Terminal device, information processing device, information processing method and program

Abstract

We propose a system that can provide users with a new suction experience. [Solution] A terminal device comprising: a communication unit that transmits suction information including information indicating the position where a user is performing suction using a suction device and receives virtual space information that defines a virtual space generated based on the suction information; and a control unit that outputs the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information using an output unit.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate a gas imparted with flavor components to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are in widespread use. For example, the inhalation device is equipped with a substrate that contributes to the generation of the gas imparted with flavor components, such as an aerosol source for generating an aerosol or a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The contents accumulated in the substrate are consumed each time the gas imparted with flavor components is generated. The user can taste the flavor along with the gas by inhaling (hereinafter also referred to as puffing) the gas imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] In order to improve the quality of the inhalation experience using an inhalation device, it has been considered to provide users with information related to the use of the inhalation device. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an AR (Augmented Reality) technology that gives a user the sensation of inhaling a lit cigarette by superimposing and displaying virtual objects showing the ignition state and the state of sidestream smoke on a non-ignition inhalation device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2007 / 010411 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology proposed in the above Patent Document 1 merely makes the inhalation experience provided by the inhalation device similar to the inhalation experience provided by previously existing ignition cigarettes. In other words, the technology proposed in the above Patent Document 1 merely provides a similar inhalation experience to the past, and it is difficult to say that it provides a new inhalation experience to users.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to propose a mechanism that can provide a user with a new inhalation experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device comprising: a communication unit that transmits suction information including information indicating the position where a user is performing suction using a suction device and receives virtual space information that defines a virtual space generated based on the suction information; and a control unit that causes an output unit to output the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information.

[0008] The virtual space information may include regulation information regarding suction using the suction device.

[0009] The regulation information may differ depending on the type of the suction device.

[0010] The regulatory information may vary depending on the type of substrate having accumulated contents that is consumed by the suction device to generate flavored gas.

[0011] The restriction information may include information indicating a location where suction using the suction device is not permitted.

[0012] A virtual object indicating that suction is prohibited may be placed at a position in the virtual space corresponding to a position in the virtual space where suction using the suction device is not permitted.

[0013] If the location where the user is performing suction using the suction device is a location where suction using the suction device is not permitted, the virtual space may include information notifying the user that points will be deducted.

[0014] The restriction information may include information indicating a location where suction using the suction device is permitted.

[0015] If the location where the user is performing suction using the suction device is a location where suction using the suction device is permitted, the virtual space may include information notifying the user that a benefit will be given.

[0016] The virtual space may be a space that corresponds to a real space and is updated in accordance with the regulation information.

[0017] An avatar corresponding to the user may be placed in the virtual space, and actions that the avatar corresponding to the user can perform may be set according to a relationship between a position indicated by the suction information and the restriction information.

[0018] An avatar corresponding to the user may be placed in the virtual space, and the avatar corresponding to the user may be displayed with an appearance according to a relationship between the position indicated by the suction information and the regulation information.

[0019] In the virtual space, avatars corresponding to each of the user and the other users may be placed at positions in the virtual space corresponding to positions indicated by the suction information obtained for each of the user and the other users.

[0020] In the virtual space, avatars corresponding to each of the user and the other users may be placed at positions in the virtual space corresponding to current positions of the user and the other users.

[0021] The communication unit may transmit information input by the user, and avatars corresponding to the user and other users may be placed in the virtual space, and the avatar corresponding to the user and the avatar corresponding to the other users may communicate with each other in response to the information input by the user.

[0022] The virtual space may include information indicating a degree of congestion for each position where suction using the suction device is permitted.

[0023] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising a communication unit that receives suction information indicating a position where a user is performing suction using a suction device, and a control unit that generates a virtual space corresponding to the received suction information, wherein the communication unit transmits virtual space information defining the generated virtual space to a terminal device that outputs the virtual space to the user.

[0024] The virtual space information may include regulation information regarding suction using the suction device.

[0025] The regulation information may differ depending on the type of the suction device.

[0026] The regulatory information may vary depending on the type of substrate having accumulated contents that is consumed by the suction device to generate flavored gas.

[0027] The restriction information may include information indicating a location where suction using the suction device is not permitted.

[0028] A virtual object indicating that suction is prohibited may be placed at a position in the virtual space corresponding to a position in the virtual space where suction using the suction device is not permitted.

[0029] If the location where the user is performing suction using the suction device is a location where suction using the suction device is not permitted, the virtual space may include information notifying the user that points will be deducted.

[0030] The restriction information may include information indicating a location where suction using the suction device is permitted.

[0031] If the location where the user is performing suction using the suction device is a location where suction using the suction device is permitted, the virtual space may include information notifying the user that a benefit will be given.

[0032] The virtual space may be a space that corresponds to a real space and is updated in accordance with the regulation information.

[0033] An avatar corresponding to the user may be placed in the virtual space, and actions that the avatar corresponding to the user can perform may be set according to a relationship between a position indicated by the suction information and the restriction information.

[0034] An avatar corresponding to the user may be placed in the virtual space, and the avatar corresponding to the user may be displayed with an appearance according to a relationship between the position indicated by the suction information and the regulation information.

[0035] The control unit may update the restriction information based on a history of the suction information for each user.

[0036] In the virtual space, avatars corresponding to each of the user and the other users may be placed at positions in the virtual space corresponding to positions indicated by the suction information obtained for each of the user and the other users.

[0037] In the virtual space, avatars corresponding to each of the user and the other users may be placed at positions in the virtual space corresponding to current positions of the user and the other users.

[0038] The communication unit may receive information input from the user, and avatars corresponding to the user and other users may be placed in the virtual space, and the avatar corresponding to the user and the avatar corresponding to the other users may communicate with each other in response to the information input by the user.

