Information processing method, aerosol generation system, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a biometric authentication mechanism that allows for a further increase in user convenience. [Solution] An information processing method comprising: acquiring a predetermined request for requesting an aspiration apparatus, which generates an aerosol to be aspirated by a user, to execute a predetermined process; and determining, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is met, whether or not to perform biometric authentication based on biometric information of the user before execution of the predetermined process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an aerosol generating system, 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] In recent years, it has been considered to equip suction devices with biosensors that detect biometric information. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for authenticating a user based on biometric information detected by a biosensor equipped in a suction device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 175846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is room for improvement in various respects.

[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 biometric authentication mechanism that can further improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided that includes obtaining a specified request that requests an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to perform a specified process, and determining whether to perform biometric authentication based on the user's biometric information before performing the specified process depending on whether a specified condition is met.

[0008] Determining whether to perform the biometric authentication may include determining not to perform the biometric authentication before performing the specified processing if the specified condition is met, and determining to perform the biometric authentication before performing the specified processing if the specified condition is not met.

[0009] The information processing method may include controlling the suction device to execute the predetermined process when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0010] The information processing method may include acquiring biometric information of the user when the specified condition is not satisfied, performing the biometric authentication based on the acquired biometric information, and controlling the suction device to perform the specified processing when the biometric authentication is successful.

[0011] The predetermined condition may include that the suction device has already performed the predetermined process within a first predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired.

[0012] The first predetermined time may be set according to a location of the user.

[0013] The first predetermined time period may be set according to a situation around the user.

[0014] The first predetermined time may be set according to a time period.

[0015] The predetermined condition may include that the biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired within a second predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired has been successful.

[0016] The predetermined process may be a process that permits execution of a process that generates the aerosol.

[0017] The biometric authentication may be performed based on a plurality of types of biometric information.

[0018] The predetermined requirement may be obtained by the suction device.

[0019] The predetermined request may be acquired by a terminal device that is associated in advance with the suction device.

[0020] The biological information may be acquired by a wearable device worn by the user.

[0021] The biometric authentication may be performed by the suction device.

[0022] The biometric authentication may be performed by a terminal device that is associated with the suction device in advance.

[0023] The biometric authentication may be performed by a server located on the internet.

[0024] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided which includes a request acquisition unit that acquires a specified request requesting an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to perform a specified process, and a device control unit that determines whether to perform biometric authentication based on the user's biometric information before performing the specified process, depending on whether a specified condition is met.

[0025] The inhalation device generates the aerosol using a substrate containing at least one of an aerosol source that is a source of the aerosol or a flavor source that is a source of a flavor to be imparted to the aerosol, and the aerosol generation system may include the substrate.

[0026] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute the following: when a specified request is obtained requesting an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to perform a specified process, determine whether or not to perform biometric authentication based on the user's biometric information before executing the specified process, depending on whether or not specified conditions are met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a biometric authentication mechanism that can further improve user convenience is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to first to fourth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] <1. Example of suction device configuration> An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0031] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor-imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor-imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130.

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

[0033] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to suction device 100A. As one example, sensor unit 112A 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, sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0034] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A 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] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100 A. Storage unit 114A is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0036] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] Control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. Control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0038] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is 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 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0039] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0040] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0041] Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0042] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, a liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in from the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0043] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0044] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0045] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0046] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0047] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0048] (2) Second configuration example 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0049] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0050] 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. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an entrance for air to this flow path, is located in, for example, the bottom 143. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0051] Stick-shaped substrate 150 includes substrate portion 151 and mouthpiece portion 152. Substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by holder 140, at least a portion of substrate portion 151 is contained in internal space 141, and at least a portion of mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from opening 142. When a user holds mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from substrate portion 151.

[0052] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0053] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B 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.

[0054] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0055] As one example, the heating unit 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B 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.

[0056] 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 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0057] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by heating unit 121B, but may be induction heating, for example.

[0058] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0059] <2. Technical Features> 2.1. First embodiment Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes, as physical components, a suction device 100, a terminal device 200, and a wearable terminal 300. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200, and the terminal device 200 and the wearable terminal 300, are capable of communicating with each other.

[0060] The system 1 according to this embodiment includes, as logical components, a request acquisition unit 10, a biometric information acquisition unit 20, an authentication unit 30, and a device control unit 40. As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 includes the request acquisition unit 10, the authentication unit 30, and the device control unit 40, and the wearable terminal 300 includes the biometric information acquisition unit 20.

