Information processing device, suction system, and information presentation method

Abstract

A control unit (250) of a terminal device (200) capable of communicating with an inhalation device that delivers an aerosol capable of being inhaled by a user performs the processes of: acquiring inhalation information representing an actual inhalation manner used for the inhalation device; generating, on the basis of the acquired inhalation information, comparison information in which the actual inhalation manner and a prescribed reference inhalation manner are compared; and presenting the generated comparison information to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a suction system, and an information presentation method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an inhaler that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is added and delivers the generated aerosol to be inhalable by a user is known. Such an inhaler typically delivers an aerosol generated by heating a base material including an aerosol source with a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is an electric resistance type or induction heating type heater, to the user. In recent years, research and development regarding temperature control of the heating unit in such an inhaler and communication functions with external devices have been advanced (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] Furthermore, another aspect of this disclosure is: A suction system comprising the above-mentioned information processing device and the suction device capable of communicating with the information processing device, The suction device transmits the suction information to the information processing device at a predetermined timing. The aforementioned information processing device is A terminal device equipped with a display unit capable of displaying information and used by the user, Based on the suction information received from the suction device, the comparison information is generated. The comparison information is presented to the user by displaying it on the display unit. It is a suction system.

[0008] Furthermore, another aspect of this disclosure is: Computers Acquire suction information representing the actual suction method performed on a suction device that delivers an aerosol in a way that allows the user to inhale it. Based on the aforementioned suction information, comparative information is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method. The comparison information is presented to the user. Execute the process death, The predetermined standard suction mode is a suction mode in which, in a heating profile that defines the duration of each time interval included in a plurality of consecutive time intervals along the time axis and the target temperature which is the target value of the heating section of the suction device, a standard suction timing and a standard suction intensity are set for each of the plurality of suctions set along the time axis. The actual suction method described above includes the timing and intensity of suction for multiple suctions actually performed on the suction device, The comparison information includes information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction timing from the reference suction timing, and information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction intensity from the reference suction intensity. , This is a method of presenting information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, a suction system, and an information presentation method that enable a higher-quality experience to be provided to a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the suction system 10. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a suction device 100A which is a first configuration example of the suction device 100. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the information processing apparatus, suction system, and information presentation method of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference numerals. The following embodiment is not intended to limit the invention described in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiment are essential to the invention. Furthermore, two or more features from among the multiple features described in the embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. In the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] [1. Suction System] First, an example of the suction system of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the suction system 10. As shown in Figure 1, the suction system 10 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200. In the suction system 10, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are provided in a state where they can communicate with each other. For communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) may be used. In addition, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be connected by a wire.

[0013] The suction device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user and delivers the generated substance to the user so that it can be aspirated. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device 100 will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device 100 may be a gas. Specific examples of the configuration of the suction device 100 will be described later using Figures 2A and 2B.

[0014] The terminal device 200 is an example of an information processing device of the present disclosure, and is a terminal device (computer) that includes a display unit 210 capable of displaying information and is used by the user of the suction device 100. For example, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are linked to each other by the user. The terminal device 200 may be a smartphone, a tablet device, a PC (Personal Computer), or a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). In the following description, the terminal device 200 will be described as a smartphone.

[0015] The display unit 210 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and presents information represented by an image to the user. As will be described in detail later, the display unit 210 displays comparative information comparing the actual suction method performed on the suction device 100 with a predetermined standard suction method. A specific example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

[0016] Furthermore, the terminal device 200 is configured to communicate with the server 300, for example, via a network NET. The network NET can be, for example, a mobile communication network, but is not limited to that; it may also be the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network) including Wi-Fi, etc.

[0017] Server 300 is a server (computer) managed, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, and distributes predetermined information to terminal devices 200, etc. As an example, in response to a distribution request from terminal device 200, server 300 distributes standard suction information representing a standard suction pattern to terminal device 200. Specific examples of standard suction information will be described later using Figures 8A and 8B. Server 300 may be a virtual server (cloud server) implemented in a cloud computing service, or it may be a physical server implemented as a single device.

[0018] [2. Example of a suction device configuration] <2-1. First example of suction device configuration> Next, an example of the configuration of the suction device 100 will be described. Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of the suction device 100A, which is a first example of the configuration of the suction device 100. As shown in Figure 2A, the suction device 100A in this example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Air passages 180 are formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0019] The power supply unit 111A stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0020] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user.

[0021] As an example, the sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects changes in the pressure inside the suction device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "internal pressure") caused by the user's suction. As another example, the sensor unit 112A may include a flow sensor that detects the flow rate (hereinafter simply referred to as "flow rate") caused by the user's suction. Furthermore, as yet another example, the sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A or the area around the heating unit 121A.

[0022] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may be configured with an input device that receives information from the user, such as an operation button or switch.

[0023] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A may be composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that emits sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0024] The memory unit 114A stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the suction device 100A. The memory unit 114A may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0025] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or standards using LPWA. The communication unit 115A communicates, for example, with the communication unit 240 of the terminal device 200, which will be described later. The communication unit 115A may also communicate with other devices (e.g., a server 300) besides the terminal device 200.

[0026] The control unit 116A functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100A according to various programs stored in the memory unit 114A, etc. The control unit 116A is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0027] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. An aerosol is generated when the aerosol source is atomized. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0028] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0029] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in Figure 2A, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an 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. Power may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0030] Flavoring source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavoring source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

[0031] The air passage 180 is a passage for air drawn in by the user. The air passage 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is the entrance for air into the air passage 180, and an air outlet 182, which is the exit for air from the air passage 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air passage 180, a liquid guide unit 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air drawn in from the air inlet 181 by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and transported to the air outlet 182 through the flavor source 131, as shown by arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0032] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that the user holds in their mouth during suction. The mouthpiece 124 has an air outlet 182. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and suctioning, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into their oral cavity.

[0033] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0034] For example, the inhalation device 100A does not necessarily have to include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, a mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0035] As another example, the suction device 100A may contain multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air channel 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols.

[0036] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0037] <2-2. Second example of suction device configuration> Figure 2B shows an example of a suction device 100B, which is a second configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in Figure 2B, the suction device 100B in this example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0038] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the aforementioned suction device 100A.

