Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device that enables easy management of functions.SOLUTION: An electronic device generates an aerosol for suction, wherein the electronic device includes: a control unit that controls generation of the aerosol by an aerosol generation unit; and a receiving unit that receives control information from a user terminal, the control information being for controlling a function associated with a function ID for identifying a function of the electronic device. The control unit executes an operation according to the control information received by the receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to suction devices that generate an aerosol for suction have been developed. For example, in Citation Document 1, a system is disclosed in which the suction history and the like of a suction device are recorded in a user terminal or a server, and the recorded information is utilized for controlling the usage plan and usage frequency of the suction device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, recently, with the spread of suction devices, a variety of functions have been developed. Accordingly, user preferences have also diversified, and the number of users who selectively use multiple suction devices according to their mood and situation is increasing. In this regard, in the conventional method of managing the various functions of a suction device centered on the device ID for identifying the suction device, every time a new suction device is put on the market, all the functions of the suction device have to be managed in association with the device ID of the suction device, resulting in a heavy management burden.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of easily managing functions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that generates an aerosol for suction, and includes an aerosol generation unit that generates an aerosol, a control unit that controls the generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generation unit, a storage unit that stores a function ID for identifying the function of the electronic device, and a transmission unit that transmits the function ID to another information processing device.

[0007] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to manage the electronic device in terms of functions rather than in terms of devices. Therefore, even when a new model of the electronic device is introduced, the new model can be easily managed simply by changing the combination of functions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can easily manage functions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. (In each figure, those denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.)

[0011] (1) System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20, and an electronic device 30 associated with the user terminal 20. The electronic device 30 may be a device that generates an aerosol for suction, and is also referred to as, for example, a "fragrance suction device". The electronic device 30 may include, for example, an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, a conventional cigarette, a medical nebulizer, etc. In FIG. 1, the dotted line surrounding the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 indicates that the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 surrounded by the dotted line are associated with each other. The server 10 can mutually transmit and receive data with each of the plurality of user terminals 20 via a communication network N using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. Also, the server 10 may be able to mutually transmit and receive data with the electronic device 30 via the communication network N using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network N is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway.

[0012] Server 10 provides a predetermined service for managing the functions of the electronic device 30 to the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 via the communication network N. The user terminal 20 is a terminal device of a user who uses the predetermined service provided by the server 10. As the user terminal 20, for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game machine, etc. are used. An application program (app) for using the predetermined service provided by the server 10 is stored in the user terminal 20. The electronic device 30 is associated with the user terminal 20, for example, when the device ID of the electronic device 30 is registered in the user terminal 20. Further, the electronic device 30 is connected to the user terminal 20 so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other by short-range wireless communication or the like. Note that a plurality of electronic devices 30 may be connected to one user terminal 20.

[0013] (2) Functional configuration (2-1) Server 10 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 has, for example, a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a processing unit 13.

[0014] The communication unit 11 has a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 10 to the communication network N. The communication unit 11 transmits the data supplied from the processing unit 13 via the communication network N to information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30. Further, the communication unit 11 supplies the data received from information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 via the communication network N to the processing unit 13.

[0015] The storage unit 12 has, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The storage unit 12 stores driver programs, operating system programs, application programs, data, etc. used for the processing by the processing unit 13. The computer program may be installed in the storage unit 12 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc. using a known setup program or the like. Further, the storage unit 12 stores, as data, a function management table shown in FIG. 3, a management information table shown in FIG. 4, a suction area management table shown in FIG. 5, and the like.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the function management table. The function management table is a table for managing the functions of the electronic device 30 created, for example, for each user ID. Here, the functions of the electronic device 30 are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, an output function, an aerosol generation function, and a position information function. Further, the output function may include, for example, a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a voice function, etc.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, in the first row of the function management table, the "function type" of the function of the electronic device 30 is shown, in the second row, the "details" of the function are shown, and in the third row, the "function ID" for identifying the function is shown, respectively. The "function type" indicates the type of the function of the electronic device 30, and specifically includes, for example, "aerosol generation function", "position information function", and "output function", etc. The "output function" further includes, for example, "display function", "lighting function", "vibration function", and "voice function", etc.