[0061] (1) Physical Components The inhalation device 100 may have any of the first and second configuration examples described above. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a substrate containing at least one of an aerosol source, which is a source of aerosol generation, and a flavor source, which is a source of flavor imparted to the aerosol. The cartridge 120, flavor imparting cartridge 130, and stick-type substrate 150 described above are examples of substrates in this embodiment. In the first configuration example, the combination of the power supply unit 110, cartridge 120, and flavor imparting cartridge 130 may be considered as a single aerosol generation system, since aerosol can be generated by combining the power supply unit 110, cartridge 120, and flavor imparting cartridge 130. Similarly, in the second configuration example, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as a single aerosol generation system, since aerosol can be generated by combining the inhalation device 100 and stick-type substrate 150. Furthermore, the entire system 1 may be considered as an aerosol generation system.

[0062] The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is configured by any information processing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 200 is pre-associated with the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 is pre-paired with the suction device 100, and controls the operation of the suction device 100 via wireless communication and acquires and stores the operation history of the suction device 100. Note that, depending on the communication standard of the wireless communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 does not necessarily have to be pre-associated with the suction device 100.

[0063] The wearable terminal 300 is a device worn by a user of the suction device 100. The wearable terminal 300 may take any form, such as a wristwatch, a necklace, or a contact lens. The wearable terminal 300 is pre-associated with the terminal device 200. For example, the terminal device 200 is pre-paired with the wearable terminal 300 to control the operation of the wearable terminal 300 via wireless communication and to acquire and store the operation history of the wearable terminal 300. The wearable terminal 300 may also be pre-associated with the suction device 100. As an example, the wearable terminal 300 may be directly paired with the suction device 100. As another example, the wearable terminal 300 may be indirectly associated with the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200 by being paired with the terminal device 200 that is paired with the suction device 100. Depending on the communication standard of wireless communication, the wearable terminal 300 and the terminal device 200 or the suction device 100 do not necessarily need to be associated with each other in advance.

[0064] (2) Logical components -Request acquisition part 10 The request acquisition unit 10 acquires a predetermined request that requests the suction device 100 to execute a predetermined process. When the request acquisition unit 10 acquires the predetermined request, it transmits information indicating that the predetermined request has been acquired to the device control unit 40. At that time, the request acquisition unit 10 may transmit information indicating the timing (e.g., time) at which the predetermined request was acquired to the device control unit 40 together with the information indicating that the predetermined request has been acquired. Alternatively, the device control unit 40 may treat the timing at which the information indicating that the predetermined request has been acquired is received as the timing at which the predetermined request was acquired.

[0065] An example of the predetermined process is a process that permits the execution of a process that generates aerosol. The inhalation device 100 prohibits or permits the generation of aerosol. The inhalation device 100 can generate aerosol only in a situation where the generation of aerosol is permitted. Prohibition of the generation of aerosol in the inhalation device 100 is also referred to as the inhalation device 100 being locked. On the other hand, permission to generate aerosol in the inhalation device 100 is also referred to as the lock being released. In other words, the predetermined request may be a request to release the lock. Hereinafter, the predetermined process will be referred to as the unlocking, and the predetermined request will also be referred to as a request to release the lock.

[0066] The request acquisition unit 10 according to this embodiment is installed in the terminal device 200. Therefore, the unlock request is acquired by the terminal device 200. For example, the unlock request is acquired as a user input to an input device such as a button or a touch panel provided on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the unlock request may be acquired as a voice input or a gesture input.

[0067] -Biometric information acquisition unit 20 The biometric information acquisition unit 20 acquires biometric information of a user. Biometric information is information indicating the physical characteristics or behavioral characteristics of a living organism. Examples of information indicating physical characteristics include fingerprints, heart rate, pulse, iris, face, blood vessels, body temperature, and voiceprint. Examples of information indicating behavioral characteristics include handwriting and gait. The biometric information acquisition unit 20 acquires at least one of these pieces of biometric information.

[0068] The biometric information acquiring unit 20 acquires biometric information in response to a request from the device control unit 40. Upon acquiring the biometric information, the biometric information acquiring unit 20 transmits the acquired biometric information to the authentication unit 30.

