Terminal device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism for making it possible to more easily adjust the temperature for heating an aerosol source. [Solution] A terminal device comprising a control unit (116) for controlling customization processing that includes: setting a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings by dividing the period in which an inhalation device (100) generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source on the basis of control information prescribing parameters that relate to the temperature for heating the aerosol source; receiving the setting of an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods; and setting the control information, which is modified on the basis of the evaluations that have been set, in the inhalation device.

Description

Terminal device, information processing method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, an information processing method, and a program.

[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] Each user has different preferences for the flavor they experience when puffing. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which directly affects the flavor, be customizable by the user. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that allows the user to customize the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

[0004] International Publication No. 2019 / 104227

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[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 possible to more easily adjust the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated.

[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 controls a customization process, which includes dividing a period during which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, to set multiple evaluation periods including multiple puff timings, accepting settings of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of the multiple evaluation periods, and setting the control information that has been changed based on the set evaluation in the inhalation device.

[0008] The control unit may set the control information in the inhalation device in which the parameters corresponding to the evaluation period have been changed based on an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user during the evaluation period.

[0009] The control unit may set multiple evaluation periods for each of multiple evaluation items, and may accept evaluation settings for each evaluation item for the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the multiple evaluation periods set for each of the multiple evaluation items.

[0010] The control unit may set the evaluation period to include one of the puff timings.

[0011] The control unit may set the evaluation period based on the elapsed time from the start of heating or the number of puff timings.

[0012] The control unit may set the evaluation period based on a user instruction.

[0013] The control unit may set the evaluation period in the next customization process to be different from the evaluation period set in the previous customization process.

[0014] The control unit may set the evaluation period in the next customization process based on the evaluation set in the previous customization process.

[0015] The control unit may combine a plurality of consecutive evaluation periods in which good evaluations have been set into one evaluation period.

[0016] The control unit may divide one evaluation period in which a bad evaluation is set into a plurality of evaluation periods.

[0017] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes controlling a customization process including dividing a period during which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and setting multiple evaluation periods including multiple puff timings, accepting settings of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of the multiple evaluation periods, and setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation in the inhalation device.

[0018] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer to function as a control unit that controls a customization process, including dividing a period during which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and setting multiple evaluation periods including multiple puff timings, accepting settings of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of the multiple evaluation periods, and setting the control information that has been changed based on the set evaluation in the inhalation device.

[0019] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that allows for easier adjustment of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

[0020] 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 according to the present embodiment. 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 an evaluation setting screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation setting screen. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of customization processing executed by the system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation setting screen.

[0021] 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.

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

[0023] 1 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.

[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 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 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The server 300 is a control device that manages information about 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] (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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

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

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

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

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

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

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] (2) Customization Process The system 1 repeatedly executes the customization process. The customization process is a process for customizing (i.e., changing) the heating profile. In the customization process, the system 1 changes the heating profile to improve user evaluation. Therefore, by repeating the customization process, the system 1 can gradually generate a heating profile that can provide an optimal user experience. The customization process is executed or controlled by each of the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, or the server 300.

[0066] The customization process includes at least the following: generating an aerosol by inhalation device 100 using a heating profile; setting an evaluation period; accepting an evaluation setting by a user; changing the heating profile based on the set evaluation; and setting the changed heating profile in inhalation device 100. The customization process may be repeatedly executed until a heating profile as intended by the user is generated. Each process included in the customization process will be described in detail below.

[0067] - Generation of aerosol based on a heating profile The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on a heating profile. The user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 to check the comfort of inhalation. The user may take multiple puffs during the heating session.

[0068] The timing of puffing (hereinafter referred to as puff timing) may be set in advance. In this case, the user puffs at the preset puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 acquires information indicating the progress of heating from the inhalation device 100 and prompts the user to puff at a predetermined timing during the heating session. The information indicating the progress of heating may include the elapsed time since the start of heating, the temperature of the heating unit 121, etc. The terminal device 200 may acquire, together with or prior to the information indicating the progress of heating, identification information of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 from the inhalation device 100. This makes it possible to appropriately determine the arrival of the puff timing even if the puff timing differs for each heating profile. Of course, the puff timing does not have to be set in advance. In this case, the user puffs at a timing of their choice. The inhalation device 100 may transmit information for identifying the actual puff timing to the terminal device 200. The information for identifying the puff timing may be information indicating the number of puffs performed during the heating session, or information identifying the puff timing based on the elapsed time since the start of heating. Information for specifying the puff timing may be transmitted together with information indicating the progress of heating.

