Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism for customization by which a user can easily realize a desired flavor. [Solution] Provided is an information processing device comprising a control unit that, in accordance with a user operation, changes control information which is used by an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol source included in a base material to generate an aerosol and which stipulates a time series transition in a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. If a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time stipulated by the control information has been implemented, the control unit sets a second time earlier than the first time and changes the control information such that the change in the parameter begins at the second time and arrives at the changed parameter at the first time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

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 enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, generated by the suction device. The operation of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] Preferences for the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as taste) experienced when taking a puff vary from user to user. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature for heating the aerosol source, which directly affects the taste, can be customized by the user. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for a user to customize the temperature for heating the aerosol source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, there are cases where it is difficult for a user to perform customization as desired. This is because there is a complex relationship between the temperature for heating the aerosol source and the taste.

[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 customization mechanism that enables a user to easily achieve a desired taste.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a control unit that changes control information defining a time-series transition of a parameter related to a temperature for heating an aerosol source included in a base material to generate an aerosol, in accordance with a user operation, wherein when a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time before the first time, and changes the control information so that a change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time.

[0008] The control unit may set the second time based on the content of the change in the parameter at the first time.

[0009] The control unit may set the second time to a time within a predetermined threshold value of a change rate of the parameter from the second time to the first time.

[0010] The control unit may set an interval between the first time and the second time to be longer as the change width of the parameter at the first time is larger, and shorter as the change width is smaller.

[0011] The control unit may set the interval between the first time and the second time based on characteristics of the aerosol generating device.

[0012] The control unit may set the interval between the first time and the second time based on the type of the base material.

[0013] When a user operation for changing the parameter at the first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit may set a third time after the first time, and change the control information so that the change in the parameter continues from the first time to the third time and ends at the third time.

[0014] The control unit may set the third time based on the content of the change in the parameter at the first time.

[0015] The control unit may set the third time to a time within a predetermined threshold value of the change rate of the parameter from the first time to the third time.

[0016] The control unit may set the interval between the first time and the third time to be longer as the change width of the parameter at the first time is larger, and shorter as it is smaller.

[0017] The control unit may set the interval between the first time and the third time based on the characteristics of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The control unit may set the interval between the first time and the third time based on the type of the base material.

[0019] The first time may be any one of a plurality of predetermined timings during the period of generating aerosol using the control information.

[0020] The information processing apparatus further includes an input unit that receives the user operation regarding the change in the parameter each time the predetermined timing arrives during the period in which the aerosol generating device generates aerosol using the control information, and the control unit may change the control information based on the user operation received by the input unit.

[0021] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including changing control information that defines a time-series transition of parameters related to the temperature for heating an aerosol source, which is used by an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in a base material, in response to a user operation. Changing the control information includes, when a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, setting a second time earlier than the first time, and changing the control information so that the change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time.

[0022] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that changes control information that defines a time-series transition of parameters related to the temperature for heating an aerosol source, which is used by an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in a base material, in response to a user operation. When a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time earlier than the first time, and changes the control information so that the change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, a customization mechanism is provided that enables a user to easily achieve a desired taste.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] 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 configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0026] <1. Configuration Example> (1) Configuration Example of the System FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

[0027] The suction device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be suctioned by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the suction device 100 will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas. The suction device 100 uses a stick-shaped base material 150 to generate an aerosol. The stick-shaped base material 150 is an example of a base material containing an aerosol source. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that heats the aerosol source contained in the base material to generate an aerosol.

[0028] The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various information processes related to the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by the user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that charges the suction device 100.

[0029] The terminal device 200 is used to change the settings of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for changing the settings of the suction device 100 and changes the settings of the suction device 100.

[0030] (2) Configuration example of the suction device FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the suction device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0031] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Then, the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 based on the control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

[0032] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

[0033] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, 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.

[0034] The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0035] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, a standard using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) may be adopted.