[0069] The biometric information acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment is mounted on the wearable terminal 300. The biometric information acquisition unit 20 acquires biometric information using a biometric sensor included in the wearable terminal 300. Examples of the biometric sensor include a fingerprint sensor, a heart rate sensor, a pulse rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a respiration sensor, an electromyographic sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a camera, and a microphone.

[0070] -Authentication section 30 The authentication unit 30 performs biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 20. The authentication unit 30 performs authentication by comparing the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 20 with biometric information previously registered as biometric information of the user of the suction device 100. For example, the authentication unit 30 determines that the authentication is successful when the degree of match between the two pieces of biometric information is equal to or greater than a threshold, and determines that the authentication is unsuccessful when this is not the case.

[0071] The authentication unit 30 may perform biometric authentication based on multiple types of biometric information. For example, the authentication unit 30 performs biometric authentication using different types of biometric information, such as a heartbeat and a fingerprint. This configuration can improve authentication accuracy.

[0072] The authentication unit 30 performs biometric authentication when it receives biometric information from the biometric information acquisition unit 20. Then, the authentication unit 30 transmits information indicating the result of the biometric authentication to the device control unit 40. The information indicating the result of the biometric authentication here is information indicating whether the biometric authentication was successful or unsuccessful.

[0073] -Device control unit 40 The device control unit 40 controls the operation of the inhalation device 100. Specifically, when a request to release the lock is received, the device control unit 40 permits or prohibits the inhalation device 100 from executing a process for generating an aerosol. When aerosol generation is permitted, the inhalation device 100 can generate aerosol in response to a user operation. For example, when aerosol generation is permitted, the inhalation device 100 supplies power to a means for atomizing the aerosol source in response to a user operation. On the other hand, when aerosol generation is prohibited, the inhalation device 100 does not generate aerosol. For example, when aerosol generation is prohibited, the inhalation device 100 does not supply power to a means for atomizing the aerosol source in response to a user operation.

[0074] The device control unit 40 controls the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the result of the biometric authentication. For example, the device control unit 40 permits the generation of aerosol if the biometric authentication is successful, and prohibits the generation of aerosol if the biometric authentication is unsuccessful.

[0075] Furthermore, the device control unit 40 may permit or prohibit acceptance of user operations on the suction device 100 based on the result of biometric authentication. When acceptance of a user operation is permitted, the suction device 100 accepts the user operation. For example, when acceptance of a user operation is permitted, the suction device 100 accepts various user operations on the suction device 100, such as starting suction by the user or inputting predetermined information by the user. On the other hand, when acceptance of a user operation is prohibited, the suction device 100 does not accept the user operation. For example, when acceptance of a user operation is prohibited, the suction device 100 does not accept various user operations on the suction device 100, such as starting suction by the user or inputting predetermined information by the user. Note that when acceptance of a user operation is prohibited, the suction device 100 may not accept all user operations on the suction device 100, or may not accept some user operations related to aerosol generation. Furthermore, prohibiting acceptance of user operations on the suction device 100 may be referred to as the suction device 100 being locked.

[0076] However, the device control unit 40 determines whether to perform biometric authentication based on the user's biometric information before unlocking the device, depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the device control unit 40 determines whether to perform biometric authentication and unlock the device if the authentication is successful, or whether to unlock the device without performing biometric authentication. In this embodiment, the device can be unlocked without performing biometric authentication, so the device can be unlocked more quickly compared to when biometric authentication is always performed before unlocking the device. Therefore, the time lag between when the user inputs a request to unlock the device and when the device is actually unlocked can be shortened. In this way, the usability of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0077] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the device control unit 40 determines not to perform biometric authentication before unlocking. That is, the device control unit 40 controls the suction device 100 to unlock when the predetermined condition is satisfied. With this configuration, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the lock is released without performing biometric authentication. Therefore, the usability of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0078] On the other hand, if the predetermined conditions are not met, the device control unit 40 determines to perform biometric authentication before unlocking the device. That is, if the predetermined conditions are not met, the device control unit 40 requests the biometric information acquisition unit 20 to acquire biometric information. Upon receiving the request, the biometric information acquisition unit 20 acquires the biometric information and transmits it to the authentication unit 30. The authentication unit 30 performs biometric authentication based on the received biometric information. The device control unit 40 then controls the suction device 100 to unlock the device if the biometric authentication is successful. On the other hand, if the biometric authentication is unsuccessful, the device control unit 40 does not unlock the device 100. According to this configuration, if the predetermined conditions are not met, the device performs biometric authentication before unlocking the device. This improves security by preventing the device 100 from being used by anyone other than the user.