[0069] Setting of Evaluation Periods The terminal device 200 divides the heating session and sets multiple evaluation periods. An evaluation period is a period that is subject to evaluation by the user. For example, the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period based on identification information of the heating profile used by the suction device 100 and information indicating the progress of heating.

[0070] The evaluation period may include multiple puff timings. That is, the user may set evaluations for multiple puffs at once. The puff timings here may be preset puff timings or actual puff timings. This configuration allows for rough customization of the heating profile. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to when an evaluation is set for each puff.

[0071] Of course, the evaluation period may include one puff timing, i.e., the user may set an evaluation for each puff. This configuration allows for detailed customization of the heating profile.

[0072] The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period based on the time elapsed since the start of heating. For example, the terminal device 200 may divide the puffable period into 30-second intervals and set multiple 30-second evaluation periods.

[0073] The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period based on the number of puff timings. For example, the terminal device 200 may divide the puffable period for each puff timing and set an evaluation period for each puff timing. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the evaluation period even if the user's puff intervals are not uniform.

[0074] The terminal device 200 may receive evaluation settings for a plurality of evaluation items. With this configuration, the heating profile can be changed based on evaluations from various perspectives.

[0075] The terminal device 200 may set multiple evaluation periods for each of multiple evaluation items. The terminal device 200 may then accept settings for evaluations for each evaluation item for the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the multiple evaluation periods set for each of the multiple evaluation items. For example, the terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period for evaluation items A to C every 30 seconds, and for evaluation items D to F every puff. This configuration allows the evaluation period for each evaluation item to be flexibly set, thereby improving the ease of customization.

[0076] - Acceptance of Evaluation Settings The terminal device 200 accepts evaluation settings for the aerosols inhaled by the user during each of a plurality of evaluation periods. In particular, the terminal device 200 accepts evaluation settings for the evaluation items for the aerosols inhaled by the user during the evaluation periods set for each evaluation item. The evaluations set by the user are used to change the heating profile. In other words, accepting the evaluation settings may be considered as accepting the setting of an instruction to change the heating profile (a change value, described below).

[0077] The terminal device 200 may, for example, display a UI (User Interface) screen (hereinafter also referred to as an evaluation setting screen) for accepting rating settings on a touch panel and accept touch operations for setting ratings during the evaluation period. The evaluation setting screen may be displayed in real time according to the progress of heating. In this case, the user can set the rating in real time while puffing. Of course, the evaluation setting screen may also be displayed after the heating session is completed. In this case, the user can calmly set the rating.

[0078] An example of the evaluation setting screen will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating examples of evaluation setting screens. The screens transition in this order: evaluation setting screen 30A shown in Fig. 6, then evaluation setting screen 30B shown in Fig. 7, and then evaluation setting screen 30C shown in Fig. 8. The heating session includes 15 puff timings, and evaluation settings are accepted in real time in parallel with the progress of heating.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the evaluation setting screen 30 (30A to 30C) includes an evaluation setting field 31 and an evaluation setting field 32. The evaluation setting field 31 accepts the setting of evaluations for evaluation items A to C, for which an evaluation period including multiple puff timings is set. The evaluation setting field 32 accepts the setting of evaluations for evaluation items D to F, for which an evaluation period including one puff timing is set, i.e., an evaluation period is set for each puff. The evaluation for evaluation item A can be set by selecting either the "+" button, the "OK" button, or the "-" button in the button group 33A for evaluation item A. The same applies to the button groups 33B to 33F for evaluation items B to F.

[0081] As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 on the evaluation setting screen 30A in Fig. 6 , the evaluation setting screen 30A is displayed when 20 seconds remain in the first evaluation period and the second puff of the 15 total puffs has been taken. As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 on the evaluation setting screen 30B in Fig. 7 , the evaluation setting screen 30B is displayed when 30 seconds remain in the second evaluation period and the fourth puff of the 15 total puffs has been taken. As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 on the evaluation setting screen 30C in Fig. 8 , the evaluation setting screen 30C is displayed when 30 seconds remain in the third evaluation period and the seventh puff of the 15 total puffs has been taken.