[0036] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0037] 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 with 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 the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding unit 140. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air into the air flow path, is disposed on the side surface of the suction device 100, for example. The air outlet hole, which is the outlet of air from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is disposed on the bottom 143, for example.

[0038] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction port portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. 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 flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. 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 substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction port portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds and sucks the suction port portion 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0039] The heating unit 121 atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when powered by the power supply unit 111. As an example, power supply may be provided when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 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 112 that the user has finished suction and / or a predetermined piece of information has been input.

[0040] The heat insulation unit 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation unit 144 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0041] The configuration example of the suction device 100 has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above and can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0042] As an example, the heating unit 121 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 121 is inserted into the base material part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150, and heats the base material part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Further, the heating unit 121 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.

[0043] 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 forming the internal space 141. And 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 121 may be provided at the sandwiching portion in the holding unit 140 and heat while pressing the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0044] Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field instead of the heating unit 121. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0045] Note that the suction device 100 generates an aerosol to be sucked by the user in cooperation with the stick-shaped base material 150. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped base material 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.

[0046] (3) Configuration example of the terminal device FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0047] The input unit 210 has a function of receiving input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that receives input of information from the user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. In addition, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0048] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of the display device is a display. An example of the light emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of the vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of the sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting the information input from the control unit 260.

[0049] The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect the position information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives a GNSS signal (for example, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite) from a GNSS satellite and detects position information including the latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor and detects an angular velocity and an acceleration.

[0050] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. As such communication standards, for example, standards using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) may be adopted.

[0051] The storage unit 250 stores various information. The storage unit 250 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0052] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls the overall operations within the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. Additionally, the control unit 260 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and arithmetic parameters to be used, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. Based on the control by the control unit 260, the terminal device 200 executes various processes. The processing of the information input by the input unit 210, the output of the information by the output unit 220, the detection of the information by the detection unit 230, the transmission and reception of the information by the communication unit 240, and the storage and reading of the information by the storage unit 250 are examples of the processes controlled by the control unit 260. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as the input of information to each component and the processing based on the information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0053] Note that the function of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Also, the function of the control unit 260 may be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0054] <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating Profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0055] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. An example of the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series change of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include a parameter (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply parameter) defining the power supply method to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameter includes, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, the ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. The ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0056] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the fragrance tasted by the user is optimized when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the fragrance tasted by the user can be optimized.

[0057] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 can supply the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

[0058] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In other examples, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0059] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is hereinafter also referred to as a heating session. In other words, the heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start timing of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile is started. The end timing of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a first preheating period and a second puffable period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is a period from the start of heating until the puffable period starts. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0060] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which the preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information predicting the end of the preheating before the preheating ends, or may notify information indicating that the preheating has ended at the timing when the preheating has ended. Notification to the user can be performed, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can perform puffing immediately after the end of the preheating with reference to such notification.

[0061] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which the puffable period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information predicting the end of the puffable period before the puffable period ends, or may notify information indicating that the puffable period has ended at the timing when the puffable period has ended. Notification to the user can be performed, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can perform puffing until the puffable period ends with reference to such notification.

[0062] An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20A is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20A is the target temperature. Line 21A shows the time-series change of the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 4, the target temperature may rapidly rise to around 300°C after the start of heating, then decrease to about 230°C, and then rise again to about 260°C. When heating based on such a heating profile is executed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises to around 300°C after the start of heating, then decreases to about 230°C, and then rises again to about 260°C.

[0063] (2) Customization of the heating profile The control unit 260 changes the heating profile used by the suction device 100 according to a user operation. Specifically, when a user operation is performed to change the target temperature at the first time defined in the heating profile, the control unit 260 changes the target temperature at the first time according to the user operation. For example, when a user operation is performed to instruct the control unit 260 to increase the target temperature 60 seconds after the start of heating by 10°C, the control unit 260 changes the heating profile so that the target temperature 60 seconds after the start of heating is increased by 10°C. According to such a configuration, the user can customize the heating profile as desired.

