System and Information Processing Method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an assembly capable of providing a customization method suitable for each user. [Solution] A system comprising: an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source on the basis of control information which defines a parameter pertaining to the temperature to which the aerosol source is to be heated; a terminal device that receives an operation for generating the control information; and a control device that associates a user and a right granted to the user and stores the same, wherein the terminal device and / or the control device carry out a process pertaining to the control information generation and corresponding to the right granted to the user of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely spread. 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 a flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted, which is 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 puffing 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, it may be 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. In particular, it was difficult for users with a low level of proficiency in customization to perform customization as desired.

[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 providing a customization method suitable for each user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source, a terminal device that receives an operation for generating the control information, and a control device that stores in association a user and the authority given to the user. At least one of the terminal device or the control device performs processing related to the generation of the control information according to the authority given to the user of the terminal device, and a system is provided.

[0008] The control information includes information that defines the time-series transition of the parameters. The terminal device may receive an operation for setting a target temperature at an arbitrary time from a user given a first authority, and may receive an operation for setting a target temperature at a puff timing from a user given a second authority different from the first authority.

[0009] The terminal device may generate the control information based on an operation by a user given a first authority, and the control device may generate the control information based on an operation on the terminal device by a user given a second authority different from the first authority.

[0010] The control device may publicly disclose the control information generated based on an operation by a user given a first authority in a downloadable manner on the Web. The suction device or the terminal device may receive the control information generated based on an operation by a user given the first authority or a second authority different from the first authority from another suction device or another terminal device.

[0011] The control device grants a reward to the user according to the number of downloads or usage times of the control information generated based on the operation by the user, and the unit price of the reward granted to a user with a first privilege may be higher than the unit price of the reward granted to a user with a second privilege different from the first privilege.

[0012] The terminal device accepts the setting of a comment regarding the generated control information, and the types of comments that can be set by a user with a first privilege may be more than the types of comments that can be set by a user with a second privilege different from the first privilege.

[0013] The terminal device accepts the setting of the parameter from the user, and the granularity of the parameter that can be set by a user with a first privilege may be finer than the granularity of the parameter that can be set by a user with a second privilege different from the first privilege.

[0014] The terminal device accepts the setting of the parameter from the user, and the range of the parameter that can be set by a user with a first privilege may be wider than the range of the parameter that can be set by a user with a second privilege different from the first privilege.

[0015] The control information includes information defining the time-series transition of the parameter, and the time range in which a user with a first privilege can set the parameter may be wider than the time range in which a user with a second privilege different from the first privilege can set the parameter.

[0016] The control device may switch the privilege granted to the user according to at least any one of the number of downloads, usage times of the control information generated based on the operation by the user, or the evaluation from other users for the control information.

[0017] The suction device generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source, and the control device may publicly disclose the control information generated based on an operation by a user granted a first privilege regarding a specific suction device or a specific base material on the Web so that it can be downloaded earlier than the control information generated based on an operation by a user granted a second privilege.

[0018] Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, storing by associating a user with the privilege granted to the user, and based on control information defining parameters regarding the temperature for heating the aerosol source, receiving an operation for generating the control information used by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, and performing processing related to the generation of the control information according to the privilege granted to the user. An information processing method including the above is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of providing a customization method suitable for each user is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 a suction device 100A and a suction device 100B as necessary. 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 device 100A and the suction device 100B, it is simply referred to as the suction device 100.

[0023] <1. Configuration Example> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B), and a server 300.

[0024] 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 being an aerosol. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol. Among others, the suction device 100The substance generated thereby may be a gas. The suction device 100 can accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using the accommodated stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to the generation of the aerosol. The stick-shaped substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0025] The terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is associated with the suction device 100. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or it may be registered in advance with the server 300 that the users of the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are the same. 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.

[0026] The server 300 is a control device that manages information on each device included in the system 1. The server 300 communicates with the terminal device 200 via the network 900. In particular, the server 300 communicates indirectly with the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200. The server 300 may perform various processes based on the information collected from the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the server 300 may perform various processes based on the user operations performed on the terminal device 200.

[0027] (1) 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.

[0028] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116, the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 can be constituted by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0029] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information regarding the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 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 112 is constituted by an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

[0030] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 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.

[0031] The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is constituted by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0032] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) can be adopted.

[0033] 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, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0034] The holding part 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 part 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 part 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 part 140. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air into the air flow path, is arranged 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 arranged on the bottom 143, for example.

[0035] The stick-shaped base material 150 includes a base material part 151 and a suction port part 152. The base material part 151 includes 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 tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. 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 base material 150 is held by the holding part 140, at least a part of the base material part 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction port part 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user bites and sucks the suction port part 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 base material part 151.