[0082] Evaluation item A may be smoking taste. The smoking taste is a sensation that refers to the taste of the aerosol in general. The stronger the taste, the stronger the smoking taste is evaluated, and the weaker the taste, the weaker the smoking taste is evaluated. The "+" button in button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking taste is strong. The "OK" button in button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking taste is just right. The "-" button in button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking taste is weak. The user can set the evaluation of the smoking taste by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33A.

[0083] Evaluation item B may be the amount of smoke. The amount of smoke is a sensation that refers to the amount of aerosol. The greater the amount of aerosol that reaches the user's mouth per puff, the greater the amount of smoke is evaluated to be, and the smaller the amount of aerosol that reaches the user's mouth per puff, the less the amount of smoke is evaluated to be. The "+" button in button group 33B is a button for setting a large amount of smoke. The "OK" button in button group 33B is a button for setting a just right amount of smoke. The "-" button in button group 33B is a button for setting a small amount of smoke. The user can set an evaluation of the amount of smoke by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33B.

[0084] Evaluation item C may be tobacco flavor. The tobacco flavor is a sensation indicating the closeness to the taste of cigarettes. The closer the aerosol's taste itself or flavor intensity is to cigarettes, the stronger the tobacco flavor is evaluated. On the other hand, the more refreshing the aerosol's taste is, for example, due to a strong fruit or mint flavor, the weaker the tobacco flavor is evaluated. The "+" button in button group 33C is a button for setting a strong tobacco flavor. The "OK" button in button group 33C is a button for setting a just right tobacco flavor. The "-" button in button group 33C is a button for setting a weak tobacco flavor. The user can set the evaluation of the tobacco flavor by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33C.

[0085] Evaluation item D may be kick feeling. Kick feeling refers to the degree of stimulation to the throat. Typically, the higher the nicotine content in the aerosol, the stronger the kick feeling is evaluated. The "+" button in button group 33D is a button for setting a strong kick feeling. The "OK" button in button group 33D is a button for setting a just right kick feeling. The "-" button in button group 33D is a button for setting a weak kick feeling. The user can set an evaluation of the kick feeling by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33D.

[0086] Evaluation item E may be odor. Odor is a sensation that indicates the closeness to the odor of cigarettes. The closer the odor of the aerosol is to the odor of cigarettes, the stronger the odor is evaluated. On the other hand, the more refreshing the odor of the aerosol is, for example, due to a strong fruity or minty scent, the weaker the odor is evaluated. The "+" button in button group 33E is a button for setting a strong odor. The "OK" button in button group 33E is a button for setting a just right odor. The "-" button in button group 33E is a button for setting a weak odor. The user can set an odor evaluation by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33E.

[0087] Evaluation item F may be "feeling of the draw." The feeling of the draw is a sensation that indicates the degree of stimulation to the entire oral cavity. The "+" button in button group 33F is a button for setting the feel of the draw to be strong. The "OK" button in button group 33F is a button for setting the feel of the draw to be just right. The "-" button in button group 33F is a button for setting the feel of the draw to be weak. The user can set an evaluation of the feel of the draw by selecting any one of the "+" button, "OK" button, or "-" button included in button group 33F.

[0088] - Setting of changed heating profile The terminal device 200 sets the changed heating profile in the suction device 100 based on the evaluation set by the user. For example, the evaluation set by the user is transmitted to the server 300, and the heating profile is changed by the server 300. The terminal device 200 then receives the changed heating profile from the server 300 and transfers it to the suction device 100. When the suction device 100 receives the changed heating profile from the terminal device 200, it stores the changed heating profile. This is expected to result in an improvement in the user's evaluation the next time heating is performed.

[0089] The server 300 changes the target temperature corresponding to the evaluation period based on the user's evaluation of the aerosol inhaled during that evaluation period. For example, the server 300 increases the target temperature during an evaluation period in which the user is evaluated as having a weak smoking taste, and decreases the target temperature during an evaluation period in which the user is evaluated as having a strong smoking taste. This configuration allows the heating profile to be changed to improve the user's evaluation.

[0090] The server 300 changes the target temperature specified in the heating profile used by the suction device 100 based on a change value corresponding to the evaluation set by the user. The change value corresponding to the evaluation can be set for each evaluation item. Table 1 below shows an example of change values ​​for the target temperature based on the evaluations of evaluation items A to F, which are displayed on the evaluation setting screens 30A to 30C shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0091]

[0092] According to the example shown in Table 1 above, when the "+" button is selected for evaluation item A, the server 300 lowers the target temperature by 30°C. This reduces the smoking taste the next time, which is expected to improve the user's rating. When the "-" button is selected for evaluation item A, the server 300 raises the target temperature by 30°C. This increases the smoking taste the next time, which is expected to improve the user's rating. On the other hand, when the "OK" button is selected for evaluation item A, the server 300 does not change the target temperature. This allows the smoking taste the next time to remain the same as the previous time, which is expected to maintain the user's good rating. The same applies to the other evaluation items.

