by the operation unit 160 on condition that the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit 170. For example, the control unit 116 may execute an aerosol generation start operation when biometric information is detected. On the other hand, the control unit 116 does not have to execute the aerosol generation start operation when the biometric information is not detected. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably detect biometric information from a user who intends to operate the suction device 100.

The biological information detection unit 170 may detect biological information after the heating unit 121 has started to generate an aerosol. For example, when the user presses the button to execute the aerosol generation start operation and then continuously touches the button with the finger while performing the puff, the biometric information detection unit 170 detects the biometric information. do. Further, the biometric information detection unit 170 may detect biometric information each time a puff is detected. According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect biometric information after the user has taken the aerosol into the body, that is, after the aerosol taken into the body by the puff has an effect on the user's body.

(5) Execution of predetermined control The control unit 116 is detected after the first biological information detected before the heating unit 121 starts producing the aerosol and after the heating unit 121 starts producing the aerosol. When the difference from the second biological information satisfies a predetermined condition, a predetermined control may be performed. The difference may be, for example, a difference in blood pressure and a difference in heart rate, or a secondary difference such as a relaxation level obtained by processing a primary difference such as a difference in blood pressure and a difference in heart rate. It may be a difference. For example, it is presumed that the higher the degree of decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, the higher the level of relaxation. An example of a predetermined condition is that the difference between the first biometric information and the second biometric information exceeds a predetermined threshold value. According to such a configuration, when the aerosol taken into the body by the puff has a predetermined effect on the user's body, it is possible to perform a predetermined control.

The predetermined control may include changing the operation profile that defines the operation of the heating unit 121. As an example, the operation profile defines the elapsed time from the start of heating and the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the elapsed time. By changing the operation profile, for example, the amount of aerosol produced, the amount of flavor component contained in the aerosol, and the like can be changed. Therefore, by changing the motion profile, it is possible to change the influence on the user's body, for example, to further enhance the relaxing effect.

The predetermined control may include imposing a limitation on the function of producing an aerosol. An example of imposing a limitation on the function of producing an aerosol is that heating by the heating unit 121 is not performed for a predetermined time. Another example of imposing a limitation on the function of producing an aerosol is not to execute a process corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 160. Another example of imposing a limitation on the ability to generate aerosols is to power off the suction device 100. 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 detecting the operation of starting the suction device 100 (for example, the operation of the operation unit 160) may be executable. The activated state is a state in which all the functions of the suction device 100 can be executed. According to such a configuration, when the aerosol taken into the body by the puff has a predetermined effect on the user, it is possible to impose a limitation on the function of producing the aerosol.

When the above-mentioned predetermined control is performed, the notification unit 113 may notify information indicating that the predetermined control has been performed. As an example, the notification unit 113 emits light with a light emission pattern corresponding to a restriction imposed on the changed operation profile or the function of generating an aerosol, or vibrates with a vibration pattern. Information notification may be made via another device such as a smartphone. With such a configuration, the user can recognize that the predetermined control described above has been performed.

The control unit 116 may set a predetermined condition relating to the difference between the first biological information and the second biological information for determining whether or not to perform the predetermined control according to the user input. For example, the user sets predetermined conditions in advance via a smartphone or the like. According to such a configuration, it is possible to set predetermined conditions according to the user's preference.

(6) Transmission of biometric information The communication unit 115 is an example of a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with another device. The communication unit 115 may transmit biometric information to another device. An example of another device is a terminal device such as a smartphone associated with the suction device 100. According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute processing according to the biometric information of the user by using a smartphone or the like.

The communication unit 115 may transmit the information related to the biometric information in association with the biometric information. The information related to the biological information includes, for example, at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material used by the heating unit 121 to generate the aerosol, and the identification information of the suction device 100. According to such a configuration, the device on the receiving side can analyze the relationship between the information related to the biometric information and the biometric information.

The storage unit 114 may store biological information. According to such a configuration, it is possible to store biometric information in the suction device 100. Further, the storage unit 114 may store the information related to the biological information in association with the biological information. According to such a configuration, the relationship between the information related to the biometric information and the biometric information can be analyzed later based on the accumulated information.