[0039] The control unit may generate information indicating the degree of congestion for each location where suction using the suction device is permitted based on the suction information, and the virtual space may include information indicating the degree of congestion.

[0040] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including: transmitting suction information including information indicating a position where a user is performing suction using a suction device, receiving virtual space information defining a virtual space generated based on the suction information, and outputting the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information by an output unit.

[0041] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including receiving suction information indicating a location where a user is performing suction using a suction device, generating a virtual space corresponding to the received suction information, and transmitting virtual space information defining the generated virtual space to a terminal device that outputs the virtual space to the user.

[0042] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute the following steps: sending suction information including information indicating the position where a user is performing suction using a suction device, receiving virtual space information defining a virtual space generated based on the suction information, and outputting the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information by an output unit.

[0043] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer to receive suction information indicating a location where a user is performing suction using a suction device, generate a virtual space corresponding to the received suction information, and transmit virtual space information defining the generated virtual space to a terminal device that outputs the virtual space to the user. Effect of the Invention

[0044] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of providing a new inhalation experience to a user is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of the suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a suction device in a state in which a substrate is held, according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space displayed by a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space displayed by a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space displayed by a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space displayed by a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a virtual space providing process executed in the system according to the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] 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.

[0047] <<1. Overview of proposed technology>> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B), and a management device 300.

[0048] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a gas to which a flavor component is added, which is inhaled by a user. The inhalation device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor component, for example, by heating a substrate in which contents such as an aerosol source and a flavor source are accumulated.

[0049] The terminal device 200 is an information processing device operated by a user. The terminal device 200 transmits and receives information between the suction device 100 and the management device 300, and outputs information based on such communication to the user. The terminal device 200 has at least a display device such as a display or projector capable of outputting images. The terminal device 200 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or the like.

[0050] The management device 300 is an information processing device that manages various devices included in the system 1. The management device 300 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 200. For example, the management device 300 generates a virtual space 10 based on information received from the terminal device 200, and causes the terminal device 200 to output the generated virtual space 10.

[0051] The virtual space 10 includes avatars corresponding to the respective users of the multiple suction devices 100 included in the system 1. For example, the avatar 11A corresponds to the user A, and the avatar 11B corresponds to the user B. The user can make the avatar perform a desired action in the virtual space by operating the avatar via the terminal device 200. The virtual space 10 may be associated with a real space, and the avatar 11 may be placed at a position in the virtual space 10 corresponding to the user's position in the real space. The user can communicate with other users in the virtual space 10 via the avatar.

[0052] As an example, the virtual space 10 may be a game space of an online game. Not all users of the suction device 100 may participate in the game, and some of the users of the suction device 100 may participate in the game. Here, the virtual space 10 is generated according to suction using the suction device 100 performed by the user. For example, an interaction according to the position where the user is performing suction using the suction device 100 is performed in the virtual space 10. That is, by performing suction using the suction device 100, the user can enjoy a game experience in the virtual space 10 in addition to tasting the flavor. In this way, according to the proposed technology, it is possible to provide a completely new suction experience to the user.

[0053] <<2. Example of each device configuration>> <2.1. Example of suction device configuration> (1) Internal configuration example Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment includes a battery 101, a sensor unit 103, an input unit 105, a notification unit 107, a wireless communication unit 109, a generation unit 111, a storage unit 113, and a control unit 115.

[0054] (Generation unit 111) The generating unit 111 has a function of generating a gas to which flavor components have been imparted. The base material accumulates the contents to be consumed by the generating unit 111 for generating the gas to which flavor components have been imparted.

[0055] The contents here are, for example, an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol, and the like. The aerosol source may be a solid or a liquid. The aerosol source may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The flavor source may contain a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the flavor source may contain a drug for the patient to inhale. Depending on the application, the base material may not contain a flavor source. In addition, the gas to which the flavor component is imparted is not limited to an aerosol, and may be, for example, invisible vapor.

[0056] As an example, the generating unit 111 may first generate an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol source, and then impart a flavor component to the aerosol when the aerosol passes through a flavor source provided on the aerosol flow path, thereby generating an aerosol imparted with the flavor component. Any means such as heating or ultrasonic vibration may be used for atomization. As another example, the generating unit 111 may generate an aerosol imparted with the flavor component by heating the aerosol source and the flavor source.

[0057] The inhalation device 100 includes an air intake flow path that takes in air into the inhalation device 100, and an aerosol flow path that discharges the aerosol generated by the generation unit 111 to the outside of the inhalation device 100. The aerosol generated by the generation unit 111 is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path. Then, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air is sent to the aerosol flow path and discharged to the outside of the inhalation device 100, and reaches the mouth of the user.

[0058] The generation unit 111 may start generating gas to which flavor components have been added when the sensor unit 103 described later detects inhalation by the user, or when the input unit 105 described later detects a predetermined user input.

[0059] (Battery 101) The battery 101 is a power source that stores power and supplies power to each component in the suction device 100. The battery 101 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The battery 101 may be rechargeable by connecting to an external power source via a predetermined port of the suction device 100. The battery 101 may be removable from the suction device 100 and may be replaced with a new battery 101.

[0060] (Sensor unit 103) The sensor unit 103 has a function of detecting various information related to the inhalation device 100. The sensor unit 103 may include a pressure sensor that detects a pressure fluctuation in the air intake flow path and / or the aerosol flow path, or a flow sensor that detects a flow rate. The sensor unit 103 may also include a weight sensor that detects the amount or weight of the contents accumulated in the substrate. The sensor unit 103 may also be configured to count the number of times a user inhales using the inhalation device 100. The sensor unit 103 may also be configured to acquire the time when a user inhales using the inhalation device 100. The sensor unit 103 may also be configured to identify the substrate attached to the inhalation device 100 when inhaling using the inhalation device 100. The sensor unit 103 may also be configured to accumulate the time of current supply to the generation unit 111. The sensor unit 103 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge), current accumulation value, voltage, and the like of the battery 101. The current accumulation value may be obtained by a current accumulation method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like.

