Terminal device and information processing device

Abstract

[Problem] This terminal device comprises a control unit that controls processing for: setting, on the basis of information on aerosol generation acquired from an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a base material to generate aerosol, an evaluation period during which flavor evaluation on aerosol generated by the inhalation device can be set; and receiving setting of flavor evaluation made by a user during the set evaluation period. [Solution] Provided is a mechanism with which it is possible to more easily perform flavor evaluation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device and an information processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely spread. 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 the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] Regarding suction devices, there is a demand to further improve the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as taste) that a user experiences when puffing. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a configuration of a base material capable of improving taste is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 1 below, it is disclosed to evaluate taste in examples of a plurality of base materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1 above, a dedicated device was used in a laboratory, and the taste was evaluated by a limited number of evaluators.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of more easily performing an evaluation of taste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal device is provided which includes a control unit that controls the process of receiving a user's setting of the taste evaluation for the aerosol generated by an aerosol suction device, based on information regarding aerosol generation obtained from an aerosol suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on information regarding aerosol generation obtained from the device, and based on the set evaluation period.

[0008] The control unit may set the evaluation period within the period during which the suction device generates an aerosol using one of the substrates.

[0009] The control unit may set a plurality of evaluation periods, each of which may correspond to each of a plurality of timings in which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated by the user.

[0010] The suction device heats the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the information relating to the generation of the aerosol may include information for identifying the control information used by the suction device.

[0011] The control unit may also control the process of storing a combination of information for identifying the control information used by the suction device and information indicating the set taste evaluation.

[0012] The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has been started, and the control unit may set the evaluation period based on the elapsed time since the start of heating of the aerosol source.

[0013] The control unit may also control the process of notifying the user of information indicating that it is time to aspirate the aerosol generated by the suction device.

[0014] The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that the aerosol generated by the suction device has been aspirated, and the control unit may set the evaluation period after the timing at which the aerosol generated by the suction device has been aspirated.

[0015] The control unit may also control the process of notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process by which the suction device generates aerosols.

[0016] The control unit may accept settings for the evaluation of the smoking taste for multiple evaluation items during one evaluation period.

[0017] The control unit may also control the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set taste evaluation.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, comprising: a communication unit that receives evaluation result information, including a taste evaluation set by the user, for an aerosol generated by a suction device heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on control information that defines parameters relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; and a control unit that aggregates a plurality of evaluation result information, including a taste evaluation set by the user, for an aerosol generated based on the same control information received by the communication unit.

[0019] The control unit may aggregate multiple evaluation result pieces of information, including taste evaluations set by multiple users.

[0020] The control unit may aggregate a plurality of evaluation result pieces of information, including taste evaluations set by a plurality of users belonging to a predetermined user group or set in a predetermined environment.

[0021] The control unit may aggregate a plurality of evaluation result pieces of information, including user-defined taste evaluations, for aerosols produced using the same type of substrate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism that enables easier implementation of taste evaluation is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the system according to the present 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 the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the UI screen displayed by the terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system according to the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] 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 descriptions are omitted.

[0025] <1. Configuration Example> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Server 300 is an information processing 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] (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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] (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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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 performed 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.

[0058] <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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (2) Setting the evaluation of the smoking taste The terminal device 200 (for example, the control unit 260) sets an evaluation period during which the taste evaluation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generated by the aerosol device 100 can be set, based on information about aerosol generation obtained from the aerosol device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 receives information about the generation of an aerosol source from the aerosol device 100 and sets the evaluation period based on the received information. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of accepting the user's taste evaluation setting during the set evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a UI (User Interface) screen for setting the taste evaluation on a touch panel and accepts touch operations for setting the taste evaluation during the evaluation period. With this configuration, the user can evaluate the taste while using the aerosol device 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a dedicated device to evaluate the taste, and it becomes possible to collect taste evaluations from a wide range of general users. In this way, taste evaluation can be carried out more easily.