[0039] The housing section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while housing a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing section 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage is connected to the housing section 140 to supply air to the internal space 141. An air inlet, which is the air entrance to the air passage, is located, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is the air exit from the air passage to the internal space 141, is located, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0040] The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water, which include flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid which includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type base material 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air passage (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 2B, the heating element 121B is configured as a film and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the housing element 140. When the heating element 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated.

[0042] 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 insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0043] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0044] As an example, the heating element 121B may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating element 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating element 121B may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing 140. Furthermore, the heating element 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating element covering the outer circumference of the housing 140, a blade-shaped second heating element, and a third heating element covering the bottom 143 of the housing 140.

[0045] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0046] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0047] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an air passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air passage 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0048] [3. Example of suction device operation] <3-1. Aerosol Generation> Next, an example of the operation of the suction device 100 (100A, 100B) will be described. The control unit 116 (116A, 116B) of the suction device 100 can operate the suction device 100 based on input from the user. As an example, the control unit 116 will cause the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol in response to a request from the user for aerosol generation.

[0049] A request for aerosol generation can be, for example, an operation to instruct the start of heating (hereinafter also referred to as the "heating start operation"). As an example, the heating start operation can be the pressing of a predetermined operation button (not shown) provided on the suction device 100. As another example, the heating start operation may be a suction operation on the suction device 100 when the power to the suction device 100 is turned on. Furthermore, a request for aerosol generation is not limited to direct operation on the suction device 100, but may also be the reception of predetermined information from another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100, such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect a request for aerosol generation based on information acquired by, for example, the sensor unit 112 (112A, 112B) or the communication unit 115 (115A, 115B).

[0050] For example, if the inhalation device 100 is the inhalation device 100A shown in Figure 2A, the control unit 116A, upon detecting an inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100A based on the puff sensor's detection result, supplies a predetermined power to the heating unit 121A to generate an aerosol. At this time, the power supplied to the heating unit 121A is predetermined by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100A so as to generate an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor components. This provides the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0051] Furthermore, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2B, the control unit 116B, upon detecting a heating start operation (for example, pressing a predetermined operation button), controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on a pre-prepared heating profile to generate an aerosol. Here, the heating profile is information representing the heating mode of the stick-type substrate 150 (i.e., the aerosol source) by the heating unit 121B, and is, for example, information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the heating unit 121B. The heating profile is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 114B.

[0052] To elaborate on the temperature control of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile (hereinafter also simply referred to as "heating control"), the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating control and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B so that the time series change of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B is the same as the time series change of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0053] The temperature of the heating unit 121B can be controlled, for example, by known feedback control. For instance, the control unit 116B supplies power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116B can control the temperature of the heating unit 121B by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses.

[0054] In feedback control, the control unit 116B can control the power supplied to the heating unit 121B, such as the duty cycle, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. Alternatively, the feedback control may be PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Or, the control unit 116B may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116B may perform heating by the heating unit 121B until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121B when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and restart heating by the heating unit 121B when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0055] The temperature of the heating section 121B can be obtained (in other words, quantified) by, for example, measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor that constitutes the heating section 121B. This is because the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor can be estimated (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor. The voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heat-generating resistor. As another example, the temperature of the heating section 121B may be measured by a temperature sensor (puff thermistor) installed near the heating section 121B.

[0056] Incidentally, the heating profile is designed such that, for example, when it is assumed that a user sucks an aerosol generated from the stick-shaped base material 150 in a predetermined sucking mode (for example, the reference sucking mode described later), the flavor experienced by the user becomes optimal. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile, it is possible to provide a high-quality smoking experience to a user who sucks in a predetermined sucking mode.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile. The vertical axis in FIG. 3 represents the temperature [° C.] of the heating unit 121B. The horizontal axis in FIG. 3 represents time [sec], and more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of heating control.

[0058] The control unit 116B performs heating control based on, for example, the heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 3. In the heating profile Pr1, when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is 0 [sec] or more and less than tm1 [sec] (however, tm1>0. For example, 30 [sec]), the target temperature is set to T1 [° C.] (for example, 290 [° C.]). Further, when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm1 [sec] or more and less than tm2 [sec] (however, tm2>tm1. For example, 180 [sec]), the target temperature is set to T2 [° C.] (however, T2<T1. For example, 230 [° C.]). And when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm2 [sec] or more and tm3 [sec] or less (however, tm3>tm2. For example, 300 [sec]), the target temperature is set to T3 [° C.] (however, T2<T3<T1. For example, 260 [° C.]).

[0059] Therefore, according to the heating profile Pr1, as shown in FIG. 3, the heating unit 121B can be heated up to T1 [° C.] at the start of heating control, then once cooled down to T2 [° C.], and then heated up again to T3 [° C.]. And when the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches tm3 [s], the heating control can be terminated.

[0060] In addition, a predetermined number of suctions (8 times in this embodiment) may occur before tm3 [sec] has elapsed from the start of heating control. In that case, the control unit 116B terminates the heating control when the predetermined number of suctions have been performed.

[0061] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the suction device 100 in this embodiment will be described as the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2B, and will be described as having heating control based on the heating profile Pr1, but it is not limited to this.

[0062] <3-2. Acquisition and transmission of suction information> Furthermore, the control unit 116 acquires suction information representing the actual suction pattern applied to the suction device 100, based on the information obtained by the sensor unit 112. Here, the actual suction pattern includes, for example, the suction intensity and timing of the suction applied to the suction device 100.

[0063] Suction strength is an evaluation value representing the strength of the suction, and can be, for example, the amount of change in internal pressure per unit time. Alternatively, for example, the amount of temperature decrease of the heating section 121 per unit time, or the flow rate per unit time can also be used as the suction strength. The suction timing is the time when suction is performed, and is, for example, a time determined by the elapsed time from the start of heating control.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an example of suction information acquired by the control unit 116. Hereafter, suction applied to the suction device 100 will also be referred to as "puffing".

[0065] As shown in Figure 4(a), assume that the first puff Pf1, second puff Pf2, third puff Pf3, fourth puff Pf4, fifth puff Pf5, sixth puff Pf6, seventh puff Pf7, and eighth puff Pf8 are performed sequentially during heating control based on heating profile Pr1. That is, the first puff Pf1 is the first puff performed during heating control. Similarly, the second puff Pf2 is the second puff, the third puff Pf3 is the third puff, the fourth puff Pf4 is the fourth puff, the fifth puff Pf5 is the fifth puff, the sixth puff Pf6 is the sixth puff, the seventh puff Pf7 is the seventh puff, and the eighth puff Pf8 is the eighth puff.

