Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism by which the quality of an aspiration experience of a user can be further improved. [Solution] An information processing device according to the present invention comprises a control unit that: generates a display image displaying characteristics of an aerosol generated in a case in which an aspiration device that heats an aerosol source contained in a base material and generates an aerosol has heated the aerosol source on the basis of a heating setting including a first parameter pertaining to the temperature at which the aerosol source is to be heated and a second parameter pertaining to the amount of time that the aerosol source is to be heated; and that, on the basis of a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the display image that was generated, changes the display of the characteristics of the aerosol in the display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating setting.

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 a flavored aerosol using a base material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] In recent years, various technologies related to inhalation devices have been developed to enrich the inhalation experience of users. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that allows a user to set the temperature at which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source. [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 technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult for the user to understand how the temperature set by the user affects the inhalation experience.

[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 mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user's inhalation experience. [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 that includes: an information processing device that generates a display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for heating the aerosol source, wherein the aerosol source is heated by an suction device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that displays the characteristics of the aerosol in the display image and changes the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image.

[0008] The aerosol source may be a liquid, and the inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter when detecting a puff by the user.

[0009] The heating setting may include a plurality of first parameters and second parameters associated with different third parameters, and the inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on the first parameters and the second parameters corresponding to the third parameter at the time the puff is detected.

[0010] The third parameter may relate to the number of puffs.

[0011] The third parameter may be the cumulative number of puffs since use of the substrate began.

[0012] The third parameter may be the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time.

[0013] The control unit may generate the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters, and based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to a specific third parameter among the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, change the display of the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter.

[0014] The specific third parameter may be the third parameter at a time when the puff is detected in the future.

[0015] The specific third parameter may be the third parameter at the timing when the puff is next detected.

[0016] The control unit may generate the display image that displays the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected.

[0017] The control unit may generate the display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol that would be generated if the inhalation device heated the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use.

[0018] The control unit may change the heating settings further based on the type of the substrate.

[0019] The control unit may change the heating setting further based on an environment in which the suction device operates.

[0020] The properties of the aerosol may include the amount of the aerosol produced.

[0021] The aerosol characteristics may include the component amounts of flavor components contained in the generated aerosol.

[0022] The control unit may control the suction device to use the changed heating setting.

[0023] 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 generating a display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol generated when an suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate heats the aerosol source based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for heating the aerosol source, and changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image.

[0024] 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: generating a display image displaying characteristics of the aerosol that is generated when an suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate heats the aerosol source based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for heating the aerosol source; and displaying the characteristics of the aerosol in the display image and changing the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the characteristics of the aerosol displayed in the generated display image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user's inhalation experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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.

[0028] <1. Configuration example> <1.1. 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, the inhalation device 100 according to this example configuration 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 111, a sensor section 112, a notification section 113, a memory section 114, a communication section 115, and a control section 116. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121, 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.

[0030] Power supply unit 111 stores power. Power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of suction device 100 based on the control of control unit 116. Power supply unit 111 can be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The liquid reservoir 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 tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 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 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 121 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.

[0041] 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.

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

[0044] As another example, the inhalation device 100 may include multiple aerosol sources. Multiple aerosols generated from the multiple aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional aerosols.

[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 vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0046] <1.2. System configuration example> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, system 1 includes suction device 100 and terminal device 200. The configuration of suction device 100 is as described above.

[0047] The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 is configured by any information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that houses the suction device 100 and charges the housed suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 2 , 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, longitude, and altitude 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. For example, the communication unit 240 communicates with the suction device 100.

[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 settings The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user by heating an aerosol source included in the cartridge 120 based on a heating setting. The heating setting is information that defines a control sequence of the heating unit 121. The heating setting is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by a user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the base material. Therefore, by generating an aerosol based on the heating setting, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

[0056] The heating setting includes a first parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to the time for which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the first parameter is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). An example of the second parameter is the length of time for which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the heating time). When a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected, the inhalation device 100 can maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the target temperature for the heating time. In the following, the first parameter is the target temperature, and the second parameter is the heating time.

[0057] An example of a user operation that instructs the start of heating is puffing. When detecting a puff by the user, the inhalation device 100 may heat the aerosol source based on the heating settings (i.e., the target temperature and heating time). Alternatively, the user operation that instructs the start of heating may be an operation on the inhalation device 100, such as pressing a button provided on the inhalation device 100. In the following, the user operation that instructs the start of heating is assumed to be a puff.

[0058] The control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the current temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop 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 becomes lower than the target temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage through feedback control.