[0018] The "aerosol generation function" is shown as the attribute information to which the electronic device 30 belongs when classifying the aerosol generation method by the electronic device 30 according to a predetermined classification criterion. The classification criterion is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the component of the suction substance, the phase state of the suction substance when not in use, the method of generating the aerosol containing the suction substance, and the heating method. When the classification criterion is the "component of the suction substance", the aerosol generation function is classified, for example, according to whether it contains tobacco, flavors, etc. respectively. When the classification criterion is the "phase state of the suction substance when not in use", the aerosol generation function is classified, for example, by solid, liquid, gas, intermediate states thereof, and combinations thereof. When the classification criterion is the "method of generating the aerosol containing the suction substance", the aerosol generation function is classified, for example, by combustion, heating, vaporization, etc. When the classification criterion is the "heating method", the aerosol generation function is classified, for example, by electric heating, heating by a carbon heat source, and IH heating. In the example shown in FIG. 3, "T type" includes tobacco as the component of the suction substance and indicates a type in which the tobacco is directly heated at a high temperature by a heater or the like. Also, the "E type" indicates a type that does not use tobacco, includes a liquid as the component of the suction substance, and sucks the aerosol generated by electrically heating the liquid in the device or a dedicated cartridge. Also, the "I type" is, for example, a type that includes tobacco as the component of the suction substance, does not directly heat the tobacco, and heats and atomizes a liquid to pass it through the tobacco. Note that the "aerosol generation function" may be represented by a classification criterion created by appropriately combining a plurality of the above-described classification criteria and other classification criteria. The "position information function" indicates the method of acquiring the position information of the electronic device 30, and includes, for example, "GPS" and the like. The "display function" indicates the type of display for displaying an image or the like, and includes, for example, "liquid crystal" indicating a liquid crystal display and "EL" indicating EL (Electroluminescence). The "lighting function" indicates the type of lighting unit that emits light by a light emitter, and includes, for example, "LED" indicating an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The "vibration function" indicates the type of vibration unit that generates vibration, and includes, for example, "eccentric type" indicating an eccentric motor.The "audio function" indicates the type of the audio output unit for outputting audio. For example, it includes "D type" indicating a dynamic speaker, "C type" indicating a condenser speaker, etc. Note that when "Details" is "None", it indicates that the device does not have the function belonging to the "Function Type".

[0019] Such classification of "Function Type", "Details", and "Function ID" may be preset by, for example, the system administrator. Also, when a new function that does not belong to any classification is introduced, the system administrator may create a new classification corresponding to the function.

[0020] Function IDs received from the electronic device 30, the user terminal 20, etc. are registered in the function management table. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the function IDs associated with the device ID for each device ID may be registered. In this case, "○" indicates that the electronic device 30 has the function associated with the function ID, and "×" indicates that the electronic device 30 does not have the function associated with the function ID. Also, different from FIG. 3, all the function IDs associated with the user ID may be registered together without associating with the device ID. In this case, "○" indicates that the user has some electronic device 30 having the function associated with the function ID, and "×" indicates that the user does not have any electronic device 30 having the function associated with the function ID.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the management information table. The management information table is a table for managing the suction information and management information for each type of aerosol generation function. Here, the suction information includes any information related to the suction of aerosol using the electronic device 30 by the user, and may include, for example, the number of suctions, suction location, suction intensity, type of aerosol source, suction time, model used, and suction profile, etc. Also, the management information is information obtained by processing the suction information by an arbitrary method, and is information for grasping and managing the user's suction habit.

