Control device, terminal device, and information processing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism with which it is possible to improve the quality of the user's puff experience using biometric information. [Solution] The control device comprises a selection processing unit which selects a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for a user, on the basis of: a first operation setting that is an operation setting according to which a suction device generates an aerosol suctioned by a user; and biometric information on the user corresponding to the first operation setting.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, have become widespread. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can experience the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation of the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to mount a sensor for detecting biological information on a suction device. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique of mounting a sensor for detecting biological information on a suction device and providing the detected biological information to a user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even if biological information is simply provided to a user, it is difficult to improve the quality of the user's puff experience.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of improving the quality of the user's puff experience using biological information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, there is provided a control device including a selection processing unit that selects a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for the user, based on a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol sucked by the user, and biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting.

[0008] The selection processing unit may estimate the state of the user based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, and select the second operation setting based on the estimated state of the user.

[0009] The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting may include the biometric information detected when the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting.

[0010] The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting may include the biometric information detected before and after the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting.

[0011] The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting may be collected triggered by the suction device executing a process of generating an aerosol.

[0012] The selection processing unit may select the second operation setting triggered by the suction device executing a process of generating an aerosol.

[0013] The selection processing unit may control a process of storing, in a storage unit, information used to select the second operation setting, the information including at least one combination of the first operation setting and the biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting or the state of the user estimated based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting.

[0014] The selection processing unit may select the second operation setting based on the information stored in the storage unit.

[0015] The selection processing unit may select, as the second operation setting, the operation setting that is not stored in the storage unit.

[0016] The selection processing unit may select, as the second operation setting, the operation setting that is already stored in the storage unit.

[0017] The selection processing unit may further select the second operation setting based on information indicating the base material used by the suction device to generate the aerosol.

[0018] The selection processing unit may further select the second operation setting based on the information input from the user.

[0019] The information input from the user may be an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user.

[0020] The information input from the user may be information input to at least any one of the suction device, a device carried by the user, or a device worn by the user.

[0021] The selection processing unit may transmit information indicating the second operation setting.

[0022] The biological information may include at least any one of heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood volume change, blood flow, respiration, or saliva components.

[0023] The biological information may be detected by at least any one of the suction device, a device carried by the user, or a device worn by the user.

[0024] The suction device generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a base material, and the operation setting may be a setting related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source.

[0025] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a first operation setting that is an operation setting followed by a suction device to generate an aerosol to be suctioned by a user, and biological information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting are transmitted, and information indicating a second operation setting that is the operation setting suitable for the user, selected based on the first operation setting and the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting, is received and output. A terminal device including a control unit that controls the process is provided.

[0026] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for selecting a second operation setting that is an operation setting suitable for the user is provided, including selecting a first operation setting that is an operation setting followed by a suction device to generate an aerosol to be suctioned by a user, and biological information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of improving the quality of the user's puff experience using biological information is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0030] Also, in this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by attaching different alphabets after the same reference numeral. For example, a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as the suction devices 100A and 100B as needed. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is attached. For example, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the suction devices 100A and 100B, they are simply referred to as the suction device 100.

[0031] <1. Configuration Example of Suction Device> A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be suctioned by a user. Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the substance generated by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0032] (1) First Configuration Example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor-imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a storage 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 flavor-imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130.

[0033] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A can be constituted by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0034] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information regarding the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is constituted by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is constituted by an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

[0035] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is constituted by, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0036] The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is constituted by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0037] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. can be adopted.

[0038] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by, for example, electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0039] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. When the aerosol source is atomized, an aerosol is generated. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the suction device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0040] The liquid guiding unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guiding unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is induced by the capillary action of the wick.

[0041] The heating unit 121A atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held by the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when powered by the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power supply may be provided when it is detected by the sensor unit 112A that the user has started suction and / or a predetermined piece of information has been input. And power supply may be stopped when it is detected by the sensor unit 112A that the user has ended suction and / or a predetermined piece of information has been input.

[0042] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.

[0043] The air flow path 180 is a path for air to be sucked by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with both ends being an air inlet hole 181 which is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180 and an air outlet hole 182 which is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180. In the middle of the air flow path 180, a liquid guiding part 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side close to the air inlet hole 181), and a flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side close to the air outlet hole 182). The air flowing in from the air inlet hole 181 due to the user's suction is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating part 121A, and as shown by the arrow 190, it passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet hole 182. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0044] The mouthpiece 124 is a member that the user holds in the mouth during suction. The air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. The user can take in the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 124 and sucking.

[0045] The configuration example of the suction device 100A has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0046] As an example, the suction device 100A may not include the flavor - imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0047] As another example, the suction device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of 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.

[0048] Also, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating part 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0049] (2) Second Configuration Example FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0050] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0051] The holding unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding unit 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding unit 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-shaped base material 150. The air inlet hole, which is an inlet of air into such a flow path, is disposed at the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is an outlet of air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

[0052] The stick-shaped base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a suction port portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. In a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding unit 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction port portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user bites and sucks the suction port portion 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0053] The heating unit 121B has the same configuration as the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and aerosol is generated.

[0054] The heat insulation part 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating part 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation part 144 is composed of a vacuum heat insulation material, an aerogel heat insulation material, or the like.

[0055] The configuration example of the suction device 100B has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0056] As an example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Further, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0057] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. Then, the holding unit 140 may sandwich the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the sandwiching portion of the holding unit 140 and heat while pressing the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0058] Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0059] Further, the suction device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an 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 user's oral cavity.

[0060] <2. Technical features> <2.1. System configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a suction device 100, a wearable terminal 200, a mobile terminal 300, and a server 400. In FIG. 3, only the components particularly relevant to the present embodiment are illustrated, and the remaining components are omitted. For example, each of these devices includes a communication unit that communicates with other devices, an input unit that receives input of information, an output unit that outputs information, a control unit that controls the processing of the entire device, etc., but the illustration may be omitted in some cases. That is, each of these devices may include electronic circuits such as a communication interface, an input device, an output device, and a CPU.

[0061] (1) Configuration of the suction device 100 The suction device 100 can adopt any one of the first configuration example or the second configuration example described above. The suction device 100 according to the present embodiment generates an aerosol that is suctioned by the user using a base material. The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates an aerosol. The cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and the stick-shaped base material 150 in the second configuration example are examples of the base material in the present invention. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using the base material attached or inserted into the suction device 100. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130 connected to the power supply unit 110 are examples of the base material attached to the suction device 100. In the second configuration example, the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the suction device 100 is an example of the base material inserted into the suction device 100.

[0062] The suction device 100 generates an aerosol that is suctioned by the user according to the operation setting. When the suction device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in the suction device 100, the operation setting is a setting regarding the temperature for heating the aerosol source.

[0063] In the first configuration example, the operation setting may include a combination of a target temperature indicating the temperature that the heating unit 121 should reach and a heating time indicating the duration for which the heating by the heating unit 121 continues. In that case, each time the puff is performed once, the suction device 100 performs heating by the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature within the heating time.

[0064] In the second configuration example, the operation setting may include the time-series change of the target temperature indicating the temperature that the heating unit 121 should reach. In that case, the suction device 100 performs heating by the heating unit 121 so that the time-series change of the temperature of the heating unit 121 after the start of heating is the same as the time-series change of the target temperature.

[0065] (2) Wearable terminal 200 The wearable terminal 200 is a device worn by a user. The wearable terminal 200 can take any form such as a wristwatch type, a neck-worn type, or an intraoral type. As shown in FIG. 3, the wearable terminal 200 includes a biological information detection unit 210 and a biological information management unit 220.

[0066] The biological information detection unit 210 has a function of detecting the biological information of the user wearing the wearable terminal 200. The biological information includes at least any one of heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood volume change, blood flow, respiration, or saliva components. The biological information detection unit 210 includes various sensors for detecting these biological information.

[0067] The biological information management unit 220 has a function of managing the operation of the biological information detection unit 210 and the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit 210. For example, the biological information management unit 220 controls the biological information detection unit 210 to periodically detect biological information. And the biological information management unit 220 Biological information associates and stores the detected ones with the detection time. Thereafter, the biological information management unit 220 transmits the stored biological information in response to a request from another device.

[0068] (3) Portable terminal 300 The portable terminal 300 is a device carried by a user. The portable terminal 300 can take any form such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The portable terminal 300 is an example of the terminal device in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the portable terminal 300 includes a control unit 310, an input unit 320, and an output unit 330.