The suction device 100 may switch whether to transmit or store biometric information depending on whether or not there is a wireless connection between the communication unit 115 and another device. For example, when the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit 170 while the communication unit 115 and another device are wirelessly connected, the communication unit 115 may transmit the biometric information. Further, when the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit 170 when the communication unit 115 and the other device are not wirelessly connected, the storage unit 114 may store the biometric information. After that, when the communication unit 115 and another device are wirelessly connected, the communication unit 115 may transmit the biometric information stored in the storage unit 114. Of course, in the above switching, the information related to the biometric information and the biometric information may be associated with each other and transmitted or stored. According to such a configuration, it is possible to immediately transmit biometric information when wirelessly connected, store biometric information when not wirelessly connected, and transmit the biometric information collectively after the fact. ..

(7) Process Flow FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the suction device 100 determines whether or not the operation on the operation unit 160 has been started (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 determines whether or not the long press of the button or the continuous press of the button is started. When it is determined that the operation on the operation unit 160 has not been started (step S102: NO), the suction device 100 waits until the operation on the operation unit 160 is started.

When it is determined that the operation to the operation unit 160 has started (step S102: YES), the suction device 100 detects the biological information (step S104).

Next, the suction device 100 determines whether or not the detection of the biological information is successful (step S106). In order to detect biometric information with a predetermined accuracy, it is desirable that the period in which the button is pressed for a long time is a predetermined period or longer, or the number of times the button is continuously pressed is a predetermined number of times or more. Therefore, the suction device 100 determines that the biometric information has been successfully detected when the period in which the button is pressed for a long time becomes a predetermined period or more, or when the number of times the button is continuously pressed becomes a predetermined number of times or more. If this is not the case, it may be determined that the detection of biometric information has not been successful.

When it is determined that the detection of the biological information is not successful (step S106: NO), the suction device 100 determines whether or not the operation to the operation unit 160 is completed (step S108). When it is determined that the operation to the operation unit 160 has not been completed (step S108: NO), the process returns to step S104 again, and the suction device 100 continues to detect the biological information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation to the operation unit 160 is completed (step S108: YES), the process ends.

When it is determined that the detection of the biological information is successful (step S106: YES), the suction device 100 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and starts producing an aerosol (step S110). After that, the process ends.

<< 4. 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 these 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, an example in which the operation unit 160 is a button has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The operation unit 160 may be configured as any other input device such as a touch panel and a switch.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 detects biological information (step S104) when it is determined that the operation to the operation unit 160 has started (step S102: YES) has been described, but the present invention has been described. It is not limited to such an example. For example, a touch sensor may be provided on the operation unit 160 (for example, the surface of the button). Then, at the moment when the finger touches the operation unit 160 (that is, before it is determined that the operation to the operation unit 160 has started), the biometric information detection unit uses the contact detection by the touch sensor as a trigger to transmit the wave. May be sent to start detection of biometric information. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prolong the detection time of the biometric information as compared with the case where the detection of the biometric information is started after the button is pressed, so that it is possible to contribute to the acquisition of accurate data. Become. It should be noted that the user may set whether to detect the biometric information by using the button press or the contact detection as a trigger.

Note that the series of processes by each device described in the present specification may be realized by using any of software, hardware, and 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, for example, via 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 in the drawings. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
An operation unit that accepts operations by the user,
The biometric information detection unit that detects the biometric information of the user,
Equipped with
The biometric information detection unit is arranged in the vicinity of the operation unit or the operation unit.
Suction device.
(2)
The biometric information detection unit transmits a transmitted wave, receives the reflected wave reflected by the user's body, and detects the biometric information based on the received reflected wave.
The suction device according to (1) above.
(3)
At least one of the operation unit or the vicinity of the operation unit is provided with a transmission unit that transmits the transmitted wave and the reflected wave.
The suction device according to (2) above.
(4)
The biometric information includes at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, and oxygen saturation.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (3) above.
(5)
Further provided is a control unit that controls the operation of the generation unit that generates the aerosol sucked by the user in response to the operation received by the operation unit.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.
(6)
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information before the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit.
The suction device according to (5) above.
(7)
The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the first operation when the first operation for continuously performing a predetermined operation is received by the operation unit.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information during the period in which the first operation is performed.
The suction device according to (6) above.
(8)
The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the second operation when the second operation of performing a predetermined operation continuously a predetermined number of times is received by the operation unit.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information during the period in which the second operation is performed.
The suction device according to (6) above.
(9)
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information after the generation of the aerosol by the generation unit is started.
The suction device according to any one of (5) to (8) above.
(10)
The control unit has the first biological information detected before the generation unit starts the generation of the aerosol and the second biological information detected after the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit. When the difference from the information satisfies the predetermined condition, the predetermined control is performed.
The suction device according to (9) above.
(11)
The predetermined control comprises at least one of changing an operation profile that defines the operation of the generator and imposing a limitation on the ability to generate the aerosol.
The suction device according to (10) above.
(12)
A notification unit for notifying information indicating that the predetermined control has been performed is further provided.
The suction device according to (10) or (11).
(13)
The control unit executes control according to the operation accepted by the operation unit on condition that the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit.
The suction device according to any one of (5) to (12) above.
(14)
The suction device is
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with other devices,
A storage unit that stores information and
Further prepare
When the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit while the wireless communication unit and the other device are wirelessly connected, the wireless communication unit transmits the biometric information.
When the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit when the wireless communication unit and the other device are not wirelessly connected, the storage unit stores the biometric information.
The suction device according to any one of (5) to (13) above.
(15)
The wireless communication unit associates at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material used by the generation unit to generate the aerosol, and the identification information of the suction device with the biological information. Send and
The storage unit stores at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material, and the identification information of the suction device in association with the biological information.
The suction device according to (14) above.
(16)
It is a control method for controlling a suction device having an operation unit and a biological information detection unit.
Detecting a user's operation on the operation unit
The biometric information of the user is detected by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit.
Control methods, including.
(17)
By a computer that controls a suction device having an operation unit and a biometric information detection unit
Detecting a user's operation on the operation unit
The biometric information of the user is detected by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit.
A program to execute.