[0093] The server 300 calculates a final change value for the target temperature for each puff timing by integrating the change values ​​for the target temperature based on the evaluations set for multiple evaluation items during overlapping evaluation periods (i.e., evaluation periods including the same puff timing). The server 300 then modifies the heating profile by modifying the target temperature for each puff timing specified in the heating profile based on the final change value for the target temperature for each puff timing. Various integration methods for obtaining the final change value are possible. Examples of integration methods include adopting the mean value, median value, change value with the largest absolute value (i.e., change value with the largest change range), or change value with the smallest absolute value (i.e., change value with the smallest change range) as the final change value. Table 2 shows an example of adopting the change value with the largest absolute value as the final change value.

[0094]

[0095] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the customization process executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. The suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 are involved in this sequence.

[0096] 9 , first, the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S102). Next, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (step S104). The information indicating the start of heating may include identification information of the heating profile used by the suction device 100.

[0097] Next, the terminal device 200 displays an evaluation setting screen (step S106). For example, the terminal device 200 sets an evaluation period based on the heating profile used by the suction device 100. Then, the terminal device 200 displays the evaluation setting screen 30 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 based on the set evaluation period.

[0098] Next, the inhalation device 100 transmits information indicating the progress of the heating to the terminal device 200 (step S108). The information indicating the progress of the heating may include the elapsed time from the start of heating, information for specifying the puff timing, the temperature of the heating unit 121, etc.

[0099] When the terminal device 200 receives the information indicating the progress of heating, it updates the evaluation setting screen (step S110). For example, the terminal device 200 updates the remaining time of the evaluation period in the evaluation setting field 31 and the number of puffs in the evaluation setting field 32, and sets the buttons in the button groups 33A to 33F to an unselected state when the evaluation period starts.

[0100] Next, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the rating (step S112). For example, the terminal device 200 accepts an operation to select one of the “+” button, “OK” button, and “−” button included in each of the button groups 33A to 33F.

[0101] Next, the terminal device 200 determines whether the heating session has ended (step S114). If it is determined that the heating session has not ended (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S108.

[0102] If it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits the evaluation result and the heating profile to the server 300 (step S116). The evaluation result includes information for specifying the evaluation period for each evaluation item, and the evaluation set for each evaluation item and evaluation period.

[0103] Next, server 300 modifies the heating profile received from terminal device 200 based on the evaluation results received from terminal device 200 (step S118). For example, server 300 calculates a final change value for the target temperature for each puff timing by integrating multiple change values ​​for the target temperature based on evaluations set for multiple evaluation items during overlapping evaluation periods, as illustrated in Table 2. Server 300 then modifies the heating profile by changing the target temperature for each puff timing based on the final change value.

[0104] Next, server 300 transmits the changed heating profile to terminal device 200 (step S120). Upon receiving the changed heating profile from server 300, terminal device 200 transfers the received changed heating profile to suction device 100 (step S122).

[0105] Then, upon receiving the changed heating profile, the suction device 100 stores the received changed heating profile (step S124). As a result, in the next customization process, the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be heated based on the changed heating profile.

[0106] 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.

[0107] (1) First Modification The terminal device 200 may set a different evaluation period in the next customization process from the evaluation period set in the previous customization process. This configuration makes it possible to set an appropriate evaluation period according to the progress of customization.

[0108] The terminal device 200 may set an evaluation period in the next customization process based on the evaluation set in the previous customization process. With this configuration, as will be described below, it becomes possible to appropriately balance between rough customization and detailed customization based on the user's evaluation.

[0109] Specifically, the terminal device 200 may combine multiple consecutive evaluation periods for which good evaluations have been set into a single evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 may combine multiple consecutive evaluation periods for which the "OK" button was selected in the previous customization process into a single evaluation period in the next customization process. This configuration allows evaluation periods that do not require detailed customization to be combined, further reducing the burden on the user.