[0069] The control unit 310 is a device that controls a series of processes for recommending operation settings suitable for the user. For example, the control unit 310 collects information used for recommending operation settings and transmits it to the selection processing unit 410. And the control unit 310 controls a process of recommending the operation settings selected by the selection processing unit 410 to the user (for example, a process of outputting information indicating the selected operation settings by the output unit 330) based on the information received from the selection processing unit 410.

[0070] The input unit 320 has a function of receiving input of information from the user. The input unit 320 is composed of various input devices such as a touch panel, buttons, and a microphone.

[0071] The output unit 330 has a function of outputting information to the user. The output unit 330 is composed of various output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0072] (4) Server 400 The server 400 has a function of executing a process for selecting an operation setting to be recommended to the user. The server 400 is operated by an enterprise that conducts related operations such as manufacturing or selling the suction device 100 or the substrate, for example. The server 400 is an example of a control device in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 400 includes a selection processing unit 410 and a storage unit 420. The selection processing unit 410 has a function of selecting an operation setting to be recommended to the user. The storage unit 420 has a function of storing information referred to when the selection processing unit 410 selects an operation setting to be recommended to the user.

[0073] <2.2. Recommendation of operation settings based on biological information> The selection processing unit 410 selects a second operation setting that is an operation setting suitable for the user based on a first operation setting that is an operation setting followed by the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol and biological information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting. The biological information corresponding to the first operation setting is biological information detected when the user inhales the aerosol generated by the suction device 100 according to the first operation setting. Note that the concept of when the user inhales the aerosol here has a time width such as before, during, and after the user inhales the aerosol. According to such a configuration, it is possible to recommend a second operation setting suitable for the user's body based on the influence on the biological information when the user inhales the aerosol. Considering that the user may not easily notice changes in their own biological information, such a configuration can significantly improve the quality of the puff experience.

[0074] The selection processing unit 410 may estimate the user's state based on the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting, and select the second operation setting based on the estimated user's state. As an example, the selection processing unit 410 estimates the degree of relaxation of the user based on the biological information, and when it is estimated that the user is under strong stress, selects an operation setting with an enhanced relaxation effect as the second operation setting. An example of an operation setting with an enhanced relaxation effect is an operation setting with a low target temperature. As another example, the selection processing unit 410 estimates the user's drowsiness based on the biological information, and when it is estimated that the user is feeling strong drowsiness, selects an operation setting with an effect of waking up the drowsiness as the second operation setting. An example of an operation setting with an effect of waking up the drowsiness is an operation setting with a high target temperature. According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the user's physical condition in a better direction.

[0075] The biological information corresponding to the first operation setting may be collected triggered by the aspiration device 100 executing a process of generating an aerosol. For example, when the aspiration device 100 executes a process of generating an aerosol, the control unit 310 collects the biological information from the biological information management unit 220, associates it with the first operation setting, and transmits it to the selection processing unit 410. According to such a configuration, the frequency of collecting the biological information can be minimized, so that the processing load on each device can be reduced.

[0076] The biological information corresponding to the first operation setting may include the biological information detected when the aerosol generator 100 generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. For example, at the timing when the aerosol generator 100 executes the process of generating an aerosol, the control unit 310 collects the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit 210 and transmits it to the selection processing unit 410 in association with the first operation setting. When biological information is detected multiple times while the aerosol generator 100 is generating an aerosol, the control unit 310 may collect the multiple detected biological information. Further, at the timing when the aerosol generator 100 executes the process of generating an aerosol, the control unit 310 may request to detect biological information, cause the biological information at that timing to be detected, and acquire it. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to recommend a second operation setting based on the biological information reflecting the influence from the aspirated aerosol.

[0077] The biological information corresponding to the first operation setting may include the biological information detected before and after the aerosol generator 100 generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. For example, the control unit 310 collects the biological information detected more than a predetermined time before the start of aerosol generation and the biological information detected more than a predetermined time after the end of aerosol generation, and transmits it to the selection processing unit 410 in association with the first operation setting. In this case, the selection processing unit 410 estimates the change in the user's state before and after aspirating the aerosol based on the difference between these biological information, and selects an operation setting with a more desirable change in state as the second operation setting. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to recommend, as the second operation setting, an operation setting corresponding to the change in the user's state before and after aspirating the aerosol.

[0078] The selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting triggered by the suction device 100 having executed a process of generating an aerosol. For example, the control unit 310 collects biological information corresponding to the first operation setting triggered by the suction device 100 having executed a process of generating an aerosol, and transmits the collected biological information and the first operation setting to the selection processing unit 410. Then, the selection processing unit 410 selects the second operation setting triggered by receiving the first operation setting and the biological information from the control unit 310. According to such a configuration, the user can receive a recommendation for the second operation setting immediately after performing puffing.

[0079] The selection processing unit 410 may select the second operation setting based on the latest information. Further, the selection processing unit 410 may select the second operation setting based on the latest information together with, or instead of, past information. This will be described below.

[0080] The selection processing unit 410 may control a process of storing in the storage unit 420 information used to select the second operation setting. That is, the storage unit 420 may store information used to select the second operation setting. The information used to select the second operation setting includes at least one combination of the first operation setting and at least one of the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting or the user state estimated based on the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting. According to such a configuration, the storage unit 420 can accumulate the history of the user's biological information or user state when inhaling the aerosol generated according to the first operation setting in association with the first operation setting.

[0081] Then, the selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting based on the information stored in the storage unit 420. That is, the selection processing unit 410 may select the second operation setting by referring to the biological information of the user or the history of the user's state when inhaling the aerosol generated according to the first operation setting. It is considered that the biological information of the user and the state of the user are affected not only by the inhaled aerosol but also by external factors such as the actions and locations before and after that. In this regard, according to such a configuration, since the information collected and accumulated over a plurality of past times can be referred to, it is possible to average the influence from external factors and recommend a more appropriate second operation setting.

[0082] The selection processing unit 410 may select an operation setting that is not stored in the storage unit 420 as the second operation setting. That is, the selection processing unit 410 may select an operation setting that the user has not tried yet as the second operation setting. According to such a configuration, the user can try a new operation setting.

[0083] The selection processing unit 410 may select an operation setting that is already stored in the storage unit 420 as the second operation setting. That is, the selection processing unit 410 may select an operation setting that the user has tried in the past as the second operation setting. For example, the selection processing unit 410 selects the operation setting that the user used when in a good state as the second operation setting. According to such a configuration, the user can rediscover the goodness of the operation setting that has been tried in the past.

[0084] <2.3. Recommendation of operation settings based on other information> - Information indicating the base material The selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting based on further information indicating the substrate used by the suction device 100 to generate the aerosol inhaled by the user. An example of the information indicating the substrate is information indicating the type of the substrate (for example, the brand). For example, the selection processing unit 410 refers to the biological information collected when a substrate of the same brand as the substrate currently being used by the suction device 100 was used in the past, and selects the second operation setting. It is considered that the biological information of the user is also affected by the substrate in addition to the first operation setting. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to recommend a second operation setting suitable for the user for each substrate.

[0085] Note that the information indicating the type of the substrate can be detected by the sensor unit 112 when the substrate is attached to or inserted into the suction device 100, for example. As an example, the type of the substrate may be detected by performing image recognition on the identification information attached to the surface of the substrate. As another example, the type of the substrate may be detected based on the resistance value when the substrate is energized.

[0086] The storage unit 420 may store information indicating the substrate used by the suction device 100 to generate the aerosol as information used to select the second operation setting.

[0087] - Input information from the user The selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting based on further information input from the user. As an example, the input unit 320 may receive an input of an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user immediately after the user inhales the aerosol generated according to the first operation setting. For example, the comfort of inhalation is input on a five-level scale. Then, the selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting based on the evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user. According to such a configuration, it is possible to recommend a second operation setting based on the direct evaluation from the user regarding the first operation setting.

[0088] The storage unit 420 may store the information input from the user as information used to select the second operation setting.

[0089] - Time of performing a puff The selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting further based on the time when the suction device 100 executes a process of generating an aerosol according to the first operation setting, that is, the time when the user performs a puff. For example, the selection processing unit 410 refers to the biological information collected when the user performs a puff in the same time zone as the time when the user performs a puff this time, and selects the second operation setting. It is considered that the biological information of the user is affected not only by the first operation setting but also by the time zone for performing a puff. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to recommend a second operation setting suitable for the user for each time zone when a puff is performed.

[0090] The storage unit 420 may store the time when the suction device 100 executes a process of generating an aerosol according to the first operation setting as information used for selecting the second operation setting.

[0091] <2.4. Information output> The selection processing unit 410 transmits information indicating the second operation setting. Note that the information indicating the second operation setting may be the second operation setting itself or the difference between the first operation setting and the second operation setting.

[0092] As an example, the selection processing unit 410 may transmit information indicating the selected second operation setting to the control unit 310. The control unit 310 causes the output unit 330 to output the received information indicating the second operation setting to the user. According to such a configuration, the user can receive a recommendation of the second operation setting. And it becomes possible to motivate the user to switch to the recommended second operation setting.

[0093] As another example, the selection processing unit 410 may transmit information indicating the selected second operation setting to the suction device 100 via the control unit 310. According to such a configuration, the suction device 100 can switch the operation setting from the first operation setting to the second operation setting and use the second operation setting when generating the aerosol next time. Note that the information indicating the second operation setting may be transmitted to the suction device 100 when permission from the user is obtained.

[0094] The output unit 330 may output the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting or the state of the user estimated based on the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting, together with or instead of the information indicating the second operation setting. According to such a configuration, the user can know the basis on which the second operation setting is recommended. Therefore, it is possible to more strongly motivate the user to switch to the recommended second operation setting.

[0095] <2.5. Flow of processing> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the recommended processing of the operation setting executed by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, the mobile terminal 300, and the server 400 are involved in this sequence. Although not shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the wearable terminal 200 periodically detects biological information.

[0096] First, the suction device 100 executes a process of generating an aerosol according to the first operation setting (step S102). Before and after that, the suction device 100 identifies the base material used when generating the aerosol.

[0097] Next, the suction device 100 transmits an operation report to the mobile terminal 300 (step S104). The operation report includes, for example, information indicating the time when the process of generating the aerosol was executed, information indicating the first operation setting, and information indicating the base material used when generating the aerosol. The suction device 100 may transmit the operation report, for example, at the start of heating or after the end of heating.

[0098] Next, the mobile terminal 300 transmits a request to the wearable terminal 200 to request the transmission of biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting (step S106). The request for biometric information includes, for example, information indicating the time when the process of generating the aerosol was executed.

[0099] Next, the wearable terminal 200 transmits the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting to the mobile terminal 300 (step S108). For example, the wearable terminal 200 transmits the biometric information detected from a time more than a predetermined time before to a time more than a predetermined time after the time when the process of generating the aerosol was executed according to the first operation setting, to the mobile terminal 300.

[0100] Next, the mobile terminal 300 receives an input of an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user (step S110).

[0101] Next, the mobile terminal 300 transmits the collected information to the server 400 (step S112). For example, the mobile terminal 300 transmits information indicating the first operation setting, biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, information indicating the base material, the evaluation input by the user, and information indicating the time when the process of generating the aerosol was executed according to the first operation setting, to the server 400.

[0102] Next, the server 400 stores the received information as information to be used for the selection of the second operation setting (step S114). Then, the server 400 selects the second operation setting based on the stored information (step S116). For example, the server 400 estimates the user's state based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, and selects the second operation setting based on the estimated user's state and the first operation setting. When making the selection, the server 400 may refer to the type of the base material, the evaluation input by the user, and the time when the process of generating the aerosol was executed.

[0103] Next, the server 400 transmits information indicating the selection result to the mobile terminal 300 (step S118). The information indicating the selection result includes, for example, information indicating the selected second operation setting, biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, and information indicating the user's state estimated based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting.

[0104] Next, the mobile terminal 300 recommends the second operation setting to the user (step S120). For example, the mobile terminal 300 displays information indicating the second operation setting. Further, the mobile terminal 300 may output biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting or information indicating the user's state estimated based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting.

[0105] Next, when permission to switch to the second operation setting is input from the user, the mobile terminal 300 transmits information indicating the second operation setting to the suction device 100 (step S122).

[0106] Then, the suction device 100 switches the operation setting from the first operation setting to the second operation setting (step S124).

[0107] <3. Supplementary> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also naturally understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0108] For example, the system 1 may have, in addition to the suction device 100, a biometric information detection unit 210, a biometric information management unit 220, a control unit 310, an input unit 320, an output unit 330, a selection processing unit 410, and a storage unit 420. And it is arbitrary which device these components are mounted on. Also, one component may be mounted on a plurality of devices.

[0109] As an example, the biological information detection unit 210 and the biological information management unit 220 may be mounted on at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. That is, the biological information may be detected by at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. According to such a configuration, for example, when the biological information that can be detected varies for each device, it becomes possible to recommend a second operation setting based on more biological information.

[0110] As another example, the input unit 320 may be mounted on at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. That is, the selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting based on information input to at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. According to such a configuration, for example, when the information that can be input varies for each device, it becomes possible to recommend a second operation setting based on more input information.

[0111] As another example, the output unit 330 may be mounted on at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. That is, information indicating the second operation setting may be output from at least one of the suction device 100, the wearable terminal 200, or the mobile terminal 300. According to such a configuration, for example, it becomes possible to recommend the second operation setting via a device that enables the user to easily notice the notification.

[0112] As another example, the system 1 only needs to have at least the suction device 100 as a device, and the other devices are not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 310, the input unit 320, and the output unit 330 may be mounted on the wearable terminal 200, and the mobile terminal 300 may be omitted from the system 1. Alternatively, for example, the selection processing unit 410 and the storage unit 420 may be mounted on the mobile terminal 300, and the server 400 may be omitted from the system 1.

[0113] As another example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the device having the control unit 310, the input unit 320, and the output unit 330 is the mobile terminal 300 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 310, the input unit 320, and the output unit 330 may be any device that is present near the user when the user uses the suction device 100. As an example of such a device, a digital signage provided in a smoking area can be mentioned. In this case, when the user puffs using the suction device 100 in the smoking area, a second operation setting suitable for the user is recommended via the digital signage.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the recommendation of the second operation setting is made triggered by the suction device 100 executing the process of generating the aerosol, that is, the puff being performed, has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, when the base material is sold in units of boxes containing a plurality of base materials, the recommendation of the second operation setting may be made triggered by the fact that it is determined from the usage history that it is the timing when the base material for one box is about to be finished being sucked. Thereby, it becomes possible to motivate the user to switch to the second operation setting from the timing of using the next purchased base material. As another example, the recommendation of the second operation setting may be made triggered by the user inputting an evaluation of the aerosol sucked. As another example, the recommendation of the second operation setting may be made triggered by the fact that it is determined based on the location information that the user has approached the store selling the base material. In that case, it is desirable to recommend a second operation setting that is suitable for the base material sold in the store.

[0115] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the selection processing unit 410 selects a second operation setting based on information collected regarding the user who uses the suction device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting to be recommended to the user based on information collected regarding another user other than the user who uses the suction device 100. For example, the selection processing unit 410 may select a second operation setting to be recommended to the user based on information collected regarding another user whose biological information trend is similar to that of the user. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further improve the recommendation accuracy.

[0116] Also, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Also, additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0117] Note that the series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The program constituting the software is pre-stored, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the above computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium.

[0118] Note that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A selection processing unit that selects a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for the user, based on a first operation setting that is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol attracted by the user and the biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting. A control device comprising: (2) The selection processing unit estimates the state of the user based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, and selects the second operation setting based on the estimated state of the user. The control device according to (1) above. (3) The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting includes the biometric information detected when the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. The control device according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting includes the biometric information detected before and after the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. The control device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting is collected triggered by the suction device executing a process of generating an aerosol. The control device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting triggered by the suction device executing a process of generating an aerosol. The control device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The selection processing unit controls a process of storing, in a storage unit, information used to select the second operation setting, the information including at least one combination of the first operation setting and the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting or the state of the user estimated based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting. The control device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting based on the information stored in the storage unit. The control device according to (7) above. (9) The selection processing unit selects the operation setting that has not been stored in the storage unit as the second operation setting. The control device according to (8) above. (10) The selection processing unit selects the operation setting that has been stored in the storage unit as the second operation setting. The control device according to (8) above. (11) The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting based on the information indicating the base material used by the suction device to generate the aerosol. The control device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting based on the information input from the user. The control device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The information input from the user is an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user. The control device according to (12) above. (14) The information input from the user is the information input to at least one of the suction device, the device carried by the user, or the device worn by the user. The control device according to (12) or (13) above. (15) The selection processing unit transmits the information indicating the second operation setting. The control device according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (16) The biological information includes at least any one of heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood volume change, blood flow, respiration, or saliva components. The control device according to any one of (1) to (15) above. (17) The biological information is detected by at least any one of the suction device, the device carried by the user, or the device worn by the user. The control device according to any one of (1) to (16) above. (18) The suction device generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a base material. The operation setting is a setting related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. The control device according to any one of (1) to (17) above. (19) A control unit that transmits a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol inhaled by the user, and the biological information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting, and receives and outputs information indicating a second operation setting, which is the operation setting suitable for the user selected based on the first operation setting and the biological information corresponding to the first operation setting. A terminal device comprising the same. (20) Selecting a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for the user, based on a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol inhaled by the user, and the biological information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting. An information processing method including the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating section 140 Holding section 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation section 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate section 152 Suction port section 200 Wearable terminal 210 Biological information detection section 220 Biological information management section 300 Portable terminal 310 Control section 320 Input section 330 Output section 400 Server 410 Selection processing section 420 Memory section

Claims

1. A selection processing unit that selects a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for the user, based on a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol to be suctioned by the user, and biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting; comprising: the suction device has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space to the outside, and a holding unit that holds while accommodating a base material including an aerosol source containing a flavor component derived from tobacco in the internal space; a heating unit that heats the base material held by the holding unit to generate the aerosol; comprising: the operation setting includes a time-series transition of a target temperature indicating a temperature to be reached by the heating unit; the selection processing unit selects the second operation setting based on the biometric information detected a plurality of times while the suction device is generating the aerosol based on the first operation setting; a control device.

2. The selection processing unit estimates the state of the user based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting, and selects the second operation setting based on the estimated state of the user. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting includes the biometric information detected when the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting includes the biometric information detected before and after the suction device generates an aerosol according to the first operation setting. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting is collected triggered by the suction device having executed a process of generating an aerosol. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting triggered by the suction device having executed a process of generating an aerosol. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The selection processing unit controls a process of storing, in a storage unit, information used to select the second operation setting, the information including at least any one combination of the first operation setting and the biometric information of the user estimated based on the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting or the state of the user. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The selection processing unit selects the second operation setting based on the information stored in the storage unit. The control device according to claim 7.

9. The selection processing unit selects, as the second operation setting, the operation setting that is not yet stored in the storage unit. The control device according to claim 8.

10. The selection processing unit selects, as the second operation setting, the operation setting that is already stored in the storage unit. The control device according to claim 8.

11. When the user approaches the retailer of the base material, the selection processing unit selects the second operation setting that is compatible with the base material sold at the retailer. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The selection processing unit further selects the second operation setting based on the information input from the user. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The information input from the user is an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user. The control device according to claim 12.

14. The information input from the user is information input to at least one of the suction device, the device carried by the user, or the device worn by the user. The control device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The selection processing unit transmits information indicating the second operation setting. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The biological information includes at least one of heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood volume change, blood flow, respiration, or saliva component. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The biological information is detected by at least one of the suction device, the device carried by the user, or the device worn by the user. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The selection processing unit further selects the second operation setting based on information collected regarding other users whose biological information trends are similar to those of the user. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A control unit that transmits a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol to be suctioned by a user, and biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting, and receives and outputs information indicating a second operation setting, which is the operation setting suitable for the user, selected based on the first operation setting and the biometric information corresponding to the first operation setting. Comprising The suction device Has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space to the outside, and a holding unit that holds a base material containing an aerosol source containing a tobacco-derived flavor component while accommodating the base material in the internal space. A heating unit that heats the base material held by the holding unit to generate the aerosol. Comprising The operation setting includes a time-series transition of a target temperature indicating the temperature to be reached by the heating unit. The second operation setting is selected based on the biometric information detected a plurality of times while the suction device generates the aerosol based on the first operation setting. Terminal device.

20. Selecting a second operation setting, which is an operation setting suitable for the user, based on a first operation setting, which is an operation setting followed by the suction device to generate an aerosol to be suctioned by the user, and biometric information of the user corresponding to the first operation setting. Including The suction device Has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space to the outside, and a holding unit that holds a base material containing an aerosol source containing a tobacco-derived flavor component while accommodating the base material in the internal space. A heating unit that heats the base material held by the holding unit to generate the aerosol. Comprising The operation setting includes a time-series transition of a target temperature indicating the temperature to be reached by the heating unit. Selecting the second operation setting includes selecting the second operation setting based on the biometric information detected a plurality of times while the suction device generates the aerosol based on the first operation setting. Information processing method.

Images