[0061] (Input unit 105) The input unit 105 has a function of accepting input of various information from a user. For example, the input unit 105 may be configured with a keyboard, a button, a switch, a microphone, or the like.

[0062] (Notification Department 107) The notification unit 107 has a function of notifying the user of information. The notification unit 107 may include, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, etc. The notification unit 107 is configured to perform at least one of light emission, display, sound output, and vibration to notify the user of some kind of notification as necessary. In addition, the notification unit 107 may transmit information to another device via a wireless communication unit 109 described later, and notify the user of the information via the other device.

[0063] (Wireless communication unit 109) The wireless communication unit 109 is a wireless interface having functions as a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device 100 and another device. The wireless communication unit 109 performs wireless communication conforming to any wireless communication standard such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, the wireless communication unit 109 transmits and receives various information related to the suction device 100 to and from the terminal device 200.

[0064] (Storage unit 113) The storage unit 113 has a function of temporarily or permanently storing information for the operation of the suction device 100. For example, the storage unit 113 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0065] (Control unit 115) The control unit 115 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 115 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. The control unit 115 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the programs to be used, arithmetic parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate. The suction device 100 performs various processes under the control of the control unit 115. For example, power supply / charging by the battery 101, detection of information by the sensor unit 103, input of information by the input unit 105, notification of information by the notification unit 107, transmission and reception of information by the wireless communication unit 109, generation of gas to which flavor components have been imparted by the generation unit 111, and storage and reading of information by the storage unit 113 are examples of processing controlled by the control unit 115. Other processing executed by the inhalation device 100, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 115.

[0066] (2) External configuration example -First appearance example Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100A according to this embodiment. The suction device 100A shown in Fig. 3 is composed of a first member 130, a second member 140, and a third member 150. Hereinafter, the first member 130 will also be referred to as a main unit 130, the second member 140 will also be referred to as a cartridge 140, and the third member 150 will also be referred to as a capsule 150.

[0067] In the main unit 130, for example, the battery 101, the sensor unit 103, the input unit 105, the notification unit 107, the wireless communication unit 109, the storage unit 113, and the control unit 115 described with reference to Fig. 2 are arranged. In the cartridge 140, for example, the generation unit 111 and the aerosol source described with reference to Fig. 2 are arranged. In the capsule 150, for example, a flavor source is arranged. Note that these arrangements are merely examples, and any other arrangements can be applied.

[0068] 3, each of the main unit 130, the cartridge 140, and the capsule 150 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Then, suction is performed with these attached to each other.

[0069] The main body unit 130 has a male connector 131 at one end. The male connector 131 has a spiral protrusion extending in the circumferential direction. The cartridge 140 has a female connector 141 at one end. The female connector 141 has a spiral groove extending in the circumferential direction. The main body unit 130 and the cartridge 140 are connected by screwing the male connector 131 and the female connector 141 together. That is, the cartridge 140 is detachably attached to the main body unit 130.

[0070] The cartridge 140 has a storage section 142 forming a cylindrical space at an end opposite to the end having the female connector 141. The capsule 150 includes a mouthpiece 151 having the same or approximately the same diameter as the main unit 130 and the cartridge 140, and an insertion section 152 having a smaller diameter than the mouthpiece 151. The insertion section 152 is inserted into the storage section 142 and fitted therein. That is, the capsule 150 is detachably attached to the cartridge 140. A user attaches the cartridge 140 to the main unit 130, and with the capsule 150 attached to the cartridge 140, holds the mouthpiece 151 in his / her mouth and inhales, thereby taking in air containing a flavored aerosol into the oral cavity.

[0071] -Second exterior configuration example Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100B according to the present embodiment. The suction device 100B shown in Fig. 4 includes the battery 101, the sensor unit 103, the input unit 105, the notification unit 107, the wireless communication unit 109, the generation unit 111, the storage unit 113, and the control unit 115 described with reference to Fig. 2. In this configuration example, the base material is configured separately and independently from the suction device 100B. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100B according to the present embodiment in a state in which the base material 180 is held.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the inhalation device 100B has a top housing 171A, a bottom housing 171B, a cover 172, a switch 173, and a lid portion 174. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the inhalation device 100B has a heating portion 175 inside. Note that the switch 173 corresponds to the input portion 105 described with reference to FIG. 2. Also, the heating portion 175 corresponds to the generating portion 111 described with reference to FIG. 2. The top housing 171A and the bottom housing 171B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 171 of the inhalation device 100B. The housing 171 may be sized to fit in the user's hand. In this case, when the user uses the inhalation device 100B, the user can hold the inhalation device 100B in his / her hand and inhale the aerosol.

[0073] The top housing 171A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 172 is coupled to the top housing 171A so as to close the opening. As shown in Fig. 5, the cover 172 has an opening 172a into which the base material 180 can be inserted. The lid portion 174 is configured to open and close the opening 172a of the cover 172. Specifically, the lid portion 174 is attached to the cover 172, and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 172 between a first position at which the opening 172a is closed and a second position at which the opening 172a is opened.

[0074] The switch 173 is used to turn on and off the operation of the suction device 100B. For example, by operating the switch 173 while the base material 180 is inserted into the opening 172a and attached as shown in Fig. 5, the user can supply power from the battery 101 (not shown) to the heating unit 175 and heat the base material 180 without burning it.

