Terminal device and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism with which a smoke flavor can be evaluated more easily. [Solution] This terminal device comprises a control unit that controls the process of: setting, on the basis of action history of a user, an evaluation period during which the user can set an evaluation of a smoke flavor for an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a base material; and receiving the setting of the evaluation of the smoke flavor during the evaluation period that has been set.

Description

Terminal device and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device and a control method.

[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, as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the evaluation of smoking taste has been carried out in a strict environment, such as by a limited number of evaluators using dedicated equipment in a laboratory.

[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 a user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's behavioral history, and controls a process to accept the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.

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

[0009] The control unit may set multiple evaluation periods within a period in which one of the substrates is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user's behavioral history may include each of multiple second puff timings, which are timings at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol within a period in which one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol in the past.

[0010] The control unit may set the evaluation period further based on the behavior history of other users.

[0011] The control unit may control a process of notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period.

[0012] The inhalation device may heat the aerosol source based on control information that specifies parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, and the control unit may set the evaluation period based on the control information used by the inhalation device.

[0013] The control unit may set the evaluation period based on the substrate used by the suction device.

[0014] The control unit may terminate the acceptance of the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period when the evaluation of the smoking taste has been set or when the evaluation period has expired.

[0015] The control unit may control a process of notifying the user of the set evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0016] The control unit may set a first puff timing, which is the timing at which the user should inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device, based on the user's behavioral history, and set the evaluation period based on the set first puff timing.

[0017] The user's behavioral history includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol within a period in which one of the substrates was heated in the past to generate an aerosol, and the control unit may set a timing similar to the second puff timing as the first puff timing.

[0018] The user's behavioral history may include information indicating a second puff timing, which is the timing at which the user actually inhaled an aerosol within a period in the past when one of the substrates was heated to generate an aerosol, and the control unit may set a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing.

[0019] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by a computer is provided, which includes setting an evaluation period in which a user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's behavioral history, and controlling a process to accept the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.

[0020] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that allows for easier evaluation of smoking taste.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the system according to the present embodiment.

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail 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 explanations will be omitted.

[0023] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

[0024] 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 described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate.

[0025] The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various types of information processing related to the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by a user of the suction device 100. 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 that charges the suction device 100.

[0026] The terminal device 200 performs processing to assist the user in using the suction device 100. As one example, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the appropriate method of using the suction device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 accepts a user operation for changing the settings of the suction device 100 and changes the settings of the suction device 100. As another example, the terminal device 200 collects an operation log of the suction device 100 and reports it to a server.

[0027] (2) Configuration Example of Suction Device 100 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (3) 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] The storage unit 250 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 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. 4 , 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. 4 , 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. 4, 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.

[0060] (2) Setting of Evaluation of Taste The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff at an appropriate time and accepts an evaluation of the taste of the inhaled aerosol. The terminal device 200 then stores information indicating the accepted evaluation (hereinafter also referred to as evaluation result) and appropriately transmits it to a server that collects the evaluation results. In this specification, the term "timing" refers to the elapsed time from the start of heating one stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile.

[0061] 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 a method for aggregating the evaluation results is to average the evaluation results for the Xth puff performed during a heating session for all puffs. Next, the server updates the heating profile to further improve the evaluation. In this way, the terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an evaluation of the smoking taste, which is expected to improve the quality of the subsequent user experience.

[0062] The terminal device 200 performs various processes for receiving evaluations of the smoking taste, which contributes to improving the quality of the user experience. This will be described in detail below.

[0063] Setting and Notification of First Puff Timing The terminal device 200 (e.g., 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 inhalation device 100. In particular, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavioral history. The terminal device 200 then controls a process for notifying the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. This configuration allows the user to puff at a suitable timing derived from the user's own behavioral history. Furthermore, by having the user puff at the notified first puff timing, it becomes possible to collect evaluation results that are easier to compile on the server compared to when the user puffs at a timing of their choice.

[0064] The terminal device 200 sets multiple first puff timings within the period in which one stick-shaped 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 a puffable period. This allows the user to puff at multiple suitable timings within one heating session.

