Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a new mechanism for communication performed by an inhalation device which has a communication function and to which accessories can be attached. [Solution] An inhalation device that uses a base material to generate aerosols that are inhaled by a user, said inhalation device being provided with a first communication unit which performs wireless communication and a control unit which controls the first communication unit, wherein the control unit switches the control of the first communication unit when it is detected that an accessory that is detachably attached to the inhalation device has been attached to the inhalation device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, the inhalation device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to provide various services related to suction devices by wirelessly transmitting and receiving information about the suction device. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a terminal at a store selling base materials wirelessly receives identification information of a base material desired to be purchased from a user terminal such as a smartphone, and specifies the position of the base material desired to be purchased on a display shelf based on the received identification information.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a technique in which an accessory with a communication function is attached to an suction device that does not have a communication function, and communication is performed between the suction device and another device via the accessory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6691138 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 156609 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 2 is a technology that targets an aspirator that does not have a communication function. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 considers that the aspirator itself has a communication function. Thus, it can be said that there is room for further improvement in the communication technology for aspirators.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new mechanism for communication by a suction device that has communication capabilities and can be equipped with accessories. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an inhalation device is provided that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, the inhalation device comprising: a first communication unit that performs wireless communication; and a control unit that controls the first communication unit, wherein the control unit switches control over the first communication unit when it detects that an accessory that is detachably attached to the inhalation device has been attached to the inhalation device.

[0009] The accessory may include a second communication unit for performing wireless communication.

[0010] The control unit may control the first communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the second communication unit.

[0011] The control unit may control the first communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the second communication unit.

[0012] The control unit may control the second communication unit.

[0013] The control unit may control the second communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the first communication unit.

[0014] The control unit may control the second communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the first communication unit.

[0015] The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit may include identification information of the base material.

[0016] The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit may include at least one of identification information of the suction device or identification information of the user who uses the suction device.

[0017] The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit may include profile information indicating a profile that specifies the operation of heating the substrate performed by the suction device to generate the aerosol.

[0018] The wireless communication by the first communication unit and the wireless communication by the second communication unit may be short-range wireless communication.

[0019] The communication method used by the first communication unit and the communication method used by the second communication unit may be different.

[0020] The communication method used by the first communication unit may be Bluetooth, and the communication method used by the second communication unit may be NFC.

[0021] The suction device may further include a third communication unit that performs wireless communication, and the control unit may switch between using the first communication unit or the third communication unit for transmission for each communication partner and / or for each piece of information to be transmitted.

[0022] The control unit may permit communication by the first communication unit and the third communication unit when the accessory is attached.

[0023] The control unit may permit generation of the aerosol when the accessory is attached.

[0024] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate, the control method including switching control over wireless communication performed by the inhalation device in response to detection of an accessory that is detachably attached to the inhalation device being attached to the inhalation device.

[0025] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer controlling an suction device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate to switch control over wireless communication performed by the suction device when it is detected that an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device has been attached to the suction device. Effect of the Invention

[0026] As described above, the present invention provides a new mechanism for communication performed by a suction device that has a communication function and can be equipped with accessories. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an accessory attached to a suction device according to a second configuration example of the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes executed in the suction device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0029] In addition, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different alphabets after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as suction devices 100A and 100B as necessary. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are used. For example, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between suction devices 100A and 100B, they are simply referred to as suction device 100.

[0030] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> The 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.

[0031] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply 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 guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0032] Power supply unit 111A accumulates power. Power supply unit 111A supplies 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.

[0033] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0034] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A is configured, for example, by 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.

[0035] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100 A. Storage unit 114A is configured with, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0036] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in compliance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0038] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

[0039] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 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 unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0040] The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. 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.

[0041] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0042] 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 hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air that flows in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and is transported to the air outlet hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0043] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of a user when inhaling. Air outlet hole 182 is arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.

[0047] 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.

[0048] (2) Second configuration example 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0049] Each of power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0050] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part 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 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole that is an entrance of air to such a flow path is arranged in the bottom part 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole that is an exit of air from such a flow path is the opening 142.

[0051] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0052] 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. 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part 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.

[0057] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0058] Furthermore, the inhalation 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.

[0059] <<2. Technical features>> <2.1. System configuration example> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sales system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the sales system 1 includes a suction device 100, a user terminal 200, a sales terminal 300, and a server 400. Note that Fig. 3 shows an example in which the sales system 1 has two suction devices 100 (100A and 100B), two user terminals 200 (200A and 200B), one sales terminal 300, and one server 400, but the number of each device included in the sales system 1 is not limited to this example.