[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] (2) Customizing Heat Settings The terminal device 200 generates and displays a display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol generated when the inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source based on the heating setting. The terminal device 200 then changes the display of the aerosol characteristics in the display image and the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image. That is, the terminal device 200 generates the changed heating setting while updating the display image to display the changed aerosol characteristics. With this configuration, the user can change the heating setting while visually checking how the aerosol characteristics are being changed. In particular, the terminal device 200 changes the target temperature and heating time included in the heating setting. More specifically, the terminal device 200 calculates the target temperature and heating time that achieve the aerosol characteristics changed by the user, and sets them as the changed heating setting. In this way, the user can indirectly change the target temperature and heating time by changing the aerosol characteristics. The user can intuitively change the aerosol characteristics, which directly affect the inhalation experience, making it possible to easily achieve the user's preferred inhalation experience.

[0061] One example of an aerosol characteristic is the amount of aerosol generated (hereinafter also referred to as atomization amount). The atomization amount tends to increase as the target temperature increases. On the other hand, the relationship between the target temperature and the atomization amount is not necessarily linear; for example, the increase in the atomization amount in response to an increase in the target temperature may saturate. The same can be said for the heating time. In other words, when the user changes the atomization amount, it becomes easier to achieve the user's preferred inhalation experience compared to when the user changes the target temperature and heating time themselves.

[0062] An example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10A shown in FIG. 3 includes a double-arrow slider bar 20 and a slider 21 that can slide within the slider bar 20. The atomization amount is set according to the position of the slider 21 on the slider bar 20. The slider bar 20 indicates the settable range of the atomization amount. The slider 21 is an object that can be operated by the user and sets the atomization amount according to the position on the slider bar 20. The atomization amount increases as the slider 21 is positioned higher, and decreases as the slider 21 is positioned lower. The user can set the atomization amount that they prefer by moving the slider 21 up and down. The terminal device 200 calculates a target temperature and heating time that will achieve the atomization amount specified by the slider 21, and sets these as the changed heating settings.

[0064] The terminal device 200 generates a display image showing the characteristics of the aerosol generated when the inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source based on the currently used heating setting. The terminal device 200 calculates the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting based on the currently used heating setting of the inhalation device 100, and generates a display image showing the calculation result. For example, the initial position of the slider 21 in the display image 10A shown in FIG. 3 may be a position corresponding to the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting currently used by the inhalation device 100. In this case, the user can intuitively understand the difference between the amount of atomization achieved by the currently used heating setting and the amount of atomization achieved by the customized heating setting, based on the positions of the slider 21 before and after the change.

[0065] The terminal device 200 controls the inhalation device 100 to use the changed heating setting. For example, the terminal device 200 receives information indicating the heating setting currently being used by the inhalation device 100 from the inhalation device 100, and generates and displays the display image 10A illustrated in FIG. 3. The terminal device 200 then calculates a target temperature and heating time to achieve the atomization amount changed by the user, and transmits information indicating the changed heating setting, including the calculated target temperature and heating time, to the inhalation device 100. At this time, the terminal device 200 may transmit the changed heating setting or the difference between the settings before and after the change. The inhalation device 100 stores the changed heating setting indicated by the received information and operates according to the changed heating setting the next time aerosol is generated. This configuration allows the user to freely customize the operation of the inhalation device 100. This allows the user to, for example, search for a heating profile that achieves a desired inhalation comfort through repeated customization.

[0066] (3) Processing flow 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are involved in this sequence.

[0067] 4, first, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the heating setting currently being used by the suction device 100 to the terminal device 200 (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 transmits identification information assigned to the heating setting currently being used by the suction device 100.

[0068] Next, the terminal device 200 displays a customization screen for the heating setting (step S104). For example, the terminal device 200 generates and displays the display image 10A illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the amount of atomization achieved by the heating setting currently being used by the inhalation device 100, received in step S102, is set as the initial position of the slider 21.

[0069] Next, the terminal device 200 changes the heating setting based on the user's operation on the customization screen (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 calculates a target temperature and heating time that achieves the atomization amount corresponding to the position of the slider 21 after the movement on the display image 10A displayed in step S104, and sets these as the changed heating setting.

[0070] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the changed heating setting to the suction device 100 (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 transmits the changed heating setting, including the target temperature and heating time calculated in step S106, to the suction device 100.

[0071] Then, inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source based on the changed heating setting indicated by the received information (step S110). For example, inhalation device 100 maintains the temperature of heating unit 121 at the target temperature indicated by the changed heating setting for the heating time indicated by the changed heating setting, triggered by the detection of a puff by the user.