[0065] 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 same timing as the second puff timing as the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to be the same as the second puff timing or a timing shifted by about a few seconds from the second puff timing. With this configuration, the user can evaluate the smoking taste while puffing at the same timing as usual. In other words, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation without changing their usual behavior. This reduces the burden on the user.

[0066] For example, the user's behavior history may include the intervals between multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For example, if the user puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in multiple past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing to 20 seconds in the next heating session. This configuration allows the user to puff at the same timing as usual.

[0067] As another example, the user's behavior history may include multiple second puff timings in past heating sessions. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the first second puff timings (i.e., the elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions as the first first puff timing in the next heating session. This configuration allows the user to puff at the same timing as usual.

[0068] The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing further based on the behavioral history of other users. That is, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the average value of the second puff timings of multiple users as the first puff timing. This configuration allows a user to puff at the same timing as many other users. Furthermore, it becomes easy to aggregate evaluation results collected from multiple users.

[0069] The terminal device 200 determines whether the set first puff timing has arrived. For example, when the inhalation device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile, the inhalation device 100 may transmit information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 counts the elapsed time from the start of heating, triggered by the reception of the information, and determines whether the first puff timing has arrived. The terminal device 200 then controls a process of notifying the terminal device 200 of the information indicating the set first puff timing.

[0070] As an example, the terminal device 200 may notify the user of information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may output an image on a display indicating that the first puff timing will arrive in a few seconds or that the first puff timing has arrived, or may vibrate at the first puff timing. This configuration allows the user to easily recognize the first puff timing.

[0071] As another example, terminal device 200 may control inhalation device 100 to notify information indicating the set first puff timing. Specifically, terminal device 200 may control inhalation device 100 to light up or vibrate an LED at the first puff timing. For example, terminal device 200 transmits information to inhalation device 100 instructing the user to notify the user each time the first puff timing arrives. In this case, inhalation device 100 light up or vibrates an LED each time it receives such information. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the first puff timing even when, for example, the user uses inhalation device 100 while terminal device 200 is stored in a bag.

[0072] - Setting and Notification of Evaluation Period The terminal device 200 sets an evaluation period during which the user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of the aerosol inhaled at the first puff timing, based on the first puff timing. The terminal device 200 then controls a process for accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a UI (User Interface) 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. Since there is no need to use a dedicated device for evaluating the smoking taste, it becomes possible to more easily evaluate the smoking taste. Furthermore, it becomes possible to widely collect smoking taste evaluations from general users.

[0073] 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 the evaluation period to a predetermined period including the first puff timing or a predetermined period following the first puff timing. With this configuration, the user can set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff immediately after puffing in response to the notification of the first puff timing. This allows the user to set the smoking taste evaluation for each puff before their memory of the evaluation fades. Furthermore, this reduces the burden on the user compared to setting the smoking taste evaluation after the heating session has ended.

[0074] 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 may be considered to set the evaluation period based on the user's behavior history and control a process of notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period.

[0075] The terminal device 200 stops accepting the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period when the evaluation of the smoking taste has been set or when the evaluation period has expired. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the evaluation of the smoking taste that has been set from being changed erroneously or to prevent an incorrect evaluation from being set based on an unintended operation outside the evaluation period.

[0076] (3) UI Screen An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] Fig. 5 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. 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.

[0078] 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 timing to inhale the aerosol, i.e., the first puff timing, arrives. The user can refer to this description and perform a puff at the timing when the terminal device 200 vibrates, thereby setting an evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0079] 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. More specifically, the progress display field 32 is a field for notifying the user of information indicating the first puff timing and information indicating the evaluation period. The upper section of the progress display field 32 displays the progress of the heating session using a number indicating the number of first puff timings of the next arriving first puff timing as the numerator and the total number of set first puff timings as the denominator. The lower section of the progress display field 32 displays the progress of the heating session using the elapsed time from the start of heating as the numerator and the duration of the heating session as the denominator. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the progress display field 32 displays that the next first puff timing is the Xth of the 15 total first puff timings and that the 5-minute heating session has progressed to Y minutes and Z seconds. The user can refer to this display to understand the progress of the heating session and recognize the arrival of the first puff timing and the beginning of the evaluation period.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The terminal device 200 accepts settings for evaluation of smoking taste for multiple evaluation items during one evaluation period. For example, each time a first 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 first puff timing. In the example shown in FIG. 5, buttons 33B, 34A, and 35A are selected as evaluations of the smoking taste at the Xth first 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.

