Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a customization system with which a user can easily achieve their desired smoke flavor. [Solution] This information processing device is used by an aerosol generating device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source included in a substrate. The information processing device includes a control unit that changes control information in accordance with an evaluation which is input with respect to aerosols generated using the control information which stipulates the chronological change of a parameter related to the temperature for heating the aerosol sources.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols containing flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puffing action.

[0003] Preferences for flavors enjoyed when puffing (hereinafter also referred to as smoking taste) vary from user to user. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which directly affects the smoking taste, be customizable by the user. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that allows the user to customize the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 104227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to understand how the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated affects the smoking taste.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a customization mechanism that allows users to easily achieve the smoking taste they desire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, which includes a control unit that changes control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information.

[0008] The information processing device may further include an input unit that accepts input of the evaluation at one or more of a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information.

[0009] The control unit may change the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was made.

[0010] The control unit may select the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was given as the timing to be changed, and repeat executing a first process which includes changing the parameters until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest of the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was given.

[0011] The first processing may include changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, repeated until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed.

[0012] The control unit may classify the multiple timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into multiple groups each including one or more of the timings, select the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as the group to be changed, and execute a second process including changing the parameters until an appropriate evaluation is input for all the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given.

[0013] The second processing may include changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, repeating this process until an appropriate evaluation is input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed.

[0014] Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on evaluation statistics for the one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed.

[0015] Changing the parameters at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the parameters at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on the relative relationship of the evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed.

[0016] The control unit may classify the timings included in the period for generating aerosol using the control information into multiple groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group.

[0017] The control unit may classify multiple timings included in the period in which aerosols are generated using the control information into multiple groups based on the time series changes in the parameters or the time series changes in the evaluation.

[0018] The control unit may change the parameter at a second timing that is later than the first timing at which the parameter was changed, among the multiple timings included in the period for generating aerosol using the control information, in accordance with the change in the parameter at the first timing.

[0019] The control unit may vary the parameter within a limited range.

[0020] The control unit may use the control information to change the parameters for a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated.

[0021] The control unit may change the length of the period for generating aerosol using the control information in response to a change in the parameter.

[0022] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, which includes changing control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information.

[0023] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to function as a control unit that changes control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] As described above, the present invention provides a customization mechanism that allows users to easily achieve the smoking taste they desire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a heating profile. [Figure 5] 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a heating profile customization process executed in the terminal device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0027] <1. Configuration example> (1) System configuration example 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration 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.

[0028] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate.

[0029] The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various types of information processing related to the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by a 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.

[0030] The terminal device 200 is used to change the settings of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 accepts a user operation for changing the settings of the suction device 100, and changes the settings of the suction device 100.

[0031] (2) Example of suction device configuration 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction device according to this 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.

[0032] Power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of suction device 100 based on the control of control unit 116. Power supply unit 111 can be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

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

[0034] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured 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.

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

[0036] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) standards.

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

[0038] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding part 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0039] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid but may also be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0040] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. 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 substrate unit 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 power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0041] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0042] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0043] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0044] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0045] Furthermore, 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. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0046] The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0047] (3) Example of terminal device configuration 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 according to this 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.

[0048] The input unit 210 has a function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a 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.

[0049] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to a 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 a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a 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.

[0050] The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect position information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (for example, GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites) to detect 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 to detect angular velocity and acceleration.

[0051] 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 in accordance 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) can be adopted.

[0052] The storage unit 250 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0053] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, arithmetic parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 260. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260 include 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 readout of information by the memory unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0054] The functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 260 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[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 achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0056] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated 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 from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as 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 to optimize the flavor that the user experiences 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 that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0058] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0059] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance 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 another example, 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 aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0061] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information informing the user of the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0062] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0063] 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 progression of the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 4, the target temperature may rise rapidly to around 300°C after heating starts, then drop to around 230°C, and then rise again to around 260°C. When heating based on such a heating profile is performed, the temperature of heating unit 121 rises rapidly to around 300°C after heating starts, then drop to around 230°C, and then rise again to around 260°C.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 4, the heating session lasts approximately 325 seconds from the start of heating. Within the heating session, the pre-heating period is from the start of heating until 20 seconds later, and the puffable period is from 20 seconds later.

