Aerosol generation system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system that enables improvement in the quality of user experience. [Solution] This aerosol generation system generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, and includes: a storage unit that stores information; and a control unit that acquires an execution count of an operation executed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system, and that stores the acquired execution count in the storage unit. The control unit continues processing for updating the execution count of a first operation stored in the storage unit in accordance with the execution of the first operation and, for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, continues processing for updating the execution count of the second operation stored in the storage unit according to the execution of the second operation until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and stops the processing after the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

Description

Aerosol generation system, information processing method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with 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 aerosols imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action. Examples of devices classified as inhalation devices include electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which are used as alternatives to cigarettes, as well as nebulizers used for medical purposes. Note that an electronic cigarette is an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol source. A heated tobacco product is an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating a solid containing an aerosol source.

[0003] The suction device can store various types of information acquired during use of the suction device. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology for storing information indicating the operating state of the suction device each time the operating state of the suction device changes.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 230347

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 was only recently developed and there was still room for improvement in various respects. For example, no consideration was given to the lifespan of the storage unit, which can have a significant impact on the lifespan of the suction device.

[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 can improve the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: a memory unit that stores information; and a control unit that acquires the number of times an action performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system is performed and stores the number of times in the memory unit, wherein the control unit continues the process of updating the number of times the first action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the first action, and for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, continues the process of updating the number of times the second action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the second action until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops after the predetermined criterion is met.

[0008] The predetermined criterion may include that a correlation between the number of times the first action is performed and the number of times the second action is performed has stabilized.

[0009] The predetermined criterion may include that the second action has been performed a predetermined number of times.

[0010] The control unit may generate correlation information indicating a correlation between the number of times the first action is performed and the number of times the second action is performed, and store the correlation information in the storage unit.

[0011] The control unit may estimate the number of times the second operation is performed based on the number of times the first operation is performed and the correlation information after stopping the process of updating the number of times the second operation is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the second operation.

[0012] The control unit may estimate the number of times the second operation is performed at the time when it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generation system, and store the estimated number of times the second operation is performed in the memory unit.

[0013] The aerosol generation system may further include a notification unit that notifies information, and the control unit may control the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second action is performed.

[0014] The control unit may control the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second action has been performed at a timing according to the second action.

[0015] The control unit may control whether or not to impose a restriction on the function of the aerosol generation system based on the estimated number of times the second operation is performed.

[0016] The first operation may be a process in which the aerosol generation system generates an aerosol.

[0017] The second action may be a user inhaling the aerosol while the aerosol generation system is performing a process of generating the aerosol.

[0018] The second action may be charging the aerosol generation system.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: acquiring the number of times an action performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system and storing it in a memory unit; and storing in the memory unit includes continuing a process of updating the number of times the first action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of a first action, and for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, continuing the process of updating the number of times the second action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the second action until a predetermined criterion is met, and stopping the process after the predetermined criterion is met.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided in which a computer controlling an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source functions as a control unit that acquires the number of times an operation performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system is performed and stores the number of times in a memory unit, and the control unit continues the process of updating the number of times the first operation is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the first operation, and for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, continues the process of updating the number of times the second operation is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the second operation until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops after the predetermined criterion is met.

[0022] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can improve the quality of the user experience.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device; FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to the second configuration example; FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to the second configuration example in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate is housed; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for counting the number of heatings and the number of puffs, which is executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for notifying information based on the number of puffs, which is executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.

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

[0025] 1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0026] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0027] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0028] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. As one example, the sensor unit 112A 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 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0029] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A 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.

[0030] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0031] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with 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).

[0032] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0034] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0035] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0037] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0038] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0039] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0040] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0041] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0042] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0043] (2) Second Configuration Example—Internal Configuration Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0044] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0045] 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 100B. 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.

[0046] 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 100B 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.

[0047] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0048] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B 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.

[0049] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0050] As one example, the heating unit 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B 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.

[0051] As another example, the accommodation 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 accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0052] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0053] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0054] - External Configuration Fig. 3 is an overall perspective view of suction device 100B according to the second configuration example. Fig. 4 is an overall perspective view of suction device 100B according to the second configuration example in a state in which stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed.

[0055] 3 and 4 , the inhalation device 100B includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid portion 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the inhalation device 100B. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the inhalation device 100B, the user can hold the inhalation device 100B in their hand and inhale the flavor.