[0079] The predetermined condition may include that the suction device 100 has already unlocked the lock within a first predetermined time before the unlock request is acquired. That is, the device control unit 40 may determine to unlock the lock without biometric authentication if the next unlock request is acquired within a first predetermined time after the previous unlock. If the time elapsed since the previous unlock is short, it is considered that the same user is continuing to use the suction device 100. Furthermore, since it is considered that biometric authentication was successful the previous time the lock was unlocked, security can be ensured even if biometric authentication is omitted the next time the lock is unlocked. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to improve usability while maintaining security.

[0080] The first predetermined time may be set according to the user's location. As an example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time to be long when the user is located in a place where only the user is present, such as the user's own room. This is because only the user will use the inhalation device 100. As another example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time to be short when the user is located in a place where others other than the user are present, such as a public place. This is because the inhalation device 100 may be mistakenly used by others. The device control unit 40 may also set the first predetermined time to be short when the user is located in a place where, for example, children who are prohibited from smoking are present, such as the user's home. This is because the inhalation device 100 may be mistakenly used by children who are prohibited from smoking. With this configuration, the first predetermined time is lengthened or shortened depending on the possibility that the inhalation device 100 will be mistakenly used by others or children who are prohibited from smoking. This makes it possible to optimize the balance between security and usability.

[0081] The first predetermined time may be set according to the circumstances surrounding the user. As one example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time to be long when there are no other people around the user. This is because only the user will use the suction device 100. As another example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time to be short when there are other people around the user. This is because other people may mistakenly use the suction device 100. With this configuration, the first predetermined time is lengthened or shortened depending on the possibility that the suction device 100 will be mistakenly used by other people. This makes it possible to optimize the balance between security and usability.

[0082] The first predetermined time may be set according to a time period. As an example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time longer during a time period when the user is expected to be in their room, such as from night to morning. This is because only the user will use the inhalation device 100. As another example, the device control unit 40 sets the first predetermined time shorter during a time period when the user is expected to be out, such as during the day. This is because the inhalation device 100 may be accidentally used by others. The device control unit 40 may also set the first predetermined time shorter during a time period when the user is expected to be in a place such as the home where children who are prohibited from smoking are present, such as from night to morning. This is because the inhalation device 100 may be accidentally used by children who are prohibited from smoking. On the other hand, the device control unit 40 may set the first predetermined time longer during a time period when the user is expected to be out, such as during the day. This is because the inhalation device 100 is not expected to be used by children who are prohibited from smoking. With this configuration, the first predetermined time is extended or shortened depending on the possibility that the inhalation device 100 will be accidentally used by others or children who are prohibited from smoking. This allows for an optimal balance between security and usability.

[0083] (3) Processing flow 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the wearable terminal 300 are involved in this sequence.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the terminal device 200 receives a request to release the lock (step S102).

[0085] Next, the terminal device 200 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S104). For example, the terminal device 200 determines whether an unlock request has been acquired within a first predetermined time since the previous unlocking was executed.

[0086] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S104: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits a signal to the suction device 100 requesting that the lock be released (step S106).

[0087] When the inhalation device 100 receives the signal requesting unlocking, it unlocks (step S108). After that, the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S104: NO), the terminal device 200 transmits a signal requesting acquisition of biological information to the wearable terminal 300 (step S110).

[0089] When the wearable terminal 300 receives the signal requesting acquisition of biometric information, it acquires the biometric information (step S112).

[0090] Next, the wearable terminal 300 transmits the acquired biological information to the terminal device 200 (step S114).

[0091] Then, upon receiving the biometric information, the terminal device 200 executes biometric authentication based on the received biometric information (step S116). Here, it is assumed that the biometric authentication is successful.

[0092] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits a signal requesting the suction device 100 to release the lock (step S118).

[0093] When the inhalation device 100 receives the signal requesting unlocking, it unlocks (step S120). After that, the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0094] (4) Supplementary information In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the request acquisition unit 10 is included in the terminal device 200, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the request acquisition unit 10 may be included in the suction device 100. In this case, when the suction device 100 acquires a request to release the lock, it transmits information indicating that the request to release the lock has been acquired to the terminal device 200. Other processes are as described above.

[0095] 2.2. Second embodiment Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes, as physical components, a suction device 100, a terminal device 200, a wearable terminal 300, and a server 400. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 and the wearable terminal 300, and the terminal device 200 and the server 400 are capable of communicating with each other.

[0096] The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the wearable terminal 300 are as described above. The server 400 is a device located on the Internet. For example, the server 400 may be a so-called cloud server. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the authentication unit 30 is included in the server 400.

[0097] 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, and the server 400 are involved in this sequence.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the terminal device 200 receives a request to release the lock (step S202).

[0099] Next, the terminal device 200 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S204). For example, the terminal device 200 determines whether an unlock request has been acquired within a first predetermined time since the previous unlocking was executed.

[0100] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S204: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits a signal to the suction device 100 requesting that the lock be released (step S206).

[0101] When the inhalation device 100 receives the signal requesting unlocking, it unlocks (step S208). After that, the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0102] On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S204: NO), the terminal device 200 transmits a signal requesting acquisition of biometric information to the wearable terminal 300 (step S210).

[0103] When the wearable terminal 300 receives the signal requesting acquisition of biometric information, it acquires the biometric information (step S212).

[0104] Next, the wearable terminal 300 transmits the acquired biological information to the terminal device 200 (step S214).

[0105] Upon receiving the biometric information, the terminal device 200 transfers the received biometric information to the server 400 (step S216).

[0106] Upon receiving the biometric information, the server 400 executes biometric authentication based on the received biometric information (step S218). Here, it is assumed that the biometric authentication is successful.

[0107] Next, the server 400 transmits information indicating that the biometric authentication has been successful to the terminal device 200 (step S220).

[0108] When the terminal device 200 receives the information indicating that the biometric authentication has been successful, the terminal device 200 transmits a signal requesting the suction device 100 to release the lock (step S222).

[0109] When the inhalation device 100 receives the signal requesting unlocking, it unlocks (step S224). After that, the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0110] In the second embodiment, a part or all of the processes executed by the terminal device 200 may be executed by the server 400 using PWA (Progressive Web Apps). It is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S204). This process may be performed by the server 400 using the PWA.

[0111] <2.3. Third embodiment> Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes, as physical components, a suction device 100 and a wearable terminal 300. The suction device 100 and the wearable terminal 300 are capable of communicating with each other.

[0112] The suction device 100 and the wearable terminal 300 are as described above. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the suction device 100 includes a request acquisition unit 10, an authentication unit 30, and a device control unit 40.

[0113] 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100 and the wearable terminal 300 are involved in this sequence.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the suction device 100 receives a request to release the lock (step S302).

[0115] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S304). For example, the suction device 100 determines whether a request to release the lock has been acquired within a first predetermined time since the previous execution of the lock release.

[0116] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S304: YES), inhalation device 100 releases the lock (step S306). After that, inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0117] On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S304: NO), the suction device 100 transmits a signal to the wearable terminal 300 requesting acquisition of biological information (step S308).

[0118] When the wearable terminal 300 receives the signal requesting acquisition of biometric information, it acquires the biometric information (step S310).

[0119] Next, the wearable terminal 300 transmits the acquired biological information to the suction device 100 (step S312).

[0120] Then, upon receiving the biometric information, the suction device 100 performs biometric authentication based on the received biometric information (step S314). Here, it is assumed that the biometric authentication is successful.

[0121] Next, the inhalation device 100 releases the lock (step S316), and then the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0122] <2.4. Fourth embodiment> Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes, as physical components, a suction device 100, a wearable terminal 300, and a server 400. The suction device 100 and the wearable terminal 300, and the suction device 100 and the server 400, are capable of communicating with each other.

[0123] The suction device 100, the wearable terminal 300, and the server 400 are as described above. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the suction device 100 includes a request acquisition unit 10 and a device control unit 40.

[0124] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100, the wearable terminal 300, and the server 400 are involved in this sequence.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the suction device 100 receives a request to release the lock (step S402).

[0126] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether a predetermined condition is met (step S 404 For example, the suction device 100 determines whether a request to release the lock has been acquired within a first predetermined time since the previous execution of the lock release.

[0127] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S404: YES), inhalation device 100 releases the lock (step S406). After that, inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0128] On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S404: NO), the suction device 100 transmits a signal to the wearable terminal 300 requesting acquisition of biological information (step S408).

[0129] When the wearable terminal 300 receives the signal requesting acquisition of biometric information, it acquires the biometric information (step S410).