[0072] <3. Modifications> (1) First Modification The heating setting may include a plurality of target temperatures and heating times associated with different third parameters. That is, the heating setting may include combinations of target temperatures and heating times associated with the third parameters for a plurality of third parameters. Then, the inhalation device 100 may heat the aerosol source based on the target temperature and heating time corresponding to the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected. That is, the inhalation device 100 may heat the aerosol source by switching the target temperature and heating time according to the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a more appropriate inhalation experience.

[0073] The third parameter may be related to the number of puffs. As the number of puffs increases, the cumulative intake of flavor components, for example, increases, so even if the atomization amount is the same, the user may experience a different sensation. In this regard, by switching the target temperature and heating time depending on the number of puffs, it is possible to achieve an appropriate inhalation experience that corresponds to the user's sensation, which changes depending on the number of puffs.

[0074] In particular, the third parameter may be the cumulative number of puffs since the cartridge 120 was first used. That is, the heating setting may specify a target temperature and a heating time for a series of puffs from the start of use of the cartridge 120 to the end. This configuration makes it possible to achieve an appropriate inhalation experience in a series of puffs from the start of use of the cartridge 120 to the end. Hereinafter, the third parameter is assumed to be the cumulative number of puffs since the cartridge 120 was first used.

[0075] The terminal device 200 generates a display image displaying the atomization amount corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts. Then, based on a user operation to change the atomization amount corresponding to a specific cumulative puff count among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts displayed in the display image, the terminal device 200 changes the display of the atomization amount corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count in the display image, and the target temperature and heating time associated with the specific cumulative puff count. In more detail, the terminal device 200 calculates the target temperature and heating time that will achieve the atomization amount corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count changed by the user among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts. Then, the terminal device 200 changes the target temperature and heating time corresponding to the specific cumulative puff count among the heating settings. time to the calculated target temperature and heating time. With this configuration, the user can change the target temperature and heating time corresponding to a specific cumulative number of puffs among the heating settings while visually checking how the atomization amount corresponding to a specific cumulative number of puffs among the atomization amounts corresponding to one or more cumulative numbers of puffs displayed on the display image is being changed.

[0076] The specific cumulative number of puffs is the cumulative number of puffs at the timing when a puff is detected in the future. That is, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature and heating time for a future puff based on a user operation that changes the atomization amount for a future puff.

[0077] In particular, the specific cumulative number of puffs may be the cumulative number of puffs at the timing when a puff is next detected. That is, the terminal device 200 may change the target temperature and heating time for the next puff based on a user operation to change the atomization amount for the next puff.

[0078] The terminal device 200 may generate a display image that displays the atomization amount corresponding to the cumulative number of puffs at one or more timings at which puffs were detected in the past, as a display image that displays the atomization amount corresponding to one or more cumulative puff counts. That is, the terminal device 200 may generate a display image that displays the atomization amount at past puffs. With this configuration, the user can change the atomization amount at the next or subsequent puff while visually checking the atomization amount at past puffs. This allows the user to design the atomization amount at the next or subsequent puff while visually checking the atomization amount at past puffs and remembering the inhalation comfort at past puffs.

[0079] An example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10B shown in FIG. 5 displays a graph 30B indicating the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph represents the amount of atomization. The display image 10B is displayed when a cumulative total of three puffs have been performed so far and the next puff will be the fourth. The display image 10B displays marks 31A-31C indicating the amount of atomization of the aerosol generated in each of the cumulative three previous puffs. Referring to the marks 31A-31C, the amount of atomization is greatest in the first puff, and then gradually decreases until the third puff. The display image 10B also displays a slider 21 indicating the amount of atomization in the next fourth puff and a slider bar 20 indicating the range within which the slider 21 can slide. The slider bar 20 and the slider 21 are as described above with reference to FIG. 3. By moving the slider 21 up and down, the user can set the atomization amount for the next fourth puff to the user's preferred amount.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10C shown in FIG. 6 displays a graph 30C showing the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph is the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph is the amount of atomization. The display image 10C is displayed when a cumulative total of three puffs have been performed so far and the next puff will be the fourth. The display image 10C displays marks 31A to 31C showing the amount of atomization of the aerosol generated in each of the cumulative three puffs performed in the past. In addition, the display image 10 C displays sliders 21A-21H that indicate the amount of atomization for the fourth through eleventh puffs to be performed in the future, and slider bars 20A-20H that indicate the range within which sliders 21A-21H can slide. By moving sliders 21A-21H up and down, the user can set the amount of atomization for the fourth through eleventh puffs to the amount of atomization that the user prefers.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The display image 10D shown in FIG. 7 displays a graph 30D showing the amount of atomization for each cumulative number of puffs. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the cumulative number of puffs. The vertical axis of this graph represents the amount of atomization. The display image 10D is displayed when three puffs have been taken so far and the next puff will be the fourth. Similar to the display image 10C shown in FIG. 6, the display image 10D displays marks 31A-31C, sliders 21A-21H, and slider bars 20A-20H. However, the terminal device 200 adjusts the initial positions of the sliders 21A-21H in the display image 10D to match the amount of atomization before and after. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the positions of the marks 31A-31C and the initial positions of the sliders 21A-21H change smoothly as the cumulative number of puffs increases. By customizing the settings with reference to the initial positions of the sliders 21A to 21H, the user can prevent an inappropriate inhalation experience, such as a sudden change in the amount of atomization between the previous puff and the next puff.