[0056] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 4 , the cover 12 has an opening 142 through which the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 142 and a second position that opens the opening 142. This allows the lid 14 to permit or restrict access of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the interior of the suction device 100B (the internal space 141 shown in FIG. 2 ). Moving the lid 14 from a closed state to an open state of the opening 142 is also referred to as opening the lid 14. Moving the lid 14 from an open state to a closed state of the opening 142 is also referred to as closing the lid 14.

[0057] The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the inhalation device 100B on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a user can insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the internal space 141 through the opening 142 and operate the switch 13 to supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, thereby heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 without burning it. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated, a flavored aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150. The user can inhale the flavored aerosol by inhaling the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 protruding from the inhalation device 100B (the portion shown in FIG. 4 , i.e., the mouthpiece portion 152).

[0058] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the inside of the suction device 100B through the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141, for example, from the bottom 143 of the accommodation section 140. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. By attaching the cap 16 to the bottom housing 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through-hole or a notch (not shown).

[0059] (3) Supplementary Information In the following, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B described above, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be collectively referred to as suction device 100, and will be described without distinction. Similarly, when there is no particular need to distinguish between components included in common in the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be described without distinction.

[0060] The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate containing either an aerosol source or a flavor source. The flavor source is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are an example of a substrate used by the aerosol generation system. In the second configuration example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate used by the aerosol generation system. With regard to the second configuration example, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generation system.

[0061] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile specifies target values ​​of parameters corresponding 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 corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the resistance of the heating unit 121. That is, the heating profile may specify a target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as target resistance). The resistance of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases.

[0062] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0063] 2. Technical Issues The suction device 100 stores information about the use of the suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 for the purpose of investigating the cause of a malfunction, providing some kind of feedback to the user, etc. However, the storage unit 114 has a lifespan, and after the lifespan of the storage unit 114 has expired, it becomes difficult to store new information, making it difficult to continue using the suction device 100. Therefore, the lifespan of the storage unit 114 can also be said to be the lifespan of the suction device 100.

[0064] For example, the upper limit of the number of times that data can be written to a flash memory, which is often used as the storage unit 114, is often around several tens of thousands of times. After the upper limit of the number of times data can be written to the flash memory is reached, the performance of the flash memory deteriorates significantly or the flash memory becomes unusable.

[0065] Many technologies have been developed to date for storing information related to the use of the suction device 100, including the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. However, no technology has been developed that focuses on the lifespan of the storage unit 114.

[0066] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can extend the life of the storage unit 114 by reducing the number of times data is written to the storage unit 114. This can extend the life of the suction device 100, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0067] 3. Technical Features The control unit 116 acquires the number of times an action has been performed by the suction device 100 or by a user using the suction device 100, and stores the number of times in the storage unit 114. Unless otherwise specified below, the storage unit 114 is assumed to be a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory in which a maximum number of writes is set. With this configuration, it is possible to keep a log of the number of times an action has been performed by the suction device 100 or by a user.

[0068] However, the control unit 116 continues the process of updating the number of executions of the first operation stored in the storage unit 114 each time the first operation is executed. On the other hand, the control unit 116 continues the process of updating the number of executions of the second operation stored in the storage unit 114 each time the second operation other than the first operation is executed until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops the process after the predetermined criterion is met. With this configuration, writing to the storage unit 114 for updating the number of executions of the second operation can be stopped after the predetermined criterion is met. As a result, the number of writes to the storage unit 114 can be reduced, thereby extending the life of the storage unit 114. Hereinafter, the predetermined criterion will also be referred to as a count stop criterion. Furthermore, updating the number of executions stored in the storage unit 114 will also be referred to as counting.

[0069] An example of the first operation is a process in which the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol. That is, the first operation may be performing heating based on a heating profile by the heating unit 121. Hereinafter, the number of times that heating based on a heating profile by the heating unit 121, which is the first operation, is performed is also referred to as the number of heatings. That is, the control unit 116 continues the process of counting the number of heatings each time heating is performed by the heating unit 121.