[0060] (1) Configuration of the suction device 100 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. In the following description, the inhalation of the substance generated by the inhalation device by a user is also referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing."

[0061] The inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate. The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates an aerosol. The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the second configuration example are examples of substrates in the present invention. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 connected to the power supply unit 110 are an example of a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100. In the second configuration example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the inhalation device 100 is an example of a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100.

[0062] The suction device 100 may have any of the first and second configuration examples described above. In FIG. 3, the suction device 100 used by user A is referred to as suction device 100A, and the suction device 100 used by user B is referred to as suction device 100B. That is, the configuration of the suction device 100A in FIG. 3 does not necessarily have to match the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and may match the configuration shown in FIG. 2, for example. Similarly, the configuration of the suction device 100B in FIG. 3 does not necessarily have to match the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may match the configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example.

[0063] In particular, the communication unit 115 according to this embodiment can perform wireless communication in compliance with the near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) short-range wireless communication standards.

[0064] (2) Configuration of User Terminal 200 The user terminal 200 is a terminal device used by a user of the suction device 100. For example, the user terminal 200 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 used by the same user are associated with each other. For example, the user registers information about the suction device 100 in the user terminal 200, registers information about the user terminal 200 in the suction device 100, and registers in the server 400 that the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 are used by the same user.

[0065] The user terminal 200 performs communication with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. As an example, the user terminal 200 may perform wireless communication in accordance with a short-range wireless communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0066] The functions of the user terminal 200 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the user terminal 200 may be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0067] (3) Configuration of sales terminal 300 Sales terminal 300 is a terminal device that performs processing for selling base materials. Sales terminal 300 may be configured as, for example, a cash register or a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal. In this case, sales terminal 300 is installed in a store that sells base materials. Examples of processing for selling base materials include accounting processing related to monetary transfers and sales management processing for registering the brand and number of base materials sold. A user of sales terminal 300 is typically a store clerk.

[0068] The vending terminal 300 communicates with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. As an example, the vending terminal 300 may perform wireless communication in accordance with the near field communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0069] (4) Configuration of Server 400 The server 400 is an information processing device that provides various services related to the suction device 100. As an example, the server 400 provides a membership service to a user of the suction device 100. The server 400 collects and accumulates information about the suction device 100, analyzes the accumulated information, and provides a membership service according to the analysis results. For example, a user can access the server 400 and register as a member in advance to receive various membership services such as information provided about the suction device 100.

[0070] <2.2. Features related to the attachment of accessories> (1) Front panel configuration The suction device 100 may be equipped with an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an accessory that is attached to the suction device 100 according to the second configuration example of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a front panel 160 may be detachably attached to the suction device 100. The front panel 160 and the back panel 162 are joined together so as to sandwich the suction device 100 therebetween, thereby forming an outer shell that covers the outer periphery of the suction device 100. The front panel 160 is an example of an accessory.

[0071] The front panel 160 includes a communication unit 161. The function of the communication unit 161 is similar to that of the communication unit 115. In order to more clearly distinguish the communication unit 115 of the suction device 100 from the communication unit 161 of the front panel 160, the communication unit 115 is also referred to as a main body communication unit 115, and the communication unit 161 is also referred to as a front panel communication unit 161.

[0072] In this embodiment, each of the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161 performs wireless communication. The main body communication unit 115 is an example of a first communication unit that performs wireless communication. The front panel communication unit 161 is an example of a second communication unit that performs wireless communication.

[0073] In particular, the wireless communication by the main body communication unit 115 and the wireless communication by the front panel communication unit 161 are short-range wireless communication such as NFC and Bluetooth. With this configuration, the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161 can communicate with other devices located in a short distance.

[0074] It is desirable that the communication method used by the main body communication unit 115 is different from the communication method used by the front panel communication unit 161. With this configuration, as described later, it becomes possible to communicate by adopting a communication method suitable for the communication partner and the information to be transmitted.

[0075] For example, the communication method used by the main body communication unit 115 may be Bluetooth, and the communication method used by the front panel communication unit 161 may be NFC. The communication distance of NFC is shorter than that of Bluetooth. The transmission rate of NFC is lower than that of Bluetooth. On the other hand, NFC does not require pairing, whereas Bluetooth does. As described above, NFC and Bluetooth have different characteristics, and therefore are suited to different situations. In this respect, with this configuration, it is possible to appropriately use the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161 according to the characteristics of their respective communication methods.