[0068] The terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period within the time that the suction device 100 is generating an aerosol using one stick-type substrate 150. That is, the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period within the heating session. In particular, it is desirable for the terminal device 200 to set the evaluation period within the puffable period. With this configuration, the user can set the taste evaluation in real time while puffing during the heating session. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user compared to setting the taste evaluation after the heating session has ended. Of course, the terminal device 200 may also set the evaluation period after the puffable period has ended. In that case, the user can set the taste evaluation without rushing.

[0069] The terminal device 200 sets multiple evaluation periods. In particular, each of the multiple evaluation periods corresponds to each of the multiple timings at which the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 is inhaled by the user. That is, the terminal device 200 sets one evaluation period for each puff. For example, the terminal device 200 sets a predetermined period that includes the timing at which a puff is taken (hereinafter also referred to as the puff timing) as the evaluation period. With this configuration, the user can set the evaluation of the taste for each puff immediately after puffing. Therefore, the user can set the evaluation of the taste for each puff before their memory fades.

[0070] The information regarding aerosol generation that the terminal device 200 obtains from the suction device 100 may include information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has started. For example, when the suction device 100 starts heating the stick-type substrate 150, it transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 sets an evaluation period based on the elapsed time since the start of heating of the aerosol source. For example, the terminal device 200 sets multiple puff timings within the puffable period and determines the arrival of the set puff timings based on the elapsed time since the start of heating of the stick-type substrate 150. The terminal device 200 then sets an evaluation period corresponding to the arrived puff timing. With this configuration, it is possible to set the evaluation period appropriately.

[0071] The information regarding aerosol generation that the terminal device 200 obtains from the suction device 100 may include information for identifying the heating profile used by the suction device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the profile ID). For example, when the suction device 100 starts heating the stick-type substrate 150, it transmits the profile ID of the heating profile used for heating to the terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period based on the profile ID. The duration of the heating session, the duration from the start of heating to the start of the puffing period, and the puffing timing may differ for each heating profile. With this configuration, it is possible to set the evaluation period appropriately.

[0072] The information regarding aerosol generation that the terminal device 200 obtains from the inhalation device 100 may include information indicating that the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 has been inhaled. For example, when the inhalation device 100 detects that the user has inhaled an aerosol (i.e., puffed), it transmits information indicating that a puff has been performed to the terminal device 200. The inhalation device 100 determines that a puff has been performed when the sensor unit 112 obtains a value associated with the user's inhalation. In this case, the terminal device 200 may set an evaluation period after the timing of the puff. With this configuration, the terminal device 200 can set an evaluation period and accept the setting of taste evaluation only when a puff has actually been performed around the puff timing.

[0073] The terminal device 200 may notify the user of information indicating that it is time to inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 may vibrate or emit light at the puff timing. With this configuration, the user can actually puff at the puff timing by referring to the notification from the terminal device 200 and set the evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0074] Here, an example of the UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0075] Figure 6 shows an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the taste evaluation on the evaluation setting screen 30. As shown in Figure 6, the evaluation setting screen 30 includes an evaluation method explanation field 31, a progress display field 32, and evaluation setting fields 33 to 35.

[0076] The evaluation method description section 31 is for informing the user of the evaluation method. The evaluation method description section 31 states that the terminal device 200 will vibrate when it is time to inhale the aerosol. The user can refer to this description and set the evaluation of the taste by taking a puff at the moment the terminal device 200 vibrates.

[0077] The progress display area 32 is a field for notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process by which the suction device 100 generates aerosols. The upper part of the progress display area 32 displays the progress of the heating session, with the number indicating which puff timing the next puff timing will occur as the numerator and the total number of puff timings as the denominator. The lower part of the progress display area 32 displays the progress of the heating session, with the elapsed time since the start of heating as the numerator and the duration of the heating session as the denominator. In the example shown in Figure 6, the progress display area 32 shows that the Xth puff timing out of a total of 15 puff timings will occur next, and that the 5-minute heating session has progressed to Y minutes and Z seconds. The user can understand the progress of the heating session by referring to this display.

[0078] Evaluation settings fields 33-35 are for receiving user ratings of the smoking experience. Evaluation setting field 33 is for receiving ratings regarding the smoking experience. Evaluation setting field 34 is for receiving ratings regarding the amount of smoke. Evaluation setting field 35 is for receiving ratings regarding taste preferences.