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 Retaining unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Insulation 150 Stick type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 160 Operation part 161 Permeation part 170 Biometric information detection part 180 Air flow path 181 Air inflow hole 182 Air outflow hole

Claims

An operation unit that accepts operations by the user,
The biometric information detection unit that detects the biometric information of the user,
Equipped with
The biometric information detection unit is arranged in the vicinity of the operation unit or the operation unit.
Suction device.
The biometric information detection unit transmits a transmitted wave, receives the reflected wave reflected by the user's body, and detects the biometric information based on the received reflected wave.
The suction device according to claim 1.
At least one of the operation unit or the vicinity of the operation unit is provided with a transmission unit that transmits the transmitted wave and the reflected wave.
The suction device according to claim 2.
The biometric information includes at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, and oxygen saturation.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Further provided is a control unit that controls the operation of the generation unit that generates the aerosol sucked by the user in response to the operation received by the operation unit.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information before the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit.
The suction device according to claim 5.
The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the first operation when the first operation for continuously performing a predetermined operation is received by the operation unit.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information during the period in which the first operation is performed.
The suction device according to claim 6.
The control unit controls the generation unit to perform an operation corresponding to the second operation when the second operation of performing a predetermined operation continuously a predetermined number of times is received by the operation unit.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information during the period in which the second operation is performed.
The suction device according to claim 6.
The biometric information detection unit detects the biometric information after the generation of the aerosol by the generation unit is started.
The suction device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.
The control unit has the first biological information detected before the generation unit starts the generation of the aerosol and the second biological information detected after the generation of the aerosol is started by the generation unit. When the difference from the information satisfies the predetermined condition, the predetermined control is performed.
The suction device according to claim 9.
The predetermined control comprises at least one of changing an operation profile that defines the operation of the generator and imposing a limitation on the ability to generate the aerosol.
The suction device according to claim 10.
A notification unit for notifying information indicating that the predetermined control has been performed is further provided.
The suction device according to claim 10 or 11.
The control unit executes control according to the operation accepted by the operation unit on condition that the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit.
The suction device according to any one of claims 5 to 12.
The suction device is
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with other devices,
A storage unit that stores information and
Further prepare
When the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit while the wireless communication unit and the other device are wirelessly connected, the wireless communication unit transmits the biometric information.
When the biometric information is detected by the biometric information detection unit when the wireless communication unit and the other device are not wirelessly connected, the storage unit stores the biometric information.
The suction device according to any one of claims 5 to 13.
The wireless communication unit associates at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material used by the generation unit to generate the aerosol, and the identification information of the suction device with the biological information. Send and
The storage unit stores at least one of the detection time of the biological information, the identification information of the base material, and the identification information of the suction device in association with the biological information.
The suction device according to claim 14.
It is a control method for controlling a suction device having an operation unit and a biological information detection unit.
Detecting a user's operation on the operation unit
The biometric information of the user is detected by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit.
Control methods, including.
By a computer that controls a suction device having an operation unit and a biometric information detection unit
Detecting a user's operation on the operation unit
The biometric information of the user is detected by the biometric information detection unit arranged in the operation unit or in the vicinity of the operation unit.
A program to execute.