[0075] The heating section 175 has a heating assembly extending in a direction in which the substrate 180 is inserted into the opening 172a. The heating assembly is composed of a plurality of cylindrical members, and forms a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating assembly is configured to be able to accommodate a part of the substrate 180 therein, and has a function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the substrate 180, and a function of heating the substrate 180 from the outer periphery. When the substrate 180 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the substrate 180, and the flavor component of the flavor source is taken in by the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component by inhaling the part of the substrate 180 protruding from the inhalation device 100B (the part shown by the solid line in FIG. 5).

[0076] <2.2. Example of terminal device configuration> 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 200 includes a wireless communication unit 210, an input / output unit 220, a position detection unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

[0077] - Wireless communication unit 210 The wireless communication unit 210 is a wireless interface having functions as a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The wireless communication unit 210 performs wireless communication conforming to any wireless communication standard such as cellular communication, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, the wireless communication unit 210 communicates with the suction device 100 and the management device 300.

[0078] -I / O section 220 The input / output unit 220 is composed of an input unit that accepts information input from a user, and an output unit that outputs information to the user. The input unit is composed of, for example, a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. The output unit is composed of, for example, an image output device such as a display, an audio output device such as a speaker, and a vibration device such as an eccentric motor.

[0079] - Position detection unit 230 The position detection unit 230 has a function of detecting position information indicating the position of the terminal device 200. For example, the position detection unit 230 receives a GNSS signal (for example, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite) from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite, detects position information consisting of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the device, and outputs the detected position information. Note that the position detection unit 230 may detect the position information using any other technology. For example, the position detection unit 230 may detect the position information by transmission and reception with Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a mobile phone, a PHS, a smartphone, etc., or by short-distance wireless communication, etc.

[0080] -Storage section 240 The storage unit 240 has a function of storing various information for the operation of the terminal device 200. The storage unit 240 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0081] -Control unit 250 The control unit 250 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 250 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU and a microprocessor. The control unit 250 may include a ROM for storing programs to be used, arithmetic parameters, and the like, and a RAM for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate. The terminal device 200 executes various processes based on the control of the control unit 250. For example, the transmission and reception of information by the wireless communication unit 210, the input and output of information by the input / output unit 220, the position detection by the position detection unit 230, and the storage and readout of information by the storage unit 240 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 250.

[0082] 6, the control unit 250 functions as a reporting unit 251 and an output control unit 253. The reporting unit 251 has a function of reporting various information collected from the suction device 100 to the management device 300. The output control unit 253 has a function of controlling output based on information received from the management device 300. The details of each of these components will be described in detail later.

[0083] <2.3. Example of management device configuration> 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0084] -Communication Department 310 The communication unit 310 is a wireless / wired communication interface having functions as a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving information between the management device 300 and other devices. The communication unit 310 typically transmits and receives information via a LAN, a telephone line, or the like. For example, the communication unit 310 communicates with the terminal device 200.

[0085] -Storage unit 320 The storage unit 320 has a function of storing various information for the operation of the management device 300. The storage unit 320 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory.

[0086] -Control unit 330 The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the management device 300 according to various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU and a microprocessor. The control unit 330 may include a ROM for storing the programs to be used and arithmetic parameters, and a RAM for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate. The management device 300 executes various processes based on the control of the control unit 330. For example, the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 310, and the storage and reading of information by the storage unit 320 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 330. Other processes executed by the management device 300, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 330.

[0087] 7, the control unit 330 functions as a regulation information management unit 331 and a virtual space generation unit 333. The regulation information management unit 331 has a function of collecting and managing regulation information related to suction using the suction device 100. The virtual space generation unit 333 has a function of generating a virtual space. The details of each of these components will be described in detail later.

[0088] <<3. Technical features>> (1) Creation of a virtual space based on attraction information When the suction device 100 detects suction by a user, it transmits information indicating the detection result to the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the suction device 100 may transmit to the terminal device 200 at least any one of identification information of the suction device 100, identification information of the base material attached to the suction device 100, and the number of times suction was performed and the time when suction was performed.

[0089] The terminal device 200 (e.g., the report unit 251) generates suction information regarding suction performed by a user using the suction device 100. The suction information includes location information indicating a location where the user is performing suction using the suction device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a suction location). For example, when the terminal device 200 receives information indicating that suction by a user has been detected from the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 acquires location information of a current location and generates suction information including the acquired location information. Furthermore, the suction information may include at least any one of identification information of the terminal device 200, identification information of the user, identification information of the suction device 100, identification information of the base material attached to the suction device 100, and the number of times and time when suction has been performed. The terminal device 200 transmits the generated suction information to the management device 300.

[0090] The management device 300 (for example, the virtual space generation unit 333) generates a virtual space based on the attraction information received from the terminal device 200. The virtual space is a space configured by a plurality of virtual objects. Virtual objects such as a ground, a road, a building, and an avatar are arranged in the virtual space. The management device 300 arranges an avatar corresponding to the user of the terminal device 200 in the virtual space based on the attraction information received from the terminal device 200. Note that the generation of the virtual space is a concept that also includes updating the virtual space such as changing the position of the avatar. For example, the management device 300 first generates a virtual space corresponding to the real space by arranging virtual objects corresponding to real objects such as the ground, a road, and a building in the real space. Then, the management device 300 arranges an avatar corresponding to the user at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the attraction position of the user in the real space indicated by the attraction information. The management device 300 arranges avatars for other users in the same manner. In detail, the management device 300 places an avatar corresponding to another user at a position in the virtual space that corresponds to the attraction position of the other user in the real space, which is indicated by the attraction information obtained for the other user. Note that the virtual space does not need to correspond exactly to the real space, and it is sufficient that at least the direction of the real space and the direction of the virtual space match.

[0091] The management device 300 (for example, the virtual space generation unit 333) transmits virtual space information that defines the generated virtual space to the terminal device 200. The virtual space information includes, for each virtual object included in the virtual space, identification information, position information, posture information, texture information, and other information related to the virtual object. With regard to avatars, the virtual space information also includes information indicating friendships between avatars (i.e., relationships between users in the virtual space) and information regarding communication between avatars. Note that generating a virtual space is synonymous with generating virtual space information. Information included in the virtual space is also included in the virtual space information.