[0065] (2) Customizing the heating profile The control unit 260 changes the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the heating profile. Evaluations that can be input include a "good" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is appropriate and a "bad" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is inappropriate. Bad evaluations that can be input include a "weak" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is weak and a "strong" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is strong. For example, the control unit 260 may not change the heating profile when a "good" evaluation is input. For another example, the control unit 260 may increase the target temperature when a "weak" evaluation is input. In this case, the smoking taste can be strengthened. For another example, the control unit 260 may decrease the target temperature when a "strong" evaluation is input. In this case, the smoking taste can be weakened. This configuration allows the user to automatically generate a heating profile that delivers the desired smoking taste simply by evaluating the smoking taste, without directly specifying the target temperature.

[0066] The input unit 210 accepts an input of an evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a heating session. An example of the timing for accepting an input of an evaluation is the timing at which a puff is made (hereinafter also referred to as a puff timing). For example, the user inputs an evaluation according to the smoking taste each time they make a puff. With this configuration, the user can customize the heating profile so that the desired smoking taste is delivered simply by evaluating the smoking taste each time the puff timing arrives, i.e., each time they make a puff.

[0067] As an example, the output unit 220 may display a screen that prompts the user to input an evaluation of the smoking taste each time a puff timing occurs during a heating session. Then, in response to the inquiry, the user may input the evaluation into the input unit 210. This configuration allows the user to intuitively customize the heating profile while puffing.

[0068] The puff timing may be predefined. In this case, the output unit 220 may output a screen prompting the user to puff each time the puff timing arrives. Alternatively, the puff timing may not be predefined. In this case, the output unit 220 may display a screen prompting the user to input an evaluation of the smoking taste each time the inhalation device 100 detects that the user has puffed.

[0069] Control unit 260 may change the target temperatures at one or more puff timings evaluated as inappropriate, starting with the target temperature at the earliest puff timing. Changing the target temperature at a certain puff timing may affect not only the smoking taste at that puff timing, but also the smoking taste at subsequent puff timings. This is because the remaining amount of aerosol source and the temperature of heating unit 121 may change at subsequent puff timings. Therefore, by changing the target temperatures starting with the earliest puff timing, it is possible to efficiently customize the heating profile without having to go back and forth.

[0070] - Change target temperature by puff timing The control unit 260 may change the target temperature on a puff timing basis. In this case, the control unit 260 selects the puff timing that has been evaluated as inappropriate as the puff timing to be changed. The control unit 260 then executes a first process including changing the target temperature until a suitable evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. However, the control unit 260 repeats the first process while switching the puff timing to be changed in order from the earliest puff timing among the one or more puff timings that have been evaluated as inappropriate. When the first process has been executed for all puff timings that have been evaluated as inappropriate, suitable evaluations will be input for all puff timings included in the heating session. This makes it possible to generate a heating profile that can deliver an appropriate smoking experience to the user at all puff timings.

[0071] The first process includes changing the target temperature for the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the inhalation device 100 to generate aerosol based on the changed heating profile, and receiving an evaluation of the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, and repeating this process until an appropriate evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. That is, changing the target temperature for the puff timing to be changed, heating based on the changed heating profile, and inputting an evaluation are repeated until an appropriate evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. With this configuration, it is possible to customize the heating profile so as to deliver the desired smoking experience by repeating trial and error on a puff timing basis.

[0072] When changing the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, control unit 260 may increase the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed if the evaluation at the puff timing to be changed is weak. On the other hand, when changing the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, control unit 260 may decrease the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed if the evaluation at the puff timing to be changed is strong.