[0076] (2) Control triggered by front panel mounting The control unit 116 switches control over the main body communication unit 115 when it detects that the front panel 160 has been attached to the suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 switches the operation of the main body communication unit 115 depending on the functions of the attached front panel 160. With this configuration, it is possible to optimize the operation of the main body communication unit 115 depending on whether the front panel 160 is attached or not. The detection of the attachment of the front panel 160 will be described in detail later.

[0077] The control unit 116 may control the main body communication unit 115 to transmit information different from the information transmitted by the front panel communication unit 161. For example, the control unit 116 controls the main body communication unit 115 to transmit all of the information to be transmitted when the front panel 160 is not attached, and controls the main body communication unit 115 to transmit part of the information to be transmitted when the front panel 160 is attached. The information to be transmitted will be described in detail later. According to this configuration, the suction device 100 can transmit the information to be transmitted without duplication by either the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161. Here, when different communication methods are adopted for the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161, it is possible to transmit each piece of information to be transmitted using a more appropriate communication method.

[0078] Control unit 116 may control main body communication unit 115 to communicate with a communication partner different from the communication partner of front panel communication unit 161. For example, when the communication partner of front panel communication unit 161 is sales terminal 300, control unit 116 may control main body communication unit 115 to communicate with user terminal 200. With this configuration, suction device 100 can communicate with the communication partner by either main body communication unit 115 or front panel communication unit 161. Here, when different communication methods are adopted for main body communication unit 115 and front panel communication unit 161, it is possible to communicate using a more appropriate communication method for each communication partner.

[0079] In the above, the control unit 116 has been described as controlling the main body communication unit 115. The control unit 116 may control the front panel communication unit 161 in addition to controlling the main body communication unit 115. As an example, the control unit 116 and the front panel communication unit 161 may be electrically connected, and the control unit 116 may control the front panel communication unit 161 by transmitting a control signal to the front panel communication unit 161. As another example, the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161 may be capable of wireless communication, and the control unit 116 may control the front panel communication unit 161 by wirelessly transmitting a control signal to the front panel communication unit 161 via the main body communication unit 115. According to this configuration, it is possible to optimize the operations of the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161, compared to the case where only the main body communication unit 115 is controlled.

[0080] Control unit 116 may control front panel communication unit 161 to transmit information different from the information transmitted by main body communication unit 115. For example, control unit 116 controls main body communication unit 115 to transmit part of the information to be transmitted, and controls front panel communication unit 161 to transmit another part of the information to be transmitted. With this configuration, suction device 100 can communicate using either main body communication unit 115 or front panel communication unit 161, whichever is appropriate for the information to be transmitted.

[0081] Control unit 116 may control front panel communication unit 161 to communicate with a communication partner different from the communication partner of main body communication unit 115. For example, control unit 116 controls main body communication unit 115 to communicate with user terminal 200, and controls front panel communication unit 161 to communicate with vending terminal 300. With this configuration, suction device 100 can communicate using either main body communication unit 115 or front panel communication unit 161, whichever is appropriate for the communication partner.

[0082] (3) Detecting attachment / detachment of front panel 160 The suction device 100 detects when the front panel 160 is attached and removed.

[0083] As an example, the suction device 100 may electrically detect the attachment / detachment of the front panel 160. For example, the suction device 100 and the front panel 160 are configured to be electrically connectable. Then, the sensor unit 112 detects the attachment / detachment of the front panel 160 based on the fact that the suction device 100 and the front panel 160 are electrically connected or disconnected. Here, the electrical resistance when connected may be different for each front panel 160. In that case, the sensor unit 112 may identify the front panel 160 attached to the suction device 100 based on the electrical resistance.

[0084] As another example, the suction device 100 may physically detect the attachment or detachment of the front panel 160. For example, the suction device 100 may have a pressure sensor, as the sensor unit 112, in a portion that contacts the front panel 160. In this case, the sensor unit 112 may detect the attachment or detachment of the front panel 160 according to the level of pressure. Here, the pressure applied to the pressure sensor may differ for each front panel 160. In this case, the sensor unit 112 may identify the front panel 160 attached to the suction device 100 based on the level of pressure.

[0085] Note that identifying the front panel 160 here may mean uniquely identifying the front panel 160, or may mean identifying the functions that the front panel 160 has (for example, the presence or absence of a communication function and the communication method).

[0086] (4) Information to be sent The following describes an example of information to be transmitted by the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161. The information to be transmitted includes at least one of the information to be described below.

[0087] -Stock information The information to be transmitted may include identification information of the base material. The identification information of the base material is information for identifying the brand (i.e., type) of the base material. Hereinafter, the identification information of the base material is also referred to as brand information. When the brand information is transmitted to the sales terminal 300, it is handled as information indicating the brand desired to be purchased. Therefore, by transmitting the brand information to the sales terminal 300 as the information to be transmitted, it is possible to improve usability when purchasing a base material.