[0066] In Figure 4(a), the vertical length of the rectangles representing each puff from the first puff Pf1 to the eighth puff Pf8 represents the suction strength of each puff. For example, the suction strength of the first puff Pf1 is Ip1. The suction timing of the first puff Pf1 is when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm11 [sec].

[0067] When each of the puffs from the first puff Pf1 to the eighth puff Pf8, as shown in Figure 4(a), is performed, the control unit 116 acquires suction information, as shown in Figure 4(b), that associates the suction timing and suction intensity for each puff from the first puff Pf1 (i.e., the first puff) to the eighth puff Pf8 (i.e., the eighth puff). Subsequently, the control unit 116 transmits the suction information to the terminal device 200 at a predetermined timing.

[0068] In this embodiment, the control unit 116 transmits suction information to the terminal device 200 at the end of the heating control, which associates the timing and intensity of suction for each puff performed during the heating control. This allows the terminal device 200 to generate and present comparison information, described later, to the user each time heating control is performed (for example, every 8 puffs).

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may transmit suction information to the terminal device 200 each time a heating control is performed or each predetermined time elapses (for example, every day). In this case, the control unit 116 may transmit suction information that, instead of the suction timing of the nth puff (where n is a natural number of 1 or more) in a single heating control, indicates the average value of the suction timing of the nth puff in each of the multiple heating controls, and instead of the suction intensity of the nth puff in a single heating control, indicates the average value of the suction intensity of the nth puff in each of the multiple heating controls. In this way, the terminal device 200 can obtain suction information that indicates the averaged suction timing and suction intensity (in other words, the averaged suction pattern), and can present comparative information based on the averaged suction pattern.

[0070] Furthermore, the suction information may include other information. For example, the suction information may include information indicating the suction time for suction performed on the suction device 100. Here, the suction time is an evaluation value representing the duration of each suction (i.e., each puff), and can be, for example, the length of time (period) during which the internal pressure, which decreases with suction, was below a threshold. Alternatively, for example, the length of time during which the temperature of the heating unit 121, which decreases with suction, was below a threshold can also be used as the suction time.

[0071] Furthermore, the suction information may include information indicating the suction interval related to the suction performed on the suction device 100. Here, the suction interval is an evaluation value representing the length of the time interval (in other words, the interval) between one suction and the next suction, and can be, for example, the length of time during which the suction intensity was below a threshold between each puff.

[0072] [4. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal device 200. As shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 200 includes a display unit 210, an input unit 220, a storage unit 230, a communication unit 240, and a control unit 250.

[0073] The display unit 210 presents various information (e.g., images and text) to the user based on control by the control unit 250. In this embodiment, the display unit 210 displays comparison information, which will be described later.

[0074] The input unit 220 is comprised of an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, and accepts information input (operation input) from the user. In this embodiment, the input unit 220 includes a touch panel that is integrally provided with the display unit 210.

[0075] The storage unit 230 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the terminal device 200. For example, the storage unit 230 may store suction information received by the terminal device 200 from the suction device 100, and reference suction information (described later) received by the terminal device 200 from the server 300. The storage unit 230 may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0076] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or standards using LPWA. The communication unit 240 communicates, for example, with the communication unit 115 (115A, 115B) of the suction device 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication unit 240 is configured to also communicate with other devices (e.g., a server 300) via the network NET.

[0077] The control unit 250 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 according to various programs stored in the memory unit 230, etc. The control unit 250 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU or microprocessor.

[0078] [5. Examples of terminal device operation] Next, we will describe an example of the operation of the terminal device 200. The history of research and development of suction devices like the suction device 100 is still relatively short, and there was room for improvement in terms of providing users with a higher quality experience. For example, some users desired a more interesting experience that went beyond the experience of "suctioning aerosols."

[0079] Therefore, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 acquires suction information representing the actual suction pattern performed on the suction device 100, generates comparison information comparing the actual suction pattern with a predetermined reference suction pattern based on the acquired suction information, and presents the generated comparison information to the user. This allows the user to be shown the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern through the comparison information, making it possible to provide the user with a new kind of enjoyment by allowing them to search for a suction pattern closer to the reference suction pattern while referring to this degree of deviation. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the user with a more interesting and high-quality experience, thereby improving the marketability of the suction device 100.

[0080] The standard inhalation mode can be, for example, an inhalation mode that optimizes the flavor experienced by the user when they inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100. This makes it possible to provide a higher quality smoking experience to users who inhale in an inhalation mode close to the standard inhalation mode.

[0081] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the desired intensity of flavor and the method of inhalation may differ from user to user. Therefore, the standard inhalation method may be set to vary depending on the user's input (e.g., operation input). In this way, it becomes possible to suggest to the user the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation method and the standard inhalation method that reflects the user's preferences.

[0082] The method (presentation method) for presenting comparative information is not particularly limited, as long as it can suggest to the user the degree of deviation between the actual suction method and the reference suction method. For example, comparative information can be presented using images, sound, vibration from a vibration device, or light emission from a light-emitting element (e.g., LED: Light Emitting Diode).

[0083] In this embodiment, in order to enable the user to intuitively and easily grasp the degree of deviation between the actual suction method and the reference suction method, the comparison information is provided as information that visually compares the actual suction method and the reference suction method. A specific example of the comparison information will be described later using Figure 9.

[0084] [6. An example of processing performed by the terminal device's control unit] Here, we will describe an example of the processing performed by the control unit 250. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the control unit 250.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6, first, the control unit 250 performs a preference information acquisition process to acquire preference information that represents the user's preferences regarding suction using the suction device 100 (step S1). A specific example of the preference information acquisition process will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0086] Then, the control unit 250 executes a reference inhalation information acquisition process to acquire reference inhalation information that represents a reference inhalation pattern that matches the user's preferences, based on the preference information acquired through the preference information acquisition process (step S2). A specific example of the reference inhalation information acquisition process and the reference inhalation information acquired through the reference inhalation information acquisition process will be described later using Figures 8A and 8B.