[0073] Furthermore, in controlling inhalation device 100 to generate aerosol based on the changed heating profile, control unit 260 may control communication unit 240 to send information indicating the changed heating profile to inhalation device 100. The information indicating the changed heating profile may be the changed heating profile itself or information indicating the difference between the heating profile before and after the change. This allows inhalation device 100 to perform heating from the next time onwards based on the changed heating profile.

[0074] Furthermore, by accepting input of an evaluation of the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, the control unit 260 can control the output unit 220 to output information prompting the user to replace the stick-shaped substrate 150 and perform heating. Furthermore, when heating based on the changed heating profile is performed, the control unit 260 can control the output unit 220 to output information prompting the user to perform a puff and input an evaluation each time the puff timing arrives.

[0075] A specific example of customizing the heating profile shown in FIG. 4 in units of puff timing will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0076] 5 is a graph showing a schematic example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20B is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20B is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series change in target temperature before customization. Line 21B shows the time series change in target temperature after customization.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 5, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an input of an evaluation of the smoking taste every time a predefined puff timing arrives while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by the line 21A. In the figure, "OK" indicates a good evaluation, and "W" indicates a good evaluation. Negative reviews In the example shown in Fig. 5, weak evaluations are input at the first, second, seventh, eighth, and ninth puff timings, strong evaluations are input at the fourth and fifth puff timings, and good evaluations are input at the third and sixth puff timings.

[0078] Therefore, the control unit 260 selects the first puff timing, which is the earliest of the puff timings for which a weak or strong evaluation has been input, as the puff timing to be changed. Because a weak evaluation has been input for the first puff timing, the control unit 260 raises the target temperature for the first puff timing, as shown by line 21B in FIG. 5. As a result, the smoking taste at the first puff timing can be strengthened. With this customization, it is expected that a good evaluation will be input for the first puff timing the next time heating is performed.

[0079] - Change target temperature for each group The control unit 260 may change the target temperature on a group-by-group basis. In this case, the control unit 260 classifies the multiple puff timings included in the heating session into multiple groups (hereinafter also referred to as puff groups) each including one or more puff timings. Next, the control unit 260 selects the puff group including the puff timing evaluated as inappropriate as the puff group to be changed. The control unit 260 then executes a second process including changing the target temperature until appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. However, the control unit 260 repeats the second process while switching the puff group to be changed in order from the earliest puff group among the one or more puff groups including the puff timing evaluated as inappropriate. When the second process has been executed for all puff groups including the puff timing evaluated as inappropriate, appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the heating session. This makes it possible to generate a heating profile that can deliver an appropriate smoking experience to the user at all puff timings.

[0080] The second process includes changing the target temperature for each of one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed according to the inappropriate evaluation, and receiving an evaluation of the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, changing the target temperature for the puff group to be changed, heating based on the changed heating profile, and inputting an evaluation are repeated until appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. With this configuration, it is possible to customize the heating profile so that the desired smoking experience is delivered by repeating trial and error on a puff group basis.

[0081] Changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation may include changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed based on statistical evaluation values for the one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, the control unit 260 may uniformly apply the change in target temperature based on the statistical evaluation values for the puff group to be changed to all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. The statistical value may be a median, an average, or the like. For example, if there are many puff timings for which poor evaluations are input in the puff group to be changed, the target temperatures for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed may be uniformly increased. This configuration allows the target temperatures for many puff timings to be changed at once, compared to changing the target temperatures on a puff timing-by-puff timing basis. This allows for efficient customization of the heating profile.

[0082] Changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation may include changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed based on the relative evaluations for the one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, the control unit 260 may individually adjust the target temperatures for each puff timing included in the puff group to be changed based on the relative evaluations for the puff group to be changed. For example, it is conceivable that the puff group to be changed contains a mixture of puff timings for which weak evaluations have been input and puff timings for which strong evaluations have been input. In this case, the control unit 260 may apply a uniform change based on the above-described statistical value, and then increase the target temperatures for puff timings for which weak evaluations have been input and decrease the target temperatures for puff timings for which strong evaluations have been input. This configuration enables customization that is more suited to the user's evaluation than when the target temperatures are uniformly changed based on the statistical value of the evaluations within the puff group.