[0083] (2) Second Modification The terminal device 200 may change the heating setting further based on the type of cartridge 120 used by the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the terminal device 200 may calculate a target temperature and heating time to be achieved when the aerosol source included in the cartridge 120 is heated to achieve the atomization amount changed by the user, and use these as the changed heating setting. For example, for a cartridge 120 whose aerosol source includes menthol, the terminal device 200 multiplies the target temperature calculated according to the atomization amount by 1.02, and for other cartridges 120, the terminal device 200 uses the target temperature calculated according to the atomization amount as is. The aerosol source included in each cartridge 120 may differ depending on the type of cartridge 120. Therefore, even if heating is performed based on the same heating setting, the atomization amount may also differ depending on the type of cartridge 120. In this regard, this configuration enables the inhalation device 100 to generate an appropriate heating setting according to the type of cartridge 120 used.

[0084] There are various possible methods for identifying the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100. As one example, the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100 may be identified by image recognition of a color or a two-dimensional code attached to the cartridge 120. As another example, the type of cartridge 120 used by the suction device 100 may be identified by detecting the voltage when the power supply unit 110 applies a voltage to the heating portion 121 of the cartridge 120 connected to the power supply unit 110. air Based on the resistance value, they can be identified.

[0085] For the same reasons as above, the terminal device 200 may change the heating setting further based on the type of flavoring cartridge 130 used by the inhalation device 100 .

[0086] (3) Third Modification The terminal device 200 may also change the heating setting based on the environment in which the inhalation device 100 operates. More specifically, the terminal device 200 may calculate a target temperature and heating time to achieve the atomization amount changed by the user in the environment in which the inhalation device 100 operates, and use these as the changed heating setting. Examples of the environment in which the inhalation device 100 operates include temperature and humidity. For example, if the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the terminal device 200 multiplies the target temperature calculated according to the atomization amount by 0.98, and if the temperature is lower than the predetermined value, the terminal device 200 uses the target temperature calculated according to the atomization amount as is. Even if heating is performed based on the same heating setting, the atomization amount may also differ depending on the environment in which the inhalation device 100 operates. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to generate an appropriate heating setting according to the environment in which the inhalation device 100 operates.

[0087] The information indicating the environment in which the suction device 100 operates may be acquired by the suction device 100 or may be acquired by the terminal device 200. As an example, the temperature or humidity may be detected by a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor mounted on the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200. As another example, the information indicating the environment in which the suction device 100 operates may be provided from an external device such as a server on the Internet.

[0088] <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.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which terminal device 200 generates and displays a display image, accepts user operations, and generates changed heating settings, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The device that generates the display image, the device that displays it, the device that accepts user operations, and the device that generates changed heating settings are not limited to terminal device 200 and may be different devices. As an example, suction device 100 may generate and display a display image, accept user operations, and generate changed heating settings. As another example, a server on the Internet may generate a display image, terminal device 200 may display the display image and accept user operations, and the server on the Internet may generate changed heating settings.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the aerosol characteristic displayed on the display image and subject to change is the atomization amount, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The aerosol characteristic may include the amount of flavor components contained in the generated aerosol in addition to or instead of the atomization amount. The amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol is at least one of the amount, density, and volume of the flavor components per predetermined volume of aerosol. For example, instead of a user operation to increase or decrease the atomization amount, a user may perform a user operation to increase or decrease the flavor. Then, the terminal device 200 changes the heating setting based on the user operation. This configuration allows the user to easily achieve the flavor they prefer.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first parameter included in the heating profile is a target temperature and the second parameter is the length of time for which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As one example, the first parameter may be a target value for the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. As another example, the second parameter may be the length of time for which a voltage is applied to the heating unit 121. In this case, the length of time for which the temperature or resistance value of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target value defined by the first parameter is shorter than the length of time defined by the second parameter.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the start of use of the cartridge 120, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

[0093] As an example, the third parameter may be the number of puffs made within a certain period of time (e.g., 3 minutes). A user may make puffs continuously in a short period of time, similar to when using a cigarette. In this regard, the heating setting may specify a target temperature and heating time for a series of puffs made continuously in a short period of time. With this configuration, it is possible to change the smoking comfort in a series of puffs made continuously using the inhalation device 100, just as the smoking comfort changes from lighting a cigarette to finishing smoking.