[0022] The management information table may be a compilation of aspiration information collected from a plurality of users without identifying the users. In this case, the management information table shown in FIG. 4 includes aspiration information collected from a plurality of users and management information generated from the aspiration information. Alternatively, the management information table may be a compilation of the aspiration information collected for each individual user by identifying the users. In this case, the management information table shown in FIG. 4 includes aspiration information about a specific user and management information generated from the aspiration information.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the management information table includes, for example, "function ID", "suction information", and "management information". The "function ID" is information indicating the function ID related to the aerosol generation function. The "suction information" is suction information associated with the function ID related to the aerosol generation function. The mode of this association is not particularly limited, and for example, it may include the date and time of suction performed using the aerosol generation function related to the function ID, information on the suction area, etc. Here, the suction area may include, for example, the area where the user is permitted to perform suction by laws, regulations, etc., or map information associated with that area. The "management information" may be information obtained by processing the suction information by any method. For example, the "management information" may be information indicating the result of statistically processing the date and time, suction area information, etc. included in the suction information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the management information table includes, for each function ID, "usage frequency" generated based on the "suction information", "time zone of frequent use", and "suction area of frequent use". Here, the "usage frequency" is information indicating the frequency of use of the aerosol generation function related to the function ID. More specifically, it is information indicating the ratio of the time of use of the aerosol generation function related to the function ID to the total time of the "suction information" included in the management information table. Also, the "time zone of frequent use" is information indicating the time zone in which the aerosol generation function related to the function ID is frequently used. Specifically, the "time zone of frequent use" may be the time zone in which the frequency of suction (the ratio of the number of suctions or the suction time within a predetermined period) in a certain time zone is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, the frequency of suction for each time zone divided into levels (for example, 5 levels) may be displayed as the "management information". Also, the "suction area of frequent use" is information indicating the suction area in which the aerosol generation function related to the function ID is frequently used. Specifically, the "suction area of frequent use" may be the suction area in which the frequency of suction (the ratio of the number of suctions or the suction time in the suction area within a predetermined period) in a certain suction area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, the frequency of suction for each suction area divided into levels (for example, 5 levels) may be displayed as the "management information".In this way, by collectively managing the suction information for each function ID related to the aerosol generation function, it becomes possible for the user to grasp how much suction has been performed by which aerosol generation function. Furthermore, by generating management information based on the suction information for each function ID related to the aerosol generation function, it becomes possible for the user to grasp in more detail how much suction has been performed by which aerosol generation function.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a suction area management table. The suction area management table is a table for managing the types of aerosol generation functions that can be used for each suction area. As shown in FIG. 5, the suction area management table includes, for example, as items, a "suction area ID", a "location", and each "function ID" related to the aerosol generation function. The "suction area ID" is an ID for identifying the suction area. The "location" is information indicating the location of the suction area, and may be the name of the location, the address, or the position information. The "○" included in each cell of the "function ID" column indicates that, for example, the use of the aerosol generation function of the type related to the function ID is permitted in the suction area related to the suction area ID. On the other hand, the "×" included in each cell of the "function ID" column indicates that the use of the aerosol generation function of the type related to the function ID is prohibited or not permitted in the suction area related to the suction area ID.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 5, for example, in the suction area with the suction area ID of "E001", all cells of the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-t" (i.e., the "T type" including tobacco), the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-e" (i.e., the "E type" not including tobacco), and the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-i" (i.e., the "I type" that heats and atomizes a liquid and passes it through tobacco) are marked with "○". This indicates that the suction area with the suction area ID of "E001" permits the use of any of the functions of the "T type" including tobacco, the "E type" not including tobacco, and the "I type" that heats and atomizes a liquid and passes it through tobacco. On the other hand, in the suction area with the suction area ID of "E002", the cells of the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-t" (i.e., the "T type" including tobacco) and the cells of the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-i" (i.e., the "I type" that heats and atomizes a liquid and passes it through tobacco) are marked with "×", and the cells of the aerosol generation function with the function ID of "FM-e" (i.e., the "E type" not including tobacco) are marked with "○". This indicates that the suction area with the suction area ID of "E002" permits the use of the function of the "E type" not including tobacco, but does not permit or prohibits the use of the functions of the "T type" including tobacco and the "I type" that heats and atomizes a liquid and passes it through tobacco.

[0026] The processing unit 13 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 13 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the server 10 and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 13 controls the operations of the communication unit 11 and the like so that various processes of the server 10 are executed in an appropriate procedure according to programs and the like stored in the storage unit 12. The processing unit 13 executes processing based on programs (driver programs, operating system programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the storage unit 12. Also, the processing unit 13 can execute a plurality of programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

[0027] The processing unit 13 includes a registration unit 131, a management information generation unit 132, a control information generation unit 133, a transmission unit 134, and a reception unit 135. The registration unit 131 stores various types of information related to the electronic device 30 and the like in the storage unit 12. For example, the registration unit 131 registers the function ID and device ID received from the electronic device 30 and / or the user terminal 20 in the function management table described with reference to FIG. 3. The management information generation unit 132 generates management information based on the function ID and the inhalation information. For example, the management information generation unit 132 may generate management information based on the inhalation information collected from a plurality of users without identifying the users, or may generate management information related to a specific user based on the inhalation information of the specific user. The control information generation unit 133 generates control information for controlling the electronic device 30 based on the position information of the electronic device 30 or the user terminal 20, the information indicating the aerosol generation function, the inhalation area information, and the like. The transmission unit 134 transmits various types of information to other information processing devices and the like via the communication unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 134 transmits the user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, inhalation information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal to the user terminal 20, the electronic device 30, and the like. The reception unit 135 receives various types of information from other information processing devices and the like via the communication unit 11. For example, the reception unit 135 receives the user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, inhalation information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal from the user terminal 20, the electronic device 30, and the like.

