Information processing device, information processing system, information processing terminal, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that can present setting information to a user for a device whose setting information is not stored.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: a storage unit that stores information for settings of multiple types of suction devices; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a suction device from a user terminal connected to the suction device in response to activation of a suction tool; an identification unit that identifies information for settings corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs the information for settings identified by the identification unit to the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing terminal, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technique has been developed that provides a user who is using a product for the first time with an initial setup guide for the product. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a digital broadcast receiving device equipped with an electronic guide function provides guide information required by a user who uses the electronic guide.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses that in a cooker using a liquid crystal display, initial setting information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, thereby providing a liquid crystal display device for the cooker that allows the user to make initial settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-288659 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-222936 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, initial setup guide information stored in the product itself is provided to the user, so that in Patent Document 1, the initial setup guide information needs to be stored in the product in advance.

[0006] In addition, in Patent Document 2, the initial setting information stored in the liquid crystal display device is displayed based on the user's selection. Therefore, in Patent Document 2 as well, the initial setting information needs to be stored in the liquid crystal display device in advance.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can present setting information to a user for a device that does not store setting information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores information for setting up multiple types of suction devices, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the suction device from a user terminal connected to the suction device in response to activation of the suction device, an identification unit that identifies information for setting up corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the information for setting up identified by the identification unit to the user terminal.

[0009] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes acquiring identification information of a suction device from a user terminal connected to the suction device in response to activation of the suction device, identifying setting information corresponding to the acquired identification information based on information for setting multiple types of suction devices stored in a memory unit, and outputting the identified setting information to the user terminal.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to implement an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a suction device from a user terminal connected to the suction device in response to activation of the suction device, an identification unit that identifies setting information corresponding to the acquired identification information based on information for setting multiple types of suction devices stored in a memory unit, and an output unit that outputs the identified setting information to the user terminal.

[0011] In this invention, the terms "unit" and "device" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "unit" or "device" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "unit" or "device" may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "units" or "devices" may be realized by one physical means or device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that can present setting information to a user for a device that does not store setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the suction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals wherever possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0015] <<Example of information processing system configuration>> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 illustratively includes n (n is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) suction apparatuses 1a to 1n, n (n is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) user terminals 2a to 2n connected to the n suction apparatuses 1a to 1n, respectively, and an information processing server 3 configured to be able to communicate with the user terminals 2a to 2n via a network N. In the following description, when the n suction apparatuses are described without distinction, they are simply referred to as "suction apparatus 1" with some of the reference numerals omitted. Similarly, when the n user terminals are described without distinction, they are simply referred to as "user terminal 2" with some of the reference numerals omitted. The suction apparatus 1 and the user terminal 2, which have the same alphabetical reference numeral at the end, are considered to be owned by the same user. For example, the suction apparatus 1a and the user terminal 2a are owned by the same user.

[0016] The information processing system 10 is a so-called client-server system. The information processing system 10 is realized by mutual communication between n user terminals 2, which are clients, and an information processing server 3 via a network N. The network N may be realized by, for example, a network such as the Internet or a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a network that combines these.

[0017] The inhalation device 1 is an electronic device that produces a substance to be inhaled by a user. The inhalation device 1 corresponds to an inhaler or a flavor inhaler. Configuration examples of inhalation devices that can be the inhalation device 1 will be described later.

[0018] The user terminal 2 is a portable electronic device with a communication function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0019] The information processing server 3 is a computer having an information processing function. The information processing server 3 is realized by, for example, one or more (at least one) server devices. An example configuration of the information processing server 3 will be described later. The information processing server 3 is an example of an information processing device.

[0020] The suction device 1 and the user terminal 2 are associated with each other, and can transmit and receive data between them by performing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication. Note that data transmission and reception between the suction device 1 and the user terminal 2 is not limited to BLE communication and may be performed using any communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), or NFC (Near Field Communication). Furthermore, data transmission and reception between the suction device 1 and the user terminal 2 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication and may be wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Mini USB, Micro USB, or Lightning.

[0021] <<Example of suction device configuration>> An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0022] (1) First configuration example FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 2, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor-imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor-imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130.

[0023] Power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of suction device 100A under the control of control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured with, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0024] Sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to suction device 100A. As an example, sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0025] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0026] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100A. Storage unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. Storage unit 114A may store a registration code. Storage unit 114A may also store a device ID. The registration code and device ID will be described later.

[0027] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0028] Control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. Control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0029] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0030] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0031] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating 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 inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0032] Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0033] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, a liquid guide section 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet 181), and a flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet 182). The air that flows in from the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and as shown by a mark 190, passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor contained in the flavor source 131 is mixed with the aerosol. The ingredients are applied to the aerosol.

[0034] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0035] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0036] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0037] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0038] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0039] (2) Second configuration example 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0040] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0041] When the power supply unit 111A and the power supply unit 111B are described without distinguishing between them, they will be referred to as the power supply unit 111. Similarly, the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112B will be referred to as the sensor unit 112, the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B will be referred to as the notification unit 113, the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B will be referred to as the memory unit 114, the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B will be referred to as the communication unit 115, the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B will be referred to as the control unit 116, and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B will be referred to as the heating unit 121.

[0042] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an entrance for air to this flow path, is located in, for example, the bottom 143. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0043] Stick-shaped substrate 150 includes substrate portion 151 and mouthpiece portion 152. Substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by holder 140, at least a portion of substrate portion 151 is contained in internal space 141, and at least a portion of mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from opening 142. When a user holds mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from substrate portion 151.

[0044] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 3, 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. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0045] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0046] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0047] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0048] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0049] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by heating unit 121B, but may be induction heating, for example.

[0050] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet 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 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0051] <<Example of information processing server configuration>> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing server 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. Each unit is connected to one another via a bus line.

[0052] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the information processing server 3 in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the control unit 31 is configured with an electronic circuit such as a processor. For example, the processor is a CPU or the like. The control unit 31 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 32 to realize each unit described below and perform various operations.

[0053] The storage unit 32 is composed of a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. For example, the main storage unit is composed of a volatile memory that provides a working area for the processor. For example, the main storage unit is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. For example, the auxiliary storage unit is composed of a non-volatile memory that stores various information and programs for the operation of the information processing server 3. For example, the auxiliary storage unit is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The storage unit 32 stores programs that cause the control unit 31 to realize each unit described below. The storage unit 32 stores a user information DB 321 and a setting information DB 322.