[0036] 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 unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the user starts suction and / or when predetermined information is input and detected by the sensor unit 112. And when the user finishes suction and / or when predetermined information is input and detected by the sensor unit 112, the power supply may be stopped.

[0037] The heat insulation part 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating part 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation part 144 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0038] 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 various configurations exemplified below can be adopted.

[0039] As an example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 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 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 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 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 portion 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0040] As another example, the holding part 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. Then, the holding part 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 part 121 may be provided at the clamping position in the holding part 140 and heat while pressing the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0041] Also, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating part 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 part 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.

[0042] Note that the suction device 100 generates an aerosol that is sucked by the user by cooperating 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.

[0043] (2) 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 part 210, an output part 220, a detection part 230, a communication part 240, a storage part 250, and a control part 260.

[0044] The input part 210 has a function of receiving the input of various information. The input part 210 may include an input device that receives the input of information from the user. Examples of the input device include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones. In addition, the input part 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0045] 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 vibrating 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 vibrating 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.

[0046] 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 from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite (for example, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite) and detects position information consisting of 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 angular velocity and acceleration.

[0047] 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 a communication standard, for example, a standard 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.

[0048] The storage unit 250 stores various information. The storage unit 250 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0049] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing unit 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. Processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and storage and reading of information by the storage unit 250 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on the information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0050] Note that the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Also, the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0051] (3) Configuration example of the server FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0052] The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the server 300 and other devices. The communication unit 310 performs communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0053] The storage unit 320 stores various information for the operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is constituted by a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), for example.

[0054] The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the server 300 according to various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example. Additionally, the control unit 330 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. The server 300 executes various processes based on the control by the control unit 330. The transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 310, and the storage and reading of information by the storage unit 320 are an example of the processes controlled by the control unit 330. Other processes executed by the server 300, such as the input of information to each component and the processes based on the information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 330.

[0055] <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 heats the stick-shaped base material 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0056] A heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated. 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 a 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 parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the power supply method to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, the ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the type of feedback control to be employed. The ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0057] 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 flavor experienced 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 flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

[0058] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 starts. 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] An example of the heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of the heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 is time. The vertical axis of the graph 20 is temperature. The line 21 shows the time-series change of the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 5, the heating session may sequentially include an initial temperature increase period, an intermediate temperature decrease period, and a re-temperature increase period. The initial temperature increase period is a period in which, after the start of heating, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises and is maintained at a high temperature. The intermediate temperature decrease period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after the initial temperature increase period. The re-temperature increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the intermediate temperature decrease period. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the target temperature rapidly rises to around 300° C. during the initial temperature increase period, then decreases to about 230° C. during the intermediate temperature decrease period, and then gradually rises to around 260° C. during the re-temperature increase period. During the intermediate temperature decrease period, the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and the heating may be turned off. In the example shown in FIG. 5, from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature increase period is the preheating period, and from the middle of the initial temperature increase period to the end of the re-temperature increase period is the performable period.

[0064] (2) Authority Users are granted permissions regarding the heating profile. The stronger the permissions of the user, the higher the degree of freedom they can enjoy regarding the use or generation of the heating profile. The permissions granted to users will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the authority given to a user. As shown in FIG. 6, users are classified into general users, selected users, customized users, or master users in order from those with weaker given authorities. The authority given to a general user is also referred to as general authority. The authority given to a selected user is also referred to as selected authority. The authority given to a customized user is also referred to as customized authority. The authority given to a master user is also referred to as master authority. Note that the master authority is an example of the first authority. The customized authority is an example of the second authority. The server 300 can give authority to a user based on various information such as the usage record of the suction device 100 by the user, the generation record of the heating profile, or an application from the user.

[0066] A general user is a user who has the authority to use the default heating profile. The default heating profile is, for example, the heating profile pre-installed in the suction device 100. A selected user is a user who, in addition to the authority that a general user has, has the authority to use the heating profiles generated by other users. Customized users and master users are users who, in addition to the authority that a selected user has, have the authority to customize (i.e., generate) the heating profile. To customize the heating profile means to generate a heating profile that realizes a preferred taste by making changes based on an existing heating profile.

[0067] General users and selected users can easily enjoy the taste using the existing heating profiles. On the other hand, customized users and master users can enjoy the joy of creating and enjoying a heating profile that realizes a favorite taste. In this way, by differentiating the authority given to each user, it becomes possible to provide the experience required for each user.