[0092] The terminal device 200 (e.g., the output control unit 253) receives virtual space information from the management device 300 and outputs the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information. For example, the terminal device 200 displays an image showing the virtual space including the user's avatar. Additionally, the terminal device 200 may output sound, vibration, or the like based on the virtual space information.

[0093] (2) Characteristics of virtual space Hereinafter, features of the virtual space will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figures 8 to 11 are diagrams showing an example of the virtual space displayed by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment.

[0094] The virtual space (in other words, virtual space information) may include regulation information regarding suction using the suction device 100. The regulation information is information indicating the content of regulations regarding suction using the suction device 100, as well as conditions such as the location and time period to which the regulations apply, and such conditions are defined by a country or a local government, etc. By including the regulation information in the virtual space, the user can become aware of the regulation information while enjoying the game.

[0095] The regulation information may vary depending on the type of inhalation device 100. In terms of tobacco, the inhalation device 100 is classified into a heated tobacco product and an electronic cigarette. A heated tobacco product uses tobacco leaves and generates vapor containing flavor components of tobacco without burning the tobacco leaves. A heated tobacco product may be further classified into a type that heats tobacco leaves at a low temperature and a type that heats tobacco leaves at a high temperature. The type that heats tobacco leaves at a low temperature employs, for example, a method of generating vapor containing flavor components of tobacco by heating and atomizing a liquid and passing the liquid through the tobacco leaves without directly heating the tobacco leaves. The configuration of this type of heated tobacco product is as described above with reference to FIG. 3. The heated tobacco product of this type may also be referred to as infused vapor. The type that heats tobacco leaves at a high temperature employs, for example, a method of generating vapor containing flavor components of tobacco by directly heating the tobacco leaves. The configuration of this type of heated tobacco product is as described above with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The heated tobacco product of this type may also be referred to as T-vapor. On the other hand, electronic cigarettes generate vapor containing flavor components of tobacco without using tobacco leaves. Electronic cigarettes generate vapor containing flavor components of tobacco, for example, by heating and atomizing a liquid containing flavor components of tobacco. Electronic cigarettes may also be called E-vapor. For example, the management device 300 generates a virtual space including regulation information corresponding to the identification information of the inhalation device 100 included in the inhalation information. This allows the user to easily recognize the regulation information corresponding to the inhalation device 100 used for inhalation.

[0096] The regulatory information may vary depending on the type of substrate. The type of substrate may be classified, for example, by the type of flavor, the type of aerosol source, and the nicotine content. For example, the management device 300 generates a virtual space including regulatory information according to the identification information of the substrate attached to the inhalation device 100 included in the inhalation information. This allows the user to easily recognize the regulatory information according to the substrate used for inhalation.

[0097] The restriction information may include information indicating a position where suction using the suction device 100 is not permitted. A position where suction using the suction device 100 is not permitted is also referred to as a suction prohibited position hereinafter. Examples of the suction prohibited position include restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Examples of the information indicating the suction prohibited position include information indicating latitude and longitude, information indicating altitude, and information indicating a relative position from a building or the like. In addition, the restriction information may include information indicating a condition where suction at the suction prohibited position is not permitted, such as a time period during which suction at the suction prohibited position is not permitted. The information indicating the suction prohibited position is arranged in the virtual space as one of the virtual objects. An example of the information indicating the suction prohibited position is shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a virtual object 12 indicating the suction prohibited position is arranged in the virtual space 10. The virtual object 12 indicating the suction prohibited position is arranged at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the suction prohibited position in the real space. Therefore, by referring to the virtual object 12 indicating the suction prohibited position, the user can easily recognize the suction prohibited position in the real space without performing a web search or the like.

[0098] In the virtual space, a virtual object indicating suction prohibition may be placed at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the suction prohibition position. For example, instead of the virtual object 12 indicating the suction prohibition position shown in Fig. 8, a virtual rock object 13 shown in Fig. 9 may be placed. Furthermore, the management device 300 may impart a demerit to the avatar, such as the avatar being unable to pass through the virtual rock object 13 or being damaged when the avatar touches the virtual rock object 13. This prevents the user from moving to the suction prohibition position, and therefore it becomes possible to naturally prevent suction using the suction device 100 at the suction prohibition position.

[0099] The regulation information may include information indicating a position where inhalation using the inhalation device 100 is permitted. A position where inhalation using the inhalation device 100 is permitted is also referred to as an inhalation-permitted position hereinafter. Examples of the inhalation-permitted position include smoking areas, tobacco shops, and retail stores of the inhalation device 100 or the base material. Examples of the information indicating the inhalation-permitted position include information indicating latitude and longitude, information indicating altitude, and information indicating a relative position from a building or the like. The regulation information may include information indicating a condition under which inhalation is permitted at the inhalation-permitted position, such as a time period during which inhalation at the inhalation-permitted position is permitted. The information indicating the inhalation-permitted position is arranged in the virtual space as one of the virtual objects. An example of the information indicating the inhalation-permitted position is shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a virtual object 14 indicating the inhalation-permitted position is arranged in the virtual space 10. The virtual object 14 indicating the inhalation-permitted position is arranged at a position in the virtual space 10 corresponding to the inhalation-permitted position in the real space. Therefore, by referring to the virtual object 14 indicating the inhalation-permitted position, the user can easily recognize the inhalation-permitted position in the real space without performing a web search or the like.