[0130] Next, the wearable terminal 300 transmits the acquired biological information to the suction device 100 (step S412).

[0131] When the suction device 100 receives the biological information, it transfers the received biological information to the server 400 (step S414).

[0132] Upon receiving the biometric information, the server 400 executes biometric authentication based on the received biometric information (step S416). Here, it is assumed that the biometric authentication is successful.

[0133] Next, the server 400 transmits information indicating that the biometric authentication has been successful to the suction device 100 (step S418).

[0134] When the inhalation device 100 receives the information indicating that the biometric authentication has been successful, the inhalation device 100 unlocks the device (step S420). After that, the inhalation device 100 generates aerosol in response to a user operation.

[0135] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the authentication unit 30 is included in the server 400 , but the authentication unit 30 may be included in the terminal device 200 instead of the server 400 .

[0136] <3. Hardware configuration example> Finally, the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to each of the above embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. Note that the information processing device 900 shown in Fig. 11 may realize, for example, the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, or the server 400 shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, or Fig. 9. Information processing by the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, or the server 400 according to this embodiment is realized by cooperation between software and hardware described below.

[0137] 11, the information processing device 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, and a host bus 904a. The information processing device 900 also includes a bridge 904, an external bus 904b, an interface 905, an input device 906, an output device 907, a storage device 908, and a communication device 909.

[0138] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation of the information processing device 900 in accordance with various programs. The information processing device 900 may have an electrical circuit such as a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) instead of or in addition to the CPU 901. The ROM 902 stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate when the CPU 901 executes the programs. The CPU 901 may form, for example, the authentication unit 30 or the device control unit 40.

[0139] The CPU 901, ROM 902, and RAM 903 are interconnected by a host bus 904a that includes a CPU bus, etc. The host bus 904a is connected to an external bus 904b, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus, via a bridge 904. Note that the host bus 904a, bridge 904, and external bus 904b do not necessarily need to be configured separately, and these functions may be implemented on a single bus.

[0140] The input device 906 is a device into which information is input by a user. Examples of such devices include a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, and a lever. The input device 906 may also include a microphone that accepts voice input or a camera that accepts gesture input. A user of the information processing device 900 can input various data to the information processing device 900 or instruct the information processing device 900 to execute processing by operating the input device 906.

[0141] The input device 906 may also include a device that detects information about the user. For example, the input device 906 may include various sensors such as a depth sensor (e.g., a stereo camera), an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, a biometric sensor, a distance sensor, and a force sensor. The input device 906 may also acquire information about the state of the information processing device 900 itself, such as the attitude and movement speed of the information processing device 900, and information about the surrounding environment of the information processing device 900, such as the brightness and noise around the information processing device 900. The input device 906 may also include a GNSS module that receives GNSS signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (e.g., GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites) to measure location information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the device. Regarding location information, the input device 906 may transmit and receive wireless signals to and from another device and detect a relative position based on the other device. The input device 906 may form, for example, the request acquisition unit 10 or the biometric information acquisition unit 20.

[0142] The output device 907 is a device that outputs information to a user. Examples of such devices include devices that output visual information, such as a display and a projector, devices that output auditory information, such as a speaker, and devices that output tactile information, such as an eccentric motor. The output device 907 outputs, for example, results obtained from various processes performed by the information processing device 900. In each of the above embodiments, the output device 907 may output information indicating that an unlock request has been acquired by the request acquisition unit 10, or biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 20. Additionally, the output device 907 may output information indicating the progress or results of processing by the authentication unit 30 or the device control unit 40.

[0143] The storage device 908 is a device that stores data. Examples of such devices include magnetic storage devices such as HDDs, semiconductor storage devices, optical storage devices, and magneto-optical storage devices. The storage device 908 may include a storage medium, a recording device that records data on the storage medium, a reading device that reads data from the storage medium, and a deletion device that deletes data recorded on the storage medium. The storage device 908 may store, for example, biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 20.

[0144] The communication device 909 is a device that communicates with other devices via a wired or wireless connection. The communication device 909 performs communication in compliance with any communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), NFC (Near Field Communication), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication device 909 communicates with the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, or the server 400.

[0145] The above describes an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the functions of the information processing device 900 according to this embodiment. Each of the above components may be realized using general-purpose components, or may be realized by hardware specialized for the function of each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration used can be changed as appropriate depending on the technical level at the time of implementing this embodiment.