[0087] Furthermore, the preference information acquisition process and the standard inhalation information acquisition process may be executed only when the series of processes shown in Figure 6 is executed for the first time, or when there is a request from the user. In other words, the preference information acquisition process and the standard inhalation information acquisition process do not need to be executed (i.e., they may be skipped) when the series of processes shown in Figure 6 is executed for the second time or later. If the preference information acquisition process and the standard inhalation information acquisition process are not executed, for example, the processes from step S3 onwards described below may be executed in response to the terminal device 200 receiving inhalation information from the inhalation device 100.

[0088] Next, the control unit 250 performs a suction information acquisition process to acquire suction information (step S3). In this embodiment, during the suction information acquisition process, the control unit 250 receives suction information transmitted from the suction device 100 and acquires the received suction information.

[0089] Then, the control unit 250 performs a deviation rate calculation process (step S4) to calculate the average deviation rate, which is an evaluation value of the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern, based on the suction information acquired through the suction information acquisition process. A specific example of the deviation rate calculation process will be described later.

[0090] Next, the control unit 250 performs a comparison information generation process to generate comparison information comparing the actual suction pattern with a reference suction pattern (step S5). A specific example of the comparison information will be described later using Figure 9. Then, the control unit 250 displays the comparison information generated by the comparison information generation process on the display unit 210 (step S6) and presents it to the user.

[0091] Next, the control unit 250 determines whether the average deviation rate calculated by the deviation rate calculation process is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S7). If it is determined that the average deviation rate is less than the predetermined value (step S7: No), that is, if it is determined that the degree of deviation of the actual suction pattern from the reference suction pattern is relatively small, the control unit 250 terminates the process shown in the example in Figure 6.

[0092] On the other hand, if the average deviation rate is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value (Step S7: Yes), that is, if the degree of deviation of the actual suction pattern from the reference suction pattern is determined to be somewhat large, the control unit 250 transmits the reference suction information acquired by the reference suction information acquisition process to the suction device 100 via the communication unit 240 (Step S8), causing the suction device 100 to execute suction support control that supports suction in the reference suction pattern represented by the reference suction information, and thus terminates the process shown in the example in Figure 6. A specific example of suction support control will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0093] <6-1. Processing to acquire preference information> Next, we will explain an example of a preference information acquisition process. A preference information acquisition process is, for example, a process in which a user is presented with several pre-prepared options, and preference information is acquired indicating the option selected by the user from among the presented options.

[0094] Figure 7 shows an example of the preference information acquisition process. As shown in Figure 7, in the preference information acquisition process, the control unit 250 displays, for example, a message such as "Please tell us your preferred way of smoking" along with two options on the display unit 210: Op1, "I want to smoke slowly for a long time," and Op2, "I want to smoke quickly and intensely."

[0095] Then, as shown in Figure 7, when option Op1 is selected by the user (for example, by tapping), the control unit 250 acquires information indicating that option Op1 has been selected as preference information. On the other hand, when option Op2 is selected by the user, the control unit 250 acquires information indicating that option Op2 has been selected as preference information.

[0096] <6-2. Processing for acquiring reference aspiration information and reference aspiration information> Next, we will explain the standard attraction information acquisition process and an example of the standard attraction information acquired by the standard attraction information acquisition process. The standard attraction information acquisition process is a process in which, for example, a distribution request containing preference information acquired by the preference information acquisition process is sent to the server 300, and standard attraction information representing a standard attraction pattern that matches the user's preference (in other words, a standard attraction pattern corresponding to the option selected by the user) is acquired from the server 300.

[0097] Figure 8A shows an example of first reference suction information representing the first reference suction mode corresponding to option Op1. Figure 8B shows an example of second reference suction information representing the second reference suction mode corresponding to option Op2.

[0098] As mentioned above, the standard inhalation mode is, for example, the mode in which the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 is optimized. More specifically, the standard inhalation mode includes, for example, a standard inhalation intensity as a standard value for inhalation strength and a standard inhalation timing as a standard value for inhalation timing, which result in the optimal flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100.

[0099] For example, in the first reference suction mode shown in Figure 8A, the reference suction timing is defined as when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm21[sec], tm22[sec], tm23[sec], tm24[sec], tm25[sec], tm26[sec], tm27[sec], and tm28[sec], respectively. Furthermore, in the first reference suction mode, the reference suction intensity corresponding to each of these reference suction timings is defined as Ip11.

[0100] Therefore, the first reference suction mode can be said to be a suction mode in which the suction intensity performs a puff of Ip11 when the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches tm21 [sec], tm22 [sec], tm23 [sec], tm24 [sec], tm25 [sec], tm26 [sec], tm27 [sec], and tm28 [sec] respectively. In other words, in the suction mode represented by the first reference suction mode, the suction intensity of the nth puff (where n is a natural number from 1 to 8) is Ip11, and the suction timing of the nth puff is when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm2n [sec].

[0101] Here, it is assumed that the reference suction intensities corresponding to the respective reference suction timings of the first reference suction mode are all constant at Ip11, but it is not limited to this. For example, they may vary depending on the reference suction timing.

[0102] On the other hand, in the second reference suction mode represented by the second reference suction information shown in FIG. 8B, the times when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm31 [sec], tm32 [sec], tm33 [sec], tm34 [sec], tm35 [sec], tm36 [sec], tm37 [sec], and tm38 [sec] respectively are defined as the reference suction timings. For example, here, tm31 < tm21, tm32 < tm22, tm33 < tm23, tm34 < tm24, tm35 < tm25, tm36 < tm26, tm37 < tm27, and tm38 < tm28.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second reference suction mode, the reference suction intensity corresponding to each of the above reference suction timings is defined as Ip21. For example, here, Ip21 > Ip11.

[0104] Therefore, the second standard suction mode can be said to be a suction mode in which a puff with a suction intensity of Ip21 is performed when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm31[sec], tm32[sec], tm33[sec], tm34[sec], tm35[sec], tm36[sec], tm37[sec], and tm38[sec], respectively. In other words, in the suction mode represented by the second standard suction mode, the suction intensity of the nth puff (where n is a natural number between 1 and 8) is Ip21, and the timing of the nth puff is when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm3n[sec].

[0105] In this example, it is assumed that the standard suction intensity corresponding to each standard suction timing in the second standard suction mode is constant at Ip21, but this is not limited to this, and for example, it may differ depending on the standard suction timing.

