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

Terminal device and information processing device

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

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols containing flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puffing action.

[0003] There is a demand for inhalation devices that further improve the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as smoking taste) that a user experiences when puffing. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a base material configuration that can improve the smoking taste. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 below discloses evaluation of the smoking taste in examples of multiple base materials.

[0004] Patent No. 6839181

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

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that makes it easier to evaluate smoking taste.

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

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

[0009] The control unit may set a plurality of evaluation periods, each of which corresponds to a plurality of timings at which the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is inhaled by the user.

[0010] The inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, and the information regarding the generation of the aerosol may include information for identifying the control information to be used by the inhalation device.

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

[0012] The information regarding the generation of the aerosol may include information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has begun, and the control unit may set the evaluation period based on the elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source began.

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

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

[0015] The control unit may control a process of notifying a user of information indicating the progress of a process of generating an aerosol by the suction device.

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

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

[0018] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising: a communication unit that receives evaluation result information including an evaluation of the smoking taste set by a user for an aerosol generated by an inhalation device heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on control information that specifies parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; and a control unit that compiles multiple pieces of evaluation result information received by the communication unit, including evaluations of the smoking taste set by the user for aerosol generated based on the same control information.

[0019] The control unit may compile a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a plurality of users.

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

[0021] The control unit may compile a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a user for aerosols generated using the same type of base material.

[0022] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that allows for easier evaluation of smoking taste.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the present embodiment; FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an example of a heating profile; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed in the system according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to this 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 inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is assumed to be an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 can accommodate a stick-type substrate 150. The inhalation 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 the generation of an aerosol. The stick-type substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated stick-type substrate 150.

[0027] The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is associated with the suction device 100. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or it may be registered in advance in the server 300 that the users of the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are the same. The terminal device 200 may be any device, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging the suction device 100.

[0028] The server 300 is an information processing device that manages information on each device included in the system 1. The server 300 communicates with the terminal device 200 via the network 900. In particular, the server 300 indirectly communicates with the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200. The server 300 may perform various processes based on information collected from the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the server 300 may perform various processes based on user operations performed on the terminal device 200.

[0029] The system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 and a plurality of terminal devices 200 used by a plurality of users. As an example, a user who uses the suction device 100A and the terminal device 200A will also be referred to as user A. A user who uses the suction device 100B and the terminal device 200B will also be referred to as user B.

[0030] (1) Configuration Example of Suction Device Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100 according to this configuration example 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 insulating unit 144.

[0031] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0032] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0033] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0034] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0035] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0036] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0037] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0038] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0039] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[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 heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0041] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0042] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0043] As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 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. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0045] The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0046] (2) Example of the Configuration of the Terminal Device Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 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 a function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The input unit 210 may also include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0048] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to a user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting information input from the control unit 260.

[0049] The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect position information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS signals from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites (for example, GPS signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites) to detect position information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor to detect angular velocity and acceleration.

[0050] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such a communication standard include standards using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0051] The storage unit 250 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0052] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, arithmetic parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 260. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260 include processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0053] The functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 260 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0054] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 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 transmitting 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 types of information for the operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0057] The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the server 300 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. The control unit 330 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the programs to be used, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The server 300 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 330. The transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 310 and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 320 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 330. Other processes executed by the server 300, such as input of 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-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0059] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated 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 this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0060] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0061] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend 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 unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0063] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0064] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0065] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period at the timing when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0066] An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20 represents time. The vertical axis of graph 20 represents temperature. Line 21 indicates the time series progression of the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 5 , a heating session may include, in order, an initial heating period, an intermediate temperature drop period, and a re-heating period. The initial heating period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly increases and is maintained at a high temperature after heating begins. The intermediate temperature drop period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after the initial heating period. The re-heating period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases again after the intermediate temperature drop period. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the target temperature rapidly increases to approximately 300°C during the initial heating period, then decreases to approximately 230°C during the intermediate temperature drop period, and then gradually increases to approximately 260°C during the re-heating period. During the intermediate temperature drop period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted, and heating may be turned off. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the period from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature rise period is the pre-heating period, and the period from the middle of the initial temperature rise period to the end of the re-heating period is the puffable period.

[0067] (2) Setting the Smoking Taste Evaluation The terminal device 200 (e.g., the control unit 260) sets an evaluation period during which the evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 can be set based on information regarding aerosol generation acquired from the inhalation device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 receives information regarding the generation of an aerosol source from the inhalation device 100 and sets the evaluation period based on the received information. The terminal device 200 then controls a process for accepting a user's setting of a smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a user interface (UI) screen for setting the smoking taste evaluation on a touch panel and accepts touch operations for setting the smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period. This configuration allows the user to evaluate the smoking taste while using the inhalation device 100. This eliminates the need for a dedicated device for evaluating the smoking taste and makes it possible to collect smoking taste evaluations from a wide range of general users. In this way, it becomes possible to more easily evaluate the smoking taste.

[0068] The terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period within the period during which the inhalation device 100 is generating aerosol using one stick-shaped 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 evaluation of the smoking taste in real time while puffing during the heating session. This reduces the burden on the user compared to setting the evaluation of the smoking taste 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 this case, the user can set the evaluation of the smoking taste without rushing.

[0069] The terminal device 200 sets multiple evaluation periods. In particular, each of the multiple evaluation periods corresponds to each of 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 the puff is performed (hereinafter also referred to as puff timing) as the evaluation period. With this configuration, the user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste for each puff immediately after the puff. Therefore, the user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste for each puff before the evaluation fades.

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

[0071] The information regarding aerosol generation acquired by the terminal device 200 from the inhalation device 100 may include information for identifying the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a profile ID). For example, when the inhalation device 100 starts heating the stick-shaped 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 length of the heating session, the length of time from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period, and the puff timing may differ for each heating profile. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to appropriately set the evaluation period.

[0072] The information regarding aerosol generation acquired by the terminal device 200 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 the aerosol (i.e., puffed), it transmits information indicating that a puff has been performed to the terminal device 200. Note that the inhalation device 100 determines that a puff has been performed when the sensor unit 112 acquires a value associated with the user's inhalation. In this case, the terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period after the timing of the puff. With this configuration, the terminal device 200 can set the evaluation period and accept the setting of the smoking taste evaluation only when a puff is actually 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 vibrates or emits light at the puff timing. With this configuration, the user can refer to the notification from the terminal device 200 to actually puff at the puff timing and set an evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0074] An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 200 accepts the setting of an evaluation of smoking taste on an evaluation setting screen 30. As shown in Fig. 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 explanation column 31 is a column for informing the user of the evaluation method. The evaluation method explanation column 31 describes that the terminal device 200 will vibrate when the time to inhale the aerosol has arrived. The user can refer to this description and perform a puff at the timing when the terminal device 200 vibrates, and set an evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0077] The progress display field 32 is a field for notifying the user of information indicating the progress of the inhalation device 100's process of generating aerosol. The upper section of the progress display field 32 displays the progress of the heating session, with the numerator being a number indicating the next puff timing and the total number of puff timings being the denominator. The lower section of the progress display field 32 displays the progress of the heating session, with the numerator being the elapsed time from the start of heating and the duration of the heating session being the denominator. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the progress display field 32 displays that the next puff timing of X out of a total of 15 puff timings is coming and that the 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] The evaluation setting fields 33 to 35 are fields for receiving the user's evaluation of the smoking taste. The evaluation setting field 33 is a field for receiving the user's evaluation of the smoking response. The evaluation setting field 34 is a field for receiving the user's evaluation of the smoke volume. The evaluation setting field 35 is a field for receiving the user's evaluation of the taste preference.

[0079] The smoking sensation evaluation setting field 33 includes buttons 33A to 33C, which are UI elements for setting an evaluation of the smoking sensation. When button 33A is selected, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of an evaluation that the smoking sensation is strong, when button 33B is selected, the setting of an evaluation that the smoking sensation is just right, and when button 33C is selected, the setting of an evaluation that the smoking sensation is weak.

[0080] The smoke amount evaluation setting field 34 includes buttons 34A to 34C, which are UI elements for setting an evaluation of the amount of smoke. When button 34A is selected, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of an evaluation that the amount of smoke is large, when button 34B is selected, the setting of an evaluation that the amount of smoke is just right, and when button 34C is selected, the setting of an evaluation that the amount of smoke is small.

[0081] The taste preference evaluation setting field 35 includes buttons 35A and 35B, which are UI elements for setting an evaluation of taste preference. When button 35A is selected, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of an evaluation that the taste is a favorite, and when button 35B is selected, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of an evaluation that the taste is a dislike.

[0082] The terminal device 200 accepts settings for evaluation of smoking taste for multiple evaluation items during one evaluation period. For example, each time a puff timing arrives, the terminal device 200 accepts settings for evaluation of the draw, amount of smoke, and taste preference during the evaluation period set according to the arrived puff timing. In the example shown in FIG. 6, buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A are selected as evaluations of the smoking taste at the Xth puff timing. That is, the user sets evaluations such as the draw is just right, the amount of smoke is large, and the taste is to the user's liking. With this configuration, the user can set evaluations of the smoking taste from multiple perspectives.

[0083] The terminal device 200 notifies the user of information indicating the set evaluation of the smoking taste. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the terminal device 200 displays the buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A selected by the user in a different manner from the other buttons. As an example, the terminal device 200 may display the button selected by the user in a different color from the other buttons. With this configuration, the user can confirm the evaluation of the smoking taste that they set themselves.

[0084] An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 has been described above.

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

[0086]

[0087] The terminal device 200 may notify the user of the evaluation result information. For example, the terminal device 200 may display the table shown in Table 1. With this configuration, the user can check the evaluation of the smoking taste that he or she set during the heating session all at once.

[0088] The terminal device 200 stores a combination of identification information for identifying the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 and information indicating the set smoking taste evaluation. More simply, the terminal device 200 stores the evaluation result information in association with the profile ID. This configuration makes it 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 a combination of a 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 a predetermined cycle or at any timing, such as when a predetermined number of pieces of evaluation result information have been accumulated. With this configuration, the server 300 can compile the collected evaluation result information and use it to improve the heating profile or the substrate.

[0090] (3) Tabulation of Smoking Taste Evaluations The server 300 (e.g., the control unit 330) receives and stores the evaluation result information and controls the process of tabulating the stored evaluation result information. For example, the server 300 tabulates the evaluation result information for each puff timing and evaluation item. The server 300 may calculate the average, weighted average, or median of the evaluations for each puff timing and evaluation item as the tabulation result.

[0091] In particular, the server 300 aggregates multiple evaluation result information, including user-specified evaluations of the smoking taste of 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 grasp the trends in the evaluation of the smoking taste for each heating profile. The aggregated results can be used to improve the heating profile.

[0092] The server 300 may aggregate multiple pieces of evaluation result information, including smoking taste evaluations set by multiple users. For example, the server 300 aggregates evaluation result information associated with the same profile ID collected from multiple users. This configuration makes it possible to grasp the trends in smoking taste evaluations across multiple users.

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

[0094]

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

[0096] 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a process executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 are involved in this flow.

[0097] 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 the information indicating the start of heating and the profile ID, it sets a puff timing and an evaluation period (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets multiple puff timings based on the profile ID and the elapsed time from the start of heating, and sets multiple evaluation periods corresponding to the multiple puff timings.

[0100] Next, the terminal device 200 vibrates every time a puff timing arrives and accepts the setting of an evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 vibrates every time a puff timing arrives while displaying the evaluation setting screen shown in FIG. 6 and accepts the setting of an evaluation of the smoking taste.

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

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

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

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

[0105] 3. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period based on information about aerosol generation acquired from the inhalation device 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period based on the interval between puffs taken by the user in the past. This configuration makes it possible to set an evaluation period that is suitable for the user's habits, such as a short or long puff interval.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminal device 200 sets the puff timing and sets the evaluation period corresponding to the set puff timing, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 may not set the puff timing in advance, and may set the evaluation period immediately after receiving information indicating that a puff has been performed from the inhalation device 100. With this configuration, the user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste while puffing at a timing of their choice. In this case, the server 300 may compile evaluation result information for which puffing timing is similar.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which discrete evaluations such as "strong," "just right," or "weak" are set as evaluations of the smoking taste, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 may accept evaluations as continuous values ​​ranging from 0 to 100. In this case, it becomes possible for the server 300 to more easily tally up the evaluations of the smoking taste.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which evaluation result information collected from a plurality of users is compiled, but the evaluation result information to be compiled may be selected as appropriate.

[0110] As an example, the server 300 may compile multiple pieces of evaluation result information, including evaluations of smoking taste set by multiple users belonging to a predetermined user group. The user group may be classified based on attributes such as age and gender. For example, the terminal device 200 may associate information indicating the user's attributes with the evaluation result information and transmit the associated information to the server 300. The server 300 may then compile the evaluation result information associated with the attributes of the same user. This configuration makes it possible to grasp the trends in evaluations of smoking taste for each user's attribute.

[0111] As another example, the server 300 may compile multiple pieces of evaluation result information, including evaluations of smoking taste set in a predetermined environment. The environment here refers to the environment in which the user puffed and set the evaluation of the smoking taste. Examples of the 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 the information to the server 300. The server 300 may then compile the evaluation result information associated with the same environment. This configuration makes it possible to grasp the trend in evaluations of smoking taste for each environment.

[0112] As another example, the server 300 may compile multiple pieces of evaluation result information, including evaluations of smoking taste set by users for aerosols generated using the same type of stick-shaped substrate 150. For example, the inhalation device 100 identifies the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 to be heated and transmits identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a stick ID) of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 associates the stick ID with the evaluation result information and transmits them to the server 300. The server 300 then compiles the evaluation result information associated with the same stick ID. This configuration makes it possible to grasp the trends in evaluations of smoking taste for each type of stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which is specified in the heating profile, is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated include the temperature itself of the heating unit 121 described in the above embodiment, as well as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which are specified in the heating profile, include target values ​​such as the temperature of the susceptor or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0114] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization aerosol generator that generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing an aerosol source in the form of a liquid. The technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid atomization aerosol generator.

[0115] As described in the above embodiment, the setting of the smoking taste evaluation is accepted by the terminal device 200. Here, the terminal device 200 accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation may refer to accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation via a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation may refer to accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation via a PWA (Progressive Web Apps) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, the server 300 may accept the setting of the smoking taste evaluation 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 software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0117] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0118] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A terminal device comprising: a control unit that sets an evaluation period during which a taste evaluation of the aerosol generated by an inhalation device can be set based on information related to aerosol generation obtained from the inhalation device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, and controls a process of accepting a user's setting of a taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. (2) The terminal device described in (1), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period within a period during which the inhalation device generates aerosol using one of the substrates. (3) The terminal device described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit sets a plurality of evaluation periods, each of which corresponds to a plurality of timings at which the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is inhaled by the user. (4) The terminal device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the information related to aerosol generation includes information for identifying the control information used by the inhalation device. (5) The terminal device according to (4), wherein the control unit controls a process of storing a combination of information for identifying the control information used by the inhalation device and information indicating a set evaluation of the smoking taste. (6) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the information regarding the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has started, and the control unit sets the evaluation period based on the elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source started. (7) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying a user of information indicating that it is time to inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device. (8) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the information regarding the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that the aerosol generated by the inhalation device has been inhaled, and the control unit sets the evaluation period after the aerosol generated by the inhalation device has been inhaled.(9) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying a user of information indicating progress of a process of generating an aerosol by the inhalation device. (10) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit accepts settings of evaluations of smoking taste for a plurality of evaluation items during one evaluation period. (11) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying a user of information indicating the set evaluation of smoking taste. (12) An information processing device comprising: a communication unit that receives evaluation result information including an evaluation of smoking taste set by a user for an aerosol generated by the inhalation device heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; and a control unit that compiles the plurality of evaluation result information received by the communication unit, including evaluations of smoking taste set by users for aerosols generated based on the same control information. (13) The information processing device according to (12), wherein the control unit compiles a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a plurality of users. (14) The information processing device according to (13), wherein the control unit compiles a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a plurality of users belonging to a predetermined user group or set in a predetermined environment. (15) The information processing device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the control unit compiles a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by users for aerosols generated using the same type of base material.

[0119] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit 200 Terminal device 210 Input unit 220 Output unit 230 Detection unit 240 Communication unit 250 Memory unit 260 Control unit 300 Server 310 Communication unit 320 Memory unit 330 Control unit 900 Network

Claims

1. a control unit that sets an evaluation period during which the user can set an evaluation of the taste of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device based on information about the generation of the aerosol obtained from the inhalation device that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, and controls a process of accepting a user's setting of the evaluation of the taste during the set evaluation period; A terminal device comprising:

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

3. the control unit sets a plurality of the evaluation periods, each of the plurality of evaluation periods corresponds to a plurality of timings at which the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is inhaled by the user; The terminal device according to claim 1 .

4. the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information defining parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated; The information regarding the generation of the aerosol includes information for identifying the control information to be used by the inhalation device. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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

6. the information regarding the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that heating of the aerosol source has begun; the control unit sets the evaluation period based on an elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source was started. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit controls a process of notifying a user of information indicating that it is time to inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

8. the information regarding the generation of the aerosol includes information indicating that the aerosol generated by the inhalation device has been inhaled; the control unit sets the evaluation period after the aerosol generated by the inhalation device is inhaled. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit controls a process of notifying a user of information indicating the progress of a process of generating an aerosol by the inhalation device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit accepts settings for evaluation of smoking taste for a plurality of evaluation items during one evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

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

12. a communication unit that receives evaluation result information including a user-specified evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; and a control unit that aggregates a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information received by the communication unit, the evaluation pieces including evaluations of the smoking taste set by a user for the aerosol generated based on the same control information; An information processing device comprising:

13. the control unit aggregates a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a plurality of users. The information processing device according to claim 12.

14. the control unit aggregates a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a plurality of users belonging to a predetermined user group or set in a predetermined environment; The information processing device according to claim 13.

15. the control unit aggregates a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information including evaluations of smoking taste set by a user for aerosols generated using the same type of base material; The information processing device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.