[0054] The user information DB321 is a database that stores user information that is information unique to a user who owns the user terminal 2. For example, the user information DB321 includes user information records that are configured with at least one of a registration code, a user ID, a device ID, user data, and a registration flag. The user ID is an identifier that is uniquely assigned to a user. The user ID is an example of user identification information. The user ID is used for user registration by the information processing server 3. The user ID is input by the user from an input unit (not shown) of the user terminal 2 and is set at the time of user registration. The user ID is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information processing server 3 at the time of user registration and is stored in the user information DB321.

[0055] The registration code is information used to register the suction device 1 with the information processing server 3. The registration code is composed of, for example, a combination of a predetermined number of alphanumeric characters, and is provided for each suction device 1. The registration code is transmitted from the suction device 1 via the user terminal 2 to the information processing server 3 and stored in the user information DB 321.

[0056] The device ID is the device ID of the suction device 1 associated with the user terminal 2. The device ID of the suction device 1 is identification information that identifies each individual suction device 1. The device ID is, for example, a serial number. The device ID is an example of identification information for the suction device 1. The device ID is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information processing server 3 and stored in the user information DB 321.

[0057] User data is data that identifies a user. The user data is used for user registration by the information processing server 3. For example, the user data includes at least one of information indicating the user name, the user's gender, age, and personal identification information. The personal identification information is, for example, an image of an official identification document such as a driver's license or a My Number card, or an electronic certificate for personal identification read from a My Number card or the like. The personal identification information may be, for example, any information that can verify the user's age. The user data is input by the user from an input unit (not shown) of the user terminal 2 at the time of user registration or when updating the user registration thereafter. The user data is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information processing server 3 and stored in the user information DB 321.

[0058] The registration flag is information indicating that user registration has been completed in the information processing server 3. Adding the registration flag enables the user to use various services provided by the information processing server 3. User registration is, for example, account registration for authenticating the user. The user information may be updated as appropriate. The user information may include information other than the above.

[0059] The setting information DB 322 is a database that records information for setting up multiple types of suction devices 1. Hereinafter, the information for setting up the suction device 1 will also be referred to as "setting information." The setting information varies depending on the type of suction device 1. For example, the setting information is guide information that shows the procedure for setting up the suction device 1 that the user performs when using the suction device 1 for the first time. The setting information DB 322 stores the setting information in association with type information of the suction device 1. For example, the type information is information such as the model number and version information of the suction device 1. The type information of the suction device 1 may be part of the device ID of the suction device 1, or may be information associated with the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1 by a database (not shown). The data of the setting information DB 322 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 32, or may be downloaded to the information processing server 3 from a server (not shown) via the network N. The setting information DB 322 may be updated as appropriate.

[0060] The communication unit 33 is configured with one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication conforming to any wireless communication standard. The communication unit 33 includes one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication between the information processing server 3 and the user terminal 2 via the network N as described above.

[0061] The hardware configuration of the information processing server 3 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The information processing server 3 allows the omission or modification of the above-described components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0062] Each unit realized in the control unit 31 will be described below. The control unit 31 realizes an acquisition unit 311, an identification unit 312, a determination unit 313, an execution unit 314, and an output unit 315. Each unit realized in the control unit 31 can also be referred to as each function. Realizing each unit in the control unit 31 can also be referred to as realizing each unit in a processor.

[0063] The acquisition unit 311 acquires, for example, a registration code from the user terminal 2 that connects to the suction device 1 in response to activation of the suction device 1 via the communication unit 33. The acquisition unit 311 may also acquire, via the communication unit 33, a device ID of the suction device 1 from the user terminal 2 that connects to the suction device 1 in response to activation of the suction device 1. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 311 acquires information used for user registration from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 33. Information used for user registration is hereinafter also referred to as "user registration information." The user registration information includes a user ID. At the time of user registration or when updating user registration, the user registration information includes user data in addition to the user ID. If a user has previously completed user registration and does not update the user registration, the user registration information may not include user data.

[0064] User registration refers to registering user registration information of a user who uses the suction device 1 in the information processing server 3. User registration may refer to registering the suction device 1, i.e., registering the suction device 1 (so-called device registration). User registration may also refer to registering a user who uses the suction device 1. User registration may be completed when either registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) or user registration is completed. User registration may also be completed when both registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and user registration are completed.

[0065] The user registration information includes at least one of a registration code, a device ID, and a user ID. The user registration information may include only one of the registration code, the device ID, and the user ID. The user registration information may include multiple pieces of information from the registration code, the device ID, and the user ID.

[0066] The identifying unit 312 identifies the setting information corresponding to the registration code or device ID acquired by the acquiring unit 311 .

[0067] The determination unit 313 determines whether or not user registration of the user is complete based on the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 determines whether or not registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) is complete based on a registration code or an equipment ID in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not user registration is complete based on a user ID included in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not both registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and user registration are complete.

[0068] In response to the determination by the determination unit 313 that the user registration of the user has not been completed, the execution unit 314 executes the user registration of the user based on the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311.

[0069] The output unit 315 outputs the setting information identified by the identification unit 312 to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 33.

[0070] <<Example of processing by an information processing server>> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For simplicity of explanation, the following will be described using as an example a user A, a suction device 1a, and a user terminal 2a. User A is a user who owns the suction device 1a and the user terminal 2a.

[0071] In response to the activation of the suction device 1a, the acquisition unit 311 acquires a registration code or a device ID of the suction device 1a from the user terminal 2a connected to the suction device 1a (step S1). In step S1, for example, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the user registration information of the user A together with the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a from the user terminal 2a via the communication unit 33. In this example, in response to activation such as initial activation, the suction device 1a transmits the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a to the user terminal 2a. In response to the activation of the suction device 1a, the user terminal 2a becomes able to communicate with the suction device 1a and receives the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a transmitted from the suction device 1a. In response to receiving the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a from the suction device 1a, the user terminal 2a transmits the user registration information of the user A together with the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a to the information processing server 3 via the network N. The user registration information is information input by user A from an input unit (not shown) of the user terminal 2a. The user registration information includes a user ID. When registering a user or updating a user registration, the user registration information may include user data in addition to the user ID. The acquisition unit 311 may acquire both the registration code and the device ID of the suction device 1a.