[0106] <6-3. Deviation Rate Calculation Process> Next, an example of the deviation rate calculation process will be explained. As mentioned above, the deviation rate calculation process calculates the average deviation rate, which is an evaluation value of the degree of deviation between the actual suction method and the standard suction method. Here, the average deviation rate is the average of the first deviation rate, which is an evaluation value of the degree of deviation between the actual suction strength and the standard suction strength, and the second deviation rate, which is an evaluation value of the degree of deviation between the actual suction timing and the standard suction timing.

[0107] The first deviation rate can be, for example, the average value of the suction intensity deviation rates of each puff performed during heating control. For example, if X(n) is the suction intensity deviation rate of the nth puff performed during heating control, then X(n) can be expressed by the following equation (1).

[0108] X(n)=(IpAn-IpBn) / IpBn×100[%] ···(1)

[0109] In equation (1) above, IpAn is the suction intensity of the nth puff performed during heating control (or the average value of the suction intensities of the nth puff). IpBn is the standard suction intensity of the nth puff as defined in the standard suction configuration.

[0110] As an example, suppose that the suction information shown in (b) in Figure 4 is acquired by the suction information acquisition process, and the first reference suction information shown in Figure 8A is acquired by the reference suction information acquisition process. In this case, the suction intensity deviation rate X(n=1) for the first puff performed during heating control is X(n=1) = (Ip1 - Ip11) / Ip11 × 100. Similarly, the suction intensity deviation rates X(n=2) for the second puff, X(n=3) for the third puff, ..., and X(n=8) for the eighth puff can also be calculated. In this case, the control unit 250 calculates (X(n=1) + X(n=2) + ... + X(n=8)) / 8 as the first deviation rate.

[0111] Furthermore, the second deviation rate can be, for example, the average value of the aspiration timing deviation rates of each puff performed during heating control. For example, if Y(n) is the aspiration timing deviation rate of the nth puff performed during heating control, then Y(n) can be expressed by the following equation (2).

[0112] Y(n)=(tmCn-tmDn) / tmDn×100[%] ···(2)

[0113] In equation (2) above, tmCn is the aspiration timing of the nth puff performed during heating control (or the average value of the aspiration timings of the nth puff). Also, tmDn is the standard aspiration timing of the nth puff as defined in the standard aspiration configuration.

[0114] As an example, suppose that the suction information shown in (b) in Figure 4 is acquired by the suction information acquisition process, and the first reference suction information shown in Figure 8A is acquired by the reference suction information acquisition process. In this case, the suction timing deviation rate Y(n=1) for the first puff performed during heating control is Y(n=1) = (tm11-tm21) / tm21 × 100. Similarly, the suction timing deviation rates Y(n=2) for the second puff, Y(n=3) for the third puff, ..., and Y(n=8) for the eighth puff can also be calculated. In this case, the control unit 250 calculates (Y(n=1)+Y(n=2)+...+Y(n=8)) / 8 as the second deviation rate.

[0115] Thus, the control unit 250 calculates the first deviation rate and the second deviation rate, and then further calculates the average of these calculated rates, i.e., (first deviation rate + second deviation rate) / 2, as the average deviation rate.

[0116] <6-4. Comparison Information Generation Process and Comparison Information> Next, the comparison information generation process and an example of the comparison information generated by the comparison information generation process will be described. In the comparison information generation process, for example, the control unit 250 generates comparison information based on the reference suction information obtained by the reference suction information acquisition process, the suction information obtained by the suction information acquisition process, and the average deviation rate calculated by the deviation rate calculation process. The comparison information generated in this way is presented to the user by being displayed on the display unit 210, for example, through the process in step S6.

[0117] Figure 9 shows an example of comparison information. As shown in Figure 9, the comparison information 900 includes, for example, a comparison image 910 and deviation rate information 920.

[0118] The comparison image 910 visually compares the actual suction pattern with the reference suction pattern. For example, it is an image created by superimposing a first image 911 representing the actual suction pattern and a second image 912 representing the reference suction pattern. Here, the first image 911 can be constructed by placing images (e.g., rectangular images) with vertical lengths corresponding to the suction strength of each puff at positions corresponding to the suction timing of each puff during heating control. Similarly, the second image 912 can be constructed by placing images (e.g., rectangular images) with vertical lengths corresponding to the reference suction strength at positions corresponding to each reference suction timing. Such a comparison image 910 makes it possible to intuitively and clearly indicate to the user the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the deviation rate information 920 is information that represents, for example, the calculated average deviation rate and comments corresponding to the average deviation rate. Comments corresponding to the average deviation rate may include, for example, "There is room for improvement in your smoking technique" when the average deviation rate is 20% or more, or "You are smoking in a way that is close to ideal" when the average deviation rate is less than 20%.

[0120] In the example shown in Figure 9, the calculated average deviation rate was 40%, so the deviation rate information 920 is "Average deviation rate: 40% Comment: There is room for improvement in your inhalation technique." This type of deviation rate information 920 makes it possible to accurately and clearly indicate to the user the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation technique and the standard inhalation technique.

[0121] <6-5. Process to execute suction support control> Next, an example of suction support control will be described. As mentioned above, when the average deviation rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 250 transmits the reference suction information acquired by the reference suction information acquisition process to the suction device 100 via the communication unit 240, causing the suction device 100 to execute suction support control that supports suction in the reference suction mode represented by the reference suction information. Here, suction support control is, for example, a control that notifies the user that the reference suction time has arrived via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100.

[0122] Figure 10 shows an example of suction support control. The example shown in Figure 10 is one in which the control unit 250 transmits first reference suction information to the suction device 100 and instructs the suction device 100 to perform suction support control to assist suction in the first reference suction mode.

[0123] In this example, the suction device 100 makes a predetermined notification to the user via the notification unit 113 when the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches tm21 [sec], tm22 [sec], tm23 [sec], tm24 [sec], tm25 [sec], tm26 [sec], tm27 [sec], and tm28 [sec], that is, when the reference suction time in the first reference suction mode is reached. This notification only needs to be something that can suggest to the user that the reference suction time has been reached, and can be, for example, vibration from a vibration device included in the notification unit 113 or illumination from a light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113. Alternatively, this notification may involve displaying a predetermined image on a display device included in the notification unit 113 or outputting a predetermined sound from a sound output device included in the notification unit 113.