[0100] The virtual space may not completely correspond to the real space, and may be a space in which the space corresponding to the real space is updated according to the regulation information. For example, the management device 300 first generates an initial virtual space corresponding to the real space by arranging virtual objects corresponding to real objects such as the ground, roads, and buildings in the real space. Then, the management device 300 adds a terrain change that causes an obstacle terrain to appear at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the suction prohibited position. Examples of the obstacle terrain include cliffs, mountains, rivers, and swamps. Even with such a terrain change, a natural obstruction of suction using the suction device 100 at the suction prohibited position is realized, as in the case of arranging the virtual object indicating the above-mentioned suction prohibition. On the other hand, with respect to the suction permitted position, the management device 300 may add a terrain change that causes a terrain that is beneficial to the avatar, such as a leveled road, to appear at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the suction permitted position. In this way, by updating the terrain of the virtual space 10 according to the regulation information, it is possible to naturally recognize the regulation information as part of the game experience by the user.

[0101] (3) Communications between Users By controlling an avatar, a user can make the avatar perform a desired action in a virtual space. Communication between avatars is one example. Communication between avatars can be realized between users.

[0102] The terminal device 200 transmits information input by the user for operating the avatar to the management device 300. Examples of inputs for operating the avatar include single tapping, double tapping, swiping, and sliding, as well as text / voice input of conversation content. The management device 300 generates a virtual space based on the information received from the terminal device 200. For example, in the virtual space, an avatar corresponding to the user and an avatar corresponding to another user communicate with each other according to the information input by the user for operating the avatar. Then, the terminal device 200 outputs the virtual space generated by the management device 300.

[0103] Examples of communication between avatars include conversation, the giving of points that users can use in the virtual space, and combat. Other examples of communication between avatars include requesting other users to supply power to the suction device 100 and giving points in return. Conditions may be imposed on communication, such as allowing communication only between users who are performing suction at the same suction-permitted position.

[0104] (4) Processing according to the relationship between regulatory information and suction information The management device 300 (for example, the virtual space management unit 333) may perform processing according to the relationship between the regulation information and the suction information.

[0105] As an example, in the virtual space, actions that an avatar corresponding to a user can perform may be set according to the relationship between the suction position and the restriction information. For example, when the suction position is a suction prohibited position, the actions that an avatar corresponding to a user can perform are restricted compared to when the suction position is a suction permitted position. For example, when the suction position is a suction permitted position, free conversation with other users is possible. On the other hand, when the suction position is a suction prohibited position, conversation with other users is not possible.

[0106] As another example, in the virtual space, an avatar corresponding to a user may be displayed with an appearance according to the relationship between the suction position and the restriction information. In particular, when the suction position is a suction prohibited position, the appearance of the avatar may be deteriorated compared to when the suction position is a suction permitted position. For example, when the suction position is a suction permitted position, the avatar is displayed with an appearance that may give a good impression to other users, such as wearing formal clothes or having a good expression. On the other hand, when the suction position is a suction prohibited position, the avatar is displayed with an appearance that may give a bad impression to other users, such as wearing informal clothes or having a bad expression.

[0107] Furthermore, the management device 300 may provide a benefit or the like to the user based on the regulation information and the attraction information. The virtual space may include information notifying the user that a benefit or the like will be provided.

[0108] As an example, when the suction position is a suction-permitted position, the management device 300 may give a benefit to the user, and the virtual space may include information indicating that the benefit will be given to the user. Examples of benefits given to the user include points that the user can use in the virtual space, and characters and ornaments that can be used in the virtual space. When the user performs suction using the suction device 100 at the suction-permitted position, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the avatar is placed at the position of the virtual object 14 indicating the suction-permitted position, and information 16 indicating that points will be added to the user is placed.

[0109] As another example, when the suction position is a suction prohibited position, the management device 300 may subtract points that the user can use in the virtual space, and the virtual space may include information notifying the user that the points will be subtracted. When the user performs suction using the suction device 100 at the suction prohibited position, the avatar is placed at the position of the virtual object 12 indicating the suction prohibited position, and information 15 notifying the user that the points will be subtracted is placed, as shown in Fig. 10 for example. Additionally, the virtual space may include information warning the user not to perform suction using the suction device 100 at the suction prohibited position.

[0110] By the above-described process, it is possible to motivate the user to perform suction using the suction device 100 in the suction permitted position if suction is to be performed using the suction device 100. It is also possible to motivate the user not to perform suction using the suction device 100 in the suction prohibited position.

[0111] (5) Processing flow 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a virtual space providing process executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. In this sequence, the suction device 100A, the suction device 100B, the terminal device 200A, the terminal device 200B, and the management device 300 are involved.

[0112] 12, first, the suction device 100A detects suction by the user A using the suction device 100A (step S102A) and transmits information indicating the detection result to the terminal device 200A (step S104A). Next, the terminal device 200A acquires location information and generates suction information based on the location information and the information received from the suction device 100A (step S106A). For example, the terminal device 200A generates suction information including the acquired location information and the information received from the suction device 100A. Next, the terminal device 200A transmits the generated suction information to the management device 300 (step S108A).

[0113] Similarly, the suction device 100B detects suction by user B using the suction device 100B (step S102B) and transmits information indicating the detection result to the terminal device 200 (step S104B). Next, the terminal device 200B acquires location information and generates suction information based on the location information and the information received from the suction device 100B (step S106B). For example, the terminal device 200B generates suction information including the acquired location information and the information received from the suction device 100B. Next, the terminal device 200B transmits the generated suction information to the management device 300 (step S108B).

[0114] Then, the management device 300 generates a virtual space based on the attraction information received from the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B (step S110). For example, the management device 300 places an avatar corresponding to user A at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the attraction position of user A indicated by the attraction information received from the terminal device 200A. Similarly, the management device 300 places an avatar corresponding to user B at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the attraction position of user B indicated by the attraction information received from the terminal device 200B. Next, the management device 300 transmits virtual space information defining the generated virtual space to each of the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B (steps S112A and S112B). Then, the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B output a virtual space including the avatars of user A and user B based on the received virtual space information (steps S114A and S114B).