[0110] On the other hand, the terminal device 200 may divide an evaluation period for which a bad evaluation has been set into multiple evaluation periods. For example, the terminal device 200 may divide an evaluation period including multiple puff timings for which the "+" button or the "-" button was selected in the previous customization process into multiple evaluation periods by puff timing in the next customization process. With this configuration, it is possible to subdivide an evaluation period for which a bad evaluation has been set and perform detailed customization.

[0111] In addition, the terminal device 200 may divide an evaluation period in which evaluation items have different evaluations into multiple evaluation periods. As an example, the terminal device 200 may divide an evaluation period in which evaluation items have different positive or negative change values ​​for the target temperature into multiple evaluation periods. With this configuration, it is possible to subdivide an evaluation period in which evaluation items have different evaluations, thereby enabling detailed customization.

[0112] (2) Second Modification In the above embodiment, an example in which a discrete evaluation of "+", "OK", or "-" is set has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. A continuous evaluation may also be set. An example of an evaluation setting screen in which a continuous evaluation is set will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation setting screen. The evaluation setting screen 30D shown in FIG. 10 includes an evaluation setting field 31 and an evaluation setting field 32. The evaluation setting screen 30D is displayed when 30 seconds remain in the second evaluation period and the fourth puff out of a total of 15 puffs has been taken. In other words, the evaluation setting screen 30D shown in FIG. 10 can be displayed in place of the evaluation setting screen 30B shown in FIG. 7.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 10 , the rating setting screen 30D displays slide bars 34 (34A to 34F) instead of the button groups 33 (33A to 33F). The left end of the slide bar 34 corresponds to the "+" button in the button group 33, the right end of the slide bar 34 corresponds to the "-" button in the button group 33, and the center of the slide bar 34 corresponds to the "OK" button in the button group 33. The user can set the rating by moving the knob on the slide bar 34 left and right. Since the knob can be moved to any position on the slide bar 34, the user can set the rating as a continuous value.

[0115] (3) Third Modification In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating profile for a user is changed based on an evaluation set by the user, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.

[0116] For example, the heating profile may be changed based on ratings set by other users. Specifically, the server 300 may aggregate ratings set by multiple users and change the heating profile based on the aggregation result.

[0117] As another example, the heating profile may be changed based on the user's evaluation tendency. Specifically, the server 300 may change the heating profile provided to the target user based on the degree of deviation of the evaluation set by the target user from the average of the evaluations set by multiple users. As an example, the server 300 may calculate the final change value by taking a weighted average in which weights are assigned to change values ​​corresponding to evaluations for evaluation items that the user values ​​highly. As another example, the server 300 may calculate the final change value by taking a weighted average in which weights are assigned to change values ​​corresponding to evaluation items for which users tend to set extreme evaluations. With this configuration, by referring to the user's evaluation tendency, it is possible to more quickly arrive at the heating profile that the user desires.

[0118] (4) Others In the above embodiment, an example in which the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period according to a predetermined standard has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period based on a user instruction. This configuration allows the user to achieve a balance between general customization and detailed customization as desired.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an example in which the same evaluation period is set for evaluation items A to C has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. A different evaluation period may be set for each evaluation item. For example, the evaluation period may be set every 30 seconds for evaluation item A, every 40 seconds for evaluation item B, and every 50 seconds for evaluation item C.

[0120] In the above embodiment, an example in which the evaluation period for one evaluation item is uniformly set within a heating session has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Multiple types of evaluation periods may be set within a heating session for one evaluation item. For example, for evaluation item A, a 30-second evaluation period may be set first, followed by a 40-second evaluation period, and then an evaluation period for each puff timing may be set.

[0121] The processes performed by the terminal device 200 or the server 300 described in the above embodiment may be performed by any device. As an example, the evaluation period may be set by the server 300. As another example, the heating profile may be changed by the terminal device 200.

[0122] The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period according to the interval between puffs taken by the user in the past. With this configuration, it is possible to set an evaluation period that is suitable for the user's habits, such as whether the puff interval is short or long.

[0123] In the above embodiment, changing the target temperature is given as an example of changing the heating profile, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The server 300 may change parameters related to the time of the heating profile. Examples of parameters related to the time of the heating profile include the length of the heating session, the length of the initial heating period, the intermediate heating period, and the length of the reheating period. Other parameters related to the time of the heating profile include puff timing.

[0124] 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 defined in the heating profile, is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An example of the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the target value of the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, an example of the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which is defined in the heating profile, is the target value of the temperature of the susceptor, the electrical resistance of the electromagnetic induction source, or the like.