[0068] The customizing user or master user operates the terminal device 200 to generate a heating profile. The server 300 may publicly disclose on the Web the heating profile generated by the user so that it can be downloaded. Further, the server 300 may sell the heating profile generated by the user and return a reward according to the sales to the user. By constructing such an ecosystem regarding the generation of heating profiles, more users can be motivated to generate heating profiles, and as a result, it becomes possible to provide many high-quality heating profiles to users. In this way, it becomes possible to improve the satisfaction of all users.

[0069] Here, the master user is given preferential treatment over the customizing user from various viewpoints, such as being able to generate a heating profile with a higher degree of freedom than the customizing user. The master user is a user with good taste who, among the users who customize the heating profile, is recognized by other users for generating particularly high-quality heating profiles. It can also be said that the master user is a user with a higher level of proficiency regarding the generation of heating profiles compared to the customizing user. By giving preferential treatment to the master user from various viewpoints, users can be motivated to generate many high-quality heating profiles. As a result, many high-quality heating profiles are supplied, and it becomes possible to improve the satisfaction of all users.

[0070] The server 300 stores in association with each other the user and the authority given to the user. For example, the server 300 stores in association with each other the identification information of the user and the authority given to the user. The terminal device 200 may also store the authority given to the user of the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives an operation for generating a heating profile. For example, the terminal device 200 receives an operation for setting a target temperature at a certain time (the elapsed time since the start of heating). Then, the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile based on the operation received by the terminal device 200.

[0071] However, at least one of the terminal device 200 or the server 300 performs processing related to the generation of a heating profile according to the authority granted to the user of the terminal device 200. Specifically, at least one of the terminal device 200 or the server 300 performs different processing according to whether the user of the terminal device 200 is a master user or a customized user as processing related to the generation of a heating profile. For example, the terminal device 200 or the server 300 may provide a customization method with a high degree of freedom for the master user and a customization method with a low degree of freedom for the customized user. The load on the user during the customization of the heating profile is greater for a customization method with a higher degree of freedom and lower for a customization method with a lower degree of freedom. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the customized user can easily customize the heating profile. On the other hand, the master user can pursue an ideal heating profile while enjoying the high load when customizing the heating profile. Thus, by providing a customization method according to the granted authority, it is possible to provide a suitable customization experience for each user.

[0072] Hereinafter, examples of processing related to the generation of a heating profile that differ between the master user and the customized user will be described.

[0073] - First example The terminal device 200 receives a setting of a target temperature from the user. Then, either the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile that reflects the target temperature set by the user. However, the time during which the target temperature can be set (i.e., the elapsed time since the start of heating) may differ between the master user and the customized user.

[0074] Specifically, the terminal device 200 may receive an operation for setting a target temperature at an arbitrary time from the master user. That is, the timing at which the master user can set the target temperature may not be limited to the timing at which the puff is performed (hereinafter also referred to as the puff timing). For example, the terminal device 200 may display the graph 20 showing the heating profile shown in FIG. 5 as the heating profile before the change, and generate a heating profile with changes according to the user operation. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may receive a user operation of selecting and moving up and down an arbitrary point on the line 21 of the graph 20. Then, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature at the time specified by the user according to such a user operation.

[0075] On the other hand, the terminal device 200 may receive an operation for setting a target temperature at the puff timing from the customization user. That is, the timing at which the customization user can set the target temperature may be limited to the puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may display the graph 20 showing the heating profile shown in FIG. 5, and receive a user operation of selecting and moving up and down the point corresponding to the puff timing on the line 21 of the graph 20. Then, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature at the puff timing according to such a user operation.

[0076] According to such a configuration, the customization user can set the target temperature limited to the puff timing that has a great influence on the taste, so that it is possible to realize a desirable taste with a relatively light load. On the other hand, since the master user can set the target temperature at timings other than the puff timing, it is possible to pursue the optimal taste.

[0077] - Second example The terminal device 200 receives a setting of the target temperature from the user. Then, either the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile reflecting the target temperature set by the user. However, the entity that generates the heating profile may be different between the master user and the customization user.

[0078] Specifically, the terminal device 200 may generate a heating profile based on an operation by the master user. That is, the terminal device 200 may receive a setting of a target temperature by the master user and generate a heating profile that faithfully reflects the set target temperature. For example, the terminal device 200 may display a graph 20 showing the heating profile shown in FIG. 5, and may receive a user operation of selecting and moving up and down a point corresponding to the puff timing on the line 21 of the graph 20 and may change the target temperature at the puff timing according to such a user operation.

[0079] The system 1 repeats the heating based on the heating profile by the suction device 100, the reception of the user operation by the terminal device 200, and the change of the heating profile until the user is satisfied with the taste. As a result, the master user can pursue a heating profile that realizes a preferred taste while repeating trial and error.