[0079] The evaluation setting field 33 for the draw resistance includes buttons 33A to 33C, which are UI elements for setting the draw resistance evaluation. The terminal device 200 accepts the following evaluations: when button 33A is selected, it is set to indicate a strong draw resistance; when button 33B is selected, it is set to indicate a just-right draw resistance; and when button 33C is selected, it is set to indicate a weak draw resistance.

[0080] The smoke quantity evaluation setting field 34 includes buttons 34A to 34C, which are UI elements for setting the evaluation of the smoke quantity. The terminal device 200 accepts the following evaluations: when button 34A is selected, it is set to evaluate the smoke quantity as "too much"; when button 34B is selected, it is set to evaluate the smoke quantity as "just right"; and when button 34C is selected, it is set to evaluate the smoke quantity as "not enough".

[0081] The taste preference rating setting field 35 includes buttons 35A and 35B, which are UI elements for setting a taste preference rating. The terminal device 200 accepts a rating setting of "liked taste" when button 35A is selected, and a rating setting of "disliked taste" when button 35B is selected.

[0082] The terminal device 200 accepts settings for taste evaluations on multiple evaluation items within a single evaluation period. For example, each time a puff timing occurs, the terminal device 200 accepts settings for evaluations regarding draw satisfaction, smoke volume, and taste preference within an evaluation period set according to the arrived puff timing. In the example shown in Figure 6, buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A are selected as the taste evaluations for the Xth puff timing, respectively. That is, the user has set evaluations such as "just the right draw satisfaction," "plenty of smoke," and "a taste I like." With this configuration, the user can set taste evaluations from multiple perspectives.

[0083] The terminal device 200 notifies the user of information indicating the set flavor evaluation. In the example shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 200 displays the buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A selected by the user in a different manner from the other buttons. For example, the terminal device 200 may display the buttons selected by the user in a different color from the other buttons. With this configuration, the user can confirm the flavor evaluation they have set.

[0084] The above describes an example of a UI screen displayed by terminal device 200.

[0085] The terminal device 200 stores information indicating the set taste evaluation (hereinafter also referred to as evaluation result information). The evaluation result information includes the taste evaluation for each puff timing. An example of evaluation result information is shown in Table 1 below.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] The terminal device 200 may notify the user of the evaluation results. For example, the terminal device 200 may display the table shown in Table 1. With this configuration, the user can check all of the flavor evaluations they set during the heating session at once.

[0088] The terminal device 200 stores a combination of identification information for identifying the heating profile used by the suction device 100 and information indicating the evaluation of the set flavor. More simply, the terminal device 200 stores the evaluation result information in association with the profile ID. With this configuration, it becomes possible to accumulate evaluation result information for each heating profile.

[0089] The terminal device 200 transmits the stored evaluation result information to the server 300. In particular, the terminal device 200 transmits the combination of profile ID and evaluation result information to the server 300. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits the evaluation result information to the server 300 at predetermined intervals or at any arbitrary timing, such as when a predetermined number of evaluation result information has been accumulated. With this configuration, the server 300 can aggregate the collected evaluation result information and utilize it to improve the heating profile or substrate.

[0090] (3) Summary of taste evaluations The server 300 (for example, the control unit 330) receives and stores evaluation result information and controls the process of aggregating the stored evaluation result information. For example, the server 300 aggregates the evaluation result information for each puff timing and evaluation item. The server 300 can calculate the average value, weighted average value, or median value of the evaluation for each puff timing and evaluation item as the aggregated result.

[0091] In particular, the server 300 aggregates multiple evaluation result information, including user-defined taste evaluations, for aerosols generated based on the same heating profile. For example, the server 300 aggregates evaluation result information associated with the same profile ID. This configuration makes it possible to understand the trend in taste evaluation for each heating profile. The aggregated results can be used to improve the heating profile.

[0092] Server 300 may aggregate multiple evaluation result information, including taste ratings set by multiple users. For example, Server 300 aggregates evaluation result information collected from multiple users and associated with the same profile ID. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to grasp the trend of taste ratings across multiple users.