[0070] An example of the second action is when the user inhales aerosol while the inhalation device 100 is performing a process of generating aerosol. That is, the second action may be puffing. The execution of a puff can be detected based on a temperature drop in the heating unit 121 accompanying the puffing or the air flowing through the interior of the inhalation device 100 accompanying the puffing. With respect to the inhalation device 100A according to the first configuration example, typically, one puff is performed per heating. With respect to the inhalation device 100B according to the second configuration example, typically, several to several dozen puffs are performed per heating. Hereinafter, the number of times the user puffs, which is the second action, is also referred to as the number of puffs. That is, the control unit 116 continues counting the number of puffs each time a puff is performed until a count stop criterion is met, and stops the counting after the count stop criterion is met.

[0071] The count stop criteria may include the number of puffs reaching a predetermined number. Hereinafter, the predetermined number will also be referred to as the upper count limit. With this configuration, it becomes possible to easily determine whether the count stop criteria have been met.

[0072] The control unit 116 generates correlation information indicating the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs, and stores the correlation information in the storage unit 114. An example of the correlation information may be the coefficient of a function that takes the number of heatings as input and the number of puffs as output. For example, if there is a linear relationship between the number of heatings and the number of puffs, the correlation information may be a correlation coefficient. With this configuration, even after counting the number of puffs has stopped, it is possible to estimate the number of puffs using the correlation information between the number of heatings and the number of puffs, as will be described below.

[0073] The control unit 116 generates the correlation information at a timing when it is assumed that the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs is stable. As an example, the upper count limit may be set to a value when it is assumed that the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs is stable when the number of puffs reaches the upper count limit. In this case, the control unit 116 may generate the correlation information when the number of puffs reaches the upper count limit. This configuration makes it possible to improve the accuracy of estimating the number of puffs based on the correlation information.

[0074] After stopping the process of counting the number of puffs each time a puff is performed, the control unit 116 estimates the number of puffs based on the number of heatings and correlation information indicating the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs. This configuration allows the number of puffs to be estimated even after counting the number of puffs has been stopped. This allows, for example, the inhalation device 100 to continue performing various processes based on the number of puffs, even after counting the number of puffs has been stopped, in the same way as before counting the number of puffs was stopped.

[0075] For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the counted or estimated number of puffs. That is, before the number of puffs reaches the upper count limit, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the counted number of puffs. On the other hand, after the number of puffs reaches the upper count limit, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the number of puffs estimated based on the number of heatings. Examples of information based on the number of puffs include the number of puffs themselves and the number of puffs per heating. With this configuration, even after counting the number of puffs is stopped, information based on the number of puffs continues to be notified in the same way as before counting the number of puffs was stopped. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in usability due to stopping counting the number of puffs.

[0076] Hereinafter, specific examples of stopping the count of the number of puffs and estimating the number of puffs after the count has stopped will be described with reference to Tables 1 to 3. As shown in Tables 1 to 3, storage unit 114 stores the count number (i.e., the number of heatings itself) for the number of heatings. Also, storage unit 114 stores the count number (i.e., the number of puffs itself), the upper limit number of counts, a flag indicating whether or not the count has been stopped, and a correlation coefficient indicating the correlation between the number of heatings.

[0077]

[0078] As shown in Table 1, the number of heatings is counted each time heating is performed. The number of puffs is also counted each time a puff is performed, since the upper limit of the number of counts has not yet been reached.

[0079]

[0080] As shown in Table 2 above, when the number of puffs reaches the upper limit count of 2000, the number of heatings is 250. Therefore, control unit 116 stores in memory unit 114 a flag indicating that counting the number of puffs has stopped, and stores 8, which is calculated by dividing the number of puffs (2000) by the number of heatings (250), as a correlation coefficient.

[0081]

[0082] As shown in Table 3 above, the number of heatings is counted each time heating is performed, since no upper limit is set for the number of heatings. On the other hand, the number of puffs is counted, even if a puff is performed, since counting has already been stopped. Therefore, the number of puffs stored in memory unit 114 remains at 2000. However, control unit 116 can estimate the number of puffs to be 2400 by multiplying the number of heatings, 300, by the correlation coefficient of 8.

[0083] As described above, the control unit 116 can estimate the number of puffs with a high degree of accuracy based on the number of heating events, which continues to be counted even after the counting of the number of puffs has stopped. This configuration can reduce the number of writes to the storage unit 114 while also reducing the degradation of the usability of the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, reducing the number of writes can reduce performance degradation of the storage unit 114, thereby extending the life of the storage unit 114 and, in turn, the life of the inhalation device 100. In this way, the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment can improve the quality of the user experience by extending the life of the inhalation device 100 while reducing the degradation of usability.