[0080] On the other hand, the server 300 may generate a heating profile based on an operation on the terminal device 200 by the customization user. At that time, the terminal device 200 may receive an input of reference information instead of setting a specific target temperature. Then, the server 300 may set a target temperature with reference to the input information. For example, when the terminal device 200 receives an evaluation of taste by the customization user, the terminal device 200 may transmit the received evaluation of taste to the server 300. Then, the server 300 may generate a heating profile that improves the evaluation of taste based on the evaluation of taste received from the terminal device 200. An example of an input screen for the evaluation of taste will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for evaluating taste displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. The input screen 30 is displayed while heating based on the heating profile is being executed. Arrow 31 extends to the right on axis 32 as time elapses from the start of heating. A mark 33 indicating that the puff timing has arrived can be superimposed on arrow 31 at a position corresponding to the arrived puff timing. The numbered “#N” with a # displayed as a scale on axis 32 corresponds to the Nth puff timing. The fact that the tip of arrow 31 has reached the same position as the numbered “#N” with a # means that the Nth puff timing has arrived. In the input screen 30 shown in FIG. 7, it is displayed that the 4th puff timing has arrived.

[0082] When the puff timing arrives, the terminal device 200 vibrates and displays a notification 34 that prompts the user to puff and input an evaluation of the taste. Then, the terminal device 200 displays a button 35 for inputting an evaluation of the taste at a position corresponding to the arrived 4th puff timing. The user can select any one of the buttons 35 of “strong”, “appropriate”, or “weak” as an evaluation regarding the intensity of the taste. Further, the user can select any one of the buttons 35 of “delicious” or “tasteless” as an overall evaluation of the taste.

[0083] In the input screen 30, the input results of the taste evaluations at past puff timings may be displayed. In the input screen 30 shown in FIG. 7, it is displayed that “strong” and “delicious” have been selected at the 1st to 3rd puff timings that have already passed.

[0084] Based on the evaluation of the taste input to the terminal device 200, the server 300 changes the heating profile. As an example, the server 300 may lower the target temperature at the timing when "strong" is input, and change the heating profile so that the taste at that timing becomes lighter. As another example, the server 300 may raise the target temperature at the timing when "light" is input, and change the heating profile so that the taste at that timing becomes stronger. The system 1 repeats the heating based on the heating profile by the suction device 100, the reception of the input of the taste evaluation by the terminal device 200, and the change of the heating profile by the server 300 until the user is satisfied with the taste. The customization user can easily generate a heating profile that realizes the preferred taste only by repeatedly inputting the taste evaluation.

[0085] According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a high degree of freedom for the master user to pursue the optimal taste. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the load on the customization user to pursue the desired taste.

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the flow of the heating profile generation process based on the operation by the master user and the flow of the heating profile generation process based on the operation by the customization user will be described.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the heating profile generation process based on the operation by the master user. This sequence involves the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 perform the process according to step S101. Specifically, first, the suction device 100 executes heating based on the heating profile (step S102). Next, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the target temperature (step S104). Next, the terminal device 200 generates a heating profile reflecting the set target temperature (step S106). Next, the terminal device 200 transmits the generated heating profile to the suction device 100 (step S108). Then, the suction device 100 stores the heating profile received from the terminal device 200 (step S110). Thereby, the suction device 100 can heat the stick-shaped base material 150 based on the new heating profile from the next time on.

[0089] The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 repeatedly execute the process according to step S101 until the master user is satisfied with the taste. Thereby, the master user can generate a heating profile that realizes the preferred taste while repeating trial and error.

[0090] When the generation of the heating profile is completed, the terminal device 200 transmits the generated heating profile to the server 300 (step S112).

[0091] Then, the server 300 registers the received heating profile (step S114). For example, the server 300 assigns new identification information to the heating profile, and stores the heating profile in association with the identification information of the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as the profile ID) and the identification information of the user who generated the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as the user ID). Further, the server 300 may publicly disclose the registered heating profile on a web page so that it can be downloaded. By associating the profile ID and the user ID, it becomes easy to aggregate the number of downloads or the number of uses for each user.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a heating profile generation process based on operations by a customized user. In this sequence, the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 are involved.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 perform the process according to step S201. Specifically, first, the suction device 100 executes heating based on the heating profile (step S202). Next, the terminal device 200 receives an input of taste evaluation (step S204). Next, the terminal device 200 transmits the input taste evaluation to the server 300 (step S206). Next, the server 300 generates a heating profile based on the taste evaluation (step S208). Next, the server 300 transmits the generated heating profile to the terminal device 200 (step S210). Next, the terminal device 200 transmits the received heating profile to the suction device 100 (step S212). Then, the suction device 100 stores the heating profile received from the terminal device 200 (step S214). Thereby, the suction device 100 can heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on a new heating profile from the next time on.