[0093] An example of the aggregation method is shown in Table 2 below.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] As shown in Table 2, the server 300 may average the taste evaluations set by multiple users for each puff timing and evaluation item.

[0096] (4) Processing flow Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow executed in System 1 according to this embodiment. This flow involves the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, first, the suction device 100 starts heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 starts heating when it detects that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted or that a predetermined button has been pressed.

[0098] Next, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating, and the profile ID of the heating profile to be used for heating, to the terminal device 200 (step S104).

[0099] When the terminal device 200 receives information indicating the start of heating and a profile ID, it sets the puff timing and evaluation period (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets multiple puff timings based on the profile ID and the elapsed time since the start of heating, and sets multiple evaluation periods corresponding to the multiple puff timings.

[0100] Next, the terminal device 200 vibrates each time a puff timing occurs and accepts the setting for the taste evaluation during the evaluation period (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 vibrates each time a puff timing occurs while displaying the evaluation setting screen shown in Figure 6, and accepts the setting for the taste evaluation.

[0101] Next, the terminal device 200 stores the profile ID and evaluation result information in association (step S110).

[0102] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits the stored profile ID and evaluation result information to the server 300 (step S112).

[0103] When server 300 receives the profile ID and evaluation result information, it stores the received profile ID and evaluation result information in association with each other (step S114).

[0104] Then, server 300 aggregates evaluation result information associated with the same profile ID (step S116).

[0105] <3. 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.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period based on information about aerosol generation obtained from the suction device 100, but the disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period according to the interval between puffs previously performed by the user. With such a configuration, it is possible to set an evaluation period that is suitable for the user's habits, such as whether the puff interval is too short or too long.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 sets the puff timing and sets an evaluation period corresponding to the set puff timing, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 does not have to set the puff timing in advance, and may set the evaluation period immediately after receiving information from the inhalation device 100 indicating that a puff has been performed. With such a configuration, the user can set the taste evaluation while puffing at any time they like. In this case, the server 300 can aggregate evaluation result information in which puff timings are similar.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which discrete evaluations such as strong, just right, or weak were set as the evaluation of the smoking taste, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. For example, the terminal device 200 may accept evaluations as continuous values ​​from 0 to 100. In that case, it becomes easier for the server 300 to aggregate the evaluations of the smoking taste.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example of aggregating evaluation result information collected from multiple users was described, but the evaluation result information to be aggregated may be selected as appropriate.

[0110] For example, the server 300 may aggregate multiple evaluation result information, including taste ratings set by multiple users belonging to a predetermined user group. User groups can be classified based on attributes such as age and gender. For example, the terminal device 200 associates information indicating the user's attributes with the evaluation result information and transmits it to the server 300. The server 300 may then aggregate the evaluation result information associated with the same user's attributes. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to grasp the trend of taste ratings for each user attribute.

[0111] As another example, the server 300 may aggregate multiple evaluation result information, including taste evaluations set in a predetermined environment. Here, "environment" refers to the environment in which the user puffs and sets the taste evaluation. Examples of environment include temperature, weather, humidity, location, and country. For example, the terminal device 200 associates information indicating the environment with evaluation result information and transmits it to the server 300. The server 300 may then aggregate evaluation result information associated with the same environment. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to grasp the trend of taste evaluation for each environment.