[0064] Here, even if the heating profile is changed according to the user's instructions, it may be difficult to achieve the desired taste as the user expects. This is because there is a time lag between the rise or fall of the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the actual change in taste.

[0065] Therefore, the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment performs customization considering such a time lag in addition to an instruction from the user. That is, when a user operation to change the target temperature at the first time defined in the heating profile is performed, the control unit 260 sets a second time before the first time. Then, the control unit 260 changes the heating profile so that the change in the target temperature starts from the second time and reaches the changed target temperature at the first time. For example, assume that a user operation is performed to instruct an increase in the target temperature by 10°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. In that case, the control unit 260 can increase the target temperature during the period from 50 seconds after the start of heating to 60 seconds after the start of heating after increasing the target temperature by 10°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. At that time, it is desirable for the control unit 260 to gradually increase the rate of increase in the target temperature from 50 seconds after the start of heating to 60 seconds after the start of heating. As a result, the target temperature gradually increases from 50 seconds after the start of heating, and the target temperature increases by 10°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. According to such a configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises prior to the timing specified by the user. As a result, it becomes possible to actually change the taste at the timing when the user wants to change the taste. This is because the effect of the change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 is reflected in the taste with a delay due to the influence of the time lag described above.

[0066] The control unit 260 may set the second time based on the details of the change in the target temperature at the first time. For example, the control unit 260 sets the second time according to whether the target temperature at the first time is increased or decreased, or at least any one of the change widths of the target temperature. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to realize an appropriate countermeasure against the time lag according to the mode of customization.

[0067] Specifically, the control unit 260 may set the second time to a time within which the rate of change of the target temperature from the second time to the first time is within a predetermined threshold. That is, the control unit 260 may set a time sufficiently earlier than the first time as the second time so that the rate of change of the target temperature is within the predetermined threshold. According to such a configuration, the temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be moderated. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a rough fragrance is delivered to the user due to a rapid change in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0068] In particular, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the second time to be longer as the change width of the target temperature at the first time is larger, and shorter as it is smaller. For example, when the change width of the target temperature at the first time is 10 °C, the control unit 260 may set the time 10 seconds before the first time as the second time. On the other hand, when the change width of the target temperature at the first time is 20 °C, the control unit 260 may set the time 20 seconds before the first time as the second time. According to such a configuration, the temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be moderated.

[0069] Further, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the second time based on the characteristics of the suction device 100. For example, the control unit 260 may set a time earlier than the first time by a length corresponding to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 included in the suction device 100 as the second time. According to such a configuration, the rate of change of the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be kept within a rate at which the heating unit 121 can operate stably. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation of the temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes unstable and a rough fragrance is delivered to the user.

[0070] Further, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the second time based on the type of the stick-shaped base material 150. For example, the control unit 260 may set the time before the first time by a length corresponding to whether or not menthol is contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 as the second time. According to such a configuration, the rate of temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be kept within the rate at which an aerosol with an appropriate flavor is generated. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where a rough flavor is delivered to the user.