[0094] The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 repeatedly execute the process according to step S201 until the customized user is satisfied with the taste. Thereby, the customized user can easily generate a heating profile that realizes the preferred taste only by repeatedly inputting the taste evaluation.

[0095] When the generation of the heating profile is completed, the terminal device 200 transmits the generated heating profile to the server 300 (step S216).

[0096] Then, the server 300 registers the received heating profile (step S218).

[0097] Note that, in the above, an example in which a customized user inputs an evaluation of taste has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The customized user may input information instructing to raise or lower the target temperature together with or instead of the evaluation of taste. However, such information is merely used as a reference, and the specific target temperature is set by the server 300.

[0098] - Third example Users may be able to exchange the generated heating profiles with each other.

[0099] The heating profile generated by the user may be indirectly exchanged with other users via a web page operated by the server 300. For example, the server 300 may publicly display the heating profile generated by the user on the web page so that it can be downloaded. The user can access the web page with the terminal device 200 and download the heating profile generated by other users to the user's suction device 100 for use.

[0100] Alternatively, the heating profile generated by the user may be directly exchanged between users. For example, the user may directly or indirectly download the heating profile generated by other users from the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200 of other users to the user's suction device 100. For the direct exchange of heating profiles between users, short-range wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)) or NFC (Near Field Communication) may be used.

[0101] However, the means by which the heating profile generated by the master user and the heating profile generated by the customized user can be exchanged between users may be different.

[0102] As an example, the server 300 may publicly disclose on the Web a heating profile generated based on an operation by a master user in a downloadable manner. That is, the server 300 may not publicly disclose on the Web a heating profile generated based on an operation by a customized user. On the other hand, the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200 may receive a heating profile generated based on an operation by a master user or a customized user from another suction device 100 or another terminal device 200. That is, the heating profile may be directly exchanged among users regardless of whether the generator is a master user or a customized user. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to widely distribute a heating profile generated by a master user with excellent sense via a web page. On the other hand, by enabling free exchange of heating profiles among friends, it becomes possible to provide many users with the joy of creating and enjoying heating profiles.

[0103] - Fourth example The server 300 may give a reward to the user who generated the heating profile. Specifically, the server 300 stores in association a user and a reward to be given to the user. An example of the reward is points that can be used as the purchase price of a heating profile publicly disclosed on the Web.

[0104] As an example, the server 300 may publicly disclose on a web page in a downloadable manner a heating profile generated by a master user or a customized user. And the server 300 may give a reward corresponding to the number of downloads of the heating profile generated by the user to the user. Specifically, the server 300 gives a higher reward as the number of downloads is larger.

[0105] As another example, the server 300 may collect the identification information of the used heating profile and the number of uses from the suction device 100. Then, the server 300 may total the number of uses of the heating profile and give a reward according to the number of uses. Specifically, the server 300 gives a higher reward as the number of uses increases. According to such a configuration, it is possible to motivate the master user and the customization user to generate a higher-quality heating profile.

[0106] However, the unit price of the reward given to the master user may be higher than the unit price of the reward given to the customization user. Specifically, the reward per download given to the master user may be higher than the reward per download given to the customization user. Similarly, the reward per use given to the master user may be higher than the reward per use given to the customization user. Or, the reward according to the number of downloads or the number of uses may be given only to the master user and not to the customization user. According to such a configuration, it is possible to motivate the customization user to aim for the master user. As a result, it is possible to motivate the master user and the customization user to generate a higher-quality heating profile.

[0107] - Fifth example The terminal device 200 may accept the setting of a comment regarding the generated heating profile. For example, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of a comment explaining the heating profile generated by the user. Examples of comments include light, heavy, sweet, spicy, mellow, odorless, strong sourness, bitterness, refreshing, or roasted. Then, when the server 300 publishes the heating profile generated by the master user or the customization user on a web page so that it can be downloaded, the set comment may be appended as an explanatory text of the heating profile. By setting excellent comments, it is possible to make the heating profile more likely to be downloaded by more users.

[0108] However, the types of comments that can be set by the master user may be more than those that can be set by the customized user. For example, the master user may be able to set a free-form text as a comment. On the other hand, the customized user may be able to select keywords to be set as comments from given keywords such as light or heavy. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to receive comments that demonstrate the excellent sense of the master user. On the other hand, it becomes possible to reduce the burden on the customized user with respect to comment setting.