[0146] <4. 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.

[0147] For example, which of the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, and the server 400 each of the request acquisition unit 10, the biometric information acquisition unit 20, the authentication unit 30, and the device control unit 40 is installed in is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, each of the request acquisition unit 10, the biometric information acquisition unit 20, the authentication unit 30, and the device control unit 40 may be installed in any of the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, the wearable terminal 300, and the server 400. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 20 may be included in the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200.

[0148] For example, in the above embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the suction device 100 has already unlocked the device within a first predetermined time before the request to unlock the device is received. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The predetermined condition may also include, in addition to or instead of the above, that biometric authentication based on biometric information acquired within a second predetermined time before the request to unlock the device is received. That is, if a request to unlock the device is received within the second predetermined time after successful biometric authentication, the device control unit 40 may determine to unlock the device without performing biometric authentication again. According to this configuration, biometric authentication is performed again if the second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous biometric authentication. This improves usability while maintaining security, as in the above embodiment. The second predetermined time may also be set based on at least one of the user's location, the user's surroundings, and the time of day.

[0149] For example, in the above embodiment, unlocking a lock is given as an example of the predetermined process, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The predetermined process may be any process executed by the suction device 100. For example, the predetermined process may be transmission of an operation log. The device control unit 40 may determine to transmit the operation log without biometric authentication if a request to transmit the operation log is acquired within a first predetermined time since the previous transmission of the operation log, or to perform biometric authentication before transmitting the operation log ....

[0150] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (non-transitory 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 processor such as a CPU. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0151] Furthermore, part or all of the processing executed by the terminal device 200 may be executed by the server 400 or another server (not shown) using PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0152] 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.

[0153] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) Obtaining a predetermined request requesting an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to perform a predetermined process; determining whether to perform biometric authentication based on biometric information of the user before executing the predetermined process according to whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; An information processing method including: (2) The determining whether to perform the biometric authentication includes: If the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the biometric authentication is not to be performed before the predetermined process is performed; determining that the biometric authentication is to be performed before executing the predetermined process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied; The information processing method according to (1) above, (3) The information processing method includes: controlling the suction device to perform the predetermined process when the predetermined condition is satisfied; The information processing method according to (2) above, (4) The information processing method includes: If the predetermined condition is not met, acquiring biometric information of the user; performing the biometric authentication based on the acquired biometric information; controlling the suction device to execute the predetermined process if the biometric authentication is successful; Including, The information processing method according to (2) or (3) above. (5) the predetermined condition includes that the suction device has already performed the predetermined process within a first predetermined time before the predetermined request is acquired. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The first predetermined time is set according to the location of the user. The information processing method according to (5) above. (7) The first predetermined time is set according to the situation around the user. The information processing method according to (5) or (6) above. (8) The first predetermined time is set according to a time period. The information processing method according to any one of (5) to (7) above. (9) the predetermined condition includes that the biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired within a second predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired has been successful. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) the predetermined process is a process that permits execution of the process of generating the aerosol; The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) the biometric authentication is performed based on a plurality of types of biometric information; The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The predetermined request is obtained by the suction device. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) the predetermined request is acquired by a terminal device associated with the suction device in advance; The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (14) The biological information is acquired by a wearable device worn by the user. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) The biometric authentication is performed by the suction device. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (16) the biometric authentication is performed by a terminal device associated with the suction device in advance; The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (17) The biometric authentication is performed by a server located on the Internet. The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (18) a request acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined request for requesting a suction device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to execute a predetermined process; a device control unit that determines whether to perform biometric authentication based on biometric information of the user before executing the predetermined process, depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; An aerosol generating system comprising: (19) The inhalation device generates the aerosol using a substrate including at least one of an aerosol source that is a source of generation of the aerosol and a flavor source that is a source of generation of a flavor to be imparted to the aerosol; the aerosol generating system comprises the substrate; The aerosol generating system described in (18) above. (20) On the computer, When a predetermined request is received requesting that a suction device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user perform a predetermined process, determining whether or not to perform biometric authentication based on the biometric information of the user before performing the predetermined process, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied; A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 System 100 Suction device 110 Power Supply Unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 120 cartridges 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guiding part 123 Liquid storage unit 124 mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 180 air flow path 181 Air inlet 182 Air outlet 200 Terminal Device 300 Wearable Devices 400 servers 10 Request acquisition section 20 Biometric information acquisition unit 30 Authentication Section 40 Device control unit