[0028] (2-2) User Terminal 20 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 20 includes, for example, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an output unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a processing unit 25.

[0029] The communication unit 21 includes a communication interface circuit and connects the user terminal 20 to the communication network N. The communication unit 21 transmits the data supplied from the processing unit 25 to the server 10, the electronic device 30, and the like via the communication network N. Further, the communication unit 21 supplies the data received from the server 10, the electronic device 30, and the like via the communication network N to the processing unit 25.

[0030] The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 22 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, data, etc. used in the processing by the processing unit 25. The various programs may be installed in the storage unit 22 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM using a known setup program or the like. Further, the storage unit 22 may store, as data, a user ID, a device ID and / or a function ID of the electronic device 30 associated with the user terminal 20, etc.

[0031] The output unit 23 is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices capable of outputting the processing result processed by the processing unit 25. When the processing result is output as a video and / or a moving image, the output device is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices capable of displaying the display data according to the display data written in the frame buffer. The output device includes, by way of non-limiting example, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (by way of non-limiting example, a liquid crystal display, an OELD (Organic Electroluminescence Display), etc.), a head-mounted display (HDM: Head Mounted Display), a projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying image, text information, etc. in the air (which may be in a vacuum), a speaker (for audio output), a printer, etc. Note that these output devices may be capable of displaying the display data in 3D. Further, the output unit 23 may be a vibration element such as an eccentric motor or a linear resonant actuator capable of generating vibration.

[0032] The operation unit 24 can be any device as long as it enables the operation of the user terminal 20. For example, it can be a touch panel, a key button, or the like. The user can input characters, numbers, symbols, etc. using the operation unit 24. When the operation unit 24 is operated by the user, it generates a signal corresponding to the operation. Then, the generated signal is supplied to the processing unit 25 as the user's instruction.

[0033] The processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 25 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20 and is, for example, a CPU. Based on programs stored in the storage unit 22 for various processes of the user terminal 20 and operations of the operation unit 24, etc., the processing unit 25 controls the operations of the communication unit 21, the output unit 23, etc. so that they are executed in an appropriate procedure. The processing unit 25 executes processing based on programs (such as operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the storage unit 22. Also, the processing unit 25 can execute multiple programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

[0034] The processing unit 25 includes, for example, a registration unit 251, a position information acquisition unit 252, a pairing unit 253, a transmission unit 254, and a reception unit 255. The registration unit 251 executes a process of registering various types of information regarding the electronic device 30 in the storage unit 22. For example, the registration unit 251 registers the function ID and device ID of the electronic device 30. The position information acquisition unit 252 acquires the position information of the user terminal 20 by communicating with a satellite via the communication unit 21, for example. The pairing unit 253 performs wireless communication compliant with an arbitrary wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication) as pairing processing, for example, with another information processing device such as the user terminal 20. For example, the pairing unit 253 transmits and receives a predetermined key to and from the other information processing device, and then stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 22. Thereafter, the short-range wireless communication can be realized by transmitting and receiving packets including the key. The transmission unit 254 transmits various types of information to other information processing devices or the like via the communication unit 21. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits a user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, attraction information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal, etc. to the server 10 and the electronic device 30 or the like. The reception unit 255 receives various types of information from other information processing devices or the like via the communication unit 21. For example, the reception unit 255 receives a user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, attraction information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal, etc. from the server 10 and the electronic device 30 or the like.

[0035] (2-3) Electronic device 30 Next, the configuration of the electronic device 30 will be described.

[0036] As a first type, the electronic device 30 may be of a type that directly heats tobacco at a high temperature. Specifically, the electronic device 30 may be configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating an aerosol generation substrate such as a smoking article having a flavor generating substrate such as a filler containing an aerosol source and a flavor source.

[0037] As a second type, the electronic device 30 may be of a type that does not use tobacco, contains a liquid as a component of the inhaled substance, and inhales an aerosol generated by electrically heating the liquid in the device or a dedicated cartridge.

[0038] As a third type, the electronic device 30 may be of a type that contains tobacco as a component of the inhaled substance, does not directly heat the tobacco, but heats and atomizes a liquid and passes the liquid through the tobacco.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The example shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the third type described above.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic device 30 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. As shown in the drawing, as an example, the first member 31 may include an output unit 311, a battery 312, a sensor 313, a storage unit 314, a communication unit 315, an operation unit 316, and a processing unit 317. As an example, the second member 32 may include a reservoir 321, an atomizing unit 322, an air intake flow path 323, an aerosol flow path 324, and a suction port unit 325. A part of the components included in the first member 31 may be included in the second member 32. A part of the components included in the second member 32 may be included in the first member 31. The second member 32 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 31. Alternatively, all the components included in the first member 31 and the second member 32 may be included in the same housing instead of the first member 31 and the second member 32.