[0109] - Sixth example The terminal device 200 receives a setting of a target temperature from the user. Then, either the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile reflecting the target temperature set by the user. However, the granularity of the target temperature that can be set may differ between the master user and the customized user.

[0110] Specifically, the granularity of the target temperature that can be set by the master user may be finer than that of the target temperature that can be set by the customized user. For example, the target temperature that can be set by the master user may be in units of 1°C, while the granularity of the target temperature that can be set by the customized user may be in units of 10°C. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide a wide range of options for the master user to pursue the optimal taste. On the other hand, by providing a narrower range of options for the customized user, it becomes possible to reduce the burden involved in pursuing the desired taste. Also, by providing a wider range of options for the master user compared to the customized user in this way, it becomes possible to motivate the customized user who wants to pursue the optimal taste to aim for the master user.

[0111] - Seventh example The terminal device 200 receives a setting of a target temperature from the user. Then, either the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile reflecting the target temperature set by the user. However, the range of the target temperature that can be set may be different between the master user and the customized user.

[0112] Specifically, the range of the target temperature that can be set by the master user may be wider than the range of the target temperature that can be set by the customized user. For example, the master user may be able to set the target temperature in the range of 100°C to 350°C. On the other hand, the customized user may be able to set the target temperature in the range of 200°C to 300°C. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide a wide range of options for the master user to pursue the optimal taste. On the other hand, by providing a narrower range of options for the customized user, it becomes possible to reduce the load required to pursue the desired taste. In addition, by providing a wider range of options for the master user compared to the customized user in this way, it becomes possible to motivate the customized user who wants to pursue the optimal taste to aim for the master user.

[0113] -Eighth example The terminal device 200 receives a setting of a target temperature from the user. Then, either the terminal device 200 or the server 300 generates a heating profile reflecting the target temperature set by the user. However, the range of the time (i.e., the elapsed time from the start of heating) during which the target temperature can be set may be different between the master user and the customized user.

[0114] Specifically, the range of time during which the master user can set the target temperature may be wider than the range of time during which the customized user can set the target temperature. For example, the master user may be able to set the target temperature at any time during the heating session. On the other hand, the customized user may be able to set the target temperature during the intermediate temperature drop period and the re-warming period, and the setting of the target temperature during the initial warming period may be restricted. This is because the target temperature during the initial warming period has a significantly greater impact on the entire heating session compared to the target temperature during other periods. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide the master user with a wide range of options to pursue the optimal taste. On the other hand, by providing the customized user with a narrower range of options, it becomes possible to reduce the load involved in pursuing the desired taste. Also, by providing the master user with a wider range of options compared to the customized user in this way, it becomes possible to motivate the customized user who wants to pursue the optimal taste to aim for the master user.

[0115] - Ninth example The server 300 may publicly disclose the heating profile generated by the master user or the customized user on a web page so that it can be downloaded. However, the timing of the public disclosure of the heating profile may differ between the master user and the customized user.

[0116] Specifically, with respect to a specific suction device Set 1 00 or a specific stick-shaped substrate 150, the heating profile generated based on the operation by the master user may be publicly disclosed on the web so that it can be downloaded earlier than the heating profile generated based on the operation by the customized user. Also, the server 300 may accept the registration of the heating profile generated by the master user earlier than the heating profile generated by the customized user with respect to a specific suction device Set 1 00 or a specific stick-shaped substrate 150. One specific suction device 100 example is when newly sold suction device 100It is. Also, an example of a specific stick-type substrate 150 is a newly sold stick-type substrate 150.

[0117] As an example, a heating profile generated by a master user may be published simultaneously with or immediately after the start of sales of a new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150. The master user may be provided with a new or a prototype of the stick-type substrate 150 by the manufacturer before the start of sales and requested to generate a heating profile. In that case, the master user can generate a heating profile for the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 over time before the start of sales and register it with the server 300 in advance. In this case, the server 300 can publish the heating profile generated by the master user in a downloadable format on the web simultaneously with or immediately after the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and may be requested to generate a heating profile. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and may be requested to generate a heating profile. In that case, the master user can generate a heating profile for the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 over time before the start of sales and register it with the server 300 in advance. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and register it with the server 300 in advance. In this case, the server 300 can publish the heating profile generated by the master user in a downloadable format on the web simultaneously with or immediately after the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and register it with the server 300 in advance. In this case, the server 300 can publish the heating profile generated by the master user in a downloadable format on the web simultaneously with or immediately after the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150.

