Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] This information processing device comprises: a communication unit that sends control information to be used by an inhalation device and receives a use history which is information indicating the history of use of the control information by the inhalation device, the inhalation device heating an aerosol source to generate aerosol, wherein the control information defines a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; a storage unit that stores the control information sent by the communication unit and the use history received by the communication unit; and a control unit that calculates, on the basis of the use history stored in the storage unit, a reward given to a user having contributed to the generation of the control information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely popular. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] Preferences for the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as taste) experienced when puffing vary among users. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature for heating the aerosol source, which directly affects the taste, can be customized by the user. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for a user to customize the temperature for heating the aerosol source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique according to Patent Document 1 above, the user only customized the temperature for heating the aerosol source for personal use.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided which includes: a communication unit that transmits control information defining parameters relating to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, and which receives a usage history that indicates the history of the suction device's use of the control information; a storage unit that stores the control information transmitted by the communication unit and the usage history received by the communication unit; and a control unit that calculates a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the usage history stored in the storage unit.

[0008] The usage history may include at least one of the following: the number of substrates containing the aerosol source that were heated based on the control information; the number of puffs performed during heating based on the control information; the timing of the puffs; or the duration of the puffs performed during heating based on the control information.

[0009] The control unit may calculate the reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective.

[0010] The control unit may determine the order of the control information based on at least one of the following: the usage history of the control information, the transmission and reception history of the control information, or an evaluation of the control information.

[0011] The storage unit stores a transmission and reception history showing the history of when the control information was transmitted and received, and the control unit may calculate a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the transmission and reception history of the control information stored in the storage unit.

[0012] The transmission and reception history of the control information may include at least one of the following: the number of times the control information has been transmitted or received, or the number of users using the device that received the control information.

[0013] The control unit may calculate a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the authority granted to that user regarding the generation of the control information.

[0014] The control unit may calculate a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the total sales amount of the control information.

[0015] The control unit may determine the selling price of the control information based on a ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective, the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, or the user who uses the device that received the control information.

[0016] The suction device may use the control information received from a device used by another user, and the control unit may calculate a reward to be given to the other user who is using the device that is the source of the control information.

[0017] The storage unit may store the control information, a first identification information for identifying the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, and a second identification information for identifying the control information in association with each other.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided which includes storing control information that defines parameters relating to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, used in a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source; transmitting the stored control information; receiving a usage history which is information indicating the history of the suction device's use of the control information; storing the received usage history; and calculating, based on the stored usage history, a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information by a control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the suction device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a graph schematically showing an example of the heating profile. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow executed by the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of awarding rewards executed by the server according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow executed by the system according to the first modification. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the authority given to the user.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0022] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding a different alphabet after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as suction device 100A and suction device 100B as needed. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish each of multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used. For example, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between suction device 100A and suction device 100B, they will simply be referred to as suction device 100.

[0023] <1. Example Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, System 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B), and a server 300.

[0024] The suction device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device 100 will be described as an aerosol. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device 100 may be a gas. The suction device 100 is capable of accommodating a stick-type substrate 150. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using the accommodated stick-type substrate 150. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to aerosol generation. The stick-type substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated stick-type substrate 150.

[0025] Terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of suction device 100. Terminal device 200 is associated with suction device 100. Suction device 100 and terminal device 200 may be pre-paired for wireless communication, or the server 300 may be pre-registered to have the same user for suction device 100 and terminal device 200. Terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging suction device 100.

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

[0027] System 1 includes multiple suction devices 100 and multiple terminal devices 200 used by multiple users. For example, a user who uses suction device 100A and terminal device 200A will also be referred to as User A. Similarly, a user who uses suction device 100B and terminal device 200B will also be referred to as User B.

[0028] (1) Example of suction device configuration Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the suction device 100. As shown in Figure 2, the suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0029] The power supply unit 111 stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0030] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. For example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch.

[0031] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is 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.

[0032] The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The memory unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory.

[0033] The communication unit 115 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 (Bluetooth Low Energy®), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). These may be adopted.

[0034] The control unit 116 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 100 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 water, including polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid containing 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.

[0037] The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing it. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the containment unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0038] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0039] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0040] As an example, the heating section 121 may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing section 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 121 is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 121 may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating section covering the outer circumference of the housing section 140, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section covering the bottom 143 of the housing section 140.

[0041] 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 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0042] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0043] Furthermore, the suction device 100 works in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150 to generate an aerosol that is aspirated by the user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generation system.

[0044] (2) Example of terminal device configuration Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0045] The input unit 210 has the function of receiving various types of information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that receives information from the user. Examples of input devices include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones. In addition, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as image sensors.

[0046] The output unit 220 has the function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of output devices 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 emits 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 information by outputting the information input from the control unit 260.

[0047] The detection unit 230 has the function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect the location 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) and detects the location information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may also detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an accelerometer and detects angular velocity and acceleration.

[0048] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for sending 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. Examples of such communication standards include those using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0049] The memory unit 250 stores various types of information. The memory unit 250 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory.