[0071] Here, the change in the target temperature at the first time may also affect the taste after the first time. If the change in the target temperature ends at the first time and the temperature of the heating unit 121 original immediately returns to the target temperature, there is a risk that a rough flavor may be delivered to the user due to a rapid change in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0072] Therefore, the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment performs customization for gently changing the temperature of the heating unit 121 in addition to instructions from the user. That is, when a user operation to change the target temperature at the first time defined in the heating profile is performed, the control unit 260 sets a third time after the first time. Then, the control unit 260 changes the heating profile so that the change in the target temperature continues from the first time to the third time and ends at the third time. For example, assume that a user operation is performed to instruct an increase in the target temperature by 10°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. In that case, the control unit 260 can increase the target temperature during the period from 60 seconds after the start of heating to 70 seconds after the start of heating after increasing the target temperature by 10°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. At that time, it is desirable for the control unit 260 to gradually decrease the rate of increase of the target temperature from 60 seconds after the start of heating to 70 seconds after the start of heating. As a result, the target temperature will gradually decrease from 60 seconds after the start of heating to 70 seconds after the start of heating until the target temperature increased by 10°C returns to the original target temperature. According to such a configuration, it is possible to gently change the temperature change of the heating unit 121 after the timing specified in the user operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a rough fragrance is delivered to the user due to a rapid change in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0073] The control unit 260 may set the third time based on the content of the change in the target temperature at the first time. For example, the control unit 260 sets the third time according to whether the target temperature at the first time is increased or decreased, or at least one of the change widths of the target temperature. According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure a recovery time until the temperature of the heating unit 121 returns to the original target temperature according to the mode of customization.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 260 may set the third time to be a time within which the rate of change of the target temperature from the first time to the third time is within a predetermined threshold. That is, the control unit 260 may set a time sufficiently later than the first time as the third time so that the rate of change of the target temperature is within the predetermined threshold. According to such a configuration, the temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be moderated. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a rough fragrance is delivered to the user due to a rapid change in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0075] In particular, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the third time to be longer when the change width of the target temperature at the first time is larger and shorter when it is smaller. For example, when the change width of the target temperature at the first time is 10 °C, the control unit 260 may set the time 10 seconds after the first time as the third time. On the other hand, when the change width of the target temperature at the first time is 20 °C, the control unit 260 may set the time 20 seconds after the first time as the third time. According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure a sufficient recovery time corresponding to the change width of the target temperature at the first time. As a result, the temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be moderated.

[0076] Also, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the third time based on the characteristics of the suction device 100. For example, the control unit 260 may set a time sufficiently later than the 1 first time as the third time by a length corresponding to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100. According to such a configuration, the rate of change of the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be kept within a rate at which the heating unit 121 can operate stably. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation of the temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes unstable and a rough fragrance is delivered to the user.

[0077] Further, the control unit 260 may set the interval between the first time and the third time based on the type of the stick-shaped base material 150. For example, the control unit 260 may set the time after the first time by a length corresponding to whether or not menthol is contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 as the third time. According to such a configuration, the rate of temperature change of the heating unit 121 can be kept within the rate at which an aerosol with an appropriate fragrance is generated. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where a rough fragrance is delivered to the user.

[0078] The first time may be any one of a plurality of predetermined timings in the heating session. As an example, the predetermined timing may be the timing at which puffing is performed by the user (hereinafter also referred to as the puff timing). For example, each time the puff timing arrives, that is, each time the user performs a puff, the user performs a user operation of changing the target temperature according to the taste. Thereby, the user can change the taste at the puff timing as desired.

[0079] The second time may also be any one of a plurality of timings in the heating session. The same applies to the third time.

[0080] The input unit 210 may receive a user operation regarding the change of the target temperature each time the puff timing arrives in the heating session. Then, the control unit 260 may change the heating profile based on the user operation received by the input unit 210. As an example, the output unit 220 may display a screen for asking the user to input an evaluation of the taste each time the puff timing arrives in the heating session. And the user may input an evaluation of the taste to the input unit 210 in response to such an inquiry. Further, the output unit 220 may display a screen for asking the user to input the content of the change of the target temperature for the puff timing at which a bad evaluation is input as the evaluation of the taste. And the user may input the content of the change of the target temperature to the input unit 210 in response to such an inquiry. The input of the content of the change of the target temperature may be performed each time the puff timing arrives (that is, immediately after a bad evaluation is input as the evaluation of the taste), or may be performed retrospectively after the end of the heating session. According to such a configuration, the user can intuitively change the heating profile while performing puffs.

[0081] Note that the puff timing may be defined in advance. In that case, each time the puff timing arrives, the output unit 220 may output a screen prompting the user to perform a puff. Alternatively, the puff timing may not be defined in advance. In that case, each time it is detected by the suction device 100 that the user has performed a puff, the output unit 220 may display a screen for asking the user to input an evaluation of the taste and / or the content of the change of the target temperature.