[0084] Next, an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for counting the number of heating times and the number of puffs, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0086] 5 , first, the control unit 116 performs heating by the heating unit 121 (step S102). For example, when a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to perform heating based on a heating profile. Examples of user operations instructing the start of heating include pressing the switch 13, puffing, and inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140.

[0087] Next, the control unit 116 updates the number of heating times stored in the storage unit 114 (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 increments the number of heating times stored in the storage unit 114.

[0088] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the number of puffs has reached the count upper limit (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether a flag indicating that the counting of the number of puffs has been stopped is stored in the storage unit 114.

[0089] If it is determined that the number of puffs has reached the upper limit count (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 does not update the number of puffs even if a puff is detected (step S108). That is, the control unit 116 does not write information to the storage unit 114.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of puffs has not reached the count upper limit (step S106: NO), the control unit 116 updates the number of puffs every time a puff is detected (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 increments the number of puffs stored in the storage unit 114 every time a puff is detected.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for notifying information based on the number of puffs, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the control unit 116 determines whether the number of puffs has reached the upper count limit (step S202).

[0093] If it is determined that the number of puffs has reached the upper count limit (step S202: YES), the control unit 116 estimates the number of puffs based on the number of heatings and a correlation coefficient indicating the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs (step S204).

[0094] Next, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify information based on the estimated number of puffs (step S206).

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of puffs has not reached the upper count limit (step S202: NO), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify information based on the number of puffs stored in the memory unit 114 (step S208).

[0096] <4. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above 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.

[0097] (1) First Modification In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the criterion for stopping the count of the number of puffs was that the number of puffs reached the upper limit of the count. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The criterion for stopping the count may include stabilization of the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 116 may repeatedly calculate the correlation coefficient between the number of heatings and the number of puffs at a predetermined interval, and stop counting the number of puffs when the correlation coefficient obtained by the repeated calculations converges. With this configuration, the count of the number of puffs can be stopped before the number of puffs reaches the upper limit of the count. This further reduces the number of writes to the memory unit 114, thereby further extending the life of the memory unit 114.

[0098] (2) Second Modification In the above embodiment, an example in which the second action is a puff has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Furthermore, the number of second actions is not limited to one. The number of times each of one or more second actions is performed may be counted, and the counting of the number of times each of the second actions is performed may be stopped according to a count stop criterion. The count stop criterion may be set for each of the one or more second actions. Correlation information may also be generated and stored for each of the one or more second actions.

[0099] - Number of Charges The second operation may be charging the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 may be charged via a charging cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or by contactless power supply. The control unit 116 may count the number of charges each time charging is performed. However, the control unit 116 may continue counting the number of charges each time charging is performed until a count stop criterion is met and stop counting after the count stop criterion is met. The generation and storage of correlation information indicating the correlation between the number of heatings and the number of charges, the estimation of the number of charges based on the correlation information, and various processes based on the estimated number of charges may be performed in the same manner as the processes described above for the number of puffs. Below, a specific example of a process performed based on the estimated number of charges will be described.

[0100] The notification unit 113 may notify information based on the counted or estimated number of charges. That is, before the number of charges reaches the upper count limit, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the counted number of charges. On the other hand, after the number of charges reaches the upper count limit, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the number of charges estimated based on the number of heatings. As an example, the control unit 116 may stop counting the number of charges when the number of charges reaches 100. For example, the notification unit 113 configured as an LED (light emitting diode) may emit yellow light when the estimated number of charges reaches 200, orange light when it reaches 400, and red light when it reaches 600. Note that yellow light indicates that the power supply unit 111 is deteriorating. Orange light indicates that it is recommended to replace the power supply unit 111 or the suction device 100. Red light indicates that it is necessary to replace the power supply unit 111 or the suction device 100. Thus, with this configuration, even after counting the number of charges has stopped, it is possible to notify the user of the degree of deterioration of power supply unit 111 as the number of charges increases. In other words, notification unit 113 may notify the user of the deterioration state of power supply unit 111, i.e., information indicating the lifespan of suction device 100, as information based on the number of charges. This can prompt the user to replace power supply unit 111 or replace suction device 100, thereby ensuring safe use of suction device 100. Of course, the mode of notification is not limited to light emission, and various modes can be adopted, such as vibration, sound, or transmission of information to an external device such as a smartphone.