[0088] -Profile information The information to be transmitted may include profile information indicating a profile that specifies an operation of heating a substrate performed by the inhalation device 100 to generate an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 heats the substrate in accordance with the profile indicated by the profile information to generate an aerosol.

[0089] The profile in the first configuration example is information that defines the power supply time to the heating unit 121A and the amount of power supply per unit time (for example, voltage). The control unit 116 controls the amount of power supply per unit time defined in the profile so that power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121A for the power supply time defined in the profile. Such control of power supply is performed, for example, every time a puff is detected.

[0090] The profile in the second configuration example is information that defines the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of heating by the heating unit 121B and the temperature of the heating unit 121B. The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121B so that a temperature change similar to the temperature change in the profile is realized in the heating unit 121B. The heating unit 121B may include a conductive track including a resistor, and the sensor unit 112 may detect the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the electrical resistance of the conductive track. The control of the heating unit 121B can be realized, for example, by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121B. The power supply control may be performed, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0091] The profile information may be the profile itself. The profile may be a preset profile that can be set, such as provided by a membership service. In this case, the profile information may be identification information indicating the profile. Since the identification information indicating the profile has a smaller amount of data than the profile itself, the communication load when transmitting and receiving with other devices is reduced. In addition, the profile may be customizable by the user, such as by allowing the user to adjust parameters such as power supply time.

[0092] -Combination of stock information and profile information The brand information and the profile information may be associated with each other. For example, a profile preferred by a user may differ for each substrate, and the brand information may be associated with a profile suitable for the substrate of the brand indicated by the brand information. Therefore, the brand information and the profile information may be associated with each other and transmitted as information to be transmitted. The information to be transmitted may include identification information indicating a combination of the brand information and the profile information. By designing the identification information indicating the combination of the brand information and the profile information so that the data amount of the identification information is less than the sum of the data amount of the brand information and the profile information, the communication load when transmitting and receiving with other devices can be reduced. An example of the identification information indicating the combination of the brand information and the profile information is shown in Table 1 below.

[0093] [Table 1]

[0094] -Device ID The information to be transmitted may include identification information of the aspirator 100. The identification information of the aspirator 100 is information for uniquely identifying the aspirator 100. The identification information of the aspirator 100 is hereinafter also referred to as a device ID.

[0095] -User ID The information to be transmitted may include identification information of a user who uses the suction device 100. The user identification information is information for uniquely identifying a user. The user identification information is also referred to as a user ID below. The user ID may be personal information such as the user's name, or may be an account name registered in a membership service.

[0096] -Credentials The information to be transmitted may include authentication information, which is information indicating that the user is qualified to purchase the substrate, for example, information verifying the user's age.

[0097] (5) Details of communication functions The communication functions provided in the suction device 100 and the front panel 160 may be various.

[0098] As an example, the communication function may be realized by an NFC tag. The NFC tag is a tag that includes an antenna for communication using NFC and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that performs processing for communication using NFC, and is typically configured as a thin sticker. Information can be written to and read from the NFC tag via NFC. That is, the NFC tag has a memory function for storing information in addition to the communication function. An NFC reader / writer is used to read and write information from the NFC tag. The NFC reader / writer is a device that serves both as an NFC reader capable of reading information from the NFC tag and as an NFC writer capable of writing information to the NFC tag.

[0099] When main body communication unit 115 is configured as an NFC tag, the NFC tag also functions as storage unit 114. That is, information is read from and written to the NFC tag mounted on suction device 100. When front panel communication unit 161 is configured as an NFC tag, the NFC tag also functions as a storage unit (hereinafter also referred to as a front panel storage unit) mounted on front panel 160. That is, information is read from and written to the NFC tag mounted on front panel 160.

[0100] As an example, the communication function may be realized by an NFC communication module. The NFC communication module is a communication module capable of communicating by NFC, and supports three communication modes: a card emulation mode, a reader / writer mode, and a P2P (Peer-to-Peer) mode. When the NFC communication module operates in the card emulation mode, it operates as an NFC tag and is read from and written to by an NFC reader / writer. When the NFC communication module operates in the reader / writer mode, it operates as an NFC reader / writer and reads from and writes to an NFC tag. When the NFC communication module operates in the P2P mode, it communicates with another NFC communication module operating in the P2P mode.