[0050] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control unit, and controls the overall operation within the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 260 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The unit 260 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the program and calculation parameters to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 260. Processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and storage and reading of information by the storage unit 250 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260. Other processes performed by the terminal device 200, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0051] The functions of the control unit 260 may be implemented using an application. This application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 260 may be implemented using a Progressive Web App (PWA).

[0052] (3) Example of server configuration Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the server 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0053] The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the server 300 and other devices. The communication unit 310 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0054] The storage unit 320 stores various information necessary for the operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is composed of non-volatile storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0055] The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation within the server 300 according to various programs. The control unit 330 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. 330 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the program and calculation parameters to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The server 300 executes various processes based on the control of the control unit 330. Sending and receiving information by the communication unit 310, and storing and reading information by the storage unit 320 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 330. Other processes executed by the server 300, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 330.

[0056] <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-type substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0057] A heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information that defines the time-series change of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). Power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0058] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that its temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) progresses in a manner similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor the user experiences can be optimized.

[0059] Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may 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 cycle or frequency of the power pulse 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, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0060] The temperature of the heating section 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating section 121 (more precisely, the heat-generating resistor constituting the heating section 121). 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, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor. The voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heat-generating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating section 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, installed near the heating section 121.

[0061] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosols using the stick-type substrate 150 will hereafter be referred to as the heating session. In other words, the heating session is the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period in the first half and a puffing period in the second half. The puffing period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the puffing period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0062] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when preheating is complete. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating before it is completed, or notify the user of information indicating that preheating is complete when it is completed. Notification to the user may be made by, for example, the lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can then perform puffing immediately after preheating is complete by referring to such notification.

[0063] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when the puffable period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information that will precede the end of the puffable period before it ends, or notify the user of information indicating that the puffable period has ended when it has ended. Notification to the user may be made, for example, by the lighting or vibration of an LED. The user can then use such a notification as a reference to continue puffing until the puffable period ends.

[0064] An example of a heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic graph showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of Graph 20 is time. The vertical axis of Graph 20 is temperature. Line 21 shows the time series change of the target temperature. As shown in Figure 5, a heating session may sequentially include an initial heating period, an intermediate cooling period, and a reheating period. The initial heating period is the period after the start of heating during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises rapidly and is maintained at a high temperature. The intermediate cooling period is the period after the initial heating period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 decreases. The reheating period is the period after the intermediate cooling period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises again. In the example shown in Figure 5, the target temperature rises rapidly to around 300°C during the initial heating period, then decreases to around 230°C during the intermediate cooling period, and then gradually rises to around 260°C during the reheating period. During the intermediate cooling period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned OFF. In the example shown in Figure 5, the preheating period is from the start of heating until partway through the initial heating period, and the puffing period is from partway through the initial heating period until the end of the reheating period.

[0065] (2) Customization of heating profile The terminal device 200 controls the customization process. The customization process is the process of customizing the heating profile used by the suction device 100. Customizing the heating profile means creating a heating profile that achieves the user's preferred taste by making changes to an existing heating profile. The user repeatedly customizes the heating profile and tests the customized heating profile to check the taste. The terminal device 200 repeatedly executes the customization process until it generates a heating profile that achieves the user's desired taste. By repeating the customization process, the heating profile can be gradually brought closer to the ideal heating profile that achieves the user's desired taste.

[0066] The customization process includes the terminal device 200 receiving the target temperature setting from the user. For example, the terminal device 200 may receive the target temperature setting for each puff timing. The terminal device 200 generates the customized heating profile by changing the target temperature of the heating profile before customization based on the setting from the user.

[0067] The customization process includes the terminal device 200 transmitting the customized heating profile to the suction device 100. The suction device 100 stores the received heating profile and uses it for the next heating.

[0068] The customization process may include the terminal device 200 receiving settings for flavor evaluation from the user. In particular, the terminal device 200 may also receive settings for evaluation of the aerosol generated based on the customized heating profile. This allows the user to evaluate how their customization affected the flavor.

[0069] For example, the terminal device 200 accepts the user's taste evaluation setting during the heating session, that is, while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile. In this case, the user takes a puff each time the puff timing arrives and sets the taste evaluation in the terminal device 200. Then, after the heating session ends, the terminal device 200 accepts the target temperature setting while displaying the taste evaluation. This allows the user to set the target temperature while referring to the taste evaluation set during the heating session.

[0070] For the sake of simplicity, in the following explanation, actions that involve the suction device 100 or terminal device 200 as the subject may be described using the user of the suction device 100 or terminal device 200 as the subject. For example, when terminal device 200 generates a heating profile based on user operation, this may also be referred to as the user generating the heating profile. As another example, when suction device 100 uses the heating profile, this may also be referred to as the user using the heating profile. Furthermore, a user who contributes to the generation of the heating profile by setting a target temperature or evaluating the taste will be simply referred to as the user who generated the heating profile.

[0071] (3) Heating profile ecosystem System 1 creates an ecosystem that makes heating profiles generated by users available to other users.

[0072] For example, Server 300 accepts uploads of heating profiles generated by users. Server 300 then operates a webpage that makes the uploaded heating profiles available for download. Users can download and use heating profiles generated by other users from this webpage. Server 300 may also accept and display reviews from users who have downloaded and used the heating profiles on this webpage. Furthermore, Server 300 may sell the heating profiles generated by users and return a commission to the users who generated the heating profiles based on the sales.