[0083] There are various ways to classify puff timings into puff groups.

[0084] For example, the control unit 260 may classify the puff timings included in the heating session into multiple puff groups based on the number of puff timings belonging to each puff group. Specifically, the control unit 260 may classify each puff timing into a puff group for every predetermined number of puff timings.

[0085] As another example, the control unit 260 may classify multiple puff timings included in a heating session into multiple puff groups based on the time-series change in the target temperature. Specifically, the control unit 260 may generate a puff group for each puff timing included in a period in which the time-series change in the target temperature, such as the target temperature increasing, maintaining, or decreasing, is similar. In other words, the control unit 260 may divide multiple puff timings included in a heating session at a position where the time-series change in the target temperature changes. With this configuration, the target temperatures of the puff timings included in the period in which the time-series change in the target temperature is similar can be changed collectively, thereby making it possible to customize the heating profile more efficiently.

[0086] As another example, the control unit 260 may classify multiple puff timings included in a heating session into multiple puff groups based on the time-series changes in the evaluation. Specifically, the control unit 260 may generate a puff group for each of multiple puff timings with similar consecutive evaluations in the time direction, such as when weak evaluations are input consecutively or when strong evaluations are input consecutively. In other words, the control unit 260 may divide multiple puff timings included in a heating session at a position where the trend of the time-series changes in the evaluation. With this configuration, the target temperatures of puff timings with similar evaluations can be changed collectively, making it possible to customize the heating profile more efficiently.

[0087] A specific example of customizing the heating profile shown in FIG. 4 for each puff group will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0088] 6 is a graph showing a schematic example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20C is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20C is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature before customization. Line 21C shows the time series progression of the target temperature after customization.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The nine puff timings are classified into three puff groups, each including three puff timings. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an input of a smoking taste evaluation each time a predefined puff timing arrives while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, weak evaluations are input for the first, second, seventh, eighth, and ninth puff timings, strong evaluations are input for the fourth and fifth puff timings, and good evaluations are input for the third and sixth puff timings.

[0090] Therefore, the control unit 260 selects the earliest first puff group including the puff timing for which a weak or strong evaluation was input as the puff group to be changed. Of the first puff group, a weak evaluation was input for the first and second puff timings, and a good evaluation was input for the third puff timing. Therefore, the control unit 260 uniformly raises the target temperatures for the first to third puff timings based on the weak evaluation as the median. On the other hand, the control unit 260 further raises the target temperatures for the first and second puff timings based on the relative evaluations within the puff group. As a result, as shown by line 21C in FIG. 6, the control unit 260 significantly raises the target temperatures for the first and second puff timings and slightly raises the target temperature for the third puff timing. This makes it possible to enhance the overall smoking taste for the first puff group while further enhancing the smoking taste for the puff timing for which a weak evaluation was input. This customization is expected to result in a good evaluation being input for the first puff group the next time heating is performed.

[0091] - Changing the target temperature of the next stage based on the change in the target temperature of the previous stage The control unit 260 may change the target temperature at a second puff timing, which is subsequent to the first puff timing at which the target temperature was changed, among the multiple puff timings included in the heating session, in accordance with the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing. As an example, the control unit 260 may apply the same change to the target temperature at the second puff timing as the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing. It is desirable that the relationship between the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing and the change in the target temperature at the second puff timing be learned appropriately and defined as a function or the like. With this configuration, the target temperature at the subsequent puff timing can be automatically changed taking into account the effect of the change in the target temperature at the previous puff timing. This makes it possible to more efficiently customize the heating profile.