[0101] When main body communication unit 115 is configured as an NFC communication module, information received by main body communication unit 115 is stored in storage unit 114, and the information stored in storage unit 114 is transmitted by main body communication unit 115. When front panel communication unit 161 is configured as an NFC communication module, front panel communication unit 161 performs communication based on the control of control unit 116. Then, information received by front panel communication unit 161 is stored in storage unit 114, and the information stored in storage unit 114 is transmitted by front panel communication unit 161.

[0102] As an example, the communication function may be realized by a Bluetooth communication module. A Bluetooth communication module is a communication module capable of communicating via Bluetooth. A Bluetooth communication module establishes a connection with another Bluetooth communication module with which it has already been paired, and communicates with the other Bluetooth communication module.

[0103] When main body communication unit 115 is configured as a Bluetooth communication module, information received by main body communication unit 115 is stored in storage unit 114, and the information stored in storage unit 114 is transmitted by main body communication unit 115. When front panel communication unit 161 is configured as a Bluetooth communication module, front panel communication unit 161 performs communication based on the control of control unit 116. Then, information received by front panel communication unit 161 is stored in storage unit 114, and the information stored in storage unit 114 is transmitted by front panel communication unit 161.

[0104] In the following, when there is no need to particularly distinguish whether the storing entity is memory unit 114 or a front panel memory unit (e.g., an NFC tag functioning as front panel communication unit 161), the storing entity will be described as suction device 100. For example, the description that suction device 100 stores information may include both memory unit 114 storing information and the front panel memory unit storing information.

[0105] The information to be transmitted is stored in the suction device 100. The information to be transmitted is stored in at least one of the storage unit 114 and the front panel storage unit.

[0106] In the following, when there is no need to particularly distinguish whether the communicating entity is the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161, the communicating entity will be described as the suction device 100. For example, the description that the suction device 100 communicates may include both the main body communication unit 115 communicating and the front panel communication unit 161 communicating.

[0107] The suction device 100 transmits information to be transmitted. The information to be transmitted is transmitted by at least one of the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel communication unit 161.

[0108] (6) Processing in the User Terminal 200 The user terminal 200 manages information stored in the suction device 100. As an example, the user terminal 200 synchronizes with the suction device 100. In detail, the user terminal 200 writes information to the suction device 100 (the storage unit 114 and / or the front panel storage unit) or reads and stores information from the suction device 100 so that the information stored in the suction device 100 matches the information stored in the user terminal 200. The information synchronized in this manner is also referred to as information to be synchronized hereinafter. The information to be synchronized includes the information to be transmitted described above. The function of managing the information stored in the suction device 100 can be realized by a dedicated application (hereinafter also referred to as a management application).

[0109] For example, the user terminal 200 may obtain brand information from a membership service or a website provided by the server 400, and write the brand information to the suction device 100. As another example, the user terminal 200 may obtain brand information by applying image recognition to a captured image of a package of a base material, and write the obtained brand information to the suction device 100. The same applies to the profile information.

[0110] The user terminal 200 communicates with the suction device 100 for synchronization when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may include that the distance between the user terminal 200 and the suction device 100 approaches a distance that allows short-range wireless communication. The predetermined condition may include that a management application is running on the user terminal 200. The predetermined condition may include that there is a difference between the information to be synchronized stored in the user terminal 200 and the information stored in the suction device 100.

[0111] The user terminal 200 may detect the suction device 100 present within a range where short-distance wireless communication is possible by periodically performing polling. When the user terminal 200 detects the suction device 100 present within a range where short-distance wireless communication is possible by polling, the user terminal 200 may launch a management application. Then, when the management application is launched, it may automatically perform synchronization with the suction device 100.

[0112] Typically, user terminal 200 manages information stored in suction device 100 associated with user terminal 200 (i.e., used by the same user). For example, user terminal 200A manages information stored in suction device 100A.

[0113] (7) Communication with other suction devices 100 The suction device 100 may transmit and receive information to be transmitted between other suction devices 100. Transmission and reception of information between the suction devices 100, that is, information stored in one of two suction devices 100 being received and stored by the other suction device 100, is also referred to as copying below.

[0114] The information copied between the suction devices 100 may include brand information. The brand information is handled by the sales terminal 300 as information indicating the brand desired to be purchased, as described below. Therefore, it becomes possible for users to recommend their favorite brands to each other and purchase base materials of the recommended brands.

[0115] The information copied between the suction devices 100 may include profile information. In this case, it becomes possible for users to recommend their favorite profiles to each other and have the suction devices 100 perform heating according to the recommended profiles.

[0116] As information copied between suction devices 100, brand information and profile information may be transmitted and received in association with each other. For example, information copied between suction devices 100 may include identification information indicating a combination of brand information and profile information. With this configuration, users can recommend to each other combinations of their favorite brands and profiles, and try heating according to the recommended profile with the recommended brand.