[0073] This configuration allows excellent heating profiles generated by users to be disseminated to a large number of users. Furthermore, it motivates more users to generate heating profiles, resulting in the provision of more excellent heating profiles to users. In this way, overall user satisfaction can be improved.

[0074] (4) Uploading the heating profile The user uploads the generated heating profile to the server 300. More specifically, the terminal device 200 sends the generated heating profile to the server 300. The server 300 receives the heating profile from the terminal device 200 and stores the received heating profile. At that time, the server 300 stores the heating profile with metadata attached.

[0075] The metadata assigned to the heating profile by server 300 during upload includes identification information (corresponding to the first identification information) to identify the user who generated the heating profile. This identification information will also be referred to as the user ID below. The user ID of the user who generated the heating profile will be specifically referred to as the generating user ID.

[0076] The metadata assigned to the heating profile by server 300 during upload includes identification information (corresponding to the second identification information) for identifying the heating profile. This identification information for identifying the heating profile will also be referred to as the profile ID below.

[0077] In this way, the server 300 stores the heating profile, the generating user ID as metadata, and the profile ID as metadata in an associated manner. This makes it possible to reward the user who generated the heating profile, as will be described later.

[0078] Furthermore, users who contributed to the uploading of heating profiles, such as by operating terminal device 200 to upload heating profiles, will hereafter be referred to simply as users who uploaded heating profiles.

[0079] (5) Download heating profile The user downloads a heating profile generated by another user from the server 300. Specifically, the server 300 first sends the heating profile to the terminal device 200. Upon receiving the heating profile, the terminal device 200 sends the received heating profile to the suction device 100. The suction device 100 stores the received heating profile and uses it to heat the stick-type substrate 150 thereafter.

[0080] The suction device 100 generates a usage history when a heating profile is used. The suction device 100 then transmits the usage history to the terminal device 200. Upon receiving the usage history, the terminal device 200 transmits the received usage history to the server 300. Upon receiving the usage history, the server 300 stores the received usage history. This allows the server 300 to understand how the downloaded heating profile was used.

[0081] The usage history of the heating profile includes the user ID of the user of the suction device 100 that used the heating profile. For example, the suction device 100 adds the user ID pre-configured on the suction device 100 to the usage history.

[0082] The usage history of a heating profile includes the profile ID of that heating profile. For example, the suction device 100 obtains the profile ID of the heating profile from the metadata assigned to the heating profile and adds it to the usage history.

[0083] The usage history of a heating profile may include the number of stick-type substrates 150 heated based on that heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as the number of sticks consumed). For example, the suction device 100 detects the number of times heating based on the heating profile is performed as the number of sticks consumed and adds it to the usage history.

[0084] The usage history of a heating profile may include the number of puffs performed during heating based on that heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as the number of puffs). For example, the suction device 100 detects the number of times a value associated with a puff is detected by a pressure sensor, flow sensor, or temperature sensor, etc., included in the sensor unit 112 during a heating session, and adds this to the usage history.

[0085] The usage history of a heating profile may include information indicating the timing of puffs performed during heating based on that heating profile. For example, the suction device 100 detects the timing of puffs as the timing of puffs when a value associated with a puff is detected by a pressure sensor, flow sensor, or temperature sensor, etc., included in the sensor unit 112 during a heating session, and adds information indicating the timing of the puffs to the usage history. The information indicating the timing of the puffs may be information that identifies the timing of the puffs by the elapsed time from the start of heating.

[0086] The usage history of a heating profile may include the duration of puffing during heating based on that heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as puff duration). For example, the suction device 100 detects the length of the period during which values ​​associated with puffing are detected by the pressure sensor, flow sensor, or temperature sensor included in the sensor unit 112 during a heating session as the puff duration and adds it to the usage history.

[0087] The suction device 100 may transmit the usage history to the terminal device 200 each time it performs heating based on the heating profile. Alternatively, the suction device 100 may accumulate the usage history and transmit it to the terminal device 200 at a predetermined timing. Examples of predetermined timings include the timing when communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 is established, and the timing when the terminal device 200 requests the transmission of the usage history.

[0088] The terminal device 200 may forward the usage history received from the suction device 100 to the server 300 each time it receives the usage history. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may store the usage history received from the suction device 100 and send it to the server 300 at a predetermined timing. Examples of predetermined timings include the timing when communication between the terminal device 200 and the server 300 is established, and the timing when the server 300 requests the transmission of the usage history.

[0089] Furthermore, users who contributed to the download of the heating profile, such as by operating the terminal device 200 to download the heating profile, will hereafter be referred to simply as users who downloaded the heating profile.

[0090] (6) Rewarding users who generate heating profiles Server 300 rewards users who generate heating profiles. For example, Server 300 calculates the reward to be given to a user who generates a heating profile based on the stored usage history. Server 300 then grants the calculated reward to the user. One example of a reward is points that can be used to purchase heating profiles published on a web page. For example, Server 300 stores a correspondence between the user ID and the points as a reward. This allows users to pay for the purchase of heating profiles downloaded from a web page using the points they have been granted.

[0091] For example, server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to the user by multiplying the number indicated by the usage history by the unit price. The method of calculating such rewards will be explained in detail below.

[0092] First, server 300 calculates the reward for each heating profile. For example, server 300 may collect usage history containing the same profile ID, aggregate the number of sticks consumed, and calculate the reward for each heating profile by multiplying the aggregated sum of stick consumption by the unit price. Another example is that server 300 may collect usage history containing the same profile ID, aggregate the number of puffs, and calculate the reward for each heating profile by multiplying the aggregated sum of puffs by the unit price. Yet another example is that server 300 may collect usage history containing the same profile ID, aggregate the puff duration, and calculate the reward for each heating profile by multiplying the aggregated sum of puff durations by the unit price. Of course, these calculation methods may be combined. For example, the reward for each heating profile may be calculated by summing the rewards calculated by each calculation method.

[0093] Next, the server 300 calculates the reward for each user. For example, the server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to the user corresponding to the generated user ID by aggregating the rewards for each heating profile for heating profiles that include the same generated user ID in their metadata.

[0094] This configuration allows for greater rewards to be given to users who create heating profiles that are frequently used by other users. Therefore, users are motivated to create more frequently used heating profiles. As a result, it is expected that many better heating profiles will be uploaded and made available for download. In this way, the overall quality of the user experience can be improved.

[0095] (7) Processing flow - Overall processing Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow performed by System 1 according to this embodiment. This sequence involves suction devices 100A and 100B, terminal devices 200A and 200B, and server 300. Here, user A generates a heating profile, and user B uses the heating profile generated by user A.

[0096] As shown in Figure 6, first, the suction device 100A and the terminal device 200A generate a heating profile (step S102). For example, the suction device 100A and the terminal device 200A generate a heating profile by repeatedly changing the target temperature and heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile that reflects the changed target temperature.

[0097] Next, the terminal device 200A sends the generated heating profile to the server 300 (step S104).

[0098] Server 300 stores the received heating profile with metadata attached (step S106). For example, Server 300 assigns User A's User ID as the generating User ID to the received heating profile and assigns a Profile ID. From this step onward, it is assumed that the heating profiles transmitted and received have metadata attached.

[0099] Next, the server 300 sends the heating profile to the terminal device 200B (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200B downloads the heating profile generated by user A from a web page operated by the server 300.

[0100] Next, the terminal device 200B transmits the received heating profile to the suction device 100B (step S110).

[0101] Next, the suction device 100B generates a usage history using the received heating profile (step S112). For example, the suction device 100B generates and stores a usage history that includes the number of sticks consumed, the number of puffs, and the length of each puff.

[0102] Next, the suction device 100B transmits the usage history to the terminal device 200B (step S114).

[0103] Next, the terminal device 200B transmits the received usage history to the server 300 (step S116).

[0104] Server 300 stores the received usage history (step S118).

[0105] The server 300 then rewards the user who generated the heating profile (step S120). For example, the server 300 rewards user A based on the usage history collected from the suction device 100B. Of course, the server 300 can also receive usage history of heating profiles generated by user A from sources other than the suction device 100B. In that case, the server 300 rewards user A based on the multiple usage histories collected.

[0106] - Reward distribution process Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the reward granting process performed by the server 300 according to this embodiment.

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, first, the server 300 calculates the reward for each heating profile (step S202). For example, the server 300 aggregates usage history containing the same profile ID to obtain the total number of sticks consumed, the total number of puffs, and the total puff duration. Then, the server 300 calculates the reward for each heating profile by multiplying each of the total number of sticks consumed, the total number of puffs, and the total puff duration by the unit price and adding them together.

[0108] Next, the server 300 calculates the reward for each user (step S204). For example, the server 300 calculates the reward to be given to the user corresponding to the generated user ID by aggregating the rewards for each heating profile for heating profiles that include the same generated user ID in their metadata.

[0109] Then, the server 300 grants the user the reward calculated in step S204 (step S206).

[0110] <3. Variant> (1) First variation In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 downloads a heating profile from the server 300, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. Heating profiles may be downloaded directly between users. That is, a user may download a heating profile directly from another user without going through the server 300. In use cases where a user recommends a heating profile they like to other users, it is conceivable that heating profiles may be downloaded directly between users.

[0111] - Upload heating profile As described above in the above embodiment, the terminal device 200 uploads the generated heating profile to the server 300. The server 300 adds metadata to the heating profile uploaded from the terminal device 200 and stores it.

[0112] Furthermore, the server 300 sends the heating profile with metadata attached to it to the uploading terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 stores the heating profile with the metadata attached. Alternatively, the server 300 may send metadata to the uploading terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 attaches the received metadata to the heating profile and stores it.

[0113] - Download heating profile Users download and use heating profiles from other users. For example, terminal device 200B may download a heating profile from terminal device 200A. In that case, terminal device 200B transmits the heating profile downloaded from terminal device 200A to suction device 100B. Suction device 100B stores the received heating profile and uses it for subsequent heating of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0114] The suction device 100 generates usage history when it uses a heating profile downloaded from another user, just as it does when it downloads a heating profile from the server 300. The generated usage history is sent from the suction device 100 to the server 300 via the terminal device 200 and stored by the server 300. This allows the server 300 to understand how the downloaded heating profiles were used among users.

[0115] Here, heating profiles downloaded by a user from another user are assigned metadata including a profile ID. Therefore, the suction device 100 can generate a usage history that includes the profile ID. This makes it possible to aggregate the usage history based on the profile ID.

[0116] Furthermore, the heating profile transmitted by the terminal device 200 is not limited to a heating profile generated by the user of the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 may transmit a heating profile downloaded from the server 300, or a heating profile downloaded from another user.

[0117] Furthermore, the path through which the heating profile is downloaded is not limited to between terminal devices 200. For example, terminal device 200B may download the heating profile from suction device 100A. Another example is that suction device 100B may download the heating profile from terminal device 200A. Yet another example is that suction device 100B may download the heating profile from suction device 100A.

[0118] - Rewards will be given to users who generate heating profiles. Server 300 rewards users who generate heating profiles. As described in the above embodiment, Server 300 rewards users who generate heating profiles based on collected usage history. In particular, Server 300 calculates the reward to be given to users based on the usage history of heating profiles downloaded from Server 300, as well as the usage history of heating profiles downloaded between users. With this configuration, regardless of the path through which the heating profile was downloaded, users who generate heating profiles that are used frequently by other users can be given larger rewards.

[0119] - Rewards for users who spread the heating profile. Furthermore, if a user downloads a heating profile from another user, the server 300 may reward the other user who is using the device that sent the heating profile. For example, if terminal device 200B downloads a heating profile from terminal device 200A, the server 300 may reward user A who is using terminal device 200A. In this case, the server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to user A by multiplying the number of times user A was the source by a unit price.

[0120] In this configuration, users who contribute to the dissemination of heating profiles are rewarded. This incentivizes users to share their favorite heating profiles, allowing many users to enjoy superior heating profiles. In this way, overall user satisfaction can be improved.

[0121] - Processing flow Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow performed by System 1 according to the first modified example. This sequence involves suction devices 100A and 100B, terminal devices 200A and 200B, and server 300. Here, user A generates a heating profile, and user B uses the heating profile generated by user A.

[0122] The processing related to steps S302 to S306 is the same as the processing related to steps S102 to S106 described above with reference to Figure 6.

[0123] After step S306, the server 300 sends the heating profile with metadata attached to the terminal device 200A (step S308). The terminal device 200A stores the received heating profile.

[0124] Subsequently, terminal device 200A transmits the heating profile to terminal device 200B (step S310). For example, it is assumed that after a conversation in which user A recommends the heating profile generated by user B, the heating profile is transmitted from terminal device 200A to terminal device 200B.

[0125] The subsequent processes in steps S312 to S322 are the same as those in steps S110 to S120 described above, with reference to Figure 6.

[0126] (2) Second variation The above embodiments describe an example in which rewards are given based on the usage history of heating profiles, but the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Rewards may be given based on a transmission / reception history showing the history of when heating profiles were sent and received, along with or instead of the usage history of heating profiles. Here, transmission and reception of heating profiles includes the concept of downloading heating profiles from server 300 and downloading heating profiles from devices used by other users (e.g., terminal devices 200). The transmission / reception history of heating profiles will also be referred to as the download history below.

[0127] The download history of heating profiles may include the number of times heating profiles have been sent or received (i.e., downloaded) (hereinafter also referred to as the download count). Server 300 counts the number of times heating profiles have been downloaded from Server 300 as the download count. Furthermore, Server 300 counts and stores the number of times heating profiles have been downloaded between users as the download count. For example, if Server 300 receives usage history from a terminal device 200 that has not downloaded a heating profile from Server 300, it may determine that the terminal device 200 has downloaded a heating profile from another user and count the download count.

[0128] The download history of a heating profile may include the number of users (hereinafter also referred to as the number of downloading users) using the device from which the heating profile was downloaded (e.g., terminal device 200). A heating profile may have a set limit on the number of times it can be used, and may become unusable once the limit is reached. If a user wishes to continue using a heating profile, they will need to download the same heating profile again. Thus, the number of downloads and the number of downloading users may not always match.

[0129] Server 300 stores the download history of heating profiles, associating them with the respective heating profiles. Based on the download history of the heating profiles, Server 300 rewards the user who created the heating profile. For example, Server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to the user by multiplying the number indicated by the download history of the heating profiles by a unit price. The method of calculating such rewards will be explained in detail below.

[0130] First, server 300 calculates the reward for each heating profile. For example, server 300 may calculate the reward for each heating profile by multiplying the number of times the heating profile is downloaded by the unit price. Another example is that server 300 calculates the reward for each heating profile by multiplying the number of times the heating profile is downloaded by the unit price. The number The reward for each heating profile may be calculated by multiplying the unit price by the value obtained from the calculation. Of course, these calculation methods may be combined. For example, the reward for each heating profile may be calculated by summing the rewards calculated by each calculation method.

[0131] Next, the server 300 calculates the reward for each user. For example, the server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to the user corresponding to the generated user ID by aggregating the rewards for each heating profile for heating profiles that include the same generated user ID in their metadata.