[0092] Note that such a change in the target temperature at the later puff timing based on a change in the target temperature at the earlier puff timing can be applied to both customization in puff timing units and customization in puff group units. Group The target temperature for a second puff group that follows the first puff group whose target temperature has been changed may be changed in accordance with the change in the target temperature for the first puff group.

[0093] Hereinafter, a specific example of the heating profile shown in FIG. 4 where the target temperature in the subsequent puff group is changed based on a change in the target temperature in the previous puff group will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] 7 is a graph showing a schematic example of a customization of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20D is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20D is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature before customization. Line 21D shows the time series progression of the target temperature after customization.

[0095] In the example shown in Fig. 7, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an input of an evaluation of the smoking taste each time a predefined puff timing arrives while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by the line 21A. to 7 In the example shown, a weak evaluation is input at the first, second, seventh, eighth, and ninth puff timings, a strong evaluation is input at the fourth and fifth puff timings, and a good evaluation is input at the third and sixth puff timings.

[0096] Based on these time-series changes in the evaluation, the nine puff timings are classified into three puff groups. That is, the first puff group includes the first and second puff timings for which a weak evaluation was input. The second puff group includes the third to fifth puff timings for which a good evaluation and a strong evaluation were input. The third puff group includes the sixth to ninth puff timings for which a good evaluation and a weak evaluation were input. An example of a method for calculating changes to the target temperature in the example shown in FIG. 7 is shown in Table 1 below. The changes to the target temperature will be explained below with reference to FIG. 7 and Table 1.

[0097] [Table 1]

[0098] The control unit 260 selects the earliest first puff group including the puff timing for which a weak or strong evaluation was input as the puff group to be changed. A weak evaluation was input for the first and second puff timings of the first puff group. Therefore, the target temperature change range based on the evaluation for the first puff group is +10°C. Therefore, the control unit 260 raises the target temperature for the puff timings belonging to the first puff group by a uniform 10°C, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in FIG. 7.

[0099] In the second puff group, strong evaluations are input at the fourth and fifth puff timings. Therefore, the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the second puff group is -10°C. On the other hand, the change in target temperature for the first puff group, which is the immediately preceding puff group, is +10°C. The sum of the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the second puff group and the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the preceding first puff group is 0°C. Therefore, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in FIG. 7, control unit 260 does not change the target temperature at the puff timings belonging to the second puff group.

[0100] In the third puff group, weak evaluations are input for the seventh to ninth puff timings. Therefore, the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the third puff group is +10°C. On the other hand, the change in target temperature for the second puff group, which is the immediately preceding puff group, is 0°C. The sum of the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the third puff group and the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the immediately preceding second puff group is +10°C. Therefore, the control unit 260 uniformly raises the target temperature for the puff timings belonging to the third puff group by 10°C, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in FIG. 7.

[0101] With this customization, it is expected that the first puff group will receive a good rating the next time it is heated, and it is also expected that the second and third puff groups will receive good ratings.

[0102] -Customization restrictions The control unit 260 may change the target temperature within a limited range. That is, the settable target temperature range may be limited. The control unit 260 may then set the target temperature within the settable target temperature range. The settable target temperature range may change depending on the time elapsed since the start of heating. For example, the settable target temperature range may be different between the preheating period and the puffing period. As an example, the settable target temperature range during the preheating period may be limited to a range from the lowest temperature at which aerosol can be generated to the highest temperature permitted by the heat resistance of the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the settable target temperature range during the puffing period may be limited to a range at which aerosol is appropriately generated. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which an inappropriate target temperature is set, thereby deteriorating the quality of the user experience.

[0103] The control unit 260 may change the target temperature during a limited period of the heating session. That is, the period during which the target temperature can be changed may be limited. The control unit 260 may then change the target temperature during the period during which the target temperature can be changed. The period during which the target temperature can be changed may be limited to, for example, at least a portion of the puffing period. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the target temperature from being changed at an inappropriate time, thereby deteriorating the quality of the user experience.