[0117] (8) Processing at Sales Terminal 300 Selling terminal 300 receives information to be transmitted from suction device 100. For example, when selling terminal 300 and suction device 100 come close enough to each other to enable short-range wireless communication, suction device 100 and selling terminal 300 transmit and receive information by performing short-range wireless communication. According to this configuration, selling terminal 300 receives information from suction device 100 that comes close enough to enable short-range wireless communication, so that interference can be prevented even when, for example, the store is crowded.

[0118] When vending terminal 300 receives information to be transmitted from suction device 100, vending terminal 300 performs processing according to the received information. With this configuration, vending terminal 300 can obtain information from suction device 100 instead of user terminal 200, and perform processing according to the obtained information. This reduces the effort required for the user to operate user terminal 200 to transmit information, thereby improving usability.

[0119] As an example, the sales terminal 300 may perform a process for selling a substrate in accordance with the information received from the suction device 100. For example, the sales terminal 300 may perform a process for selling a substrate of a brand indicated by the brand information received from the suction device 100 as a substrate desired by a user. With this configuration, the user can purchase a substrate as desired without verbally specifying the substrate to be purchased to a store clerk.

[0120] As another example, the sales terminal 300 transmits at least a portion of the information received from the suction device 100 to the server 400. The server 400 accumulates and analyzes the received information as described below, and provides a member service according to the analysis results. Thus, the user can receive a suitable member service that reflects the purchasing behavior of the member by simply purchasing the base material using the suction device 100, i.e., without having to take the trouble of operating the user terminal 200 to transmit information to the server 400.

[0121] As another example, vending terminal 300 may perform authentication based on authentication information received from suction device 100. For example, vending terminal 300 determines that authentication is successful if the age of the user indicated by the authentication information is a predetermined age or greater, and determines that authentication is unsuccessful otherwise. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the base material from being mistakenly sold to a user who is not qualified to purchase the base material.

[0122] (9) Processing in Server 400 Server 400 collects information to be transmitted from suction device 100 via sales terminal 300. Server 400 accumulates and analyzes the collected information, and provides member services based on the analysis results.

[0123] As an example, the server 400 may identify brands that have been purchased in large numbers, i.e., brands that are popular among members, by aggregating the collected information by brand information. The server 400 may then provide information recommending brands that are popular among members as a member service.

[0124] As another example, the server 400 may identify profiles that are frequently used, i.e., profiles that are popular among members, by aggregating the collected information for each piece of profile information. The server 400 may then provide information recommending profiles that are popular among members as a member service.

[0125] As another example, the sales terminal 300 may analyze which brand of base material was sold to which user, i.e., which user purchased which base material, based on a combination of a user ID or device ID and brand information.

[0126] (10) Processing flow FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the front panel 160 is attached to the suction device 100 (step S102).

[0128] When it is determined that the front panel 160 is attached to the suction device 100 (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 selects whether the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161 is to be used for communication (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 selects whether the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161 is to be used for communication depending on the communication partner and the information to be transmitted. Then, the control unit 116 executes communication by the selected one of the main body communication unit 115 or the front panel communication unit 161 (step S106).

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined that front panel 160 is not attached to suction device 100 (step S102: NO), control unit 116 executes communication by main body communication unit 115 (step S108).

[0130] <2.3. Specific examples> (1) First Specific Example In this specific example, the main body communication unit 115 is configured as a Bluetooth communication module, and the front panel communication unit 161 is configured as an NFC tag.

[0131] When the front panel 160 is not attached, the suction device 100 uses the main body communication unit 115 for all communications. On the other hand, when the front panel 160 is attached, the suction device 100 uses the main body communication unit 115 for communications with the user terminal 200, and uses the front panel communication unit 161 for communications with the sales terminal 300.

[0132] In this specific example, NFC, which does not require pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the sales terminal 300, improving usability when purchasing a base material. On the other hand, Bluetooth, which requires pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200, ensuring security.

[0133] In this specific example, communication between the suction devices 100 may not be performed. Although it is desirable to use NFC, which does not require pairing, for communication between the suction devices 100, communication between NFC tags is not established.

[0134] (2) Second Specific Example In this specific example, the main body communication unit 115 is configured as a Bluetooth communication module, and the front panel communication unit 161 is configured as an NFC communication module.

[0135] When the front panel 160 is not attached, the suction device 100 uses the main body communication unit 115 for all communications. On the other hand, when the front panel 160 is attached, the suction device 100 uses the main body communication unit 115 for communications with the user terminal 200, and uses the front panel communication unit 161 for communications with the sales terminal 300 and other suction devices 100.