[0125] 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.

[0126] As described in the above embodiment, each process, such as setting an evaluation period, accepting evaluation settings, and setting a changed heating profile in the suction device 100, is executed by the terminal device 200. Here, execution of these processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to execution of these processes via a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Furthermore, execution of these processes by the terminal device 200 may refer to execution of these processes via a PWA (Progressive Web App) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, the server 300 may execute these processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.

[0127] At least some of the functional components of the suction device 100 in the above embodiment may be included in another device. An example of such another device is a charging device that charges the suction device 100. The charging device has a mechanism that allows the suction device 100 to be attached and detached, and can charge the suction device 100 or transmit and receive information to and from the suction device 100 while the suction device 100 is connected. As an example, the charging device may have a wireless communication function and may relay the transmission and reception of information between the suction device 100 and a device such as a smartphone. As another example, the charging device may have a memory function and may store information received from or to be transmitted to the suction device 100. The combination of the suction device 100 and the charging device may be considered as an aerosol generation system. Furthermore, at least some of the functional components of the terminal device 200 described in the above embodiment may be included in another device, such as a charging device that charges the suction device 100.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts or 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.

[0130] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A terminal device comprising a control unit that controls a customization process including: dividing a period during which an inhalation device generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and setting multiple evaluation periods including multiple puff timings; accepting a setting of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the multiple evaluation periods; and setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation for the inhalation device. (2) The terminal device described in (1), wherein the control unit sets the control information for the inhalation device, in which the parameters corresponding to the evaluation period have been changed based on an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user in the evaluation period. (3) The terminal device described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit sets multiple evaluation periods for each of multiple evaluation items, and accepts a setting of an evaluation for each evaluation item for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of the multiple evaluation periods set for each of the multiple evaluation items. (4) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period including one puff timing. (5) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period based on an elapsed time from the start of heating or the number of puff timings. (6) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period based on a user instruction. (7) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit differentiates the evaluation period set in a previous customization process from the evaluation period to be set in a next customization process. (8) The terminal device according to (7), wherein the control unit sets the evaluation period in a next customization process based on an evaluation set in the previous customization process. (9) The terminal device according to (8), wherein the control unit combines multiple consecutive evaluation periods for which good evaluations have been set into one evaluation period.(10) The terminal device according to (8) or (9), wherein the control unit divides the evaluation period in which a bad evaluation has been set into a plurality of the evaluation periods. (11) An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: controlling a customization process including: dividing a period in which the inhalation device generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source based on control information that defines parameters related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, to set a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings; accepting a setting of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods; and setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation in the inhalation device. (12) A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that controls a customization process, including: dividing a period during which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and setting multiple evaluation periods including multiple puff timings; accepting settings of an evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the multiple evaluation periods; and setting the control information, which has been changed based on the set evaluation, in the inhalation device.

[0131] 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. Dividing a period during which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, to set a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings; Accepting an evaluation setting for the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the plurality of evaluation periods; setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation in the suction device; a control unit for controlling a customization process including: A terminal device comprising:

2. the control unit sets, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter corresponding to the evaluation period has been changed based on an evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user during the evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit sets a plurality of evaluation periods for each of a plurality of evaluation items, and receives a setting of an evaluation for each of the evaluation items with respect to the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the plurality of evaluation periods set for each of the plurality of evaluation items. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit sets the evaluation period including one of the puff timings. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit sets the evaluation period based on the elapsed time from the start of heating or the number of puff timings. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit sets the evaluation period based on a user instruction. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

7. the control unit makes the evaluation period set in the previous customization process different from the evaluation period to be set in the next customization process. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the control unit sets the evaluation period in the next customization process based on the evaluation set in the previous customization process. The terminal device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit combines a plurality of consecutive evaluation periods in which good evaluations are set into one evaluation period. The terminal device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit divides one evaluation period in which a bad evaluation is set into a plurality of evaluation periods. The terminal device according to claim 8.

11. Dividing a period during which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, to set a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings; Accepting an evaluation setting for the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the plurality of evaluation periods; setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation in the suction device; Controlling the customization process, including 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

12. Computer, Dividing a period during which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol based on control information that defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, to set a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings; Accepting an evaluation setting for the aerosol inhaled by the user during each of the plurality of evaluation periods; setting the control information changed based on the set evaluation in the suction device; a control unit for controlling a customization process including: A program to function as a