[0132] With this configuration, users who generate heating profiles that are downloaded more often are rewarded with higher pay. Therefore, users are motivated to generate heating profiles that are downloaded more frequently. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be generated, improving the overall quality of the user experience.

[0133] (3) Third variation The above example illustrates how to calculate the reward given to a user by multiplying the number indicated by the usage or download history of the heating profile by a unit price. This unit price may be fixed or variable.

[0134] For example, server 300 may set a unit price when calculating the reward to be given to the user who created the heating profile, based on the usage history of the heating profile. For example, server 300 may set a higher unit price for a larger number of sticks consumed, a larger number of puffs, or a longer puff duration. Specifically, server 300 may increase the unit price to 1.5 times the default when the number of sticks consumed exceeds 5,000, and increase it to 2.0 times the default when the number of sticks consumed exceeds 10,000. With such a configuration, users can be motivated to create heating profiles that are downloaded more often, that is, preferred by more users. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be generated, improving the overall quality of the user experience for users.

[0135] As another example, server 300 may set a unit price when calculating the reward to be given to the user who created the heating profile, based on the download history of the heating profile. For example, server 300 may set a higher unit price for more downloads or for more users who download the profile. Specifically, server 300 may increase the unit price to 1.5 times the default when the number of downloads exceeds 5,000, and increase it to 2.0 times the default when the number of downloads exceeds 10,000. With such a configuration, users can be motivated to create heating profiles that are downloaded by more users, that is, profiles that are preferred by more users. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be created, improving the overall quality of the user experience for users.

[0136] (4) Fourth variation In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 generates the heating profile, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The server 300 may also generate the heating profile.

[0137] For example, in the customization process, the terminal device 200 may accept the setting for the taste evaluation and send the accepted taste evaluation to the server 300. In that case, the server 300 customizes the heating profile based on the received taste evaluation and sends the customized heating profile to the terminal device 200.

[0138] As another example, in the customization process, after receiving the settings for the taste evaluation, the terminal device 200 may receive user input instructing it to raise, lower, or maintain the target temperature, and send such instructions to the server 300. In this case, the server 300 customizes the heating profile based on the received instructions and sends the customized heating profile to the terminal device 200.

[0139] Server 300 may store and learn the correspondence between target temperature and user-defined flavor evaluations. Based on the learned correspondence, Server 300 may change the target temperature to improve the flavor evaluation. With this configuration, even users unfamiliar with customizing heating profiles can easily generate a heating profile that achieves the desired flavor. Machine learning techniques such as deep learning or SVM (Support Vector Machine) may be used to learn the correspondence.

[0140] (5) Fifth variation Users may be granted permissions related to heating profiles. Users with stronger permissions will enjoy greater freedom in using or creating heating profiles. The permissions granted to users will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0141] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the permissions granted to a user. As shown in Figure 9, users are classified into general users, select users, custom users, or master users, in order from those with the weakest permissions granted. Permissions granted to general users are also called general permissions. Permissions granted to select users are also called select permissions. Permissions granted to custom users are also called custom permissions. Permissions granted to master users are also called master permissions. Server 300 can grant permissions to users based on various information such as the user's usage history of the suction device 100, the history of generating heating profiles, or applications from users.

[0142] A regular user is a user who has the authority to use the default heating profile. The default heating profile is, for example, the heating profile pre-installed on the suction device 100. A selected user is a user who, in addition to the authority of a regular user, has the authority to use heating profiles created by other users. A customized user and a master user are users who, in addition to the authority of a selected user, have the authority to customize (i.e., create) heating profiles.

[0143] General users and select users can easily enjoy the flavor using existing heating profiles. On the other hand, custom users and master users can enjoy the pleasure of creating heating profiles that achieve their preferred flavor. In this way, by differentiating the permissions granted to each user, it is possible to provide the experience that each user desires.

[0144] Here, master users are given preferential treatment in various aspects, such as having greater freedom in generating heating profiles than custom users. Master users are those who, among users who customize heating profiles, are recognized by other users for producing particularly excellent heating profiles and possess good taste. It can also be said that master users are more proficient in generating heating profiles compared to custom users. By giving master users preferential treatment in various aspects, it is possible to motivate users to generate a large number of excellent heating profiles. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be generated, improving the overall quality of the user experience for all users.

[0145] Server 300 stores users in association with the privileges granted to them. For example, Server 300 stores a user's user ID in association with the privileges granted to that user. Terminal device 200 may also store the privileges granted to users of terminal device 200.