[0101] The control unit 116 may control whether to impose restrictions on the functions of the suction device 100 based on the estimated number of charges. For example, when the estimated number of charges reaches 200, the control unit 116 may determine that the power supply unit 111 has reached the end of its life and disable the suction device 100. Disabling the suction device 100 may include at least disabling heating by the heating unit 121 and further disabling the execution of various functions, such as charging. As another example, the control unit 116 may disable a heating profile set to a relatively high temperature and enable a heating profile set to a relatively low temperature. As another example, the control unit 116 may deactivate a wireless communication function such as BLE or suppress transmission power. This configuration reduces the load on the power supply unit 111, thereby enabling safe use of the suction device 100.

[0102] Number of Opening and Closing Times With regard to the second exemplary configuration, the second action may be opening and closing the lid 14. The lid 14 is typically opened when the inhalation device 100 is first used and closed when the inhalation device 100 is finished used. The control unit 116 may count the number of opening and closing times each time the lid 14 is opened and closed. However, the control unit 116 may continue the process of counting the number of opening and closing times each time the lid 14 is opened and closed until a count stop criterion is met, and stop the process after the count stop criterion is met. The generation and storage of correlation information indicating the correlation between the number of heating times and the number of opening and closing times, the estimation of the number of opening and closing times based on the correlation information, and various processes based on the estimated number of opening and closing times may be performed in the same manner as the processes described above for the number of puffs or the number of charging times.

[0103] (3) Third Modification The above describes an example in which the number of executions of the first operation is counted each time the first operation is executed, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may simply update the number of executions of the first operation in response to the execution of the first operation, and the update frequency is not limited to once per execution. For example, the number of heatings may be written to flash memory every 10 heatings, and the number of heatings during this period may be temporarily stored in a volatile storage medium such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The same applies to the number of executions of the second operation. That is, the control unit 116 may simply update the number of executions of the second operation in response to the execution of the second operation until the count stop criterion is met, and the update frequency is not limited to once per execution. This configuration further reduces the number of writes to the storage unit 114, thereby further extending the life of the storage unit 114.

[0104] (4) Other Supplements The control unit 116 may estimate the number of times the second operation has been performed at a timing corresponding to the second operation. That is, the timing for estimating the number of times the second operation has been performed may differ for each second operation. As an example, the timing for estimating the number of puffs may be the timing when the number of heating operations reaches a multiple of 100. As another example, the timing for estimating the number of charging operations may be the timing when the number of heating operations reaches a multiple of 200. Such a configuration can reduce the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may estimate the number of times the second operation has been performed when it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the inhalation device 100. The control unit 116 may then store the estimated number of times the second operation has been performed in the memory unit 114. It is particularly desirable to estimate and store the number of times the second operation has been performed in relation to the malfunction that has occurred. As an example, if a sensor that detects puffs fails, the control unit 116 may estimate the number of puffs and store the estimated number of puffs in the memory unit 114. As another example, if the opening / closing mechanism of the lid unit 14 fails, the control unit 116 may estimate the number of openings and closings and store the estimated number of openings and closings in the memory unit 114. With this configuration, the number of times the second operation has been performed at the time of the malfunction can be kept as a log even after the counting of the number of times the second operation has been performed is stopped. This makes it easier to repair the inhalation device 100 or to develop a next-generation inhalation device 100. Table 4 below shows an example of information stored in the memory unit 114 when the opening / closing mechanism of the lid unit 14 fails after the counting of the number of openings and closings is stopped.

[0106]

[0107] As shown in Table 4 above, if a malfunction occurs in the opening / closing mechanism of lid unit 14 when the number of heating cycles is 420, control unit 116 may estimate that the number of opening / closing cycles at the time the malfunction occurred is 462 by multiplying the number of heating cycles, 420, by the correlation coefficient of 1.1. Control unit 116 may then store 462, which is the estimated number of opening / closing cycles at the time the malfunction occurred, in memory unit 114.

[0108] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed at various times. However, it is desirable that the notification unit 113 notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed at a time that allows the user to easily recognize the notified information. As an example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed when the lid unit 14 is opened. As another example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed when a user operation instructing the heating unit 121 to start heating is detected. As another example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed when a user operation instructing the start of charging is detected. An example of a user operation instructing the start of charging is connecting an external power source to the suction device 100 via a charging cable. The notification unit 113 may notify the user of the information based on the number of times the second operation has been performed at one or more times, including the above-mentioned examples.