[0104] - Change the length of the heating session The control unit 260 may change the length of the heating session in response to a change in the target temperature. As an example, the control unit 260 may shorten the length of the heating session when the target temperature is increased. This is because the aerosol source is depleted more quickly as the target temperature increases. As another example, the control unit 260 may extend the length of the heating session when the target temperature is decreased. This is because the aerosol source is depleted more slowly as the target temperature decreases. The length of the heating session can be determined by a function, a parameter map, or the like defined by the target temperature, time, the energy consumed in the heating unit 121, and the like. This configuration makes it possible to consume the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the right amount.

[0105] The control unit 260 may change the puff timing in response to a change in the length of the heating session. As one example, the control unit 260 may set the puff timing by dividing the puffable period by a predetermined number of puff timings. As another example, the control unit 260 may increase the number of puff timings as the heating session becomes longer, and decrease the number of puff timings as the heating session becomes shorter.

[0106] -Processing flow The flow of the heating profile customization process according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heating profile customization process executed in terminal device 200 according to this embodiment.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8, first, input unit 210 receives an instruction to start customizing the heating profile (step S102).

[0108] Next, the control unit 260 controls the output unit 220 to issue a notification urging the user to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 and start heating (step S104). For example, the output unit 220 may display a screen urging the user to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 (replace it the second time or later) and start heating.

[0109] Next, control unit 260 detects the start of heating based on the heating profile (step S106). For example, when suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile, it may transmit information indicating that heating has started to terminal device 200. Control unit 260 may detect the start of heating based on the heating profile based on the reception of such information.

[0110] Next, the control unit 260 determines whether or not a puff timing has arrived (step S108). As an example, the control unit 260 determines whether or not a predetermined puff timing has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0111] If it is determined that the puff timing has not arrived (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0112] If it is determined that the puff timing has arrived (step S108: YES), the control unit 260 controls the output unit 220 to issue a notification urging the user to puff (step S110). For example, the output unit 220 may display a screen urging the user to puff.

[0113] Next, the input unit 210 accepts input of an evaluation of the smoking taste (step S112). For example, the output unit 220 displays an input screen for accepting input of a good evaluation, a weak evaluation, or a strong evaluation. Then, the input unit 210 accepts input on the input screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0114] In step S114, the control unit 260 determines whether the heating session has ended (step S114). For example, when the suction device 100 has finished heating based on the heating profile, the control unit 260 may transmit information indicating that the heating session has ended to the terminal device 200. The control unit 260 may detect the end of the heating session based on the reception of such information.

[0115] If it is determined that the heating session has not ended (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S108.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: YES), the control unit 260 determines whether or not a favorable evaluation has been input for all puff timings included in the heating session (step S116).

[0117] If it is determined that there is a puff timing for which an inappropriate evaluation has been input (step S116: NO), control unit 260 changes the heating profile based on the evaluation input during the heating session (step S118). For example, control unit 260 selects the earliest puff timing for which an inappropriate evaluation has been input as the puff timing to be changed, and changes the target temperature at that puff timing based on the input evaluation.

[0118] Next, the control unit 260 controls the communication unit 260 to transmit the changed heating profile to the suction device 100. 240 This allows the suction device 100 to perform heating based on the changed heating profile from the next time onwards (step S120).

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined that a suitable evaluation has been input for all puff timings included in the heating session (step S116: YES), the process ends. In this case, from the next time onwards, the inhalation device 100 will be able to deliver a suitable smoking taste to the user at all puff timings.

[0120] <3. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0121] The changes in the target temperature per puff timing, per puff group, and the changes in the target temperature in the latter stage based on the changes in the target temperature in the former stage, as described in the above embodiments, may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the early stages of customization, the target temperature may be changed per puff group, and the target temperature in the latter stage may be changed based on the changes in the target temperature in the former stage, and after customization has progressed to a certain extent, the target temperature may be changed per puff timing.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat through electrical resistance, 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 through induction heating, and the stick-shaped substrate 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 causes the susceptor to heat by penetrating the alternating magnetic field. In this case, the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, 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.