[0041] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the electronic device 30 includes a third member 33. The second member 32 and the third member 33 constitute an aerosol generation unit that generates an aerosol. As an example, the third member 33 may include a flavor source 331. As an example, when the electronic device 30 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 331 may include flavor components contained in tobacco. The third member 33 may be configured to be detachable from the second member 32. Alternatively, all the components included in the second member 32 and the third member 33 may be included in the same housing instead of the second member 32 and the third member 33.

[0042] The reservoir 321 holds an aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 321 is made of a fibrous or porous material and holds the aerosol source as a liquid in the gaps between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. As the aforementioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material can be used. The reservoir 321 may be configured as a tank for storing a liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. When the electronic device 30 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug for the patient to inhale. As another example, the aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases flavor components when heated. In this case, an aerosol containing flavor components can be generated even without the third member 33 being attached. The reservoir 321 may have a configuration capable of replenishing the consumed aerosol source. Alternatively, the reservoir 321 may be configured to be replaceable itself when the aerosol source is consumed. Also, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. The reservoir 321 when the aerosol source is a solid may be, for example, a hollow container that does not use a fibrous or porous material.

[0043] The atomizing unit 322 is configured to atomize an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When the suction operation is detected by the sensor 313, the atomizing unit 322 generates an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect the reservoir 321 and the atomizing unit 322. In this case, a part of the wick communicates with the inside of the reservoir 321 and contacts the aerosol source. Another part of the wick extends to the atomizing unit 322. The aerosol source is carried from the reservoir 321 to the atomizing unit 322 by the capillary action of the wick. As an example, the atomizing unit 322 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 312. The heater is arranged to contact or be close to the wick. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 317a controls the heater of the atomizing unit 322 to atomize the aerosol source carried through the wick by heating the aerosol source. Another example of the atomizing unit 322 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. An air intake flow path 323 is connected to the atomizing unit 322, and the air intake flow path 323 communicates to the outside of the electronic device 30. The aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 322 is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path 323. The mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air is sent out to the aerosol flow path 324 as shown by the arrow 326. The aerosol flow path 324 has a tubular structure for transporting the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air generated in the atomizing unit 322 to the suction port portion 325.

[0044] The flavor source 331 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. The flavor source 331 is disposed in the middle of the aerosol flow path 324. A mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 322 and air (hereinafter, note that the mixed fluid may sometimes be simply referred to as the aerosol) flows through the aerosol flow path 324 to the suction port portion 325. Thus, the flavor source 331 is provided downstream of the atomizing unit 322 with respect to the flow of the aerosol. In other words, the flavor source 331 is located closer to the suction port portion 325 in the aerosol flow path 324 than the atomizing unit 322. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 322 reaches the suction port portion 325 after passing through the flavor source 331. When the aerosol passes through the flavor source 331, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 331 are imparted to the aerosol. As an example, when the electronic device 30 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 331 may be derived from tobacco, such as shredded tobacco or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into a granular, sheet-like or powdery form. The flavor source 331 may also be non-tobacco-derived made from plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). As an example, the flavor source 331 may contain a fragrance component such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 331, the reservoir 321 may also have a substance containing flavor components. For example, the electronic device 30 may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavor substance in the flavor source 331 and contain a non-tobacco-derived flavor substance in the reservoir 321.

[0045] The suction port portion 325 is located at the end of the aerosol flow path 324 and is configured to open the aerosol flow path 324 to the outside of the electronic device 30. As shown in the figure, the aerosol flow path 324 extends across the second member 32 and the third member 33. The suction port portion 325 is provided in the third member 33.

[0046] The user can take in the air containing the aerosol imparted with flavor into the oral cavity by holding and sucking the suction port portion 325.

[0047] The output unit 311 is implemented by any one or a combination of all types of devices capable of outputting the processing result processed by the processing unit 317. For example, it has a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, an audio function, etc. When outputting the processing result as a video and / or a moving image, the output device is implemented by any one or a combination of all types of devices capable of displaying the display data according to the display data written in the frame buffer. The output device includes, by way of non-limiting example, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (by way of non-limiting example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc.), a head-mounted display (HDM: Head Mounted Display), projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying image, text information, etc. in the air (which may be in a vacuum), a speaker (audio output), a printer, etc. Note that these output devices may be capable of displaying the display data in 3D. Also, the output unit 311 may be a vibration element such as an eccentric motor or a linear resonant actuator capable of generating vibration.

