Terminal device and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] A terminal device including a control unit that sets, on the basis of a behavior history of a user, a first puff timing, which is a timing at which the user should inhale aerosol generated by an inhalation device that heats an aerosol source contained in a base material to generate aerosol, and that controls processing for notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device and a control 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 by which a user inhales 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, evaluating taste in examples of a plurality of base materials is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, factors that can affect taste are not limited to the configuration of the base material.

[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 further improving the quality of the user experience. [[ID=…]]

Means for Solving the Problems

[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 setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale an aerosol generated by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's behavior history, and notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing.

[0008] The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within a period in which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavior history may include intervals between a plurality of second puff timings, which are the timings in which the user actually inhaled an aerosol within a period in the past in which one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol.

[0009] The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within a period in which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's activity history may include each of a plurality of second puff timings, which are the timings in which the user actually inhaled an aerosol within a period in the past in which one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol.

[0010] The control unit may set the first puff timing based further on the activity history of other users.

[0011] The control unit may control the suction device to notify information indicating the first puff timing.

[0012] The suction device may heat the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the control unit may set the first puff timing based on the control information used by the suction device.

[0013] The control unit may transmit to the suction device information indicating the first puff timing, which is set based on the control information that the suction device can use, in association with the control information.

[0014] The control unit may set the puff timing based on the substrate used by the suction device.

[0015] The control unit may set an evaluation period based on the puff timing for evaluating the taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, and control the process of accepting the setting of the taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.

[0016] The control unit may terminate the acceptance of the setting of the taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the taste evaluation has been set or when the evaluation period has expired.

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

[0018] The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit may set the first puff timing to be the same timing as the second puff timing.

[0019] The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.

[0020] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale the aerosol generated by a suction device that heats an aerosol source contained in a base material to generate the aerosol, is set based on the user's behavior history, and a process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing is controlled. A control method executed by a computer is provided, which includes this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow executed by the system according to the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0024] <1. Configuration Example> (1) Configuration Example of the System Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of system 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

[0025] 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 is assumed to be an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device 100 may be a gas. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-type substrate 150. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate.

[0026] The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various information processing related to the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by the user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, tablet device, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging the suction device 100.

[0027] The terminal device 200 performs processing to support the user's use of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the proper way to use the suction device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 accepts user input to change the settings of the suction device 100 and changes the settings of the suction device 100. As yet another example, the terminal device 200 collects the operation log of the suction device 100 and reports it to the server.

[0028] (2) Example of the configuration of the suction device 100 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] (3) 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] <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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] An example of a heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 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 4, 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 4, 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 4, 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.

[0061] (2) Setting the evaluation of the smoking taste The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff at the appropriate time and accepts an evaluation of the taste of the inhaled aerosol. The terminal device 200 then stores information indicating the received evaluation (hereinafter also referred to as the evaluation result) and transmits it as appropriate to the server that collects the evaluation results. In this specification, timing refers to the elapsed time since the start of heating of one stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile.

[0062] The server collects and stores evaluation results from multiple terminal devices 200 operated by multiple users, and utilizes them for various purposes. For example, the server first aggregates the evaluation results. One example of how to aggregate the evaluation results is to average the evaluations of the Xth puff performed during the heating session across multiple evaluation results for all puffs. Next, the server updates the heating profile to further improve the evaluation. In this way, by prompting users to take puffs and accepting evaluations of the taste, an improvement in the quality of the subsequent user experience is expected.

[0063] The terminal device 200 performs various processes to receive evaluations of the smoking experience, which contribute to improving the quality of the user experience. This will be explained in detail below.

[0064] - Setting and notification of the first puff timing The terminal device 200 (for example, the control unit 260) sets the first puff timing. The first puff timing is the timing at which the user should inhale the aerosol generated by the suction device 100. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. With this configuration, the user can perform a puff at a suitable timing derived from their own behavior history. Furthermore, by performing a puff at the notified first puff timing, it becomes possible to collect evaluation results that are easier to aggregate on the server compared to when the user performs a puff at any time they like.

[0065] The terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings within the period during which a stick-type substrate 150 is heated to generate an aerosol, i.e., within a heating session. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings within the puffable period. This allows the user to perform puffing at multiple suitable timings within a single heating session.