[0109] The notification unit 113 may notify information based on the estimated number of times the second action has been performed at a timing corresponding to the second action. That is, the timing at which the information based on the number of times the second action has been performed is notified may differ for each second action. As an example, the timing at which the information based on the number of puffs is notified may be the timing at which a user operation to instruct the heating unit 121 to start heating is detected. As another example, the timing at which the information based on the number of charges is notified may be the timing at which a user operation to instruct the heating unit 121 to start charging is detected.

[0110] Naturally, information based on the estimated number of times the second operation is performed does not need to be notified. For example, information based on the number of times the lid 14 is opened and closed, the main purpose of which is to record it as a log when a malfunction occurs, does not need to be notified. With this configuration, only information that should be notified to the user can be notified to the user, and information that does not need to be notified to the user can be omitted. This makes it possible to improve usability. In addition, information based on the number of puffs also does not need to be notified.

[0111] Although the example described above describes determining deterioration of power supply unit 111 based on the number of times it is charged, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, deterioration of heating unit 121 may be determined based on the number of times it is heated, deterioration of a sensor that detects puffs may be determined based on the number of times it is puffed, or deterioration of the opening and closing mechanism of lid unit 14 may be determined based on the number of times it is opened and closed. The life of inhalation device 100 may then be determined based on these.

[0112] The number of heating events may be counted for each heating profile used for heating. For example, the number of heating events when a heating profile with a relatively high temperature is used and the number of heating events when a heating profile with a relatively low temperature is used may be counted separately. In this case, correlation information indicating the correlation between the number of heating events and the number of executions of other operations, such as the number of puffs, may also be generated and stored for each heating profile used for heating. This configuration can further improve the accuracy of estimating the number of puffs, etc. Furthermore, it can more accurately determine the lifespan of the inhalation device 100.

[0113] Although the above describes an example in which the storage unit 114 is configured as a flash memory, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The storage unit 114 may be configured as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) as long as it is a storage medium in which a maximum number of writable times is set.

[0114] In the above embodiment, at least a portion of the functional configuration of the suction device 100 may be provided in another device. One 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. A combination of the suction device 100 and the above-described charging device may be considered as an aerosol generation system. Here, charging the suction device 100 may refer to connecting the suction device 100 to the charging device and having the charging device charge the suction device 100. Alternatively, charging the suction device 100 may also include connecting the charging device to an external power source and charging the charging device. That is, the number of times the suction device 100 is charged may be counted as the number of times it has been charged, or the number of times the charging device is charged may be counted as the number of times it has been charged.

[0115] 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 a random access memory (RAM) and executed by a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU). 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 be centrally processed by a single computer or distributed across multiple computers. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented on a single medium.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: a storage unit that stores information; and a control unit that acquires the number of times an action performed by the aerosol generating system or a user using the aerosol generating system is performed and stores the acquired number of times in the storage unit, wherein the control unit continues a process of updating the number of times the first action is performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the first action, and continues a process of updating the number of times the second action is performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of one or more second actions other than the first action until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and stops the process after the predetermined criterion is satisfied. (2) The aerosol generating system described in (1), wherein the predetermined criterion includes a correlation between the number of times the first action is performed and the number of times the second action is performed becoming stable. (3) The aerosol generating system described in (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined criterion includes a number of times the second action is performed reaching a predetermined number. (4) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit generates correlation information indicating a correlation between the number of times the first operation is performed and the number of times the second operation is performed, and stores the correlation information in the storage unit. (5) The aerosol generating system according to (4), wherein the control unit estimates the number of times the second operation is performed based on the number of times the first operation is performed and the correlation information after stopping a process of updating the number of times the second operation is performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the second operation. (6) The aerosol generating system according to (5), wherein the control unit estimates the number of times the second operation is performed at the time when it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generating system, and stores the estimated number of times the second operation is performed in the storage unit. (7) The aerosol generating system according to (5) or (6), further comprising a notification unit that notifies information, and the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second operation is performed.(8) The aerosol generation system according to (7), wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second operation has been performed, at a timing corresponding to the second operation. (9) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (5) to (8), wherein the control unit controls whether or not to impose a restriction on a function of the aerosol generation system based on the estimated number of times the second operation has been performed. (10) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the first operation is a process of generating an aerosol by the aerosol generation system. (11) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the second operation is a user inhaling an aerosol while the aerosol generation system is performing a process of generating an aerosol. (12) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the second operation is charging the aerosol generation system. (13) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a substrate containing the aerosol source. (14) An information processing method executed by a computer controlling an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: acquiring the number of times an action performed by the aerosol generating system or by a user using the aerosol generating system, and storing the number of times an action has been performed in a storage unit, wherein storing the number of times an action has been performed in the storage unit includes: continuing a process of updating the number of times the first action has been performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of a first action, and continuing a process of updating the number of times the second action has been performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the second action, for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and stopping the process after the predetermined criterion is satisfied.(15) A program that causes a computer controlling an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source to function as a control unit that acquires the number of times an action performed by the aerosol generation system or a user using the aerosol generation system is performed and stores the number of times in a memory unit, wherein the control unit continues a process of updating the number of times the first action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of the first action, and continues a process of updating the number of times the second action is performed stored in the memory unit in response to the execution of each of one or more second actions other than the first action until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops the process after the predetermined criterion is met.