[0048] The battery 312 is a power source that stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the electronic device 30 such as the output unit 311, the sensor 313, the storage unit 314, and the atomizing unit 322. The battery 312 may be charged by connecting to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the electronic device 30. It may be possible to remove only the battery 312 from the first member 31 or the electronic device 30 and replace it with a new battery 312. Also, the battery 312 may be replaced with a new battery 312 by replacing the entire first member 31 with a new first member 31.

[0049] The sensor 313 may include a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the air intake flow path 323 and / or the aerosol flow path 324, or a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate. The sensor 313 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of components such as the reservoir 321. The sensor 313 may also be configured to count the number of puffs by the user using the electronic device 30. The sensor 313 may also be configured to integrate the energization time to the atomizing unit 322. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 321. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the attachment and detachment of the second member 32 to the first member 31, or the attachment and detachment of the third member 33 to the second member 32. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge), the integrated current value, the voltage, etc. of the battery 312. The integrated current value may be obtained by an integrated current calculation method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, etc. The sensor 313 may also be an operation button operable by the user, etc.

[0050] The storage unit 314 is a storage medium such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory. In addition to the computer-executable instructions as described above, setting data necessary for controlling the electronic device 30 may be stored in the storage unit 314. For example, the storage unit 314 may store various data such as a control method (modes such as light emission, sound emission, vibration, etc.) of the output unit 311, values detected by the sensor 313, and a heating history of the atomizing unit 322. The storage unit 314 may store, for example, a user ID, a device ID for identifying the electronic device 30, and a function ID for identifying the functions of the electronic device 30.

[0051] The communication unit 315 is provided with a communication interface circuit and connects the electronic device 30 to a communication network N or a short-range wireless communication network. The communication unit 315 transmits the data supplied from the processing unit 317 to the server 10, the user terminal 20, etc. via the communication network N or the short-range wireless communication network. Also, the communication unit 315 supplies the data received from the server 10, the user terminal 20, etc. via the communication network N or the short-range wireless communication network to the processing unit 317.

[0052] The operation unit 316 can be any device as long as the electronic device 30 can be operated, for example, a touch panel, a key button, etc. The user can input characters, numbers, symbols, etc. using the operation unit 316. When the operation unit 316 is operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation is generated. Then, the generated signal is supplied to the processing unit 317 as the user's instruction.

[0053] The processing unit 317 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The processing unit 317 may be configured to control the operation of the electronic device 30 according to computer-executable instructions stored in the storage unit 314. The processing unit 317 reads data from the storage unit 314 as needed for use in controlling the electronic device 30 and stores data in the storage unit 314 as needed. The processing unit 317 may include a control unit 317a, an aerosol information generation unit 317b, a position information acquisition unit 317c, a pairing unit 317d, a transmission unit 317e, and a reception unit 317f.

[0054] The control unit 317a controls the generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generation unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33). The control unit 317a performs the control by a method according to the aerosol generation method of the electronic device 30.

[0055] The suction information generation unit 317b generates suction information. The suction information may include, for example, the number of suctions, the suction location, the suction intensity, the type of aerosol source, the suction time, the model in use, and the suction profile. The suction information generation unit 317b generates suction information (for example, the number of suctions, the suction location, the suction intensity, the suction time, the suction profile, etc.) based on, for example, the position information supplied from the position information acquisition unit 317c, a detection signal corresponding to the type of aerosol source (described later), and a detection signal related to suction supplied from the sensor 313.

[0056] The position information acquisition unit 317c acquires the position information of the electronic device 30 by communicating with an artificial satellite via the communication unit 315, for example.

[0057] As a pairing process, the pairing unit 317d performs wireless communication compliant with an arbitrary wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication) with another information processing device such as the user terminal 20. For example, the pairing unit 317d transmits and receives a predetermined key to and from the other information processing device, and then stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 314. Thereafter, the short-range wireless communication can be realized by transmitting and receiving packets including the key.

[0058] The transmission unit 317e transmits various types of information to other information processing devices via the communication unit 315. For example, the transmission unit 317e transmits the user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal to the server 10, the user terminal 20, and the like.

[0059] The reception unit 317f receives various types of information from other information processing devices via the communication unit 315. For example, the reception unit 317f receives the user ID, device ID, function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, and a predetermined request signal from the server 10, the user terminal 20, and the like.

[0060] (3) Operation processing Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the operation processing of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0061] (3-1) Function registration processing FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of function registration processing of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This processing is a process of registering the function ID of the electronic device 30 in the user terminal 20 and the server 10 prior to the use of the electronic device 30.

[0062] First, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits a signal requesting a function ID to the electronic device 30 in response to an operation of the operation unit 24 by the user or the like (S10). At this time, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 may also request the device ID of the electronic device 30. Next, the transmission unit 317e of the electronic device 30 transmits the function ID of the electronic device 30 stored in the storage unit 314 of the electronic device 30 to the user terminal 20 as a response to the signal requesting the function ID (S11). When the device ID is also requested in S10, the transmission unit 317e of the electronic device 30 may further transmit the device ID of the electronic device 30 to the user terminal 20.

[0063] Next, the registration unit 251 of the user terminal 20 registers the function ID by storing the function ID received from the electronic device 30 in the storage unit 22 (S12). At this time, when the registration unit 251 of the user terminal 20 has also received the device ID of the electronic device 30, the device ID is also registered by storing the device ID in the storage unit 22 in association with the function ID. Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the user ID, the function ID received from the electronic device 30, and a signal requesting to register the function ID to the server 10 (S13). At this time, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 may also transmit the device ID of the electronic device 30 to the server 10.

[0064] Next, when the registration unit 131 of the server 10 receives the function ID of the electronic device 30 and a signal requesting registration of the function ID from the user terminal 20, the received function ID is registered in the function management table described using, for example, FIG. 3 (S14). At this time, the registration unit 131 of the server 10 may also register the device ID in the function management table. Thus, the pre-registration process ends.

[0065] (3-2) Management information generation process FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the management information generation process of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process in which the server 10 generates management information based on the suction information after the suction information generated when the user performs suction using the electronic device 30 is transmitted to the server 10 via the user terminal 20.

[0066] First, the electronic device 30 executes a suction process in response to an operation of the operation unit 34 of the electronic device 30 by the user (S20). Specifically, the control unit 317a of the electronic device 30 controls the generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generation unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33). Next, the suction information generation unit 317b of the electronic device 30 generates suction information (S21). At this time, the suction information generation unit 317b may detect any parameters related to suction, such as the intensity and frequency of suction by the user on the electronic device 30. Further, the position information of the electronic device 30 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 317c may be included in the suction information. In this way, the suction information generation unit 317b generates, as suction information, for example, the suction frequency, suction location, suction intensity, type of aerosol generation base material, suction time, model used, and suction profile described above.

[0067] Next, the transmission unit 317e of the electronic device 30 transmits the generated suction information to the user terminal 20 (S22). Next, the registration unit 251 of the user terminal 20 registers the received suction information by storing it in the storage unit 22 (S23). At this time, the registration unit 251 may include the position information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 252 in the suction information. Thereby, even when the electronic device 30 does not have a position information acquisition function, it is possible to grasp the position of the suction location.

[0068] Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the suction information and a signal requesting registration of the suction information to the server 10 (S24). Next, the registration unit 131 of the server 10 registers the suction information received from the user terminal 20 in the management information table stored in the storage unit 12 (S25).

[0069] Next, the management information generation unit 132 of the server 10 generates management information based on the function ID recorded in the function management table and the suction information (S26). At this time, the management information generation unit 132 may generate management information based on the suction information collected from a plurality of users without identifying the users, or may generate management information related to a specific user based on the suction information of the specific user. As described above, the "management information" may be information obtained by processing the suction information by any method. For example, the "management information" may be information indicating the result of statistically processing the date and time, the information of the suction area, etc. included in the suction information. Thus, the management information generation process ends.

[0070] (3-3) Control Processing of the Electronic Device 30 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the control process of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The process is a process in which the server 10 generates control information and the electronic device 30 executes various operations according to the control information.

[0071] First, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 execute a pairing process (S30). Specifically, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 transmit and receive a predetermined key. Then, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 314 of the electronic device 30, and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 22.

[0072] Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits a request signal for requesting control information to the server 10 (S32). Here, the request signal may include any information regarding the electronic device 30. For example, the request signal may include either the device ID of the electronic device 30 or the function ID of the electronic device 30. The function ID of the electronic device 30 may include the function ID related to the aerosol generation function described above. Further, the request signal may include the position information acquired by the electronic device 30 and / or the position information acquired by the user terminal 20.