[0112] As another example, the server 300 may aggregate multiple evaluation result information, including user-defined taste evaluations, for aerosols generated using the same type of stick-type substrate 150. For example, the inhalation device 100 identifies the type of stick-type substrate 150 to be heated and transmits the identification information of the stick-type substrate 150 (hereinafter also referred to as the stick ID) to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 associates the stick ID with the evaluation result information and transmits it to the server 300. The server 300 then aggregates the evaluation result information associated with the same stick ID. With this configuration, it becomes possible to grasp the trend in taste evaluation for each type of stick-type substrate 150.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] As described in the above embodiment, the setting of the taste evaluation is received by the terminal device 200. Here, the receiving of the taste evaluation setting by the terminal device 200 may refer to receiving the taste evaluation setting via a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the receiving of the taste evaluation setting by the terminal device 200 may refer to receiving the taste evaluation setting via a Progressive Web App (PWA) provided for the terminal device 200. For example, the server 300 may receive the taste evaluation setting via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A control unit controls the process of receiving user-defined taste evaluations during the set evaluation period, based on information regarding aerosol generation obtained from a suction device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, and setting an evaluation period during the set evaluation period, in which the evaluation of the taste of the aerosol generated by the suction device can be set. A terminal device equipped with the following features. (2) The control unit sets the evaluation period within the period during which the suction device generates an aerosol using one of the substrates. The terminal device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit sets a plurality of evaluation periods, Each of the multiple evaluation periods corresponds to each of the multiple timings at which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated by the user. The terminal device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The suction device heats the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information for identifying the control information used by the suction device. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (3). (5) The control unit controls the process of storing a combination of information for identifying the control information used by the suction device and information indicating the set taste evaluation. The terminal device described in (4) above. (6) The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has been started. The control unit sets the evaluation period based on the elapsed time since the start of heating of the aerosol source. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (5). (7) The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating that the time has come to aspirate the aerosol generated by the suction device. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (6). (8) The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that the aerosol generated by the suction device was aspirated. The control unit sets the evaluation period after the timing at which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (7). (9) The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process by which the suction device generates aerosols. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (8). (10) The control unit accepts the setting of taste evaluations for multiple evaluation items during one evaluation period. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (9). (11) The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set taste evaluation. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (10). (12) A communication unit receives evaluation result information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for the aerosol generated by the suction device heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. A control unit that aggregates multiple evaluation result pieces of information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for aerosols generated based on the same control information received by the communication unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (13) The control unit aggregates multiple evaluation result information, including taste evaluations set by multiple users. The information processing device described in (12) above. (14) The control unit aggregates multiple evaluation result pieces of information, including taste evaluations set by multiple users belonging to a predetermined user group or set in a predetermined environment. The information processing device described in (13) above. (15) The control unit aggregates a plurality of evaluation result pieces of information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for aerosols produced using the same type of substrate. An information processing device as described in any one of items (12) to (14) above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 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 control unit controls the process of receiving user-defined taste evaluations during the set evaluation period, based on information regarding aerosol generation obtained from a suction device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, and setting an evaluation period during the set evaluation period, in which the user is required to evaluate the taste of the aerosol generated by the suction device. Equipped with, The control unit sets a plurality of evaluation periods, Each of the multiple evaluation periods corresponds to each of the multiple timings at which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated by the user. Terminal device.

2. The control unit sets the evaluation period within the period during which the suction device generates an aerosol using one of the substrates. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The suction device heats the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information for identifying the control information used by the suction device. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit controls the process of storing a combination of information for identifying the control information used by the suction device and information indicating the set taste evaluation. The terminal device according to claim 3.

5. The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has been started. The control unit sets the evaluation period based on the elapsed time since the start of heating of the aerosol source. The terminal device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating that the time has come to aspirate the aerosol generated by the suction device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. The information relating to the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that the aerosol generated by the suction device was aspirated. The control unit sets the evaluation period after the timing at which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated. The terminal device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the process by which the suction device generates aerosols. The terminal device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit accepts the setting of taste evaluations for multiple evaluation items during one evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set taste evaluation. The terminal device according to claim 1.

11. A communication unit receives evaluation result information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for the aerosol generated by the suction device heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. A control unit that aggregates multiple evaluation result pieces of information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for aerosols generated based on the same control information received by the communication unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned evaluation result information includes the taste evaluation set by the user during multiple evaluation periods in which taste evaluation can be set. Each of the multiple evaluation periods corresponds to each of the multiple timings at which the aerosol generated by the suction device is aspirated by the user. Information processing device.

12. The control unit aggregates multiple evaluation result information, including taste evaluations set by multiple users. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The control unit aggregates multiple evaluation result pieces of information, including taste evaluations set by multiple users belonging to a predetermined user group or set in a predetermined environment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The control unit aggregates a plurality of evaluation result pieces of information, including a user-defined taste evaluation, for aerosols produced using the same type of substrate. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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