[0136] In this example, NFC, which does not require pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the sales terminal 300 and between the suction device 100 and the other suction devices 100, improving usability when purchasing a base material and copying information. On the other hand, Bluetooth, which requires pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200, ensuring security.

[0137] <2.4. Modifications> In the above embodiment, the suction device 100 has the main body communication unit 115, and the front panel 160 has the front panel communication unit 161. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. As described below, either the suction device 100 or the front panel 160 may not have a communication function.

[0138] (1) First Modification In this modified example, the suction device 100 has two types of communication functions, and the front panel 160 has no communication function.

[0139] The suction device 100 further includes a third communication unit that performs wireless communication in addition to the first communication unit that performs wireless communication. The first communication unit is also referred to as a first main body communication unit 115, and the third communication unit is also referred to as a second main body communication unit 115.

[0140] The control unit 116 switches whether to use the first main body communication unit 115 or the second main body communication unit 115 for transmission for each communication partner and / or for each piece of information to be transmitted. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately use each of the first main body communication unit 115 and the second main body communication unit 115 depending on the situation. Here, it is preferable that the communication method used by the first main body communication unit 115 is different from the communication method used by the second main body communication unit 115. For example, the communication method used by the first main body communication unit 115 may be Bluetooth, and the communication method used by the second main body communication unit 115 may be NFC. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately use each of the first main body communication unit 115 and the second main body communication unit 115 depending on the characteristics of the respective communication methods.

[0141] As an example, the first main body communication unit 115 may be configured as a Bluetooth communication module, and the second main body communication unit 115 may be configured as an NFC tag.

[0142] The suction device 100 uses the first main body communication unit 115 for communication with the user terminal 200. Since Bluetooth, which requires pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200, security can be guaranteed. On the other hand, the suction device 100 uses the second main body communication unit 115 for communication with the sales terminal 300. Since NFC, which does not require pairing, is used for communication between the suction device 100 and the sales terminal 300, usability at the time of purchasing a base material can be improved. Note that communication between suction devices 100 does not have to be performed. This is because, although it is desirable to use NFC, which does not require pairing, for communication between suction devices 100, communication between NFC tags is not established.

[0143] In this modified example, the controller 116 also switches the control of the suction device 100 when the front panel 160 is attached to the suction device 100 as a trigger.

[0144] As an example, the control unit 116 may permit communication between the first main body communication unit 115 and the second main body communication unit 115 when the front panel 160 is attached. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may prohibit communication between the first main body communication unit 115 and the second main body communication unit 115 when the front panel 160 is not attached. According to this configuration, the suction device 100 is able to communicate only when the front panel 160 is attached.

[0145] As another example, the control unit 116 may permit the generation of aerosol when the front panel 160 is attached. The control unit 116 may prohibit the generation of aerosol when the front panel 160 is not attached. In that case, the front panel 160 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 only when the front panel 160 is attached, and heats the base material, making it possible to generate aerosol. The front panel 160 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant material, and can protect the user's hands from the heat generated by heating the base material. In this regard, according to this configuration, heating is performed only when the front panel 160 is attached, so it is possible to prevent the user from being burned when heating is performed in a state where the front panel 160 is not attached.

[0146] (2) Second modified example In this modified example, the suction device 100 does not have a communication function, and the communication function is provided on the front panel 160.

[0147] The suction device 100 does not communicate when the front panel 160 is not attached, whereas the suction device 100 uses the front panel communication unit 161 for all communications when the front panel 160 is attached.

[0148] According to this modification, the attachment of the front panel 160 serves as a trigger for the suction device 100 to perform communication.

[0149] <<3. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0150] For example, in the above embodiment, the front panel 160 is exemplified as an accessory attached to the suction device 100, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The accessory may have any configuration that is detachable from the suction device 100, such as a strap and a seal.

[0151] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which an accessory is attached to the suction device 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The present invention is applicable to any device other than the suction device 100. For example, an accessory such as a smartphone case may be detachably attached to a smartphone. Then, the control of the smartphone may be switched using the attachment and detachment of the accessory as a trigger.

[0152] The above-described embodiment and modified examples may be appropriately combined. For example, when the suction device 100 has the main body communication unit 115 and the front panel 160 has the front panel communication unit 161, the permission / prohibition of communication by the main body communication unit 115 and the permission / prohibition of aerosol generation may be switched depending on whether the front panel 160 is attached or detached.