[0118] On the other hand, a heating profile generated by a customized user may be published after the start of sales of a new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150, for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, such as one month after the start of sales. The customized user can purchase a new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 by themselves after the start of sales, generate a heating profile, and register it with the server 300. In this case, the server 300 will publish the heating profile generated by the customized user in a downloadable format on the web after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and may be requested to generate a heating profile. In that case, the master user can generate a heating profile for the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 over time before the start of sales and register it with the server 300 in advance. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and register it with the server 300 in advance. In this case, the server 300 can publish the heating profile generated by the master user in a downloadable format on the web simultaneously with or immediately after the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150. such suction device 100 or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150 and register it with the server 300 in advance. In this case, the server 300 will publish the heating profile generated by the customized user in a downloadable format on the web after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of sales of the new or newly introduced stick-type substrate 150.

[0119] Of course, the master user can also generate a heating profile for the stick-type substrate 150 during sales, just like the customized user. In that case, as soon as the heating profile is generated, it will be published on the web in a downloadable format. suction device 100 or for the stick-type substrate 150. In that case, as soon as the heating profile is generated, it will be published on the web in a downloadable format.

[0120] - Others The server 300 may appropriately switch the authority given to the user according to the usage record of the heating profile generated by the user or the like.

[0121] As an example, the server 300 may switch the authority given to the user according to the number of downloads of the heating profile generated based on the operations of the user. Specifically, the server 300 may publish the heating profiles generated by the master user or the customized user on a web page so that they can be downloaded. Then, the server 300 may grant master authority to the users who have generated the top percentage of heating profiles with a large number of downloads, and grant customization authority to other users.

[0122] As another example, the server 300 may switch the authority given to the user according to the number of times the heating profile generated based on the operations of the user is used. Specifically, the server 300 may collect the identification information and the number of times of use of the used heating profile from the suction device 100. Then, the server 300 may total the number of times of use of the heating profile, and grant master authority to the users who have generated the top percentage of heating profiles with a large number of times of use, and grant customization authority to other users.

[0123] As another example, the server 300 may switch the authority given to the user according to the evaluation from other users on the heating profile generated based on the operations of the user. Specifically, the server 300 may receive a five-level evaluation from the user on the heating profiles generated by other users. Then, the server 300 may total the evaluations obtained for each user, and grant master authority to the top percentage of users with high evaluations, and grant customization authority to other users.

[0124] The server 300 may switch the permissions granted to the user according to a combination of two or more of the download times, usage times, or evaluations described above.

[0125] According to the examples described above, for users with a large number of downloads, a large number of usage times, or a high evaluation, master permissions that are preferentially treated from various perspectives rather than customization permissions are granted. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the master user and the customized user to generate a higher-quality heating profile in order to increase the number of downloads, increase the number of usage times, or increase the evaluation.

[0126] <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 it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0127] 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, thereby causing the susceptor to generate heat. In this case, the temperature at which the aerosol source controlled based on the heating profile is heated is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the parameter related to 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. Examples of the parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source include, 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. Further, when the suction device 100 includes an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121, examples of the parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source defined in the heating profile include the temperature of the susceptor or target values such as the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 heats the stick-shaped base material 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 an aerosol source in the form of a liquid. The present invention is also applicable to a liquid atomization type aerosol generating device.

[0130] As described above, the heating profile is generated by the terminal device 200 or the server 300. Here, the fact that the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile may mean that a native application installed in the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile. Further, the fact that the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile may mean that a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) provided for the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile. Here, the provider of the PWA may be the server 300. That is, the fact that the server 300 generates the heating profile may mean that a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) provided for the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile.