[0082] (3) Specific examples Hereinafter, a specific example of customizing the heating profile shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0083] - First specific example FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20B is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20B is the target temperature. Line 21A shows the time-series change of the target temperature before customization. Line 21B shows the time-series change of the target temperature after customization.

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 5, a total of nine puff timings are defined in advance. Each time a predefined puff timing arrives while the suction device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A, the terminal device 200 prompts the user to perform a puff and accepts an evaluation of the taste. "OK" in the figure indicates a good evaluation, and "NG" indicates a bad evaluation. Entering a bad evaluation corresponds to instructing a change in the target temperature. In the example shown in FIG. 5, bad evaluations are input at the 4th to 6th puff timings. Therefore, the terminal device 200 accepts an input of the change content of the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings. In the example shown in FIG. 5, an instruction to increase the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings is input.

[0085] Therefore, as shown by line 21B, the terminal device 200 increases the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings. Further, as shown by line 21B, the terminal device 200 increases the target temperature at the 3rd puff timing. This is because the 4th puff timing corresponds to the first time and the 3rd puff timing corresponds to the second time. Also, as shown by line 21B, the terminal device 200 increases the target temperature at the 7th puff timing. This is because the 6th puff timing corresponds to the first time and the 7th puff timing corresponds to the third time. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings higher than before customization and to moderate the temperature change before and after the 4th to 6th puff timings.

[0086] - Second specific example FIG. 6 is a graph schematically showing an example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20C is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20C is the target temperature. Line 21A shows the time-series change of the target temperature before customization. Line 21C shows the time-series change of the target temperature after customization.

[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. Each time a predefined puff timing arrives while the suction device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A, the terminal device 200 prompts the user to take a puff and accepts an evaluation of the taste. In the example shown in FIG. 6, negative evaluations are input at the 4th to 6th puff timings. Therefore, the terminal device 200 accepts an input of the content of the change in the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an instruction to lower the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings is input.

[0088] Therefore, as shown by line 21C, the terminal device 200 lowers the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings. Further, as shown by line 21C, the terminal device 200 lowers the target temperature at the 3rd puff timing. This is because the 4th puff timing corresponds to the first time and the 3rd puff timing corresponds to the second time. Also, as shown by line 21C, the terminal device 200 lowers the target temperature at the 7th puff timing. This is because the 6th puff timing corresponds to the first time and the 7th puff timing corresponds to the third time. Thereby, it becomes possible to lower the target temperature at the 4th to 6th puff timings as compared with before customization and to moderate the temperature change before and after the 4th to 6th puff timings.

[0089] (4) Flow of processing Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of the heating profile customization process according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heating profile customization process executed in the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 260 detects the start of heating based on the heating profile (step S102). For example, when the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile, it may transmit information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200. The control unit 260 can detect the start of heating based on the reception of such information.

[0091] Next, the control unit 260 determines whether the puff timing has arrived (step S104). As an example, the control unit 260 determines whether the predefined puff timing has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0092] If it is determined that the puff timing has not arrived (step S104: NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0093] If it is determined that the puff timing has arrived (step S104: YES), the control unit 260 controls the output unit 220 to issue a puff prompting notification (step S106). For example, the output unit 220 may display a screen prompting to take a puff.

[0094] Next, the input unit 210 accepts an input for evaluating the taste (step S108). For example, the output unit 220 displays an input screen for accepting an input on whether the taste is good or bad. Then, the input unit 210 accepts an input for the input screen.

[0095] Next, the control unit 260 determines whether a negative evaluation has been input (step S110).

[0096] If it is determined that a negative evaluation has been input (step S110: YES), the input unit 210 accepts an input for the content of the target temperature change (step S112). For example, the output unit 220 displays an input screen for accepting an input for the content of the target temperature change. Then, the input unit 210 accepts an input for the input screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0097] When it is determined that a good evaluation has been input (step S110: NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0098] In step S114, the control unit 260 determines whether the heating session has ended (step S114). For example, when the suction device 100 finishes heating based on the heating profile, it may transmit information indicating that the heating session has ended to the terminal device 200. The control unit 260 can detect the end of the heating session based on the reception of such information.