[0153] The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into a RAM when executed by a computer, for example, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Also, the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0154] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in the drawings. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0155] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) 1. An inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user, comprising: A first communication unit that performs wireless communication; A control unit that controls the first communication unit; Equipped with the control unit switches control over the first communication unit when a detection is made that an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device is attached to the suction device. Suction device. (2) The accessory includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication. The suction device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the second communication unit. The suction device described in (2) above. (4) The control unit controls the first communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the second communication unit. The suction device according to (2) or (3). (5) The control unit controls the second communication unit. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (4) above. (6) The control unit controls the second communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the first communication unit. The suction device described in (5) above. (7) The control unit controls the second communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the first communication unit. The suction device according to (5) or (6). (8) The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes identification information of the base material. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (7) above. (9) The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes at least one of identification information of the suction device or identification information of the user who uses the suction device. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (8) above. (10) The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes profile information indicating a profile that specifies an operation of heating the substrate performed by the suction device to generate the aerosol. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (9) above. (11) the wireless communication by the first communication unit and the wireless communication by the second communication unit are short-range wireless communication; The suction device according to any one of (2) to (10) above. (12) The communication method used by the first communication unit and the communication method used by the second communication unit are different. The suction device according to (11) above. (13) The communication method used by the first communication unit is Bluetooth, and the communication method used by the second communication unit is NFC. The suction device according to (11) or (12) above. (14) The suction device further includes a third communication unit that performs wireless communication, The control unit switches whether to use the first communication unit or the third communication unit for transmission for each communication partner and / or for each piece of information to be transmitted. The suction device described in (1) above. (15) the control unit permits communication by the first communication unit and the third communication unit when the accessory is attached. The suction device according to (14) above. (16) The control unit permits the generation of the aerosol when the accessory is attached. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15) above. (17) 1. A method of control implemented by an inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user, comprising: switching control over wireless communication performed by the suction device using detection of attachment of an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device as a trigger; A control method comprising: (18) A computer that controls an inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, switching control over wireless communication performed by the suction device using detection of attachment of an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device as a trigger; A program that executes the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1. Sales System 100 Suction device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communication unit, main communication unit 116 Control Unit 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guiding part 123 Liquid storage unit 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type substrate 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 160 Front Panel 161 Communication unit, front panel communication unit 162 Back Panel 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet 182 Air outlet 200 User terminals 300 Sales Terminals 400 Servers

Claims

1. 1. An inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user, comprising: A first communication unit that performs wireless communication; A control unit that controls the first communication unit; Equipped with the control unit switches control over the first communication unit when a detection is made that an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device is attached to the suction device; the accessory includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication; The control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the second communication unit. Suction device.

2. The control unit controls the first communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the second communication unit.

2. The suction device of claim 1.

3. The control unit controls the second communication unit.

3. A suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit controls the second communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the first communication unit.

4. The suction device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit controls the second communication unit to communicate with a communication partner different from a communication partner of the first communication unit.

5. A suction device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes identification information of the base material. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes at least one of identification information of the suction device or identification information of the user who uses the suction device. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The information transmitted by the first communication unit or the second communication unit includes profile information indicating a profile that specifies an operation of heating the substrate performed by the suction device to generate the aerosol. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the wireless communication by the first communication unit and the wireless communication by the second communication unit are short-range wireless communication; A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a communication method used by the first communication unit and a communication method used by the second communication unit are different; 10. The suction device of claim 9.

11. The communication method used by the first communication unit is Bluetooth, and the communication method used by the second communication unit is NFC.

11. A suction device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The suction device further includes a third communication unit that performs wireless communication, the control unit switches whether to use the first communication unit or the third communication unit for transmission for each communication partner and / or for each piece of information to be transmitted; 2. The suction device of claim 1.

13. the control unit permits communication by the first communication unit and the third communication unit when the accessory is attached.

13. A suction device according to claim 12.

14. The control unit permits the generation of the aerosol when the accessory is attached. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 1. A method of control implemented by an inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user, comprising: the suction device includes a first communication unit that performs wireless communication; The control method includes switching control over the first communication unit when a detection is made that an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device is attached to the suction device, the accessory includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication; The control method includes controlling the first communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the second communication unit. Control methods.

16. A program executed by a computer to control an inhalation device that uses a substrate to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, the suction device includes a first communication unit that performs wireless communication; the program causes the computer to switch control over the first communication unit when a detection is made that an accessory that is detachably attached to the suction device has been attached to the suction device; the accessory includes a second communication unit that performs wireless communication; The program causes the computer to execute a process of controlling the first communication unit to transmit information different from information transmitted by the second communication unit. program.

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