[0131] In addition, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are, for example, pre-stored in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM during execution by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, for example, 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. In addition, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be processed in a distributed manner by a plurality of computers.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Note that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1) An inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source, A terminal device that receives an operation for generating the control information, A control device that stores the user in association with the authority given to the user, comprising At least one of the terminal device or the control device performs a process related to generation of the control information according to the authority given to the user of the terminal device. System. (2) The control information includes information defining a time-series transition of the parameters. The terminal device receives an operation for setting a target temperature at an arbitrary time from a user to whom a first authority is given, and receives an operation for setting a target temperature at a performance timing from a user to whom a second authority different from the first authority is given. The system according to (1) above. (3) The terminal device generates the control information based on an operation by a user to whom a first authority is given. The control device generates the control information based on an operation on the terminal device by a user to whom a second authority different from the first authority is given. The system according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The control device publicly discloses the control information generated based on an operation by a user to whom a first authority is given on the Web so that it can be downloaded. The suction device or the terminal device receives the control information generated based on an operation by a user to whom the first authority or a second authority different from the first authority is given from another suction device or another terminal device. The system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The control device gives a reward to the user according to the number of downloads or the number of uses of the control information generated based on an operation by the user. The unit price of the reward given to a user to whom a first authority is given is higher than the unit price of the reward given to a user to whom a second authority different from the first authority is given. The system according to (4) above. (6) The terminal device receives a setting of a comment regarding the generated control information. The types of the comments that can be set by the user granted with the first permission are more than the types of the comments that can be set by the user granted with a second permission different from the first permission. The system according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The terminal device receives the setting of the parameter from the user. The granularity of the parameter that can be set by the user granted with the first permission is finer than the granularity of the parameter that can be set by the user granted with a second permission different from the first permission. The system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The terminal device receives the setting of the parameter from the user. The range of the parameter that can be set by the user granted with the first permission is wider than the range of the parameter that can be set by the user granted with a second permission different from the first permission. The system according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) The control information includes information defining the time-series transition of the parameter. The range of time during which the user granted with the first permission can set the parameter is wider than the range of time during which the user granted with a second permission different from the first permission can set the parameter. The system according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The control device switches the permission granted to the user according to at least any one of the number of downloads, the number of uses of the control information generated based on the operation by the user, or the evaluation from other users for the control information. The system according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) The suction device generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source. The control device makes the control information generated based on the operation by a user granted with a first authority publicly available on the Web for download earlier than the control information generated based on the operation by a user granted with a second authority, with respect to a specific suction device or a specific base material. The system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) Storing by associating a user with the authority granted to the user. Receiving an operation for generating the control information used by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information defining parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. Performing processing related to the generation of the control information according to the authority granted to the user. An information processing method including the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0134] 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 base material 151 Base material part 152 Suction port part 200 Terminal device 210 Input unit 220 Output unit 230 Detection unit 240 Communication unit 250 Storage unit 260 Control unit 300 Server 310 Communication unit 320 Memory unit 330 Control unit 900 Network

Claims

1. An inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source based on control information defining parameters related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source, a terminal device that receives an operation for generating the control information, and a control device that stores in association a user and the authority given to the user, wherein at least one of the terminal device or the control device performs processing related to the generation of the control information according to the authority given to the user of the terminal device, the control information includes information defining the time-series transition of the parameters, the terminal device receives an operation for setting a target temperature at an arbitrary time from a user given a first authority, and receives an operation for setting a target temperature at puff timing from a user given a second authority different from the first authority, a system.

2. The terminal device generates the control information based on an operation by a user given the first authority, and the control device generates the control information based on an operation on the terminal device by a user given the second authority, The system according to claim 1.

3. The control device publicly discloses the control information generated based on an operation by a user given the first authority in a downloadable manner on the Web, and the inhalation device or the terminal device receives the control information generated based on an operation by a user given the first authority or the second authority from another inhalation device or another terminal device, The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control device gives a reward to the user according to the number of downloads or the number of uses of the control information generated based on the operation by the user, and the unit price of the reward given to a user given the first authority is higher than the unit price of the reward given to a user given the second authority, The system according to claim 3.

5. The terminal device receives a setting of a comment regarding the generated control information, and the types of comments that can be set by a user given the first authority are more than the types of comments that can be set by a user given the second authority, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The terminal device receives a setting of the parameters from the user, The granularity of the parameters that can be set by the user to whom the first authority is granted is finer than the granularity of the parameters that can be set by the user to whom the second authority is granted. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The terminal device receives a setting of the parameter from a user. The range of the parameters that can be set by the user to whom the first authority is granted is wider than the range of the parameters that can be set by the user to whom the second authority is granted. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control information includes information defining a time-series transition of the parameter. The range of time during which the user to whom the first authority is granted can set the parameter is wider than the range of time during which the user to whom the second authority is granted can set the parameter. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control device switches the authority granted to the user according to at least any one of the number of downloads, the number of uses of the control information generated based on an operation by the user, or evaluations from other users for the control information. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The suction device generates an aerosol using a base material including an aerosol source. Regarding a specific suction device or a specific base material, the control device publicly discloses, on the Web, the control information generated based on an operation by the user to whom the first authority is granted, so that it can be downloaded earlier than the control information generated based on an operation by the user to whom the second authority is granted. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Storing in association with each other a user and the authority granted to the user. Receiving an operation for generating the control information used by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information defining a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. Performing processing related to the generation of the control information according to the authority granted to the user. Including The control information includes information defining a time-series transition of the parameter. Receiving an operation for generating the control information includes receiving an operation for setting a target temperature at an arbitrary time from a user granted with a first authority, and receiving an operation for setting a target temperature at a performance timing from a user granted with a second authority different from the first authority. Information processing method.

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