[0085] The terminal device 200 notifies the user of information indicating the set smoking taste evaluation. In the example shown in Fig. 5, 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 smoking taste evaluation that they set themselves.

[0086] An example of a UI screen displayed by the terminal device 200 has been described above.

[0087] (4) Processing Flow Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, this sequence involves the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0088] First, the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S102).

[0089] Next, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (step S104).

[0090] Next, the terminal device 200 sets a first puff timing and an evaluation period based on the user's behavior history (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing to a timing similar to the second puff timing indicated by the user's behavior history. Then, the terminal device 200 sets a period of a predetermined length 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.

[0091] Next, the terminal device 200 determines whether the first puff timing has arrived (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 determines whether the first puff timing has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0092] When the terminal device 200 determines that the first puff timing has arrived, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing to the inhalation device 100 (step S110).

[0093] When the inhalation device 100 receives the information indicating the arrival of the first puff timing, the inhalation device 100 vibrates (step S112).

[0094] On the other hand, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period (step S114).When the user senses the vibration in step S112, the user puffs and sets the evaluation of the smoking taste.

[0095] The processing of steps S108 to S114 is repeatedly executed for a plurality of first puff timings and a plurality of evaluation periods set in the heating session.

[0096] <3. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0097] (1) First Modification In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminal device 200 determines the arrival of the first puff timing. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may determine the arrival of the first puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 collectively transmits information indicating each of the set first puff timings (i.e., the elapsed time since the start of heating) to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 then determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the first puff timings and notifies the user. With this configuration, even when it is difficult to operate under real-time control by the terminal device 200, such as when communication between the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 is disconnected, the inhalation device 100 alone can notify the user of information indicating the first puff timing.

[0098] (2) Second Modification The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100. As an example, the inhalation device 100 transmits identification information indicating the heating profile to be used to the terminal device 200 along with information indicating the start of heating. The terminal device 200 then sets the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history corresponding to the identification information. Specifically, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the user's behavior history acquired when the same heating profile as the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 was used. This configuration makes it possible to set an appropriate first puff timing according to the user's behavior history, which may differ for each heating profile used. Furthermore, 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. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to appropriately set the first puff timing.

[0099] Terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating a first puff timing set based on a heating profile that can be used by inhalation device 100 to inhalation device 100, in association with the heating profile. As an example, terminal device 200 reports information indicating each of a plurality of first puff timings set based on a heating profile that can be used by inhalation device 100 (i.e., the elapsed time from the start of heating) to inhalation device 100, along with identification information of the heating profile. Inhalation device 100 then determines the arrival of the first puff timing based on the information indicating each of the plurality of first puff timings associated with the identification information of the heating profile to be used, and notifies the user. With this configuration, even when there are a plurality of heating profiles that can be used by inhalation device 100, inhalation device 100 alone can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.

[0100] (3) Third Modification The terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on the stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100. As an example, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing based on a user's behavior history acquired when the same type of stick-type substrate 150 as the stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100 was used. The type of stick-type substrate 150 used by the inhalation device 100 may be determined based on identification information, such as a two-dimensional code, attached to the stick-type substrate 150, and reported to the terminal device 200 together with information indicating the start of heating. This configuration makes it 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.

[0101] The terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating a first puff timing set based on a stick-type substrate 150 that can be used by the inhalation device 100, in association with the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating each of a plurality of first puff timings (i.e., the elapsed time from the start of heating) set based on a stick-type substrate 150 that can be used by the inhalation device 100, together with information indicating the type of the stick-type substrate 150, to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation 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 when there are multiple types of stick-type substrates 150 that can be used by the inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 itself can determine the arrival of the first puff timing.

[0102] (4) Fourth Modification Example In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the terminal device 200 sets the first puff timing to a timing similar to the second puff timing. However, the present 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. As an example, if a user puffed at an average interval of 20 seconds in multiple past heating sessions, the terminal device 200 may set the first puff timing to an interval of 30 seconds 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 shifted approximately 10 seconds from the average of the first second puff timings (i.e., the elapsed time from the start of heating) in multiple past heating sessions. This configuration makes it possible to collect evaluations of the smoking taste when puffs are performed at various timings. As a result, the heating profile can be updated more effectively.