[0094] As another example, the third parameter may be, for example, time. More specifically, the third parameter may be the time elapsed since the start of use of cartridge 120. The aerosol source contained in cartridge 120 may volatilize naturally over time in addition to being heated by heating unit 121. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to realize an appropriate inhalation experience that takes into account the volatilization of the aerosol source. Note that the third parameter may be a combination of multiple parameters, such as a combination of the number of puffs and time.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; a control unit that changes the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; An information processing device comprising: (2) the aerosol source is a liquid; the inhalation device, when detecting a puff by a user, heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter; The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter; the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected. The information processing device according to (2) above. (4) The third parameter relates to the number of puffs, The information processing device according to (3) above. (5) The third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the use of the base material began. The information processing device according to (4) above. (6) The third parameter is the number of puffs performed within a certain period of time. The information processing device according to (4) above. (7) The control unit generating the display image indicative of a property of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters; and based on a user operation for changing the aerosol characteristic corresponding to a specific third parameter among the aerosol characteristics corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, changing the display of the aerosol characteristic corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and changing the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter. The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (6) above. (8) The specific third parameter is the third parameter at a timing when the puff is detected in the future. The information processing device according to (7) above. (9) the specific third parameter is the third parameter at the timing when the puff is next detected; The information processing device according to (8). (10) the control unit generates the display image that displays the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected. The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (9) above. (11) the control unit generates the display image that indicates a characteristic of the aerosol that would be generated if the inhalation device heated the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The control unit changes the heating setting further based on the type of the substrate. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The control unit changes the heating setting further based on an environment in which the suction device operates. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The aerosol characteristics include the amount of the aerosol produced. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) The aerosol characteristics include the amount of a flavor component contained in the generated aerosol. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (16) the control unit controls the suction device to use the changed heating setting. The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15) above. (17) generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; An information processing method including: (18) On the computer, generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 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 131 Flavor source 200 Terminal Device 210 Input section 220 Output section 230 Detector 240 Communications Department 250 Storage section 260 Control Unit

Claims

1. generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; a control unit that changes the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first parameter and the second parameter included in the heating setting based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; Equipped with the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter; the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected. Information processing device.

2. the aerosol source is a liquid; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The third parameter relates to the number of puffs, 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The third parameter is the cumulative number of puffs since the use of the base material began. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The third parameter is the number of puffs taken within a certain period of time. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit generating the display image indicative of a property of the aerosol corresponding to one or more of the third parameters; and based on a user operation for changing the aerosol characteristic corresponding to a specific third parameter among the aerosol characteristics corresponding to one or more of the third parameters displayed in the generated display image, changing the display of the aerosol characteristic corresponding to the specific third parameter in the display image, and changing the first parameter and the second parameter associated with the specific third parameter. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the specific third parameter is the third parameter at a timing when the puff is detected in the future; The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the specific third parameter is the third parameter at the timing when the puff is next detected, The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. the control unit generates the display image displaying the characteristics of the aerosol corresponding to the third parameter at one or more times when the puff was previously detected. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the control unit generates the display image that indicates a characteristic of the aerosol that would be generated if the inhalation device heated the aerosol source based on the heating setting currently in use. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control unit changes the heating setting further based on the type of the substrate. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The control unit changes the heating setting further based on an environment in which the suction device operates. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol characteristics include the amount of the aerosol produced. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The aerosol characteristics include the amount of a flavor component contained in the generated aerosol. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. the control unit controls the suction device to use the changed heating setting. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; Including, the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter; An information processing method in which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when a puff is detected.

17. On the computer, generating a display image that displays characteristics of the aerosol generated when an aerosol source is heated by an aerosol source included in a substrate, the aerosol source being heated based on a heating setting including a first parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated and a second parameter related to a time period for which the aerosol source is heated; changing the display of the aerosol characteristics in the generated display image and the first and second parameters included in the heating settings based on a user operation that changes the aerosol characteristics displayed in the generated display image; Execute the heating setting includes a plurality of first parameters and a plurality of second parameters each associated with a different third parameter; The inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on the first parameter and the second parameter, which corresponds to the third parameter at the timing when the puff is detected.

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