[0099] When it is determined that the heating session has not ended (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S104.

[0100] When it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: YES), the control unit 260 changes the heating profile based on the change content of the target temperature input during the heating session (step S116). At that time, the control unit 260 changes not only the timing (i.e., the first time) when the change content of the target temperature is input, but also the target temperatures at the timings before and after that (i.e., the second time and / or the third time).

[0101] Thereafter, the control unit 260 controls the communication unit 240 to transmit the changed heating profile to the suction device 100 (step S118). Thereby, from the next time on, the suction device 100 can execute heating based on the changed heating profile.

[0102] Note that the above step S112 may be moved between step S114 and step S116. That is, instead of accepting the input of the change content of the target temperature every time it is determined that a bad evaluation is input in step S110, the suction device 100 may accept the input of the change content of the target temperature after the heating session ends (step S114: YES). According to such a configuration, the user can input the change content of the target temperature collectively after the end of the heating session.

[0103] <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 naturally understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat by electric resistance has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating, and the stick-shaped base material 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and allows the alternating magnetic field to penetrate the susceptor to heat the susceptor. In this case, the temperature for heating the aerosol source controlled based on the heating profile becomes the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example in which the parameter regarding the temperature for heating the aerosol source, which is defined in the heating profile, is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. As the parameter regarding the temperature for heating the aerosol source, in addition to the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself described in the above embodiment, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 can be mentioned. Further, when the suction device 100 includes an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121, examples of the parameter regarding the temperature for heating the aerosol source defined in the heating profile include the temperature of the susceptor or the target value such as the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 to generate an aerosol has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization type aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing the aerosol source as a liquid. The present invention is also applicable to the liquid atomization type aerosol generating device.

[0107] Each device described in this specification may be realized as a single device, or part or all of them may be realized as separate devices. For example, the control unit 260 among the terminal devices 200 may be provided in a device such as a server connected to the terminal device 200 via a network or the like. That is, the customization of the heating profile may be performed by a server on the cloud based on a user operation input to the terminal device 200.

[0108] In addition, a series of processes performed by each apparatus described in this specification may be implemented using any of software, hardware, and combinations of software and hardware. A program constituting the software is stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each apparatus. Then, each program is read into a RAM during execution by a computer that controls each apparatus described in this specification, and is executed by a processing circuit 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. Further, the above computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Also, a series of processes performed by each apparatus described in this specification may be distributed and processed by a plurality of computers.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A control unit that changes, in response to a user operation, control information defining a time-series transition of a parameter related to a temperature for heating an aerosol source, the control information being used by an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in a base material. comprising When a user operation for changing the parameter at the first time specified in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time before the first time, and changes the control information so that the change of the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time. Information processing apparatus. (2) The control unit sets the second time based on the change content of the parameter at the first time. The information processing apparatus according to (1) above. (3) The control unit sets the second time to a time within a predetermined threshold value of the change speed of the parameter from the second time to the first time. The information processing apparatus according to (2) above. (4) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time such that the larger the change width of the parameter at the first time, the longer the interval, and the smaller the change width, the shorter the interval. The information processing apparatus according to (2) or (3) above. (5) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time based on the characteristics of the aerosol generator. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time based on the type of the base material. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) When a user operation for changing the parameter at the first time specified in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a third time after the first time, and changes the control information so that the change of the parameter continues from the first time to the third time and ends at the third time. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The control unit sets the third time based on the change content of the parameter at the first time. The information processing apparatus according to (7) above. (9) The control unit sets the third time to a time within a predetermined threshold value of the change speed of the parameter from the first time to the third time. The information processing apparatus according to (8) above. (10) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time to be longer as the change width of the parameter at the first time is larger, and shorter as it is smaller. The information processing apparatus according to (8) or (9) above. (11) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time based on the characteristics of the aerosol generator. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (8) to (10) above. (12) The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time based on the type of the substrate. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (8) to (11) above. (13) The first time is any one of a plurality of predetermined timings during the period of generating the aerosol using the control information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The information processing apparatus further includes an input unit that receives the user operation regarding the change of the parameter each time the predetermined timing arrives during the period in which the aerosol generator generates the aerosol using the control information. The control unit changes the control information based on the user operation received by the input unit. The information processing apparatus according to (13) above. (15) Changing, in response to a user operation, control information that defines a time-series transition of a parameter related to a temperature for heating an aerosol source used in an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source included in a base material including Changing the control information includes, when a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, setting a second time earlier than the first time, and changing the control information so that a change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time Information processing method (16) Causing a computer to function as a control unit that changes, in response to a user operation, control information that defines a time-series transition of a parameter related to a temperature for heating an aerosol source used in an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source included in a base material and when a user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time earlier than the first time, and changes the control information so that a change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time Program