[0123] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which is specified in the heating profile, is the target temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated include the temperature itself of the heating unit 121 described in the above embodiment, as well as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, if the suction device 100 includes an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121, examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which are specified in the heating profile, include target values such as the temperature of the susceptor or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization type aerosol generator 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 generator.

[0125] Each device described in this specification may be realized as a single device, or some or all of them may be realized as separate devices. For example, the control unit 260 of the terminal device 200 may be provided in a device such as a server connected to the terminal device 200 via a network. In other words, customization of the heating profile may be performed by a server on the cloud based on user operations input to the terminal device 200.

[0126] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0127] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0128] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information; An information processing device comprising: (2) the information processing device further includes an input unit that accepts input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed. The information processing device according to (2) above. (4) The control unit selects the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was made as a timing to be changed, and repeats executing a first process including changing the parameter until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest timing among the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was made. The information processing device according to (3) above. (5) The first processing includes changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and receiving input of an evaluation on the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed. The information processing device according to (4) above. (6) The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating the aerosol using the control information into a plurality of groups each including one or more of the timings, selects the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as a group to be changed, and executes a second process including changing the parameters until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given. The information processing device according to (3) above. (7) The second processing includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed according to the inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed. The information processing device according to (6) above. (8) Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on statistical values of evaluations for the one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed. The information processing device according to (7) above. (9) Changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on a relative relationship of evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed. The information processing device according to (7) or (8). (10) The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating the aerosol using the control information into a plurality of groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group. The information processing device according to any one of (6) to (9) above. (11) The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in a period for generating the aerosol using the control information into the plurality of groups based on a time series change of the parameter or a time series change of the evaluation. The information processing device according to any one of (6) to (9) above. (12) the control unit changes the parameter at a second timing, which is later than a first timing at which the parameter is changed, among the plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information, in accordance with the change content of the parameter at the first timing. The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (11) above. (13) The control unit changes the parameters within a limited range. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The control unit changes the parameters during a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated using the control information. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) The control unit changes the length of the period for generating the aerosol using the control information in response to the change in the parameter. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14). (16) changing control information, which is used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source included in a substrate, and which defines a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an input evaluation of the aerosol generated using the control information; An information processing method, including: (17) Computer, a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information; A program to function as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 200 Terminal Device 210 Input section 220 Output section 230 Detector 240 Communications Department 250 Storage section 260 Control Unit

Claims

1. a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information; an input unit that receives an input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; Equipped with the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information, a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol, the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed. Information processing device.

2. The control unit selects the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was made as a timing to be changed, and repeats a first process including changing the parameter until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest timing among the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was made. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first processing includes changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation on the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into a plurality of groups each including one or more of the timings, selects the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as a group to be changed, and executes a second process including changing the parameters until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The second process includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed according to the inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on statistical values of evaluations for the one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. Changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on a relative relationship of evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in a period for generating the aerosol using the control information into a plurality of groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group. The information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in a period for generating the aerosol using the control information into the plurality of groups based on a time series change of the parameter or a time series change of the evaluation. The information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

10. the control unit changes the parameter at a second timing, which is later than a first timing at which the parameter is changed, among the plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information, in accordance with the change content of the parameter at the first timing. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control unit changes the parameters within a limited range. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The control unit changes the parameters during a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated using the control information. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The control unit changes the length of the period for generating the aerosol using the control information in response to the change in the parameter. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. changing control information, which is used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source included in a substrate, and which defines a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an input evaluation of the aerosol generated using the control information; receiving an input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; Including, the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information, a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol, the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; Changing the control information includes changing the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed in order from the earliest timing. Information processing methods.

15. Computer, a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information; It functions as the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information, a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol, the evaluation is input at one or more of a plurality of timings included in a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information; the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information; The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed. program.

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