[0072] A case will be described where the user ID of user A acquired by the acquisition unit 311 is already present in the user information DB 321. If the user registration of user A has already been completed, the user ID of user A is already present in the user information DB 321. The acquisition unit 311 adds the acquired registration code or device ID to the user information DB 321 one by one, in association with the user ID already present in the user information DB 321. Note that, if the user registration information includes user data, the acquisition unit 311 adds the user data associated with the user ID to the user information DB 321 so as to update it. This can update the user registration. Normally, the user registration of user A is completed, so that a registration flag is added in association with the user ID of user A in the user information DB 321.

[0073] A case will be described where the user ID of user A acquired by acquisition unit 311 does not exist in user information DB 321. Acquisition unit 311 adds a user information record that associates the acquired registration code or device ID with the user ID and user data included in the acquired user registration information to user information DB 321. Because user registration of user A has not been completed, a registration flag has not been added in the user information DB 321 in association with the user ID of user A.

[0074] The identification unit 312 identifies setting information corresponding to the registration code or device ID acquired by the acquisition unit 311 (step S2). In step S2, for example, the identification unit 312 acquires the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a acquired by the acquisition unit 311 from the user information DB 321. The identification unit 312 acquires type information of the suction device 1a based on part of the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a or on a database not shown. The identification unit 312 identifies setting information associated with the type information of the suction device 1a based on the setting information DB 322.

[0075] The determination unit 313 determines whether or not the user registration of user A is complete based on the user registration information (step S3). In step S3, for example, the determination unit 313 obtains the user ID obtained by the obtaining unit 311 from the user information DB 321. The determination unit 313 determines whether or not the user registration is complete based on a registration flag associated with the user ID. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not the user registration is complete by comparing the user ID with a database (not shown) that manages information on registered users. Note that in this embodiment, "completion" of user registration includes a state in which the user has already been registered, that is, a state in which the user has already been registered.

[0076] If the determination unit 313 determines that the user registration of user A is complete (step S3: YES), the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5. If the determination unit 313 determines that the user registration of user A is not complete (step S3: NO), the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4.

[0077] In response to the determination by the determination unit 313 that the user registration of user A has not been completed, the execution unit 314 executes the user registration of user A based on the user registration information (step S4). In step S4, for example, the execution unit 314 acquires user data included in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311 from the user information DB 321. The execution unit 314 executes the user registration of user A based on the user data. The execution unit 314 adds a registration flag in association with the user ID of user A in the user information DB 321. The execution of user registration by the execution unit 314 corresponds to a state in which the user has been registered. According to this example, the information processing server 3 can execute the user registration without newly acquiring user registration information from user A.

[0078] In an example where the user data includes user A's personal identification information, the execution unit 314 executes user registration for user A based on user A's personal identification information. If user A has reached a predetermined age, the execution unit 314 executes user registration for user A. On the other hand, if user A has not reached the predetermined age, the execution unit 314 does not execute user registration for user A. According to this example, the information processing server 3 can verify the age of user A when executing user registration. Therefore, the information processing server 3 can encourage use of the suction device 1a in accordance with age restrictions.

[0079] The output unit 315 outputs the setting information identified by the identification unit 312 to the user terminal 2a (step S5). In step S5, for example, the output unit 315 outputs the setting information for the suction device 1a identified by the identification unit 312 to the user terminal 2a via the communication unit 33. Note that in this embodiment, "outputting" by the output unit 315 includes "transmitting" data.

[0080] For example, the output unit 315 outputs the setting information to the user terminal 2a according to the user registration status of user A based on the user registration information. The user registration status is a state in which the user is registered. In response to the determination unit 313 determining that the user registration of user A is complete, the output unit 315 outputs the setting information of the suction device 1a to the user terminal 2a. The determination unit 313 determining that the user registration of user A is complete corresponds to the state in which the user is registered. Alternatively, the output unit 315 outputs the setting information of the suction device 1a to the user terminal 2a in response to the execution unit 314 executing the user registration of user A. The execution unit 314 executing the user registration of user A corresponds to the state in which the user is registered. According to this example, the information processing server 3 can present the setting information only to users whose user registration has been completed. Therefore, the information processing server 3 can suppress use by users whose user registration has not been completed.

[0081] Note that, in the processing by the information processing server 3 described above, steps S3 to S4 may be omitted. That is, in step S1, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a from the user terminal 2a via the communication unit 33, but does not need to acquire user registration information. The information processing server 3 does not determine whether user registration is complete or execute user registration. In response to acquisition of the identification information of the suction device 1a by the acquisition unit 311, the output unit 315 may output the setting information identified by the identification unit 312 to the user terminal 2a.

[0082] Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 5, if the user registration is not completed for a predetermined reason during the user registration execution in step S4, the information processing server 3 may output an error signal to the user terminal 2 indicating that the user registration cannot be completed. When outputting the error information, the output unit 315 does not output the setting information. An example of the predetermined reason is that the user data does not contain personal identification information. Another example of the predetermined reason is that the age of the user in the personal identification information included in the user data has not reached a predetermined age. Another example is that the acquired registration code or device ID has already been used for user registration of another user. Note that the predetermined reason is not limited to these examples and may be any reason that the user registration cannot be executed. The error signal may include information regarding the predetermined reason.

[0083] According to this example, the user terminal 2a can externally acquire setting information corresponding to the suction device 1a used by user A. Therefore, even if the setting information is not pre-stored in the suction device 1a or the user terminal 2a, the information processing server 3 can present the setting information to user A. This can also save memory resources of the suction device 1a or the user terminal 2a. Furthermore, the information processing server 3 can present setting information corresponding to the suction device 1a required by user A at the required timing, without requiring user A to search for the setting information.

[0084] The information processing device according to the first embodiment may be realized by one device, as explained using the information processing server 3 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0085] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, setting information is displayed on a user terminal based on identification information of a suction device. In the second embodiment, the user terminal is an example of an information processing terminal. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0086] <<Example of information processing server configuration>> FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit 32 stores a program that causes the control unit 31 to realize each unit described below. The storage unit 32 stores a user information DB 321. Unlike the first embodiment, the storage unit 32 does not store a setting information DB 322. The hardware configuration of the information processing server 3 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The information processing server 3 allows the omission or modification of the above-described components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0087] Each unit realized in the control unit 31 will be described. The control unit 31 realizes an acquisition unit 311, a determination unit 313, an execution unit 314, and an output unit 315. Unlike the first embodiment, the control unit 31 does not have an identification unit 312. Note that each unit realized in the control unit 31 can also be referred to as each function. Realizing each unit in the control unit 31 can also be referred to as realizing each unit in a processor.

[0088] The acquisition unit 311 acquires the user registration information of the user from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 33 .

[0089] The determination unit 313 determines whether or not user registration of the user is complete based on the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 determines whether or not registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) is complete based on a registration code or an equipment ID in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not user registration is complete based on a user ID included in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not both registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and user registration are complete.

[0090] In response to the determination by the determination unit 313 that the user registration of the user has not been completed, the execution unit 314 executes the user registration of the user based on the user registration information.

[0091] The output unit 315 outputs a notification to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 33. The notification is a notification regarding the completion of the user's user registration. The notification indicates that the user has completed user registration. The completion of user registration corresponds to the completion of the user's user registration or the execution of the user's user registration.

[0092] <<Example of user terminal configuration>> FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 2a includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a detection unit 26. Each unit is connected to one another via a bus line.

[0093] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the user terminal 2a in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the control unit 21 is configured with an electronic circuit such as a processor. For example, the processor is a CPU or the like.

[0094] The storage unit 22 is configured with a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, similar to the above-mentioned storage unit 32. The storage unit 22 stores a program that causes the control unit 21 to realize each unit described below. The storage unit 22 stores a setting information DB 221 and an application 222.

[0095] The setting information DB 221, like the setting information DB 322 described above, is a database that stores setting information of the suction device 1. The data of the setting information DB 221 may be downloaded from the information processing server 3 via the network N, or may be downloaded to the user terminal 2a from a server (not shown) via the network N. The setting information DB 322 may be updated as appropriate. The data of the setting information DB 322 may be downloaded together with the download of the application 222.

[0096] The application 222 is an application program that provides various functions to the user terminal 2a. The application 222 may be downloaded from the information processing server 3 via the network N, or may be downloaded to the user terminal 2a from a server (not shown) via the network N. The application 222 may be updated as appropriate. For example, the application 222 provides a function to display setting information stored in the setting information DB 221 on the display unit 24. For example, the application 222 displays setting information for multiple types of suction devices 1 on the display unit 24. For example, the application 222 provides a function to enable the display of setting information stored in the setting information DB 221.

[0097] The input unit 23 receives instructions or captures data based on operations by a user. For example, the input unit 23 is configured with a keyboard, a touchpad, a camera, or the like.

[0098] The display unit 24 displays various screens. For example, the display unit 24 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0099] The communication unit 25 is configured with one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. The communication unit 25 includes one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication between the user terminal 2a and the suction device 1a as described above. The communication unit 25 includes one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication between the user terminal 2a and the information processing server 3 via the network N as described above.

[0100] The detection unit 26 is composed of sensors that detect various types of information. The detection unit 26 includes a sensor that detects location information of the user terminal 2a. For example, the location information is information indicating latitude and longitude. For example, the sensor that detects the location information is a GPS sensor.

[0101] The hardware configuration of the user terminal 2a is not limited to the above configuration. The user terminal 2a allows the above components to be omitted or modified and new components to be added as appropriate. Here, an example configuration of the user terminal 2a has been described, but the configurations of the user terminals 2 other than the user terminal 2a are the same as the configuration of the user terminal 2a, so their description will be omitted.

[0102] Each unit realized in the control unit 21 will be described below. The control unit 21 realizes a first acquisition unit 211, a second acquisition unit 212, an identification unit 213, an activation unit 214, a first output unit 215, and a second output unit 216. Note that each unit realized in the control unit 21 can also be referred to as each function. Realizing each unit in the control unit 21 can also be referred to as realizing each unit in a processor.

[0103] The first acquisition unit 211 acquires the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1 from the suction device 1 via the communication unit 25 in response to activation of the suction device 1. Note that the first acquisition unit 211 may acquire both the registration code and the device ID of the suction device 1 from the suction device 1.

[0104] The second acquisition unit 212 acquires the notification from the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 25.

[0105] In response to the notification obtained by the second obtaining unit 212, the specifying unit 213 specifies the setting information corresponding to the registration code or the device ID.

[0106] The validation unit 214 validates the display of the setting information identified by the identification unit 213 based on the notification acquired by the second acquisition unit 212.

[0107] The first output unit 215 outputs the user registration information to the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 25 in response to the first acquisition unit 211 acquiring the registration code or the device ID.

[0108] The second output unit 216 outputs the setting information identified by the identification unit 213 to the display unit 24. As a result, the display unit 24 displays the setting information identified by the identification unit 213.

[0109] <<Example of processing by an information processing server>> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For simplicity of explanation, the following will be described using as an example a user A, a suction device 1a, and a user terminal 2a. User A is a user who owns the suction device 1a and the user terminal 2a.

[0110] The acquisition unit 311 acquires the user registration information of user A (step S11). In step S11, for example, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the user registration information of user A from the user terminal 2a via the communication unit 33. The user registration information of user A is transmitted from the user terminal 2a connected to the suction device 1a to the information processing server 3 in response to activation of the suction device 1a. The user registration information includes a user ID. At the time of user registration or at the time of updating the user registration, the user registration information includes user data in addition to the user ID. As in the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 311 adds the acquired user registration information to the user information DB 321.

[0111] The determination unit 313 determines whether or not the user registration of the user A is complete based on the user registration information (step S12). In step S12, for example, the determination unit 313 determines whether or not the user registration of the user A is complete, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0112] If the judgment unit 313 determines that the user registration of user A is complete (step S12: YES), the process proceeds from step S12 to step S14. If the judgment unit 313 determines that the user registration of user A is not complete (step S12: NO), the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13.

[0113] In response to the determination by the determination unit 313 that the user registration of user A has not been completed, the execution unit 314 executes the user registration of user A (step S13). In step S13, for example, the execution unit 314 executes the user registration of user A, similar to the first embodiment. According to this example, the information processing server 3 can execute the user registration without newly acquiring user registration information from user A.

[0114] In an example where the user data includes user A's personal identification information, the execution unit 314 executes user registration for user A based on the user A's personal identification information. According to this example, the information processing server 3 can confirm the user's age when executing user registration. Therefore, the information processing server 3 can encourage use of the suction device 1a in accordance with age restrictions.

[0115] The output unit 315 outputs a notification to the user terminal 2a (step S14). In step S14, for example, the output unit 315 outputs a notification regarding the completion of user A's user registration to the user terminal 2a via the communication unit 33. For example, in response to the determination unit 313 determining that user A's user registration is complete, the output unit 315 outputs a notification indicating that user A's user registration is complete to the user terminal 2a. Alternatively, in response to the execution unit 314 executing user A's user registration, the output unit 315 outputs a notification indicating that user A's user registration has been executed to the user terminal 2a. Note that "outputting" to the user terminal 2a includes "sending" data to the user terminal 2a.

[0116] 8, if the user registration is not completed for a predetermined reason during the execution of the user registration, the information processing server 3 may output an error signal indicating that the user registration cannot be completed to the user terminal 2. The error signal may include information regarding the predetermined reason.

[0117] <<Example of processing by user terminal>> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a user terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted or replaced as appropriate depending on the embodiment. Substitutions and additions are possible. For simplicity of explanation, the following will be described using as an example a user A, a suction device 1a, and a user terminal 2a. User A is a user who owns the suction device 1a and the user terminal 2a.

[0118] The first acquisition unit 211 acquires a registration code or a device ID of the suction device 1a from the suction device 1a via the communication unit 25 in response to the activation of the suction device 1a (step S21). In step S21, for example, the first acquisition unit 211 receives a registration code or a device ID of the suction device 1a from the suction device 1a via the communication unit 25 in response to the initial activation of the suction device 1a. In this example, the user terminal 2a becomes able to communicate with the suction device 1a in response to the activation of the suction device 1a, and receives the registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a transmitted from the suction device 1a. The first acquisition unit 211 saves the acquired registration code or the device ID of the suction device 1a in the storage unit 22. The acquired registration code or the device ID is stored in the storage unit 22 one by one. Note that the first acquisition unit 211 may acquire both the registration code and the device ID of the suction device 1a from the suction device 1a in response to the activation of the suction device 1a.

[0119] In response to the acquisition of the registration code or the device ID by the first acquisition unit 211, the first output unit 215 outputs the user registration information to the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 25 (step S22). In step S22, for example, the first output unit 215 outputs the user registration information input by the user A via the input unit 23 to the information processing server 3. The user registration information includes a user ID. At the time of user registration or update of the user registration, the user registration information includes user data in addition to the user ID. The user registration information input via the input unit 23 is stored in the storage unit 22 one by one. The user registration information may be updated as appropriate based on the input by the user A. For example, in response to the acquisition of the registration code or the device ID by the first acquisition unit 211, the first output unit 215 acquires the user registration information from the storage unit 22. The first output unit 215 outputs the acquired user registration information to the information processing server 3.

[0120] The second acquisition unit 212 acquires a notification regarding the completion of user A's user registration from the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 25 (step S23). In step S23, for example, the second acquisition unit 212 acquires a notification regarding the completion of user A's user registration based on the user registration information output by the first output unit 215. The notification regarding the completion of user A's user registration is a response to the user registration information output by the first output unit 215, and is therefore a notification based on the user registration information. For example, the second acquisition unit 212 acquires a notification indicating that user A's user registration has been completed from the information processing server 3. Alternatively, the second acquisition unit 212 acquires a notification indicating that user A's user registration has been executed from the information processing server 3.

[0121] If the second acquisition unit 212 has acquired the notification (step S23: YES), the process proceeds from step S23 to step S24. If the second acquisition unit 212 has not acquired the notification (step S23: NO), the process ends.

[0122] In response to the acquisition of the notification by the second acquisition unit 212, the identification unit 213 identifies the setting information corresponding to the registration code or device ID (step S24). In step S24, for example, the identification unit 213 acquires the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a from the storage unit 22. The identification unit 212 identifies type information of the suction device 1a based on the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a. The type information may be part of the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a, or may be associated with the registration code or device ID of the suction device 1a by a database (not shown) stored in the storage unit 22. The identification unit 213 identifies the setting information associated with the type information of the suction device 1a based on the setting information DB 221.

[0123] The enabling unit 214 enables the display of the setting information identified by the identifying unit 213 based on the notification acquired by the second acquiring unit 212 (step S25). In step S25, for example, the enabling unit 214 enables the display of only the setting information identified by the identifying unit 213 among the setting information stored in the setting information DB 221. On the other hand, the enabling unit 214 maintains the disablement of the display of the setting information other than the setting information identified by the identifying unit 213 among the setting information stored in the setting information DB 221.

[0124] In response to the enabling of the display of the setting information identified by the identifying unit 213 by the enabling unit 214, the second output unit 216 outputs the setting information identified by the identifying unit 213 to the display unit 24 (step S26). In step S26, for example, the second output unit 216 outputs the setting information of the suction device 1a to the display unit 24. As a result, the display unit 24 displays the setting information of the suction device 1a. The display of the setting information of the suction device 1a is realized, for example, by the display function of the application 222.

[0125] According to this example, the user terminal 2a can externally acquire setting information of the suction device 1a used by the user A. Therefore, even if the setting information is not pre-stored in the suction device 1a, the user terminal 2a can present the setting information to the user A. This also saves memory resources of the suction device 1a. Furthermore, according to this example, the user terminal 2a can enable display of the setting information only for users whose user registration has been completed. Therefore, the user terminal 2a can be prevented from being used by users whose user registration has not been completed.

[0126] In addition, in the processing by the user terminal 2a described above, step S25 may be omitted. In this example, the display of the setting information stored in the setting information DB 221 is valid regardless of whether or not a notification is acquired by the second acquisition unit 212. In step S26, the second output unit 216 outputs the setting information identified by the identification unit 213 to the display unit 24 based on the notification acquired by the second acquisition unit 212.

[0127] Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 9 , if user registration cannot be completed for a predetermined reason during user registration execution, the user terminal 2 may acquire an error signal from the information processing server 3 indicating that user registration cannot be completed. The error signal may include information regarding the predetermined reason. When the user terminal 2 acquires the error signal, it does not enable the display of the setting information and does not output the setting information to the display unit 24. The user terminal 2 may display the predetermined reason included in the acquired error signal on the display unit 24.

[0128] According to this example, the user terminal 2a can externally acquire setting information of the suction device 1a used by user A. Therefore, even if the setting information is not pre-stored in the suction device 1a, the user terminal 2a can present the setting information to user A. This also saves memory resources of the suction device 1a. Furthermore, according to this example, the user terminal 2a can present the setting information only to users whose user registration has been completed. Therefore, the user terminal 2a can be prevented from being used by users whose user registration has not been completed. Furthermore, the user terminal 2a can present setting information corresponding to the suction device 1a required by user A at the required timing, without requiring user A to search for the setting information.

[0129] The information processing device according to the second embodiment may be realized by one device as explained using the information processing server 3 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. The information processing terminal according to the second embodiment may be realized by one device as explained using the user terminal 2 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0130] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in a device, or in a state where it is not stored in a device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it is a medium that can store the program and is computer-readable, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

[0131] <<Additional Information>> [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, the information processing server 3 outputs setting information of the suction device 1 to the user terminal 2 of a user whose user registration has been completed. Variation 1 is an example in which the information processing server 3 outputs a control signal for enabling the suction device 1 of a user whose user registration has been completed, in addition to outputting the setting information. In Variation 1, some or all of the functions of the suction device 1 are restricted or disabled until user registration is completed.

[0132] It should be noted that the user terminal 2 that has acquired the setting information, rather than the information processing server 3, may output a control signal for enabling the suction device 1 of a user who has completed user registration.

[0133] The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the first modification, the differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0134] <<Example of information processing server configuration>> The determination unit 313 determines, based on the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311, whether or not the user registration of the user has been completed.

[0135] The output unit 315 is capable of outputting a control signal for controlling the suction device 1 via the communication unit 33 and the user terminal 2. The control signal for controlling the suction device 1 is, for example, a signal for enabling the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1.

[0136] The control signal may be, for example, a signal for controlling the notification unit 113 of the suction device 1. If the notification unit 113 is a light-emitting device, the control signal is, for example, a signal for changing the color or pattern of light emission. For example, the control signal is a signal for causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined color or pattern when user registration is complete. If the notification unit 113 is a display device that displays an image, the control signal is, for example, a signal for causing the display device to display predetermined information. For example, the control signal is, for example, a signal for causing the display device to display information indicating that user registration has been completed when user registration has been completed. If the notification unit 113 is a sound output device that outputs sound, the control signal is, for example, a signal for causing the sound output device to output a predetermined sound indicating that user registration has been completed when user registration has been completed. If the notification unit 113 is a vibration device that vibrates, the control signal is a signal for changing the vibration pattern. Note that the control signal is not limited to these examples. The control signal is, for example, a signal that causes the vibration device to output a predetermined vibration indicating that user registration has been completed when user registration has been completed.

[0137] The output unit 315 not only outputs a notification regarding the completion of user registration to the user terminal 2a, but also outputs a control signal for controlling the suction device 1 via the user terminal 2. For example, when the determination unit 313 determines that user registration is complete, the output unit 315 outputs a control signal for controlling the suction device 1. Furthermore, for example, when user registration is executed by the execution unit 314, the output unit 315 outputs a control signal for controlling the suction device 1. For example, the output unit 315 outputs a control signal for enabling the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1.

[0138] <<Example of user terminal configuration>> When the control unit 21 acquires a control signal for controlling the suction device 1 from the information processing server 3, the control unit 21 outputs the control signal to the suction device 1 via the communication unit 25. The control unit 21 outputs a control signal to the suction device 1, for example, to enable the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1.

[0139] When the display unit 24 acquires a control signal for controlling the suction device 1 from the information processing server 3, the display unit 24 may display information indicating how the suction device 1 is controlled based on the control signal. For example, the display unit 24 may display information indicating that the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1 has been enabled based on acquiring a control signal for enabling the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1.

[0140] <Example of suction device configuration>> When control unit 116 of suction device 1 receives a control signal for controlling suction device 1 from user terminal 2, control unit 116 controls each function of suction device 1 based on the control signal.

[0141] The control unit 116 controls the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 based on the acquisition of a control signal for enabling the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1. For example, when all functions of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1 are disabled, the control unit 116 enables the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121 based on the acquisition of a control signal for enabling the operation of part or all of the heating unit 121.

[0142] Enabling a portion of the operation of the heating unit 121 means, for example, enabling the heating unit 121 to operate according to a portion of the heating profiles when a plurality of heating profiles are stored in the memory unit 114. The control unit 116 enables the heating unit 121 to operate according to a portion of the heating profile based on acquiring a control signal indicating that the heating unit 121 is to operate according to a portion of the heating profile.

[0143] The heating profile is information that defines the operation of generating an aerosol (that is, the operation of heating a substrate) performed by the suction device 1. The suction device 1 generates an aerosol by heating the substrate in accordance with the heating profile.

[0144] The heating profile is, for example, information indicating time-series changes in parameters related to the aerosol generation operation performed by the inhalation device 1. One example of the parameter is the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 sets a temperature defined in the heating profile as a target temperature and controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature is achieved in the heating unit 121. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

[0145] In feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0146] Furthermore, the control unit 116 changes the color or pattern of light emitted by the light emitting device, which is the notification unit 113 of the suction device 1, based on acquiring a control signal for changing the color or pattern of light emitted by the light emitting device. For example, the control unit 116 causes the light emitting device to emit light in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern based on acquiring a control signal for causing the light emitting device to emit light in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern indicating that user registration has been completed.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 116 causes the display device, which is the notification unit 113 of the suction device 1, to display predetermined information based on acquiring a control signal for causing the display device to display predetermined information. For example, the control unit 116 causes the display device to display information indicating that user registration has been completed based on acquiring a control signal for causing the display device to display predetermined information indicating that user registration has been completed.

[0148] Furthermore, the control unit 116 causes the sound output device, which is the notification unit 113 of the suction device 1, to output a predetermined sound based on acquiring a control signal for causing the sound output device to output a predetermined sound. For example, the control unit 116 causes the sound output device to output a sound indicating that user registration has been completed based on acquiring a control signal for causing the sound output device to output a predetermined sound indicating that user registration has been completed.

[0149] Furthermore, the control unit 116 changes the vibration pattern of the vibration device based on the acquisition of a control signal for changing the vibration pattern of the vibration device, which is the notification unit 113 of the suction device 1. For example, the control unit 116 causes the vibration device to vibrate with a predetermined vibration based on the acquisition of a control signal for vibrating with a predetermined vibration indicating that user registration has been completed.

[0150] According to this example, the suction device 1 can enable some or all of the functions of the suction device 1 based on a control signal obtained from the information processing server 3 or the user terminal 2. For example, when user registration is completed, the information processing server 3 or the user terminal 2 transmits a control signal to the suction device 1 to enable some or all of the functions of the suction device 1, so that some or all of the functions of the suction device 1 can be enabled upon completion of user registration.

[0151] [Variation 2] Modification 2 is an example of a case where, when the user terminal 2 receives smoking information related to the inhalation device 1 from the inhalation device 1 of a user who has not completed user registration, a notification prompting the user to register is displayed. The same components as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In Modification 2, the differences from the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and Modification 1 will be mainly described.

[0152] <Example of suction device configuration>> When the control unit 116 acquires various pieces of information related to the inhalation device 1, the control unit 116 outputs the acquired information to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 115. The control unit 116 outputs to the user terminal 2 values ​​associated with the user's inhalation acquired by the sensor unit 112, such as a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor. The values ​​associated with the user's inhalation may be any information related to the user's inhalation, such as puff information indicating that the user has inhaled, the number of puffs per smoking session, the puff time per smoking session, or the amount of inhalation per inhalation. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may output information indicating that a predetermined action has been performed by the user to the user terminal 2, based on the user's performance of the predetermined action on the inhalation device 1. An example of the predetermined action is the user pressing a button on the inhalation device 1 to start heating. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may output information related to the heating unit 121 of the inhalation device 1 to the user terminal 2. The control unit 116 may output to the user terminal 2, for example, information indicating that preheating of the heating unit 121 has started, information indicating that preheating of the heating unit 121 has been completed, information indicating the elapsed time since heating of the heating unit 121 started, and information indicating that heating of the heating unit 121 has been completed.

[0153] Furthermore, when the control unit 116 acquires information about charging from the power supply unit 111 of the suction device 1, the control unit 116 outputs the acquired information about charging to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 115. The information about charging is, for example, the charge capacity of the power supply unit 111 and deterioration information about the power supply unit 111. Furthermore, when the power supply unit 111 is being charged from an external power source, the suction device 1 may output information indicating that charging is being performed to the communication unit 115.

[0154] Furthermore, when the control unit 116 acquires predetermined error information that has occurred in the suction device 1 or failure information of each part of the suction device 1, the control unit 116 outputs the acquired error information or failure information to the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 115. The predetermined error information may be, for example, a temporary or permanent error that has occurred in the power supply unit 111, the sensor unit 112, the control unit 116, or the heating unit 121. Furthermore, the failure information may be, for example, information that is acquired when the power supply unit 111, the sensor unit 112, the control unit 116, or the heating unit 121 becomes inoperable and needs to be replaced. Note that permanent error information may be included in the failure information.

[0155] <<Example of user terminal configuration>> When the control unit 21 acquires various pieces of information related to the suction device 1 from the suction device 1, the control unit 21 inquires of the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 115 as to whether or not user registration has been completed. The control unit 21 outputs at least one of a registration code, a device ID, and a user ID to the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 115 to inquire as to whether or not user registration has been completed. The control unit 21 may also inquire of the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 115 as to whether or not registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) has been completed. The control unit 21 may also inquire of the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 115 as to whether or not user registration has been completed.

[0156] When the control unit 21 has never received information indicating that user registration has been completed from the information processing server 3 in the past, the control unit 21 may inquire of the information processing server 3 whether or not user registration has been completed via the communication unit 115. When the control unit 21 has received information indicating that user registration has been completed from the information processing server 3 in the past, the control unit 21 does not need to inquire of whether user registration has been completed.

[0157] When the control unit 21 acquires predetermined information from the suction device 1, the control unit 21 may inquire of the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 115 as to whether user registration has been completed. The predetermined information may be part of various information related to the suction device 1 acquired from the suction device 1. The predetermined information may be, for example, a value associated with suction by the user acquired by the sensor unit 112. The predetermined information may also be, for example, information indicating that the user has performed a predetermined action on the suction device 1. The predetermined information may also be information related to the heating unit 121 of the suction device 1. The predetermined information may also be information related to charging of the power supply unit 111 of the suction device 1. The predetermined information may also be predetermined error information that has occurred in the suction device 1 or failure information of each part of the suction device 1.

[0158] The trigger for the control unit 21 to inquire whether user registration has been completed is when predetermined information is acquired, and by making the predetermined information part of various information related to the suction device 1, it is possible to adjust the frequency of inquiries. If the predetermined information is a value associated with suction by the user or information indicating that the user has performed a predetermined action on the suction device 1, the control unit 21 can inquire whether user registration has been completed each time the user uses the suction device 1, thereby increasing the frequency of inquiries. Furthermore, if the predetermined information is information indicating that the power supply unit 111 is being charged from an external power source, the control unit 21 can inquire whether user registration has been completed each time the power supply unit 111 is charged by the external power source, thereby reducing the frequency of inquiries.

[0159] When the control unit 21 receives, as a result of the inquiry, information from the information processing server 3 indicating that user registration has not been completed, the control unit 21 outputs information prompting the user to perform user registration. For example, when the control unit 21 receives, from the information processing server 3, information indicating that user registration has not been completed, the control unit 21 displays information prompting user registration on the display unit 24. For example, in addition to the information prompting user registration, the control unit 21 may display information regarding functions of the suction device 1 that will become effective when user registration is completed, or information regarding how to perform user registration. The information regarding how to perform user registration is, for example, information for registering personal identification information. Furthermore, for example, in addition to the information prompting user registration, the control unit 21 may display information indicating that setting information of the suction device 1 can be displayed when user registration is completed.

[0160] The control unit 21 may display information indicating that only the registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) or the registration of the user has not been completed on the display unit 24. The control unit 21 may also display information indicating that both the registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and the registration of the user have not been completed on the display unit 24.

[0161] <<Example of information processing server configuration>> The acquisition unit 311 receives a notification from the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 33 as to whether user registration has been completed. Get the inquiry whether or not

[0162] The determination unit 313 determines whether or not user registration of the user is complete based on the registration code, device ID, and user ID included in the inquiry. The determination unit 313 determines whether or not registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) is complete based on the registration code or device ID in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not user registration is complete based on the user ID included in the user registration information acquired by the acquisition unit 311. The determination unit 313 may also determine whether or not both registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and user registration are complete.

[0163] When the determination unit 313 determines that the user registration is not complete, the output unit 315 outputs information indicating that the user registration is not complete to the user terminal 2. The information indicating that the user registration is not complete may include information indicating that only the registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) or the registration of the user is not complete. Furthermore, the information indicating that the user registration is not complete may include information indicating that both the registration of the suction device 1 (so-called device registration) and the registration of the user are not complete.

[0164] According to this example, when the user terminal 2 receives smoking information related to the inhalation device 1 from the inhalation device 1 of a user who has not completed user registration, a notification prompting user registration is displayed, making it possible to prompt user registration when an inhalation device 1 for which registration has not been completed is being used or when a user for whom registration has not been completed is using the inhalation device 1. In addition to prompting user registration, the user terminal 2 also presents functions of the inhalation device 1 that are enabled when user registration is completed, making it possible to present the user with the benefits of user registration.

[0165] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1a to 1n... suction device, 2a to 2n... user terminal, 3... information processing server, 10... information processing system, 21... control unit, 22... memory unit, 23... input unit, 24... display unit, 25... communication unit, 26... detection unit, 31... control unit, 32... memory unit, 33... communication unit, 100A... suction device, 100B... suction device, 110... power supply unit, 111A... power supply unit, 111B... power supply unit, 112A... sensor unit, 112B... sensor unit, 113A... notification unit, 113B... notification unit, 114A... memory unit, 114B... memory unit, 115A... communication unit, 115B... communication unit, 116A... control unit, 116B... control unit, 120... cartridge, 121A... heating unit, 121B... heating unit, 122... liquid guide unit, 123... liquid storage unit , 124...mouthpiece, 130...flavoring cartridge, 131...flavoring source, 140...holding section, 141...internal space, 142...opening, 143...bottom, 144...insulating section, 150...stick-shaped substrate, 151...substrate section, 152...suction mouth section, 180...air flow path, 181...air inlet hole, 182...air outlet hole, 190...arrow, 211...first acquisition section, 212...second acquisition section, 213...identification section, 214...activation section, 215...first output section, 216...second output section, 221...setting information DB, 222...application, 311...acquisition section, 312...identification section, 313...determination section, 314...execution section, 315...output section, 321...user information DB, 322...setting information DB, N...network.

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores information for setting a plurality of types of suction tools; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the suction tool from a user terminal connected to the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; an identification unit that identifies information for setting corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs information for the setting identified by the identification unit to the user terminal; An information processing device comprising:

2. the acquiring unit acquires information used for user registration together with the identification information, the output unit outputs, to the user terminal, information for the setting identified by the identification unit in accordance with a user registration status of the user based on information used for the user registration. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a determination unit that determines whether or not user registration of the user has been completed based on information used for the user registration; an execution unit that executes user registration of the user based on information used for the user registration in response to the determination unit that the user registration of the user has not been completed; the output unit outputs information for the setting identified by the identification unit to the user terminal in response to the determination unit having determined that the user registration of the user has been completed or in response to the execution unit having executed the user registration of the user. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The information used for the user registration includes the user's identity verification information, the execution unit executes user registration of the user based on the user's personal identification information; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. acquiring identification information of the suction tool from a user terminal connected to the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; Identifying setting information corresponding to the acquired identification information based on setting information for a plurality of types of suction tools stored in a storage unit; outputting information for the identified settings to the user terminal; An information processing method comprising:

6. On the computer, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the suction tool from a user terminal connected to the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; an identification unit that identifies setting information corresponding to the acquired identification information based on setting information for a plurality of types of suction tools stored in a storage unit; an output unit that outputs information for the specified setting to the user terminal; A program to make this happen.

7. In an information processing system including an information processing device and an information processing terminal, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information used for user registration from the information processing terminal; a determination unit that determines whether or not user registration of the user has been completed based on information used for the user registration; an execution unit that executes user registration of the user based on information used for the user registration in response to the determination unit that the user registration of the user has not been completed; an output unit that outputs a notification regarding the completion of user registration of the user to the information processing terminal in response to the determination unit that the user registration of the user has been completed or in response to the execution unit that the user registration of the user has been executed; Equipped with The information processing terminal a storage unit that stores information for setting a plurality of types of suction tools; a first acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the suction tool from the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; an output unit that outputs information used for the user registration to the information processing device in response to the acquisition of the identification information by the first acquisition unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires the notification from the information processing device; an identifying unit that identifies information for setting corresponding to the identification information in response to acquisition of the notification by the second acquiring unit; an output unit that outputs information for the setting specified by the specifying unit to a display unit; Equipped with Information processing system.

8. an enabling unit that enables display of information for the setting identified by the identifying unit based on the notification acquired by the second acquiring unit; the output unit outputs the information for the setting identified by the identification unit to the display unit in response to the enabling unit enabling the display of the information for the setting identified by the identification unit. The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. The information used for the user registration includes the user's identity verification information, the execution unit executes user registration of the user based on the user's personal identification information; 9. The information processing system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. An information processing method in an information processing system including an information processing device and an information processing terminal, The information processing device, acquiring information used for user registration of the user from the information processing terminal; determining whether user registration of the user has been completed based on information used for the user registration; In response to determining that the user registration of the user has not been completed, performing user registration of the user based on information used for the user registration; outputting a notification regarding completion of user registration of the user to the information processing terminal in response to a determination that user registration of the user has been completed or in response to execution of user registration of the user; Equipped with The information processing terminal, acquiring identification information of the suction tool from the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; outputting information used for the user registration to the information processing device in response to acquisition of the identification information; obtaining the notification from the information processing device; identifying setting information corresponding to the identification information in response to acquisition of the notification based on setting information for a plurality of types of suction tools stored in a storage unit; outputting information for the identified setting to a display unit; Equipped with Information processing methods.

11. On the computer, a first acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the suction tool from the suction tool in response to activation of the suction tool; an output unit that outputs information used for user registration to an information processing device in response to acquisition of the identification information; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from the information processing device, a notification regarding completion of user registration of the user based on information used for the user registration; an identification unit that identifies setting information corresponding to the identification information in response to acquisition of the notification by the second acquisition unit, based on setting information for a plurality of types of suction tools stored in a storage unit; an output unit that outputs information for the setting specified by the specifying unit to a display unit; A program to make this happen.

12. The computer, an enabling unit that enables output of information for the setting identified by the identifying unit based on the notification acquired by the second acquiring unit; the output unit outputs the information for the setting identified by the identification unit to the display unit in response to the enabling unit enabling the display of the information for the setting identified by the identification unit. The program according to claim 11.

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