[0115] Thereafter, when the terminal device 200A detects a double tap by user A on the avatar of user B displayed on the screen and input of conversation content (step S116), the terminal device 200A transmits the input information to the management device 300 (step S118). Next, the management device 300 generates a virtual space based on the received input information (step S120). For example, the management device 300 generates a virtual space in which a conversation is taking place from the avatar of user A to the avatar of user B. Next, the management device 300 transmits the generated virtual space to the management device 300. The terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B transmit virtual space information defining the virtual space thus obtained to each of them (steps S122A and S122B). Then, the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B output a virtual space in which a conversation is taking place from the avatar of user A to the avatar of user B, based on the received virtual space information (steps S124A and S124B).

[0116] <<4. Modifications>> (1) First Modification In the above embodiment, it has been described that the terminal device 200 transmits suction information including location information to the management device 300 at the timing when the user performs suction using the suction device 100, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

[0117] As an example, the location information of the terminal device 200 and the detection result of suction by the user using the suction device 100 may be separately transmitted to the management device 300. For example, the terminal device 200 periodically transmits location information to the management device 300, and transmits the detection result to the management device 300 at the timing when suction by the user using the suction device 100 is detected. In this case, the management device 300 acquires the most recently received location information as location information indicating the location where the user is performing suction using the suction device 100.

[0118] As another example, the suction device 100 may generate suction information and transmit it to the management device 300. For example, the suction device 100 has a function of acquiring position information, and upon detecting suction by a user, generates suction information and transmits it to the management device 300. The suction information may be once transmitted to the terminal device 200 and then transferred by the terminal device 200 to the management device 300.

[0119] (2) Second modified example In the above embodiment, the avatars corresponding to the user and other users are arranged at positions in the virtual space corresponding to the suction positions of the user and other users, but the present technology is not limited to such an example. For example, the avatars corresponding to the user and other users may be arranged at positions in the virtual space corresponding to the current positions of the user and other users. That is, the avatar may be displayed even when the user is not performing suction using the suction device 100, and the display position of the avatar may be a position corresponding to the user's current position. In this case, the terminal device 200 periodically reports position information to the management device 300, and the management device 300 generates the virtual space based on the position information. This allows the user to enjoy a game experience in the virtual space even when the user is not performing suction using the suction device 100.

[0120] Also, a destination of the user may be set in the virtual space. For example, the destination is set by the user performing a predetermined operation in the virtual space displayed on the screen of the terminal device 200. As an example of the predetermined operation, a long tap for a predetermined time or more is performed to select the user's avatar, and then a swipe or slide is performed to set the destination. After the destination is set, for example, navigation information to the destination according to the user's current position may be output in the virtual space. Also, during the movement to the destination, information indicating a suction-permitted position near the user's current position may be output in the virtual space. This allows the user to easily recognize the nearest suction-permitted position.

[0121] (3) Third modified example The management device 300 (for example, the virtual space management unit 333) may generate a virtual space including information indicating the degree of congestion at each suction-permitted position based on the suction information. In detail, first, the management device 300 calculates the number of people performing suction using the suction device 100 at the suction-permitted position to be calculated (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of people performing suction). For example, the management device 300 calculates the number of people performing suction at the suction-permitted position to be calculated by totaling the number of users whose suction positions indicated by the suction device are the suction-permitted positions to be calculated. On the other hand, for each suction-permitted position, an upper limit number of people who can comfortably perform suction using the suction device 100 is set depending on the size of the room and the facilities. Then, the management device 300 generates information indicating the degree of congestion at each suction-permitted position based on the relationship between the upper limit number of people and the number of people performing suction at the suction-permitted position to be calculated.

[0122] For example, the management device 300 generates information indicating congestion when the number of people to be sucked exceeds the upper limit, and generates information indicating not congested when the number of people to be sucked exceeds the upper limit. The information indicating the degree of congestion may be classified into three or more classes other than the two classes of crowded / not congested, or may be a continuous value such as the ratio of the number of people to the upper limit.

[0123] The comparison of the upper limit number and the number of smokers may be performed taking into consideration users who do not participate in the game. For example, in the case of cigarettes, if the ratio of people who use the inhalation device 100 and participate in the game among the smoking population in the country is about 20%, the comparison with the upper limit number may be performed assuming that the actual number of smokers is five times the number of smokers. The number of people in a population such as the smoking population in the country may be obtained based on the results of a survey by a national or local government.

[0124] (4) Fourth modified example The management device 300 (e.g., the regulation information management unit 331) may update the regulation information based on the history of the suction information for each user. Specifically, the suction information obtained for each user is tallied, and the rate at which the suction position is a suction permitted position is calculated for each user. Then, the management device 300 updates the suction information for each user based on the rate at which the suction position is a suction permitted position and the suction information obtained for that user.

[0125] As an example, it is assumed that multiple users who have a high rate of suction positions being suction-permitted positions will continuously perform suction using the suction device 100 at a specific position that is not a suction-permitted position from a certain day onward. In this case, the management device 300 will determine that the specific position is a newly established suction-permitted position, and add information indicating the determined suction-permitted position to the regulation information.

[0126] As another example, it is assumed that a number of users who have a high rate of their suction positions being suction-permitted positions will stop suctioning at a specific suction-permitted position using the suction device 100 after a certain day. In this case, the management device 300 determines that the specific suction-permitted position has been abolished, for example, due to removal of a smoking area, and deletes information indicating the specific suction-permitted position from the regulation information.