[0118] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Inhalation device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification section 114 Memory section 115 Communication section 116 Control section 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guide section 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Storage section 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom section 144 Heat insulating section 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate section 152 Mouthpiece section 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet hole 182 Air outlet hole 11 Outer housing 12 Cover 13 Switch 14 Lid section 15 Vent 16 Cap

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: a storage unit that stores information; a control unit that acquires the number of times an action has been performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user who uses the aerosol generation system and stores the number of times the action has been performed in the memory unit; Equipped with The control unit continuing a process of updating the number of times the first action has been performed, which is stored in the storage unit, in response to the execution of the first action; for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, a process of updating the number of times the second action has been performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the second action is continued until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and the process is stopped after the predetermined criterion is satisfied. Aerosol generation systems.

2. the predetermined criterion includes that a correlation between the number of times the first action is performed and the number of times the second action is performed has stabilized; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. the predetermined criterion includes that the number of times the second operation has been performed has reached a predetermined number.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

4. the control unit generates correlation information indicating a correlation between the number of times the first action is performed and the number of times the second action is performed, and stores the correlation information in the storage unit; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

5. the control unit, after stopping a process of updating the number of times the second operation has been performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the second operation, estimates the number of times the second operation has been performed based on the number of times the first operation has been performed and the correlation information; 5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4.

6. The control unit estimates the number of times the second operation has been performed at the time when it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the aerosol generation system, and stores the estimated number of times the second operation has been performed in the storage unit.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5.

7. The aerosol generating system further includes a notification unit that notifies information, the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second action has been performed.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5.

8. the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated number of times the second action has been performed at a timing corresponding to the second action.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit controls whether or not to impose a restriction on the function of the aerosol generation system based on the estimated number of times the second operation is executed.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5.

10. the first operation is a process in which the aerosol generating system generates an aerosol; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

11. the second action is a user inhaling the aerosol while the aerosol generation system is performing a process of generating the aerosol; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

12. the second action is charging the aerosol generation system; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

13. The aerosol generating system further comprises a substrate containing the aerosol source.

4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

14. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method for controlling an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source, comprising: acquiring the number of times an action has been performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system and storing the number of times the action has been performed in a memory unit; Including, Storing in the storage unit continuing a process of updating the number of times the first action has been performed, which is stored in the storage unit, in response to the execution of the first action; for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, continuing a process of updating the number of times the second action has been performed, which is stored in the storage unit, in response to the execution of the second action until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and stopping the process after the predetermined criterion is satisfied; Information processing methods.

15. a computer that controls an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol using an aerosol source; a control unit that acquires the number of times an action has been performed by the aerosol generation system or by a user using the aerosol generation system and stores the number of times the action has been performed in a memory unit; It functions as The control unit continuing a process of updating the number of times the first action has been performed, which is stored in the storage unit, in response to the execution of the first action; for each of one or more second actions other than the first action, a process of updating the number of times the second action has been performed stored in the storage unit in response to the execution of the second action is continued until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and the process is stopped after the predetermined criterion is satisfied. program.