[0066] The user's behavior history includes information indicating the second puff timing. The second puff timing is the timing at which the user actually puffed during a past heating session. The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to be the same timing as the second puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to be the same as the second puff timing or shifted by a few seconds. With this configuration, the user can evaluate the taste while puffing at the same timing as usual. In other words, the user can set the taste evaluation without changing their usual behavior. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0067] For example, the user's behavior history may include the intervals between multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For instance, if a user has puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in several past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 will set the first puff timing at a 20-second interval in the next heating session. With this configuration, the user can puff at the same timing as usual.

[0068] As another example, the user's behavior history may include each of the multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average of the first second puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first puff timing in the next heating session. With such a configuration, the user can puff at the same timing as usual.

[0069] The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the behavioral history of other users. That is, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the behavioral history of multiple users. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average of the second puff timings of multiple users as the first puff timing. With such a configuration, users can puff at the same time as many other users. Furthermore, it becomes easier to aggregate the evaluation results collected from multiple users.

[0070] The terminal device 200 determines when the set first puff timing has arrived. For example, when the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile, it may send information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200. In that case, the terminal device 200 counts the elapsed time since the start of heating, triggered by the receipt of such information, and determines when the first puff timing has arrived. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of notifying information indicating the set first puff timing.

[0071] For example, the terminal device 200 may notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may output an image to the display showing information indicating that the first puff timing will arrive in a few seconds or has arrived, or it may vibrate at the first puff timing. With such a configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing.

[0072] As another example, the terminal device 200 may control the suction device 100 to notify it of information indicating a set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may control the suction device 100 to illuminate or vibrate an LED at the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 sends information to the suction device 100 instructing it to notify the user each time the first puff timing arrives. In this case, the suction device 100 illuminates or vibrates an LED each time it receives such information. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing even in situations such as using the suction device 100 while the terminal device 200 is in a bag.

[0073] - Setting and notification of the evaluation period The terminal device 200 sets an evaluation period based on the first puff timing, during which the user can set the taste evaluation of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then controls the process of accepting taste evaluation settings 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 inhalation device 100. Since it is not necessary to use a dedicated device to evaluate the taste, it becomes possible to perform taste evaluation more easily. In addition, it becomes possible to collect taste evaluations from a wide range of general users.

[0074] The terminal device 200 sets multiple evaluation periods within a heating session. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets one evaluation period for each first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 sets a predetermined period encompassing the first puff timing, or a predetermined period following the first puff timing, as the evaluation period. With this configuration, the user can set the evaluation of the taste for each puff immediately after puffing in response to the notification of the first puff timing. Therefore, the user can set the evaluation of the taste for each puff before their memory fades. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user compared to setting the evaluation of the taste after the heating session has ended.

[0075] Here, the relationship between the first puff timing and the evaluation period may be fixed. For example, the start of the evaluation period may be the first puff timing, and the end of the evaluation period may be 10 seconds after the first puff timing. In this case, setting the first puff timing can be considered synonymous with setting the evaluation period. Furthermore, notifying the first puff timing can be considered synonymous with notifying the evaluation period. In other words, the terminal device 200 can be understood as controlling the process of setting the evaluation period based on the user's behavior history and notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period.

[0076] The terminal device 200 terminates accepting settings for the taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the taste evaluation, once set, from being accidentally changed, or when an incorrect evaluation is set based on unintended operations outside the evaluation period.

[0077] (3)UI screen An example of the UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0078] Figure 5 shows an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 200 accepts settings for the taste evaluation on the evaluation setting screen 30. As shown in Figure 5, the evaluation setting screen 30 includes an evaluation method explanation field 31, a progress display field 32, and evaluation setting fields 33 to 35.

[0079] 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 the timing for inhaling the aerosol arrives, i.e., the first puff timing. The user can refer to this description and set the evaluation of the taste by puffing at the time the terminal device 200 vibrates.

[0080] 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. More specifically, the progress display area 32 is a field for notifying the user of information indicating the first puff timing and information indicating the evaluation period. The upper part of the progress display area 32 displays the progress of the heating session, with the number indicating which first puff timing the next first puff timing is in the numerator and the total number of set first 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 in the numerator and the duration of the heating session as the denominator. In the example shown in Figure 5, the progress display area 32 shows that the Xth first puff timing out of a total of 15 first puff timings is coming next, and that the 5-minute heating session has progressed to Y minutes and Z seconds. The user can use this display to understand the progress of the heating session and recognize the arrival of the first puff timing and the evaluation period.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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".

[0084] 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.

[0085] The terminal device 200 accepts settings for taste evaluations on multiple evaluation items within a single evaluation period. For example, each time a first 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 arrival of the first puff timing. In the example shown in Figure 5, buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A are selected as the taste evaluations for the Xth first 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.

[0086] The terminal device 200 notifies the user of information indicating the set flavor evaluation. In the example shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 200 displays 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 than the other buttons. With this configuration, the user can confirm the flavor evaluation they have set.

[0087] The above describes an example of a UI screen displayed by terminal device 200.

[0088] (4) Processing flow Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow performed by System 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are involved in this sequence.

[0089] First, the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S102).

[0090] Next, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (step S104).

[0091] Next, the terminal device 200 sets a first puff timing and an evaluation period based on the user's activity history (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing to be the same timing as the second puff timing indicated by the user's activity history. The terminal device 200 then sets a predetermined time period starting from the first puff timing as the evaluation period. Here, the terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings and multiple evaluation periods during the heating session.

[0092] Next, the terminal device 200 determines when the first puff timing has arrived (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 determines when the first puff timing has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0093] If the terminal device 200 determines that the first puff timing has arrived, it transmits information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing to the suction device 100 (step S110).

[0094] When the suction device 100 receives information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing, it vibrates (step S112).

[0095] On the other hand, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the taste evaluation during the evaluation period (step S114). When the user senses the vibration in step S112, they take a puff and set the taste evaluation.

[0096] The processes related to steps S108 to S114 are repeatedly executed for multiple first puff timings and multiple evaluation periods set in the heating session.

[0097] <3. Supplement> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these will naturally also be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] (1) First variation In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may determine the arrival of the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 sends a summary of information indicating each of the set first puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) to the suction device 100. The suction device 100 then determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the set first puff timings and notifies the user. With this configuration, even if it is difficult to operate under real-time control by the terminal device 200, such as when communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 is disconnected, the suction device 100 alone can notify the user of information indicating the first puff timing.

[0099] (2) Second variation The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the heating profile used by the suction device 100. For example, the suction device 100 transmits identification information indicating the heating profile to be used, along with information indicating the start of heating, to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 then sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history corresponding to this identification information. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history obtained when the same heating profile used by the suction device 100 was used. With this configuration, it is possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each heating profile used. In addition, the duration of the heating session and the duration from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period may differ for each heating profile. With this configuration, it is possible to set the first puff timing appropriately.

[0100] The terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the first puff timing set based on the heating profile that the suction device 100 can use, in association with the said heating profile. For example, the terminal device 200 reports to the suction device 100 information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) set based on the heating profile that the suction device 100 can use, along with the identification information of the said heating profile. The suction device 100 then determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the multiple first puff timings associated with the identification information of the heating profile being used, and notifies the user. With this configuration, even if there are multiple heating profiles that the suction device 100 can use, the suction device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.

[0101] (3) Third variation The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the stick-type substrate 150 used by the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history acquired when the same type of stick-type substrate 150 used by the suction device 100 was used. The type of stick-type substrate 150 used by the suction device 100 is determined based on identification information such as a two-dimensional code attached to the stick-type substrate 150 and can be reported to the terminal device 200 along with information indicating the start of heating. With this configuration, it becomes possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each stick-type substrate 150 used.

[0102] The terminal device 200 may transmit to the suction device 100 information indicating a first puff timing set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the suction device 100 can use, in association with the stick-type substrate 150. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits to the suction device 100 information indicating each of a plurality of first puff timings (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) set based on the stick-type substrate 150 that the suction device 100 can use, along with information indicating the type of stick-type substrate 150. The suction device 100 then identifies the type of stick-type substrate 150 at the start of heating, determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the plurality of first puff timings associated with the identified type of stick-type substrate 150, and notifies the user. With this configuration, even if there are multiple types of stick-type substrates 150 that the suction device 100 can use, the suction device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.

[0103] (4) Fourth variation In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing to the same timing as the second puff timing, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to a timing different from the second puff timing. That is, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to a timing shifted from the second puff timing. For example, if the user has puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in several past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to a 30-second interval in the next heating session. As another example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing in the next heating session to a time that is shifted by about 10 seconds from the average value of the first second puff timing (i.e., elapsed time from the start of heating) in several past heating sessions. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to collect evaluations of the smoking taste when puffing is performed at various timings. As a result, it becomes possible to update the heating profile more effectively.

[0104] (5) Others In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the user's behavior history includes information indicating a second puff timing, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In addition to information indicating a second puff timing, the user's behavior history may also include information indicating a set taste evaluation. For example, the user's behavior history may include a combination of a second puff timing and information indicating a set taste evaluation for the aerosol inhaled at that second puff timing. The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to be the same timing as a second puff timing in which a good evaluation was set in the past. With such a configuration, the user can puff at the same timing as a second puff timing in which a good evaluation was set in the past.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] As described in the above embodiment, the setting of the first puff timing and evaluation period, as well as the setting of the taste evaluation during the evaluation period, are performed by the terminal device 200. Here, the execution of the above various processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above various processes by a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the execution of the above various processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to the execution of the above various processes by a PWA (Progressive Web App) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, the server may execute the above various processes via the PWA provided for the terminal device 200.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A control unit controls the process of setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale the aerosol generated by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's activity history, and notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. A terminal device equipped with the following features. (2) The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within the period during which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, The user's behavioral history includes intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the times when the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The terminal device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within the period during which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, The user's activity history includes each of a plurality of second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The terminal device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The control unit sets the first puff timing based on the behavior history of other users. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (3). (5) The control unit controls the suction device to notify information indicating the first puff timing. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (4). (6) 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 control unit sets the first puff timing based on the control information used by the suction device. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (5). (7) The control unit transmits to the suction device information indicating the first puff timing, which is set based on the control information that the suction device can use, in association with the control information. The terminal device described in (6) above. (8) The control unit sets the puff timing based on the substrate used by the suction device. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (7). (9) The control unit controls the process of receiving the user's setting of an evaluation period based on the puff timing for evaluating the taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, and for receiving the setting of the taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. Terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (8) (10) The control unit terminates accepting the setting of the taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires. The terminal device described in (9) above. (11) The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of the set taste evaluation. The terminal device described in (9) or (10) above. (12) The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit sets the first puff timing to be the same timing as the second puff timing. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (11). (13) The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit sets a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. A terminal device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (11). (14) The process of setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale the aerosol generated by a suction device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate an aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing, is controlled. A control method performed by a computer, including [the specified method]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 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

Claims

1. A control unit controls the process of setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale the aerosol generated by a suction device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's activity history, and notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. Equipped with, The control unit sets the first puff timing based on the behavior history of other users. Terminal device.

2. The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within the period during which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, The user's behavioral history includes intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol during the period in which one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol in the past. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit sets a plurality of first puff timings within the period during which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, The user's behavioral history includes each of a plurality of second puff timings, which are the timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol during the period in which one of the substrates was heated in the past to generate an aerosol. The terminal device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit controls the suction device to notify information indicating the first puff timing. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. 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 control unit sets the first puff timing based on the control information used by the suction device. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit transmits information indicating the first puff timing, set based on the control information that the suction device can use, to the suction device in association with the control information. The terminal device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit sets the first puff timing based on the substrate used by the suction device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit controls the process of receiving the user's setting of an evaluation period for the taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, based on the first puff timing, and for receiving the setting of the taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit terminates accepting the setting of the taste evaluation during the evaluation period when the taste evaluation is set or when the evaluation period expires. The terminal device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit controls the process of notifying the user of the set taste evaluation. The terminal device according to claim 8.

11. The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit sets the first puff timing to be the same timing as the second puff timing. The terminal device according to claim 1.

12. The user's activity history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol during a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol. The control unit sets a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. The terminal device according to claim 1.

13. The process of setting a first puff timing, which is the timing at which a user should inhale the aerosol generated by a suction device that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate to generate an aerosol, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling the process of notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing, Includes, Setting the first puff timing includes setting the first puff timing based on the behavioral history of other users. A control method performed by a computer.

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