[0124] This type of inhalation support control allows the user to be notified when the standard inhalation time has arrived, and assists the user in inhaling at that time. In other words, it enables the user to inhale at an appropriate time in terms of the flavor and aroma of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100, thereby providing the user with a higher quality smoking experience.

[0125] Furthermore, in the suction support control, the suction device 100 may also provide notifications to the user that suggest the standard suction intensity in the standard suction mode, for example, by the strength of vibration from the vibration device of the notification unit 113 or the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device. This makes it possible for the user to suction at an appropriate suction intensity in terms of the flavor of the aerosol generated by the suction device 100, and to provide the user with a higher quality smoking experience.

[0126] As described above, the control unit 250 acquires suction information representing the actual suction pattern performed on the suction device 100, generates comparison information comparing the actual suction pattern with a predetermined reference suction pattern based on the acquired suction information, and presents the generated comparison information to the user. This allows the user to be shown the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern through the comparison information, making it possible to provide the user with a new kind of enjoyment by allowing them to explore suction patterns that are closer to the reference suction pattern while referring to this degree of deviation. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the user with a more interesting and high-quality experience, thereby improving the marketability of the suction device 100.

[0127] Furthermore, the standard inhalation mode is, for example, the mode in which the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 is optimized. This makes it possible to provide a higher quality smoking experience to users who inhale in a mode close to the standard inhalation mode.

[0128] Furthermore, the comparison information generated by the control unit 250 includes an image representing the actual suction pattern (for example, the first image 911 shown in Figure 9) and an image representing the reference suction pattern (for example, the second image 912 shown in Figure 9). This makes it possible for the user to intuitively and easily grasp the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern.

[0129] Furthermore, the comparison information generated by the control unit 250 includes information representing the average deviation rate, which is an evaluation value of the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern (for example, the deviation rate information 920 shown in Figure 9). This makes it possible for the user to accurately understand the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern.

[0130] Furthermore, the average deviation rate is calculated based on the deviation of the actual suction strength from the standard suction strength included in the standard suction mode (for example, the first deviation rate mentioned above). This makes it possible to present the user with the average deviation rate, which is an evaluation value that takes into account the deviation of the actual suction strength from the standard suction strength.

[0131] Furthermore, the average deviation rate is calculated based on the deviation of the actual suction timing from the standard suction timing included in the standard suction pattern (for example, the second deviation rate mentioned above). This makes it possible to present the user with the average deviation rate, which is an evaluation value that takes into account the deviation of the actual suction timing from the standard suction timing.

[0132] In the above, information representing the average deviation rate calculated from the first deviation rate and the second deviation rate is presented to the user, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the information representing the average deviation rate, information representing the first deviation rate or the second deviation rate may be presented to the user.

[0133] Furthermore, if the average deviation rate is above a predetermined value, the control unit 250 transmits reference suction information representing the reference suction pattern to the suction device 100 and further performs a process to cause the suction device 100 to execute suction support control to assist in suction in the reference suction pattern. As a result, if the degree of deviation between the actual suction pattern and the reference suction pattern is large, the suction device 100 is made to execute suction support control to assist the user in suctioning in the reference suction pattern. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0134] Furthermore, the suction support control can be configured, for example, to notify the user via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 that the reference suction time has arrived. This allows the user to be notified that the reference suction time has arrived, thereby assisting the user in performing suction at the reference suction time.

[0135] Furthermore, the standard inhalation pattern may vary depending on the user's input. In this way, it becomes possible to suggest to the user the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation pattern and the standard inhalation pattern that reflects the user's preferences.

[0136] Furthermore, in the suction system 10, the suction device 100 transmits suction information to the terminal device 200 at a predetermined timing. The terminal device 200 is equipped with a display unit 210 capable of displaying information, and generates comparison information based on the suction information received from the suction device 100, and presents the generated comparison information to the user by displaying it on the display unit 210. As a result, even if the suction device 100 is not equipped with a display unit such as the display unit 210, the degree of deviation of the actual suction pattern from the standard suction pattern can be indicated to the user by displaying the comparison information on the display unit 210 of the terminal device 200. Therefore, compared to the case in which a display unit such as the display unit 210 is provided in the suction device 100, the configuration of the suction device 100 can be simplified, and the suction device 100 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0137] In the above, heating control is performed based on the heating profile Pr1, regardless of the user's input (for example, the preference information mentioned above), but this is not the only option. For example, the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 may heat the aerosol source in a heating manner based on the user's input.

[0138] More specifically, the control unit 250 may obtain from the server 300 a heating profile that matches the user's preferences and reference suction information representing the reference suction mode corresponding to that heating profile, based on the preference information obtained through the preference information acquisition process.

[0139] For example, if option Op1 is selected by the user during the preference information acquisition process, the control unit 250 may send a distribution request to the server 300 that includes preference information indicating that option Op1 has been selected, thereby obtaining a heating profile Pr1, which is the heating mode corresponding to option Op1, and reference suction information (for example, the first reference suction information shown in Figure 8A) representing the reference suction mode corresponding to heating profile Pr1 from the server 300. In this case, the control unit 250 may then send the heating profile Pr1 obtained from the server 300 to the suction device 100, causing the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 to perform heating control based on the heating profile Pr1.

[0140] On the other hand, if option Op2 is selected by the user during the preference information acquisition process, the control unit 250 may send a distribution request to the server 300 that includes preference information indicating that option Op2 has been selected, thereby acquiring a heating profile Pr2 that corresponds to option Op2 and is different from heating profile Pr1, and reference suction information representing a reference suction mode corresponding to heating profile Pr2, from the server 300. In this case, the control unit 250 may send the heating profile Pr2 acquired from the server 300 to the suction device 100, causing the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 to perform heating control based on heating profile Pr2.

[0141] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing heating profile Pr2 and an example of a reference suction mode corresponding to heating profile Pr2. In heating profile Pr2, when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is 0 [sec] or more and less than tm1b [sec] (where tm1b > 0. For example, tm1b < tm1), the target temperature is set to T11 [°C] (for example, T11 > T1). Also, when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm1b [sec] or more and less than tm2 [sec] (where tm2b > tm1b. For example, tm2b < tm2), the target temperature is set to T12 [°C] (where T2 < T1. For example, T12 > T2). And when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm2b [sec] or more and tm3b [sec] or less (where tm3b > tm2b. For example, tm3b < tm3), the target temperature is set to T13 [°C] (where T12 < T13 < T11. For example, T13 > T3).