Description of Signs

[0111] 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 unit 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate part 152 Suction port part 200 Terminal device 210 Input part 220 Output part 230 Detection part 240 Communication part 250 Memory part 260 Control part

Claims

1. An input unit that receives a user operation, A control unit that changes control information defining the time-series transition of a parameter related to the temperature for heating an aerosol source included in a base material, which is used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, in accordance with the user operation received by the input unit, Comprising: When the user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time earlier than the first time, and changes the control information so that the change in the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time, The first time is any one of a plurality of predetermined timings during a period of generating an aerosol using the control information, The input unit receives the user operation regarding the change in the parameter each time the predetermined timing arrives during a period in which the aerosol generating device generates an aerosol using the control information, An information processing device.

2. The control unit sets the second time based on the content of the change in the parameter at the first time. The information processing device according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit sets the second time to a time within which the change rate of the parameter from the second time to the first time is within a predetermined threshold. The information processing device according to Claim 2.

4. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time to be longer as the change width of the parameter at the first time is larger, and shorter as it is smaller. The information processing device according to Claim 2 or 3.

5. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time based on the characteristics of the aerosol generating device. The information processing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the second time based on the type of the base material. The information processing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. When the user operation for changing the parameter at the first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a third time after the first time, and changes the control information so that the change of the parameter continues from the first time to the third time and ends at the third time. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit sets the third time based on the change content of the parameter at the first time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit sets the third time to a time within a predetermined threshold value of the change rate of the parameter from the first time to the third time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time to be longer as the change width of the parameter at the first time is larger, and shorter as it is smaller. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time based on the characteristics of the aerosol generation device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The control unit sets the interval between the first time and the third time based on the type of the base material. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. Receiving a user operation; Changing control information that defines the time-series transition of a parameter related to the temperature for heating an aerosol source used by an aerosol generation device that heats the aerosol source contained in a base material to generate an aerosol, in response to the received user operation; including Changing the control information includes, when the user operation for changing the parameter at the first time defined in the control information is performed, setting a second time before the first time, and changing the control information so that the change of the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time. The first time is any one of a plurality of predetermined timings during the period of generating an aerosol using the control information. Receiving the user operation includes receiving, each time the predetermined timing arrives during a period in which the aerosol generator generates an aerosol using the control information, the user operation regarding the change of the parameter. Information processing method.

14. A computer A control unit that changes control information defining a time-series transition of a parameter regarding a temperature for heating an aerosol source, which is used by an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in a base material, in response to a user operation received by an input unit. Function as When the user operation for changing the parameter at a first time defined in the control information is performed, the control unit sets a second time earlier than the first time, and changes the control information so that the change of the parameter starts from the second time and reaches the changed parameter at the first time. The first time is any one of a plurality of predetermined timings during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information. The control unit changes the control information based on the user operation regarding the change of the parameter, which is received by the input unit each time the predetermined timing arrives during a period in which the aerosol generator generates an aerosol using the control information. Program.

Images