[0146] At least one of the terminal device 200 or server 300 performs processing related to the generation of a heating profile according to the permissions granted to the user of the terminal device 200. More specifically, at least one of the terminal device 200 or server 300 performs different processing depending on whether the user generating the heating profile is a master user or a customization user. For example, the terminal device 200 or server 300 may provide a highly flexible customization method to the master user and a less flexible customization method to the customization user. As an example, the master user can set a target temperature, and the terminal device 200 may generate a heating profile based on the target temperature set by the master user. On the other hand, the customization user can set the taste evaluation, and the server 300 may generate a heating profile based on the taste evaluation set by the customization user. The burden on the user when customizing the heating profile is greater for customization methods with a high degree of flexibility and lower for customization methods with a low degree of flexibility. In this respect, with such a configuration, customization users can easily customize the heating profile. On the other hand, the master user can pursue the ideal heating profile while also enjoying the high burden of customizing the heating profile. Furthermore, the master user may be made available special information useful for creating heating profiles. For example, the master user may be made available the evaluation results of other users of heating profiles created by the master user. The evaluation results may be, for example, evaluation results for each evaluation item, or evaluation results for each brand of stick-type substrate 150 on which the heating profile was used. The master user may also be made available the timing of puffing by other users when they use heating profiles created by the master user. Furthermore, the master user may be made available in advance information on brands of stick-type substrate 150 that are not yet on the market, or heating profiles for such stick-type substrate 150 that are not yet on the market. In addition, the master user may be made available the ability to attach special information to the heating profiles they create.For example, the master user may be able to attach information about recommended puff timings or comments for each puff to the heating profile they have created. By providing customization methods according to the granted permissions in this way, it becomes possible to provide a customized experience that is suitable for each user.

[0147] Server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to a user who generates a heating profile based on the authority granted to that user for generating the heating profile. For example, Server 300 may set a unit price when calculating the reward to be given to a user who generates a heating profile, based on whether the user who generated the heating profile is a master user or a customized user. Specifically, Server 300 may set a higher unit price if the user who generated the heating profile is a master user, and a lower unit price if the user who generated the heating profile is a customized user. With such a configuration, customized users can be motivated to rank up to master users. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be generated, improving the overall quality of the user experience for all users.

[0148] (6) Sixth variation Server 300 may assign rankings to heating profiles based on predetermined criteria. That is, Server 300 may rank heating profiles generated and uploaded by users.

[0149] Server 300 may assign rankings to heating profiles based on their usage history. For example, Server 300 may assign higher rankings to heating profiles that consume a large number of sticks, have a large number of puffs, and / or have a long puff duration.

[0150] Server 300 may determine the ranking of heating profiles based on their download history. For example, Server 300 may assign higher rankings to heating profiles that have been downloaded more times and / or have been downloaded by more users.

[0151] Server 300 may determine the ranking of heating profiles based on the evaluation of those heating profiles. Server 300 may accept evaluations from users who have downloaded and used the heating profiles on a web page where the heating profiles are made available for download, and display them as reviews. Server 300 may then assign higher rankings to the heating profiles in order of the highest evaluations.

[0152] The above describes an example of evaluation criteria for determining rankings. Server 300 may combine two or more of these evaluation criteria to assign rankings to the heating profiles.

[0153] Server 300 may display heating profiles on a web page that makes them available for download, in order of the assigned ranking. In this case, heating profiles with higher rankings will be more likely to be downloaded.

[0154] Server 300 may calculate the reward given to users who generate heating profiles based on the ranking of those heating profiles. For example, Server 300 may set a higher unit price for higher rankings. Specifically, Server 300 may set the unit price to 5.0 times the default if the number of downloads is within the top 10. With such a configuration, users can be motivated to generate heating profiles that rank higher, that is, heating profiles that are preferred by more users. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be generated, improving the overall quality of the user experience for users.

[0155] (7) Seventh variation A sales price may be set for the heating profile. In that case, the terminal device 200 can download the heating profile after payment for the purchase price equivalent to the set sales price has been completed.

[0156] Server 300 may set its selling price according to predetermined standards.

[0157] Server 300 may set the selling price of a heating profile based on its ranking. For example, Server 300 may set a higher selling price for heating profiles that have a higher ranking.

[0158] Server 300 may set the sales price of a heating profile based on the user who generated the heating profile. For example, Server 300 may set a higher sales price if the user who generated the heating profile is the master user, and a lower sales price if the user who generated the heating profile is a customization user.

[0159] Server 300 may set the selling price of a heating profile based on the user who downloads it. For example, Server 300 may set a lower selling price for users who download profiles frequently.

[0160] The above describes an example of criteria for setting the selling price. Server 300 may combine two or more of these criteria to set the selling price of the heating profile.

[0161] Of course, the server 300 may have a fixed selling price. For example, the server 300 may have the same selling price for all heating profiles.

[0162] Server 300 may calculate the reward to be given to the user who created the heating profile based on the total sales amount of the heating profile, along with or instead of the usage and download history of the heating profile. For example, first, Server 300 calculates the total sales amount by summing the sales price for each download. Then, Server 300 may give a percentage of the total sales amount of the heating profile to the user who created it. With this configuration, users can be motivated to create heating profiles that sell better, that is, that are preferred by more users. As a result, it is expected that better heating profiles will be created, improving the overall quality of the user experience for all users.

[0163] <4. Supplement> While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0164] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the generated user ID is included in the metadata, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. Instead of the generated user ID being included in the metadata, the server 300 may store the profile ID and the generated user ID in association. In this case, the server 300 calculates the reward for each user by referring to the association between the profile ID and the generated user ID. Specifically, the server 300 calculates the reward to be given to the user corresponding to the generated user ID by aggregating the rewards for each heating profile corresponding to the profile ID stored in association with the same generated user ID.