[0127] In this way, according to this modification, the restriction information is updated based on the suction information obtained for users whose suction positions are suction-permitted positions at a high rate. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately update the restriction information by eliminating noise due to the suction information obtained for users whose suction positions are suction-permitted positions at a low rate. Furthermore, according to this modification, it is possible to update the restriction information in a bottom-up manner, thereby reducing the cost of keeping the restriction information up to date.

[0128] (5) Fifth Variation In the above embodiment, an example in which a benefit or the like is given to a user based on the relationship between the suction position and the regulation information has been described, but the present technology is not limited to such an example. For example, a benefit or the like may be given to a user based on other information related to the suction performed by the user using the suction device 100.

[0129] For example, when suction is performed using the suction device 100 at a specific location, or when suction is performed using a new suction device 100, a benefit may be given to the user. Specifically, points that can be used by the user in the virtual space may be given, or characters or decorations that can be used in the virtual space may be given. In addition, the provision of such benefits may be limited to the first 100 users, or other cases where a certain condition is satisfied.

[0130] (6) Sixth Modification In addition to avatars and regulatory information, various virtual objects may be placed in the virtual space. For example, advertisements or messages may be notified in the virtual space. The virtual space may be linked to other applications, or may be operated as one service of the other applications. For example, points that can be used in other applications may be given to a user in the virtual space, or the actions of an avatar in the virtual space may affect other applications.

[0131] <<5. 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a storage medium (non-transitory media) 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 storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Also, the computer programs may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a storage medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 System 10 Virtual Space 11 Avatar 100 Suction device 101 Battery 103 Sensor section 105 Input section 107 Notification Department 109 Wireless Communication Division 111 Generation part 113 Storage section 115 Control Unit 130 Main unit 131 Male Connector 140 Cartridge 141 Female Connector 142 Storage unit 150 Capsules 151 Mouthpiece 152 Insertion part 171 Housing 171A Top Housing 171B Bottom Housing 172 Cover 172a aperture 173 Switch 174 Lid 175 Heating section 180 Base material 200 Terminal Equipment 210 Wireless Communication Department 220 Input / output section 230 Position detection unit 240 Storage section 250 Control section 251 Reporting Department 253 Output control section 300 Management device 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 331 Regulatory Information Management Department 333 Virtual Space Generation Department

Claims

1. A terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, the information including identification information of the inhalation device, The terminal device a communication unit that transmits location information indicating a current location and the identification information of the suction device to a management device, and receives virtual space information from the management device that defines a virtual space generated based on the location information; A control unit that outputs the virtual space defined by the received virtual space information by an output unit, the virtual space information includes regulation information corresponding to the identification information of the suction device, the regulation information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted; The control unit causes the output unit to output the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the regulation information differs depending on the type of the suction device.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulation information differs depending on a type of substrate in which contents that are consumed by the inhalation device to generate an aerosol imparted with a flavor component are accumulated.

4. The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the restriction information includes information indicating a condition under which suction is permitted at the suction-permitted position.

5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the virtual space, a virtual object indicating the suction permitted position is placed at a position in the virtual space that corresponds to the suction permitted position.

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the virtual space, an avatar corresponding to a user of the terminal device is placed at a position in the virtual space corresponding to the current position.

7. A terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the virtual space, avatars corresponding to each of the user of the terminal device and the other users are placed at positions in the virtual space corresponding to the current positions obtained for each of the user and the other users.

8. The communication unit transmits information input by the user, The terminal device according to claim 7 , wherein in the virtual space, the avatar corresponding to the user and the avatar corresponding to the other user communicate with each other in accordance with information input by the user.

9. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the restriction information includes information indicating a suction prohibited position where suction using the suction device is not permitted.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9 , wherein a virtual object indicating suction prohibition is placed in the virtual space at a position in the virtual space that corresponds to the suction prohibition position.

11. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the virtual space is a space corresponding to a real space that has been updated in accordance with the regulation information.

12. An information processing method in a terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, the information including identification information of the inhalation device, a transmitting step of transmitting location information indicating a current location and the identification information of the suction device to a management device; a receiving step of receiving, from the management device, virtual space information defining a virtual space generated based on the position information, the virtual space information including restriction information corresponding to the identification information of the suction device, the restriction information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted; an output step of outputting the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position; An information processing method comprising:

13. A computer of a terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information including identification information of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, a transmitting step of transmitting location information indicating a current location and the identification information of the suction device to a management device; a receiving step of receiving, from the management device, virtual space information defining a virtual space generated based on the position information, the virtual space information including restriction information corresponding to the identification information of the suction device, the restriction information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted; an output step of outputting the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position; A program for executing the above.

14. a communication unit that receives, from a terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device and an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, location information including a current location of the terminal device and identification information of the inhalation device; a control unit that generates virtual space information that defines a virtual space, the virtual space information including regulation information corresponding to the identification information of the suction device, the regulation information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted, the suction device corresponding to the received position information, The communication unit transmits the virtual space information to the terminal device that outputs the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position.

15. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: A receiving step of receiving, from a terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device and an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, location information including a current location of the terminal device and identification information of the inhalation device; a generating step of generating virtual space information that defines a virtual space, the virtual space information including regulation information according to the identification information of the suction device, the regulation information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted, the suction permitted position corresponding to the received position information; a transmitting step of transmitting the virtual space information to the terminal device that outputs the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position; An information processing method comprising:

16. A computer of an information processing device, A receiving step of receiving, from a terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device and an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added, location information including a current location of the terminal device and identification information of the inhalation device; a generating step of generating virtual space information that defines a virtual space, the virtual space information including regulation information according to the identification information of the suction device, the regulation information indicating a suction permitted position where suction using the suction device is permitted, the suction permitted position corresponding to the received position information; a transmitting step of transmitting the virtual space information to the terminal device that outputs the virtual space including information indicating the suction-permitted position near the current position; A program for executing the above.

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