[0073] Next, when the control information generation unit 133 of the server 10 receives a request signal for requesting control information from the user terminal 20, it generates control information according to the information included in the request signal (S33). For example, when the request signal includes a device ID, the control information generation unit 133 may refer to the function management table to extract the function ID associated with the device ID, and generate control information for controlling the function related to the function ID. Also, for example, when the request signal includes a function ID, the control information generation unit 133 may refer to the function management table to generate control information for controlling the function related to the function ID. Also, for example, when the request signal includes the position information of the electronic device 30 and / or the user terminal 20, the control information generation unit 133 determines the suction area based on the position information, and then refers to the suction area management table stored in the storage unit 12 to generate control information for controlling the functions (for example, the aerosol generation function) that can be used in the determined suction area. The mode of control related to the control information is not particularly limited as long as it relates to the control of the function. For example, it may be for controlling the ON / OFF switching of the function, adjusting parameters such as the intensity of the function, and switching the mode of the function.

[0074] Next, the transmission unit 134 of the server 10 transmits the generated control information to the user terminal 20 (S34). Next, the output unit 23 of the user terminal 20 executes an output process for outputting the content related to the control information according to the control information received from the server 10 (S35). The mode and content of the output are not particularly limited. For example, the output unit 23 of the user terminal 20 may display on the display the aerosol generation function that can be used in the area, the fact that the user is in an area where suction is possible, etc., or may output audio through a speaker.

[0075] Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the control information received from the server 10 to the electronic device 30 (S36). Next, the output unit 311 of the electronic device 30 executes output processing for outputting the content related to the control information in accordance with the control information received from the user terminal 20 (S37). Although the mode and content of the output are not particularly limited, for example, the electronic device 30 may display on the display the aerosol generation function available in the area, the fact that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible, etc., may output sound through a speaker, or may turn on and display according to a predetermined pattern according to the notification content by an LED or the like. Note that the transmission unit 134 of the server 10 may directly transmit the generated control information to the electronic device 30. Next, when the control unit 317a of the electronic device 30 receives the control information, it executes an operation according to the control information (S38). For example, the control unit 317a controls the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generation unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33) according to the control information. Thus, the control process ends.

[0076] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting and interpreting the present invention. Each element included in the embodiments and its arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate. Also, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments.

[0077] 1... Information processing system, 10... Server, 11... Communication unit, 12... Storage unit, 13... Processing unit, 131... Registration unit, 132... Management information generation unit, 133... Control information generation unit, 20... User terminal, 21... Communication unit, 22... Storage unit, 23... Output unit, 24... Operation unit, 25... Processing unit, 251... Registration unit, 252... Location information acquisition unit, 253... Pairing unit, 30... Electronic device, 31... First member, 311... Output unit, 312... Battery, 313... Sensor, 314... Storage unit, 315... Communication unit, 316... Operation unit, 317... Processing unit, 317a... Control unit, 317b... Suction information generation unit, 317c... Location information acquisition unit, 317d... Pairing unit, 317e... Transmission unit, 317f... Reception unit, 32... Second member, 321... Reservoir, 322... Atomization unit, 323... Air intake flow path, 324... Aerosol flow path, 325... Suction port part, 33... Third member, 331... Scent source

Claims

1. An electronic device for generating an aerosol for attraction, comprising: a control unit for controlling the generation of the aerosol by an aerosol generation unit; a receiving unit for receiving, from a user terminal, control information for controlling a function related to a function ID for identifying the function of the electronic device; and the control unit executes an operation according to the control information received by the receiving unit.

2. The electronic device further comprises an output unit for outputting information, and the control unit controls the output unit to output information according to the control information received by the receiving unit. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit outputs information according to the position of the electronic device. The electronic device according to Claim 2.

4. The control unit outputs information according to the position of the user terminal. The electronic device according to Claim 3.

5. The function of the electronic device includes a position information function for acquiring position information of the electronic device. The electronic device according to Claim 3 or 4.

6. The function of the electronic device includes at least one of a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a sound function. The electronic device according to any one of Claims 2 to 5.

7. The control information includes information for switching ON / OFF of the function related to the function ID. The electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The control information includes information for adjusting parameters of the function related to the function ID. The electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. The control information includes information for switching modes of the function related to the function ID. The electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. The electronic device further comprises a transmitting unit for transmitting the function ID, and the control information is generated based on the function ID transmitted by the transmitting unit. The electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

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