[0142] Therefore, according to heating profile Pr2, as shown in FIG. 11, heating unit 121 (for example, heating unit 121B) can be heated to T11 [°C] at the start of heating control, then once cooled to T12 [°C], and then heated again to T13 [°C]. And when the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches tm3b [s], the heating control can be terminated. That is, according to heating profile Pr2, the aerosol source (for example, stick-shaped substrate 150) can be heated in a manner different from heating profile Pr1.

[0143] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in the reference suction mode corresponding to heating profile Pr2, the times when the elapsed time from the start of heating control is tm41 [sec], tm42 [sec], tm43 [sec], tm44 [sec], tm45 [sec], tm46 [sec], tm47 [sec], and tm48 [sec] respectively are defined as the reference suction times. Further, in the reference suction mode corresponding to heating profile Pr2, the reference suction intensity corresponding to each of these reference suction times is defined as Ip31.

[0144] As described above, the control unit 250 may, for example, transmit a heating profile based on the user's input results to the suction device 100, instructing the suction device 100 to perform heating control based on that heating profile. In response to this instruction, the suction device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol source according to the heating mode represented by the heating profile based on the user's input results. The reference suction mode may also differ depending on the heating mode (i.e., heating profile). This makes it possible to generate an aerosol using a heating mode that reflects the user's preferences, and also makes it possible to suggest to the user the degree of deviation of the actual suction mode from an appropriate reference suction mode corresponding to that heating mode.

[0145] In the above description, the control unit 250 presents the comparison information to the user by displaying it on the display unit 210 of the terminal device 200, but this is not the only way. For example, the control unit 250 may also present the comparison information to the user via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 by transmitting it to the suction device 100.

[0146] Furthermore, although the above describes an example in which the information processing device of the present disclosure is implemented by a terminal device 200 that can communicate with the suction device 100, it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device of the present disclosure may be implemented by the suction device 100. In this case, for example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may perform each process that the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 performs, and the comparison information may be presented to the user via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100.

[0147] Furthermore, the information processing device of this disclosure may be implemented, for example, by a server (e.g., server 300) that can communicate with the suction device 100 via a predetermined network such as the Internet. In this case, for example, the control unit (e.g., CPU) of the server may execute each process performed by the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 described above, and transmit the processing results to the suction device 100, thereby presenting comparison information to the user via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100.

[0148] The information presentation method described in this embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program (information presentation program) on a computer. This information presentation program is, for example, stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executed when read from the storage medium. This information presentation program may also be provided in the form of a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium such as flash memory, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the computer that executes this information presentation program is the terminal device 200 (for example, the CPU that constitutes the control unit 250), but it is not limited to this. For example, the computer that executes this information presentation program may be one included in the suction device 100 (for example, the CPU that constitutes the control unit 116), or it may be one included in a server device that can communicate with the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200.

[0149] Although one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, suction system, and information presentation method of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiment may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0150] This specification contains at least the following information. The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0151] (1) Obtain suction information representing the actual suction method performed on the suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that delivers an aerosol in a way that the user can inhale (step S3), Based on the suction information, comparison information (comparison information 900) is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method (step S5). The comparison information is presented to the user (step S6). It includes a control unit (control unit 250) that performs processing, Information processing device (terminal device 200).

[0152] According to (1), the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation method and the standard inhalation method can be suggested to the user through comparative information. This makes it possible to provide users with a new kind of enjoyment by allowing them to explore inhalation methods that are closer to the standard inhalation method while referring to this degree of deviation. Thus, it becomes possible to provide users with a more interesting and high-quality experience.

[0153] (2) An information processing device as described in (1), The aforementioned suction device generates the aerosol containing the flavor components, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode is an inhalation mode in which the flavor taste experienced by the user when the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is optimized. Information processing device.

[0154] (2) According to this, it becomes possible to provide a higher quality smoking experience to users who inhale in a manner close to the standard inhalation manner.

[0155] (3) An information processing device as described in (1) or (2), The comparison information includes an image representing the actual suction method (first image 911) and an image representing the standard suction method (second image 912). Information processing device.

[0156] According to (3), the user will be able to intuitively and easily grasp the degree of deviation between the actual suction method and the standard suction method.

[0157] (4) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), The comparison information includes information (deviation rate information 920) that represents an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the actual suction method to the standard suction method. Information processing device.

[0158] According to (4), it becomes possible for the user to accurately grasp the degree of deviation between the actual suction method and the standard suction method.

[0159] (5) An information processing device as described in (4), The actual suction method described above includes the suction intensity related to the suction applied to the suction device, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode includes a standard inhalation intensity as a standard value that optimizes the flavor experienced by the user when they inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The aforementioned evaluation value is calculated based on the deviation of the suction strength from the reference suction strength. Information processing device.

[0160] According to (5), it becomes possible to present the user with an evaluation value that takes into account the deviation of the actual suction strength from the standard suction strength.

[0161] (6) An information processing device as described in (4) or (5), The actual suction method described above includes the timing of the suction performed on the suction device, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode includes a standard inhalation timing, which is a standard value for which the flavor taste experienced by the user when the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is optimal. The aforementioned evaluation value is calculated based on the deviation of the suction timing from the reference suction timing. Information processing device.

[0162] According to (6), it becomes possible to present the user with an evaluation value that takes into account the deviation between the actual suction timing and the reference suction timing.

[0163] (7) An information processing device according to any of (4) to (6), The control unit further performs a process (step S8) in which, if the evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it causes the suction device to execute suction support control to support suction in the standard suction mode. Information processing device.

[0164] According to (7), when there is a large discrepancy between the actual suction method and the standard suction method, suction support control can be executed to assist the user in performing suction in the standard suction method.

[0165] (8) An information processing device as described in (7), The suction device includes a notification unit (notification units 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying the user, The aforementioned suction support control is a control that, when the reference suction time reaches a reference value which is the optimal flavor taste experienced when the user inhales the aerosol generated by the suction device, the notification unit notifies the user that the reference suction time has been reached. Information processing device.

[0166] According to (8), the system can notify the user when the standard suction time has arrived, thereby assisting the user in performing suction at the standard suction time.

[0167] (9) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8), The aforementioned standard suction mode varies depending on the user's input result. Information processing device.

[0168] According to (9), it becomes possible to suggest to the user the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation pattern and a standard inhalation pattern that reflects the user's preferences.

[0169] (10) An information processing device as described in (9), The suction device generates the aerosol by heating the aerosol source with a heating unit (heating units 121, 121B), The heating unit heats the aerosol source in a heating mode (heating profiles Pr1, Pr2) based on the user's input results. The aforementioned standard suction mode differs depending on the heating mode. Information processing device.

[0170] According to (10), it becomes possible to suggest to the user the degree of deviation between the actual suction mode and an appropriate reference suction mode corresponding to the heating mode of the heating section.

[0171] (11) A suction system (suction system 10) comprising an information processing device described in any of (1) to (10) and a suction device capable of communicating with the information processing device, The suction device transmits the suction information to the information processing device at a predetermined timing. The aforementioned information processing device is A terminal device equipped with a display unit (display unit 210) capable of displaying information, and used by the user, Based on the suction information received from the suction device, the comparison information is generated. The comparison information is presented to the user by displaying it on the display unit. Suction system.

[0172] According to (11), even if the suction device does not have a display unit, the degree of deviation of the actual suction pattern from the standard suction pattern can be indicated to the user by displaying comparative information on the display unit of the terminal device. Therefore, compared to the case where the display unit is provided on the suction device, the configuration of the suction device can be simplified, and the suction device can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0173] (12) The computer (terminal device 200, control unit 250) Aspiration information representing the actual aspiration pattern performed on a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that delivers an aerosol in a way that the user can inhale is obtained (step S3). Based on the suction information, comparison information (comparison information 900) is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method (step S5). The comparison information is presented to the user (step S6). Execute the process Information presentation method.

[0174] According to (12), the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation method and the standard inhalation method can be suggested to the user through comparative information. This makes it possible to provide users with a new kind of enjoyment by allowing them to explore inhalation methods that are closer to the standard inhalation method while referring to this degree of deviation. Thus, it becomes possible to provide users with a more interesting and high-quality experience.

[0175] (13) A computer (terminal device 200, control unit 250) Aspiration information representing the actual aspiration pattern performed on a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that delivers an aerosol in a way that the user can inhale is obtained (step S3). Based on the suction information, comparison information (comparison information 900) is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method (step S5). The comparison information is presented to the user (step S6). To execute the process Information presentation program.

[0176] According to (13), the degree of deviation between the actual inhalation method and the standard inhalation method can be suggested to the user through comparative information. This makes it possible to provide users with a new kind of enjoyment by allowing them to explore inhalation methods that are closer to the standard inhalation method while referring to this degree of deviation. Thus, it becomes possible to provide users with a more interesting and high-quality experience.

[0177] (14) A computer-readable storage medium containing the information presentation program described in (13).

[0178] According to (14), it becomes possible to have a computer execute the information presentation program described in (13). [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 10 Suction System 100, 100A, 100B suction device 200 Terminal devices (information processing devices) 250 Control Unit 900 Comparison Information

Claims

1. Acquire suction information representing the actual suction method performed on a suction device that delivers an aerosol in a way that allows the user to inhale it. Based on the aforementioned suction information, comparative information is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method. The comparison information is presented to the user. It includes a control unit that performs processing, The predetermined standard suction mode is a suction mode in which, in a heating profile that defines the duration of each time interval included in a plurality of consecutive time intervals along the time axis and the target temperature which is the target value of the heating section of the suction device, a standard suction timing and a standard suction intensity are set for each of the plurality of suctions set along the time axis. The actual suction method described above includes the timing and intensity of suction for multiple suctions actually performed on the suction device, The comparison information includes information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction timing from the reference suction timing, and information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction intensity from the reference suction intensity. Information processing device.

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned suction device generates the aerosol containing the flavor components, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode is an inhalation mode in which the flavor taste experienced by the user when the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is optimized. Information processing device.

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The comparison information includes an image representing the actual suction method and an image representing the standard suction method. Information processing device.

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode includes a standard inhalation intensity as a standard value that optimizes the flavor experienced by the user when they inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The evaluation value is calculated based on the deviation of the suction strength in the actual suction mode from the standard suction strength. Information processing device.

5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned standard inhalation mode includes a standard inhalation time, which is a standard value for which the flavor taste experienced by the user when the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is optimal. The evaluation value is calculated based on the deviation of the suction timing in the actual suction method from the reference suction timing. Information processing device.

6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit further performs a process to cause the suction device to execute suction support control to support suction in the standard suction mode if the evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Information processing device.

7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 6, The suction device includes a notification unit capable of notifying the user, The aforementioned suction support control is a control that notifies the user via the notification unit when the reference suction time reaches a reference value that is the optimal flavor when the user inhales the aerosol generated by the suction device. Information processing device.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned standard suction mode varies depending on the user's input result. Information processing device.

9. An information processing apparatus according to claim 8, The suction device generates the aerosol by heating the aerosol source with a heating unit. The heating unit heats the aerosol source in a heating manner based on the user's input results. The aforementioned standard suction mode differs depending on the heating mode. Information processing device.

10. A suction system comprising an information processing device according to claim 1 and a suction device capable of communicating with the information processing device, The suction device transmits the suction information to the information processing device at a predetermined timing. The aforementioned information processing device is A terminal device equipped with a display unit capable of displaying information and used by the user, Based on the suction information received from the suction device, the comparison information is generated. The comparison information is presented to the user by displaying it on the display unit. Suction system.

11. Computers Acquire suction information representing the actual suction method performed on a suction device that delivers an aerosol in a way that allows the user to inhale it. Based on the aforementioned suction information, comparative information is generated by comparing the actual suction method with a predetermined standard suction method. The comparison information is presented to the user. Execute the process, The predetermined standard suction mode is a suction mode in which, in a heating profile that defines the duration of each time interval included in a plurality of consecutive time intervals along the time axis and the target temperature which is the target value of the heating section of the suction device, a standard suction timing and a standard suction intensity are set for each of the plurality of suctions set along the time axis. The actual suction method described above includes the timing and intensity of suction for multiple suctions actually performed on the suction device, The comparison information includes information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction timing from the reference suction timing, and information representing an evaluation value of the degree of deviation of the suction intensity from the reference suction intensity. Information presentation method.

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