[0165] As mentioned in the above embodiments, the means for heating the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0166] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the parameter relating to the temperature for heating the aerosol source, as defined in the heating profile, is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In addition to the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself as described in the above embodiment, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 can also be used as a parameter relating to the temperature for heating the aerosol source. Furthermore, if the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, the parameter relating to the temperature for heating the aerosol source, as defined in the heating profile, can be a target value such as the temperature of the susceptor or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0167] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the suction device 100 generates an aerosol by heating a stick-type substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization type aerosol generator, which generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing an aerosol source as a liquid. The technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to liquid atomization type aerosol generators.

[0168] As described above, the heating profile may be generated by the terminal device 200. Here, the generation of the heating profile by the terminal device 200 may refer to the generation of the heating profile by a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the generation of the heating profile by the terminal device 200 may refer to the generation of the heating profile by a Progressive Web App (PWA) provided to the terminal device 200. Here, the provider of the PWA may be the server 300. That is, the generation of the heating profile by the server 300 may refer to the generation of the heating profile by a Progressive Web App (PWA) provided to the terminal device 200.

[0169] 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 are pre-stored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-temporary storage medium readable by a computer) located 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 is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. The computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that performs functions by loading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described herein may be distributed and processed by multiple computers.

[0170] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0171] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A communication unit that transmits control information specifying parameters related to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, and which receives usage history information indicating the history of the suction device's use of the control information, A storage unit that stores the control information transmitted by the communication unit and the usage history received by the communication unit, A control unit that calculates a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the usage history stored in the memory unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The usage history includes at least one of the following: the number of substrates containing the aerosol source that were heated based on the control information; the number of puffs performed during heating based on the control information; the timing of the puffs; or the duration of the puffs performed during heating based on the control information. The information processing device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit calculates the reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective. The information processing device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The control unit determines the order of the control information based on at least one of the following: the usage history of the control information, the transmission and reception history of the control information, or an evaluation of the control information. The information processing device described in (3) above. (5) The storage unit stores a transmission / reception history showing the history of when the control information was transmitted and received. The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the transmission and reception history of the control information stored in the storage unit. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (4). (6) The transmission and reception history of the control information includes at least one of the number of times the control information has been transmitted or received, or the number of users using the device that received the control information. The information processing device described in (5) above. (7) The control unit calculates a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the authority granted to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information regarding the generation of the control information. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (6). (8) The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the total sales amount of the control information. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (7). (9) The control unit determines the selling price of the control information based on a ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective, the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, or the user who uses the device that received the control information. The information processing device described in (8) above. (10) The suction device uses the control information received from a device used by another user, The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the other user who uses the device that is the source of the control information. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (9). (11) The storage unit stores the control information, a first identification information for identifying the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, and a second identification information for identifying the control information in association with each other. An information processing device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (10). (12) This device stores control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, which is used in a suction device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol source. Transmitting the stored control information, The suction device receives a usage history, which is information indicating the history of the use of the control information. The received usage history is stored, Based on the stored usage history, the control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, Information processing methods including [Explanation of Symbols]

[0172] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 storage units 141 Interior space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 200 terminal devices 210 Input section 220 Output section 230 Detection unit 240 Communications Department 250 Storage section 260 Control Unit 300 servers 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 900 Network

Claims

1. A communication unit that transmits control information specifying parameters related to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, and which receives usage history information indicating the history of the suction device's use of the control information, A storage unit that stores the control information transmitted by the communication unit and the usage history received by the communication unit, A control unit that calculates a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the usage history stored in the memory unit, Equipped with, The usage history includes at least one of the following: the number of substrates containing the aerosol source that were heated based on the control information; the number of puffs performed during heating based on the control information; the timing of the puffs; or the duration of the puffs performed during heating based on the control information. Information processing device.

2. The control unit calculates the reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit determines the order of the control information based on at least one of the following: the usage history of the control information, the transmission and reception history of the control information, or an evaluation of the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The storage unit stores a transmission / reception history showing the history of when the control information was transmitted and received. The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information based on the transmission and reception history of the control information stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transmission and reception history of the control information includes at least one of the number of times the control information has been transmitted or received, or the number of users using the device that received the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit calculates a reward to be given to a user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the authority granted to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information regarding the generation of the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, based on the total sales amount of the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The control unit determines the selling price of the control information based on a ranking assigned to the control information from a predetermined perspective, the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, or the user who uses the device that received the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The suction device uses the control information received from a device used by another user, The control unit calculates a reward to be given to the other user who uses the device that is the source of the control information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The storage unit stores the control information, a first identification information for identifying the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, and a second identification information for identifying the control information in association with each other. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. This device stores control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated, which is used in a suction device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol source. Transmitting the stored control information, The suction device receives a usage history, which is information indicating the history of the use of the control information. The received usage history is stored, Based on the stored usage history, the control unit calculates a reward to be given to the user who contributed to the generation of the control information, Includes, The usage history includes at least one of the following: the number of substrates containing the aerosol source that were heated based on the control information; the number of puffs performed during heating based on the control information; the timing of the puffs; or the duration of the puffs performed during heating based on the control information. Information processing methods.

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