Claims

1. Obtaining a predetermined request requesting an inhalation device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to perform a predetermined process; determining whether to perform biometric authentication based on biometric information of the user before executing the predetermined process according to whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; Including, the predetermined condition includes that the suction device has already performed the predetermined process within a first predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired; the predetermined process includes a process of permitting execution of the process of generating the aerosol and a process of transmitting an operation log of the inhalation device; The determining whether to perform the biometric authentication includes: determining not to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has already executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received; determining to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has not executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received, The process of transmitting the operation log of the suction device includes: If it is determined that the biometric authentication is not to be performed, the biometric authentication is omitted and an operation log is transmitted; When it is determined that the biometric authentication is to be performed, the biometric authentication is performed, and if the biometric authentication is successful, an operation log is transmitted. Including, Information processing methods.

2. The determining whether to perform the biometric authentication includes: If the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the biometric authentication is not to be performed before the predetermined process is performed; determining that the biometric authentication is to be performed before executing the predetermined process when the predetermined condition is not satisfied; The information processing method according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. The information processing method includes: controlling the suction device to perform the predetermined process when the predetermined condition is satisfied; The information processing method according to claim 2 , comprising:

4. The information processing method includes: If the predetermined condition is not met, acquiring biometric information of the user; performing the biometric authentication based on the acquired biometric information; controlling the suction device to execute the predetermined process if the biometric authentication is successful; Including, 4. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the first predetermined time is set according to a location of the user; The first predetermined time is set to be long in a location where only the user is present, and set to be short in a location where other people than the user are present. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the first predetermined time is set according to a situation around the user, The first predetermined time is set to be long when there are no other people around the user, and is set to be short when there are other people around the user. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first predetermined time is set according to a time period. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the predetermined condition includes that the biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired within a second predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired has been successful. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the biometric authentication is performed based on a plurality of types of biometric information; The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The predetermined request is obtained by the suction device. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the predetermined request is acquired by a terminal device associated with the suction device in advance; The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The biological information is acquired by a wearable device worn by the user. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The biometric authentication is performed by the suction device. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the biometric authentication is performed by a terminal device associated with the suction device in advance; The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. The biometric authentication is performed by a server located on the Internet. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. a request acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined request for requesting a suction device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user to execute a predetermined process; a device control unit that determines whether to perform biometric authentication based on biometric information of the user before executing the predetermined process, depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; Equipped with the predetermined condition includes that the suction device has already performed the predetermined process within a first predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired; the predetermined process includes a process of permitting execution of the process of generating the aerosol and a process of transmitting an operation log of the inhalation device; The device control unit determining not to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has already executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received; determining to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has not executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received; As a process of transmitting an operation log of the suction device, If it is determined that the biometric authentication is not to be performed, the biometric authentication is omitted and an operation log is transmitted; If it is determined that the biometric authentication is to be performed, the biometric authentication is performed, and if the biometric authentication is successful, an operation log is transmitted. Aerosol generation systems.

17. The inhalation device generates the aerosol using a substrate including at least one of an aerosol source that is a source of generation of the aerosol and a flavor source that is a source of generation of a flavor to be imparted to the aerosol; the aerosol generating system comprises the substrate; 17. The aerosol generating system of claim 16.

18. On the computer, When a predetermined request is received requesting that a suction device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user perform a predetermined process, determining whether or not to perform biometric authentication based on the biometric information of the user before performing the predetermined process, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied; Execute the predetermined condition includes that the suction device has already performed the predetermined process within a first predetermined time period before the predetermined request is acquired; the predetermined process includes a process of permitting execution of the process of generating the aerosol and a process of transmitting an operation log of the inhalation device; The determining whether to perform the biometric authentication includes: determining not to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has already executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received; determining to perform the biometric authentication when the suction device has not executed the process of transmitting the operation log within the first predetermined time period before the predetermined request for requesting the suction device to execute the process of transmitting the operation log is received, The process of transmitting the operation log of the suction device includes: If it is determined that the biometric authentication is not to be performed, the biometric authentication is omitted and an operation log is transmitted; When it is determined that the biometric authentication is to be performed, the biometric authentication is performed, and if the biometric authentication is successful, an operation log is transmitted. Including, program.

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