[0103] (5) Others In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the user's behavior history included information indicating the second puff timing, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The user's behavior history may include information indicating a set evaluation of the smoking taste in addition to information indicating the second puff timing. For example, the user's behavior history may include a combination of the second puff timing and information indicating an evaluation of the smoking taste set for the aerosol inhaled at the second puff timing. The terminal device 200 may then set the same timing as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set as the first puff timing. This configuration allows the user to puff at the same timing as the second puff timing for which a good evaluation was set in the past.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] As described in the above embodiment, the setting of the first puff timing and the evaluation period, and the reception of the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period are executed by the terminal device 200. Here, the execution of the various processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to a native application installed on the terminal device 200 executing the various processes. Furthermore, the execution of the various processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to a PWA (Progressive Web App) provided for the terminal device 200 executing the various processes. As an example, a server may execute the various processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A terminal device comprising: a control unit that sets an evaluation period in which a user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on the user's behavioral history, and controls a process of accepting the setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period. (2) The terminal device described in (1), in which the control unit sets multiple evaluation periods within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate aerosol, and the user's behavioral history includes intervals between multiple second puff timings, which are timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate aerosol in the past. (3) The terminal device described in (1) or (2), in which the control unit sets multiple evaluation periods within a period in which one substrate is heated to generate aerosol, and the user's behavioral history includes each of multiple second puff timings, which are timings at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one substrate was heated to generate aerosol in the past. (4) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period further based on the behavior history of another user. (5) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period. (6) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information defining parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the control unit sets the evaluation period based on the control information used by the inhalation device. (7) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period based on the base material used by the inhalation device. (8) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the control unit terminates acceptance of a setting of a smoking taste evaluation during the evaluation period when a smoking taste evaluation has been set or when the evaluation period has expired.(9) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit controls a process of notifying a user of the set evaluation of smoking taste. (10) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit sets a first puff timing, which is a timing at which the user should inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device, based on a behavioral history of the user, and sets the evaluation period based on the set first puff timing. (11) The terminal device according to (10), wherein the behavioral history of the user includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is a timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one of the substrates was heated in the past to generate aerosol, and the control unit sets the first puff timing to a timing similar to the second puff timing. (12) The terminal device according to (10), wherein the behavioral history of the user includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is a timing when the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period when one of the substrates was heated to generate the aerosol in the past, and the control unit sets the first puff timing to a timing different from the second puff timing. (13) A control method executed by a computer, comprising: setting an evaluation period in which a user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate based on the behavioral history of the user, and controlling a process of accepting a setting of the smoking taste evaluation during the set evaluation period.

[0110] 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

Claims

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

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

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

4. The control unit sets the evaluation period further based on the behavior history of other users. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

5. the control unit controls a process of notifying the user of information indicating the evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

6. the inhalation device heats the aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated; the control unit sets the evaluation period based on the control information used by the suction device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

7. the control unit sets the evaluation period based on the base material used by the suction device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit terminates the acceptance of the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the evaluation period when the evaluation of the smoking taste has been set or when the evaluation period has expired. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

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

10. the control unit sets a first puff timing, which is a timing at which the user should inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device, based on a behavior history of the user, and sets the evaluation period based on the set first puff timing. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the behavior history of the user includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is a timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one of the substrates was heated in the past to generate the aerosol; The control unit sets the first puff timing to a timing similar to the second puff timing. The terminal device according to claim 10.

12. the behavior history of the user includes information indicating a second puff timing, which is a timing at which the user actually inhaled the aerosol within a period in which one of the substrates was heated in the past to generate the aerosol; The control unit sets a timing different from the second puff timing as the first puff timing. The terminal device according to claim 10.

13. setting an evaluation period during which a user can set an evaluation of the smoking taste of an aerosol generated by an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, based on the user's behavior history, and controlling a process for accepting the setting of the evaluation of the smoking taste during the set evaluation period; A computer-implemented control method comprising: