Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system with which it is possible to further improve usability. [Solution] This control device comprises a control unit that controls a process for selecting, as a candidate location for battery pack replacement, one or more battery pack-providing devices among a plurality of battery pack-providing devices capable of providing a battery pack to be replaceably connected to an inhalation device that generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source, and for recommending the selected candidate location for battery pack replacement to a user of the inhalation device.

Description

Control device, control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control 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 heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, which are used as alternatives to cigarettes, as well as nebulizers used for medical purposes. Heat-not-burn tobacco products are inhalation devices that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source. Electronic cigarettes are inhalation devices that generate aerosols by atomizing a liquid aerosol source.

[0003] In recent years, legal regulations related to the right to repair have been established. Right to repair regulations refer to various legal regulations aimed at creating an environment in which end users can repair industrial products and use them for a longer period of time, from the perspectives of consumer protection and environmental protection. The right to repair allows consumers to repair products that are broken or damaged over time. As a result, consumers can postpone replacement purchases and save money. Furthermore, it reduces waste generation and resource use, thereby mitigating environmental impact. Because the right to repair benefits both consumers and the environment, it is considered an important theme in promoting a circular economy.

[0004] As a technology relating to the right to repair, Patent Document 1 below discloses a suction device with a replaceable battery pack.

[0005] International Publication No. 2014 / 163664

[0006] The technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[0007] 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 further improve usability.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control device is provided that includes a control unit that selects one or more battery pack providing devices from among a plurality of battery pack providing devices that can provide battery packs that can be replaceably connected to an inhalation device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack, and controls a process of recommending the selected candidate replacement location for the battery pack to a user of the inhalation device.

[0009] The control unit may perform a process of recommending candidate locations for replacing the battery pack based on information indicating a remaining battery level of the battery pack currently connected to the suction device.

[0010] The control unit may execute a process of recommending candidate replacement locations for the battery pack when the remaining battery charge of the battery pack connected to the suction device is less than a first threshold, and the first threshold may be set to a value greater than or equal to the remaining battery charge that can consume one or more of the substrates.

[0011] The control unit may set the first threshold value based on control information for controlling the temperature to which the inhalation device heats the aerosol source.

[0012] The control unit may set the first threshold value based on a usage mode of the suction device.

[0013] The control unit may perform a process of recommending candidate locations for replacing the battery pack when the number of the base materials carried with the suction device is less than a second threshold value.

[0014] The control unit may perform a process of recommending candidate locations for replacing the battery pack when an abnormality occurs in the battery pack connected to the suction device.

[0015] The control unit may preferentially recommend the battery pack providing device having the battery pack that can be provided to the suction device as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack.

[0016] The control unit may preferentially recommend the battery pack providing device that can return the battery pack used by the suction device as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack.

[0017] The control unit may recommend candidate battery pack replacement locations based on the estimated charging completion time for each of one or more charging points owned by the battery pack providing device and the estimated arrival time of the user of the suction device at the battery pack providing device.

[0018] The control unit may preferentially recommend the battery pack providing apparatus that is geographically close to the user as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack.

[0019] The control unit may preferentially recommend the battery pack providing device disposed in a store that has stock of the base material used by the suction device as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack.

[0020] The control unit may control a process of reserving the battery pack owned by the battery pack replacement location candidate.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method executed by a processor, which includes selecting one or more battery pack providing devices from among a plurality of battery pack providing devices that can provide battery packs that can be replaceably connected to an inhalation device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack, and controlling a process of recommending the selected candidate replacement location for the battery pack to a user of the inhalation device.

[0022] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided to cause a computer to function as a control unit that selects one or more battery pack providing devices from among a plurality of battery pack providing devices that can provide battery packs that can be replaceably connected to an inhalation device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack, and controls a process of recommending the selected candidate replacement location for the battery pack to a user of the inhalation device.

[0023] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of further improving usability is provided.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a battery pack according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a charging station according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by a user terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow executed by a system according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by a user terminal according to the embodiment.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 1. Overview First, an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a suction device 100, a user terminal 200, a charging station 300, a store terminal 400, and a management server 500.

[0028] The suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 are carried and used by a user U. The suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 used by the same user U may be capable of communicating using, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or the like.

[0029] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user U using a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 may be a so-called electronic cigarette or a heated tobacco product. A battery pack 170 can be detachably attached (i.e., connected) to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 operates using power from the attached battery pack 170. Hereinafter, the configuration of the inhalation device 100 from which the battery pack 170 has been removed may be referred to as the main body, or simply as the inhalation device 100.

[0030] The battery pack 170 includes at least a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery pack 170 may have a storage medium and a communication terminal. Information may be read from and written to the storage medium via the communication terminal by the suction device 100 or the charging station 300 to which the battery pack 170 is connected.

[0031] The user terminal 200 is an example of a terminal device used by the user U. The user terminal 200 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 200 functions as an interface between the user U and the system 1. For example, the user terminal 200 inputs and outputs various information for replacing the battery pack 170. The user terminal 200 can also control the operation of the suction device 100 through communication with the suction device 100.

[0032] The charging station 300 and the store terminal 400 are arranged in a store 8 such as a convenience store, and are used by a store clerk S working at the store 8. The charging station 300 and the store terminal 400 arranged in the same store 8 may be able to communicate with each other using, for example, a local area network (LAN). The store 8 sells substrate packs that include one or more substrates used by the suction device 100. The store 8 may sell multiple types of substrate packs that include different types or numbers of substrates.

[0033] The charging station 300 is an example of a charging device that charges the battery pack 170 and a battery pack providing device that exchangeably provides the charged battery pack 170 to a plurality of suction devices 100. The charging station 300 is capable of detachably connecting the battery pack 170. The charging station 300 charges the connected battery pack 170. Specifically, the charging station 300 includes a housing case 301 that houses the battery pack 170. The charging station 300 charges the battery pack 170 housed in the housing case 301. The charging station 300 also includes an LED (light emitting diode) 302 and a touch panel 303 that inputs and outputs various information. The LED 302 is arranged in association with the housing case 301 and emits light in a color that corresponds to the status of the corresponding housing case 301 (e.g., whether it is empty, whether it is being charged, and if it is being charged, the progress of charging).

[0034] The user U can exchange the battery pack 170 attached to the suction device 100 at the store 8. Here, exchange refers to returning the used battery pack 170 and receiving a charged battery pack 170 from the charging station 300.

[0035] For example, the user U removes the used battery pack 170 from the suction device 100 and returns it. The store clerk S connects the battery pack 170 returned by the user U to the charging station 300 to start charging, and removes the charged battery pack 170 from the charging station 300 and provides it to the user U. The user U receives the battery pack 170 provided by the store clerk S and attaches it to the suction device 100. With this battery pack 170 exchange service, the user U does not need to charge the battery pack 170 at home, and can exchange the used battery pack 170 for a fully charged battery pack 170 whenever he or she is out and about.

[0036] The charging station 300 may notify the store clerk S by using the LED 302 or the touch panel 303 that an empty storage case 301 is the destination for returning the battery pack 170. The charging station 300 may also notify the store clerk S by using the LED 302 or the touch panel 303 to remove the battery pack 170 from the storage case 301 that stores the fully charged battery pack 170 and provide it to the user U.

[0037] The service provided by the charging station 300 is not limited to the replacement of the battery pack 170. That is, the charging station 300 may only accept the return of the battery pack 170, or may only provide the battery pack 170. For example, the user U may borrow a spare battery pack 170 in addition to the battery pack 170 that the user U owns, or may return the borrowed spare battery pack 170.

[0038] In this way, the battery pack 170 is provided interchangeably for a plurality of suction devices 100 via the charging station 300. Of course, the user U can also charge the battery pack 170 at home or the like.

[0039] The store terminal 400 is an example of a terminal device used by the store clerk S. The store terminal 400 may be, for example, a cash register terminal that complies with a POS (Point of Sale) system. The store terminal 400 functions as an interface between the store clerk S and the system 1. For example, the store terminal 400 inputs and outputs various information for replacing the battery pack 170. The store terminal 400 also performs payment for the replacement fee for the battery pack 170.

[0040] The battery pack 170 is manufactured and operated so that it has a capacity sufficient to consume at least all of the base materials contained in the base material pack when the battery pack 170 is fully charged. Therefore, it is desirable to replace the battery pack 170 and purchase a new base material pack at the same time. In this case, the battery pack 170 does not need to be replaced until all of the base materials contained in the base material pack are consumed.

[0041] Therefore, for example, when the user U purchases a base material pack, the store terminal 400 may notify the store clerk S of information instructing the store clerk S to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170. Alternatively, the battery pack 170 may be replaced only when the base material pack is purchased, or the replacement fee for the battery pack 170 may be free of charge. With this configuration, the replacement of the battery pack 170 and the purchase of the base material pack can be performed at the same time, thereby improving usability.

[0042] The management server 500 is an example of a control device that controls the overall operation within the system 1. The management server 500 communicates with each of the user terminals 200, the charging stations 300, and the store terminals 400 via the network 9 and controls their operation.

[0043] As one example, the management server 500 collects and analyzes various information related to the replacement of the battery pack 170, and based on the analysis results, updates the heating profile and notifies the user U of the timing to replace the battery pack 170. As another example, the management server 500 controls the displays of the user terminal 200, the charging station 300, and the store terminal 400. As another example, the management server 500 collects deteriorated or broken battery packs 170 (i.e., removes them from distribution), and performs processing to repair and redistribute battery packs that can be repaired.

[0044] 2. Configuration Example 2.1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device 100 Inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by inhalation device 100 may be a gas.

[0045] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the 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 guiding 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 3, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] (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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The battery pack 170 shown in Fig. 1 includes at least the power supply unit 111 shown in Fig. 2 or 3. Next, an example of the configuration of the battery pack 170 will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0076] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery pack 170 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the battery pack 170 includes a battery 171, a protection IC (Integration Circuit) 172, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 173, a memory 174, a sensor 175, and a terminal 176.

[0077] The battery 171 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 171 corresponds to the power supply unit 111 shown in Fig. 2 or 3. The battery 171 supplies power to an external device (e.g., the main body of the suction device 100) via the protection IC 172 and the terminal 176. The battery 171 is charged by power supplied from the external device (e.g., the charging station 300) via the protection IC 172 and the terminal 176.

[0078] The protection IC 172 is a protection circuit that stops charging when overcharging occurs and stops discharging when overdischarging occurs.

[0079] The MCU 173 is an example of a control unit for controlling the operation of the battery pack 170. The battery pack 170 executes various processes under the control of the MCU 173. Storing and reading information by the memory 174, detecting information by the sensor 175, transmitting and receiving power via the terminal 176, and transmitting and receiving information via the terminal 176 are examples of processes controlled by the MCU 173. Other processes executed by the battery pack 170, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the MCU 173.

[0080] The memory 174 is an example of a storage unit that stores information. The memory 174 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0081] The sensor 175 is an example of a detection unit that detects various information related to the battery pack 170. For example, the sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 171, and the voltage and current values ​​of the battery 171 when it is being charged and discharged.

[0082] The terminal 176 functions as a power terminal for transmitting and receiving power and a communication terminal for transmitting and receiving information to and from a device connected to the battery pack 170. The terminal 176 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

[0083] In addition, although Figure 4 describes an example in which the protection IC 172 is included in the battery pack 170, the protection IC 172 may also be included in the device to which the battery pack 170 is connected (for example, the main body of the suction device 100 or the charging station 300).

[0084] (4) Heating Profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on a 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Hereinafter, the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile, in other words, the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, will also be referred to as a heating session. Also, below, heating based on the heating profile may also be simply referred to as heating.

[0087] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the user terminal 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, an input unit 230, an output unit 240, and a control unit 250.

[0088] The communication unit 210 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the user terminal 200 and other devices. The communication unit 210 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0089] The storage unit 220 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0090] The input unit 230 has a function of accepting input of various types of information. The input unit 230 may include input devices that accept input of information from the user U, such as buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. In addition, the input unit 230 may include sensors that detect various types of information. Examples of sensors include a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that acquires position information of the user terminal 200, a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor that detect the movement of the user terminal 200, and a camera that can read two-dimensional codes.

[0091] The output unit 240 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 240 may include an output device that outputs information to the user U. 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.

[0092] The control unit 250 functions as a processing unit or control device and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 250 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 250 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be used and calculation parameters, as well as a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The user terminal 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 250. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 250 include the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 210, the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 220, the processing of information input by the input unit 230, and the output of information by the output unit 240. Other processes executed by the user terminal 200, such as the input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 250.

[0093] The functions of the control unit 250 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 250 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0094] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging station 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the charging station 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input unit 330, an output unit 340, a charging unit 350, one or more connection terminals 351, and a control unit 360.

[0095] The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the charging station 300 and another device. As one example, the communication unit 310 transmits and receives information to and from the battery pack 170 connected to the connection terminal 351 via the connection terminal 351. As another example, the communication unit 310 transmits and receives information to and from the management server 500. The communication unit 310 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards that may be adopted include USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), and LAN (Local Area Network).

[0096] The storage unit 320 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0097] The input unit 330 has a function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 330 may include an input device that accepts input of information from the store clerk S, such as a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The input unit 330 may also include a sensor that detects various information. An example of a sensor is a camera that can read two-dimensional codes. The touch panel 303 described with reference to FIG. 1 is an example of the input unit 330.

[0098] The output unit 340 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 340 may include an output device that outputs information to the store clerk S, such as 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 LED 302 and touch panel 303 described with reference to FIG. 1 are examples of the output unit 340.

[0099] The charging unit 350 has a function of charging the battery pack 170. The charging unit 350 charges the battery pack 170 that is housed in the housing case 301 described with reference to Fig. 1 and electrically connected to the charging station 300. In particular, the charging unit 350 charges the battery pack 170 that is connected to the connection terminal 351.

[0100] The connection terminal 351 is an example of a connector electrically connected to the battery pack 170. The connection terminal 351 functions as a power terminal for transmitting and receiving power and a communication terminal for transmitting and receiving information to and from the battery pack 170 connected to the connection terminal 351. The connection terminal 351 may be, for example, a USB connector. The connection terminal 351 is disposed in the housing case 301 and electrically connected to the terminal 176 of the battery pack 170 housed in the housing case 301. As shown in FIG. 1 , the charging station 300 may include multiple housing cases 301. That is, the charging station 300 may include multiple connection terminals 351 and charge multiple battery packs 170 simultaneously in parallel. Note that the electrical connection between the battery pack 170 and the charging station 300 is not limited to a wired connection and may be a wireless connection (i.e., wireless charging).

[0101] Hereinafter, the entire configuration for charging one battery pack 170, including the accommodating case 301 and the connection terminal 351, will also be referred to as a charging point.

[0102] The control unit 360 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device and controls the overall operation of the charging station 300 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 360 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 360 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The charging station 300 performs various processes under the control of the control unit 360. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 360 include the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 310, the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 320, the processing of information input by the input unit 330, the output of information by the output unit 340, and the start / stop of charging by the charging unit 350. Other processes performed by the charging station 300, such as the input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 360.

[0103] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 500 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 500 includes a communication unit 510, a storage unit 520, and a control unit 530.

[0104] The communication unit 510 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the management server 500 and other devices. The communication unit 510 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0105] The storage unit 520 stores various types of information for the operation of the management server 500. The storage unit 520 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0106] The control unit 530 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control device, and controls the overall operation of the management server 500 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 530 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. The control unit 530 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 appropriate. The management server 500 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 530. The transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 510 and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 520 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 530. Other processes executed by the management server 500, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 530.

[0107] 3. Information Collection via Battery Pack 170 When connected to battery pack 170, the main body of suction device 100 or an external device such as charging station 300 can write various information to memory 174. Specifically, when connected to the external device, MCU 173 writes information received from the external device via terminal 176 to memory 174. As an example, when battery pack 170 is connected to the main body of suction device 100, MCU 173 may receive information related to power supply from battery 171 to the main body of suction device 100 and write the information to memory 174. As another example, when battery pack 170 is connected to charging station 300, MCU 173 may receive information related to charging of battery 171 by charging station 300 and write the information to memory 174.

[0108] Of course, battery pack 170 can write information acquired by battery pack 170 itself to memory 174. As one example, MCU 173 may write information detected by sensor 175 in a state where battery pack 170 is connected to the main body of suction device 100 to memory 174. As another example, MCU 173 may write information detected by sensor 175 in a state where battery pack 170 is connected to charging station 300 to memory 174.

[0109] When the battery pack 170 is connected to an external device such as the main body of the suction device 100 or the charging station 300, the MCU 173 transmits the information stored in the memory 174 to the external device via the terminal 176. As a result, the external device can perform various processes using the information received from the battery pack 170. For example, the charging station 300 transmits the information received by the battery pack 170 to the management server 500.

[0110] In order to improve the quality of the user experience when using the suction device 100, it is preferable that the management server 500 periodically collects and analyzes information about the suction device 100 and implements measures using the analysis results. Typically, information about the suction device 100 is collected by the management server 500 via a user terminal 200 that can communicate with both the suction device 100 and the management server 500. However, if the suction device 100 does not communicate with the user terminal 200, or if the user terminal 200 does not communicate with the management server 500, it is difficult to periodically collect information via the user terminal 200.

[0111] In this regard, with this configuration, the management server 500 can periodically collect information about the suction device 100 via the charging station 300 to which the battery pack 170 is connected when the battery pack 170 is replaced. As a result, it is possible to implement various measures to improve the quality of the user experience when using the suction device 100, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0112] Furthermore, with this configuration, it becomes possible for external devices to exchange information with each other via the battery pack 170. As a result, it is expected that various services will be created.

[0113] An example of information that can be stored in the battery pack 170 and collected by replacing the battery pack 170 will be described below.

[0114] (1) Battery Pack ID The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores a battery pack ID, which is identification information of the battery pack 170. The battery pack ID can be written when the battery pack 170 is manufactured.

[0115] (2) Specification Information The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores specification information that indicates the specifications of the battery pack 170 .

[0116] The specification information of the battery pack 170 may include a manufacturer ID, which is identification information of the manufacturer that produced the battery pack 170 .

[0117] The specification information of the battery pack 170 may include information indicating the manufacturing date of the battery pack 170 .

[0118] The specification information of the battery pack 170 may include information indicating the model of the battery pack 170 .

[0119] The specification information of the battery pack 170 may include information indicating the initial capacity of the battery 171 .

[0120] (3) Replacement Log The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores a replacement log, which is a log related to replacement of the battery pack 170. The replacement log may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0121] The replacement log may include a device ID, which is identification information of the suction device 100 to which the battery pack 170 provided by the charging station 300 is connected. Furthermore, the replacement log may include a user ID, which is identification information of the user U of the suction device 100 to which the battery pack 170 provided by the charging station 300 is connected.

[0122] The replacement log may include information indicating the replacement time of the battery pack 170. Specifically, the replacement log may include information indicating the provision time of the battery pack 170 (e.g., the date and time when the battery pack 170 was removed from the charging station 300 or the date and time when the battery pack 170 was connected to the suction device 100). The replacement log may also include information indicating the return time of the battery pack 170 (e.g., the date and time when the battery pack 170 was removed from the suction device 100 or the date and time when the battery pack 170 was connected to the charging station 300).

[0123] The replacement log may include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is replaced. Specifically, the replacement log may include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is provided (for example, location information or identification information of the store 8). The replacement log may also include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is returned (for example, location information or identification information of the store 8).

[0124] The replacement log may include information about a substrate pack purchased along with a replacement battery pack 170. The substrate pack information includes, for example, the type and number of substrates included in the substrate pack.

[0125] The replacement log may include information indicating the number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced. The number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced may be incremented each time the battery pack 170 is connected to a different suction device 100 than the previous time. Alternatively, the number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced may be incremented each time the battery pack 170 is connected to the charging station 300.

[0126] An example of the replacement log has been described above. The replacement log may be acquired and written by the main body of the suction device 100, the charging station 300, or the battery pack 170, for example, when replacing the battery pack 170. Note that with regard to information on a base material pack purchased together with the replacement of the battery pack 170, the charging station 300 may acquire such information from the store terminal 400 and write it to the memory 174 of the battery pack 170.

[0127] (4) Discharge Information During Heating The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores discharge information during heating, which is information indicating the discharge status of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating based on the heating profile. The discharge information during heating may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0128] The discharge information during heating may include a voltage drop value of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The voltage drop value of the battery 171 may be the difference in voltage of the battery 171 before and after the heating is performed. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 (more specifically, the battery 171) or whether an error has occurred.

[0129] The discharge information during heating may include a decrease in the charge capacity (unit: mAh) of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The decrease in the charge capacity of the battery 171 may be the difference in charge capacity before and after heating, or the difference in charge capacity from the time of manufacture to the present. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 or whether an error has occurred.

[0130] The discharge information during heating may include a temperature rise value of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The temperature rise value of the battery 171 may be the difference between the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature during the heating session. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 or whether an error has occurred.

[0131] The discharge information during heating may include a time series change in the amount of discharge during a heating session. Immediately after a puff is performed, the amount of discharge temporarily increases to restore the temperature of the heating unit 121, which has dropped due to the puff. In this regard, such information makes it possible to determine the number of puffs performed during a heating session.

[0132] The heating discharge information may include the number of discharges performed for heating, and the number of heating runs can be determined based on this information.

[0133] The discharge information during heating may include the interval between discharges performed for heating. Based on this information, the interval between heating discharges can be determined.

[0134] The discharge information during heating may include at least one of the discharge amount and the discharge time when heating is performed. From such information, the heating profile used by the suction device 100 can be determined.

[0135] The discharge information during heating may include the number of discharges performed for the auto-run function, which is a function that starts heating when a substrate is set (e.g., inserted or connected) to the suction device 100. Based on this information, the number of times the auto-run function has been performed can be determined.

[0136] The discharge information during heating may include the number of times that a discharge abnormality has occurred and the amount of discharge when a discharge abnormality has occurred. Using this information, errors that have occurred in the battery pack 170 can be recorded.

[0137] An example of the discharge information during heating has been described above. The discharge information during heating may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0138] (5) Discharge Information During Non-Heating The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores discharge information during non-heating, which is information indicating the discharge status of the battery 171 during a period when heating based on the heating profile is not being performed. The discharge information during non-heating may include at least one of the following examples of information.

[0139] The discharge information during non-heating may include the number of discharges performed to transition from sleep mode to active mode. Based on this information, the number of transitions from sleep mode to active mode can be determined. The sleep mode is an operating mode in which heating is prohibited. In the sleep mode, transition to the active mode is possible in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button. The active mode is an operating mode in which heating is permitted. In the active mode, heating is initiated in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button.

[0140] The discharge information during non-heating may include at least one of the discharge amount or discharge time during which communication is continued by the communication unit 115. Based on such information, the communication amount or communication time of the suction device 100 can be determined.

[0141] An example of the discharge information when no heating is performed has been described above. The discharge information when no heating is performed can be obtained by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0142] (6) Device Information The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores device information, which is information indicating the mode of use of the suction device 100. The device information may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0143] The device information may include information indicating the smoking time. Smoking refers to the entire act of the user U inhaling the aerosol generated during heating based on the heating profile. A single smoking session may include multiple puffs. The information indicating the smoking time may be the date and time of the start of heating or the date and time of the first detected puff during the heating session. Based on this information, the interval between smoking sessions (i.e., the interval between heating sessions), the number of smoking sessions per day (i.e., the number of heating sessions), and the total number of smoking sessions may be determined.

[0144] The device information may include information indicative of smoking duration, which may be the length of the heating session or the time from the first detected puff to the last detected puff during the heating session, and such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0145] The device information may include information indicating total smoking time, which is the cumulative total smoking time since the inhalation device 100 was manufactured. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance for the inhalation device 100. Such information may also be used to determine the smoking time over the entire life cycle of the inhalation device 100.

[0146] The device information may include information indicating the total number of cigarettes smoked, which is the cumulative total number of cigarettes smoked since the inhalation device 100 was manufactured. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance timing for the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, such information may be used to determine the number of cigarettes smoked throughout the life cycle of the inhalation device 100.

[0147] The device information may include information indicating the total usage time, which is the time elapsed since the suction device 100 was first started. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance for the suction device 100. Such information may also be used to determine the usage time of the suction device 100 over its entire life cycle.

[0148] The device information may include information indicating security settings. The inhalation device 100 may be equipped with a security function that can lock the device for child safety, etc. When the security function is enabled, the inhalation device 100 operates in a locked state in which heating is prohibited or an unlocked state in which heating is permitted. The lock can be released by various triggers, such as when a predetermined button is operated or when a communication connection with the user terminal 200 is established. When the security function is disabled, heating is always permitted in the inhalation device 100. The information indicating security settings may include the time when the security function was enabled and the time when the security function was disabled. Furthermore, the information indicating security settings may include information indicating the time when the security function transitioned to the locked state, the time when the security function transitioned to the unlocked state, and the trigger for unlocking, during the period when the security function was enabled. By referring to the information indicating security settings together with the information indicating the smoking time, it is possible to determine which trigger unlocked the smoking start, or whether smoking started with the security setting disabled.

[0149] The device information may include information indicating the number of puffs, which is the number of puffs detected during a heating session. Such information may be used to determine the number of puffs taken by the user U per smoking session. Such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0150] The device information may include information indicating a puff time, which is the time at which a puff is detected during a heating session. Such information may be used to determine when the user U puffs during a heating session. Such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0151] The device information may include location information of the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the device information may include time-series changes in the location information of the inhalation device 100. The location information of the user terminal 200 may be used as the location information of the inhalation device 100. Based on this information, the behavioral pattern of the user U can be determined. The behavioral pattern of the user U can be used when the user terminal 200 suggests a smoking area or store 8 that matches the behavioral pattern of the user U.

[0152] The device information may include information indicating an error that has occurred in the suction device 100. Such information may be used to recommend when maintenance should be performed on the suction device 100.

[0153] An example of the device information has been described above. The device information may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0154] (7) Charging Information The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores charging information, which is information indicating the charging status of the battery 171. The charging information may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0155] The charging information may include information indicating the number of times the battery pack 170 has been charged. The number of times the battery pack 170 has been connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. Based on this information, the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 can be determined.

[0156] The charging information may include information indicating a charging interval. The charging interval refers to the time elapsed between when the battery pack 170 is disconnected from the charging station 300 or a home charger and when it is connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. Based on this information, the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 can be determined.

[0157] The charging information may include information indicating the charging time and the amount of charge per charge. The charging time refers to the date and time when the battery pack 170 is connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. The amount of charge per charge refers to the voltage increase value during charging. Such information can be used to determine the status of each charge and the deterioration state of the battery pack 170.

[0158] The charging information may include information indicating a charging voltage or a charging current. The charging voltage refers to the voltage value applied to the battery 171 during charging. The charging current refers to the current value flowing through the battery 171 during charging. Such information makes it possible to determine the device (charging station 300 or a home charger) that charged the battery pack 170.

[0159] The charging information may include location information at the time of charging, which may allow determination of where the battery pack 170 was charged (e.g., at the store 8 or at home).

[0160] The charging information may include information indicating the number of times a charging abnormality has occurred and the amount of charge when the charging abnormality occurred. Such information allows errors occurring in the battery pack 170 to be recorded.

[0161] The charging information may include information indicating the states of health (SOH) of the battery 171. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery 171.

[0162] An example of the charging information has been described above. The charging information may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the charging station 300 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0163] (8) Supplementary Information An example of information that can be stored in the battery pack 170 and collected by replacing the battery pack 170 has been described above.

[0164] The battery pack 170 can store and transmit at least two or more of the battery pack ID, replacement log, discharge information during heating, discharge information during non-heating, device information, and charging information in association with one another. This configuration enables more precise analysis of collected information. For example, by associating the replacement log with the discharge information during heating, it becomes possible to analyze the discharge status during heating of the suction device 100 identified by the device ID included in the replacement log.

[0165] 4. Recommending Battery Pack 170 Replacement Location Candidates The management server 500 controls the process of recommending battery pack 170 replacement location candidate candidates (i.e., charging stations 300) to the user U. Specifically, the management server 500 selects one or more charging stations 300 as battery pack 170 replacement location candidate candidates from among a plurality of charging stations 300 that can provide battery packs 170. The management server 500 then recommends the selected battery pack 170 replacement location candidate candidates to the user U. For example, the management server 500 generates a UI screen in which the positions of the battery pack 170 replacement location candidate candidates are mapped on a map, and displays the UI screen on the user terminal 200. This configuration urges the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at an appropriate charging station 300, thereby improving usability for the user U.

[0166] An example of a UI screen displayed by the user terminal 200 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the user terminal 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the UI screen P1 displays pins P12 and P13 (P13-1 and P13-2) superimposed on a map P11 of the user U's current location. The pin P12 indicates the user U's current location. The pin P13 indicates the location of a charging station 300 recommended as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack 170. The number of charging stations 300 displayed is not particularly limited, and may be two as shown in FIG. 8 or may be unlimited. The user U can refer to the UI screen P1 to try replacing the battery pack 170 at a convenient charging station 300.

[0168] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , annotations P14 (P14-1 and P14-2) indicating information about the charging station 300 or the store 8 where the charging station 300 is located are displayed in association with each charging station 300. The annotations P14 include information indicating the name of the store 8, the number of replaceable (i.e., fully charged) battery packs 170 in stock, the time required for the user U to travel from the user U's current location to the charging station 300, and whether the user U's preferred brand of base pack is in stock. By referring to the annotations P14, the user U can select a store 8 that has replaceable battery packs 170 in stock, has a short travel time, or has the preferred brand of base pack in stock as the battery pack 170 replacement location. Note that the UI screen P1 may also display the future inventory number, such as an increase in the number of available battery packs 170 in stock by one in 10 minutes, as shown in the annotation P14-1. In this case, the user U can select the store 8 to visit in anticipation of future increases in inventory.

[0169] An example of a UI screen displayed by the user terminal 200 has been described above.

[0170] As described above, the management server 500 may collect information stored in the memory 174 of the battery pack 170 via the charging station 300, and may recommend candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 based on such information. Alternatively, the management server 500 may collect information stored in the memory 174 of the battery pack 170 in real time via the suction device 100 to which the battery pack 170 is connected, and may recommend candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 based on such information. Furthermore, the management server 500 may collect information on the suction device 100 or the charging station 300 in real time from the suction device 100 or the management server 500 itself, and may recommend candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 based on such information. Details of the process of recommending candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 will be described below.

[0171] The management server 500 may execute a process of recommending candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170 based on information indicating the remaining battery power of the battery pack 170 connected to the inhalation device 100. For example, the management server 500 recommends candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170 before the remaining battery power of the battery pack 170 connected to the inhalation device 100 runs out. This configuration urges the user U to replace the battery pack 170 with ample time to spare, thereby preventing a situation in which the remaining battery power of the battery pack 170 runs out and the user is unable to smoke.

[0172] Specifically, when the remaining battery charge of the battery pack 170 connected to the inhalation device 100 is less than a first threshold, the management server 500 executes a process of recommending a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. Here, the first threshold is preferably set to a value equal to or greater than the remaining battery charge that allows one or more substrates to be consumed. That is, the management server 500 may recommend a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170 when the remaining battery charge of the battery pack 170 reaches a level that allows a predetermined number of substrates to be consumed. With this configuration, it is possible to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at a timing when the user U has enough time to smoke using the predetermined number of substrates.

[0173] The management server 500 may set the first threshold value based on information indicating the heating profile used by the suction device 100. For example, the management server 500 may set the first threshold value high for a suction device 100 that uses a heating profile with a relatively high temperature and high power consumption. On the other hand, the management server 500 may set the first threshold value low for a suction device 100 that uses a heating profile with a relatively low temperature and low power consumption. This configuration makes it possible to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at an appropriate timing according to the power consumption for each heating profile.

[0174] The management server 500 may set the first threshold value based on the usage of the inhalation device 100. For example, the management server 500 may set the first threshold value high for a user U whose smoking intervals are short. On the other hand, the management server 500 may set the first threshold value low for a user U whose smoking intervals are long. With this configuration, it is possible to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at an appropriate timing according to the usage of the inhalation device 100.

[0175] The timing for recommending a candidate location for replacing the battery pack 170 can be determined based on various information in addition to or instead of the remaining battery power of the battery pack 170 connected to the suction device 100.

[0176] As an example, the management server 500 may execute a process of recommending candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 when the number of substrates carried with the inhalation device 100 is less than a second threshold. The number of substrates carried with the inhalation device 100 may be input by the user U into the user terminal 200, or may be estimated based on information about substrate packs purchased by the user U and the number of times the user has smoked since purchasing them. As described above, it is desirable that the replacement of the battery pack 170 and the purchase of a substrate pack be performed at the same time. In this regard, with this configuration, the user U can be prompted to replace the battery pack 170 before the substrates carried by the user U run out, and can be prompted to purchase a substrate pack at the same time as the replacement of the battery pack 170. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user U is unable to smoke because they have run out of substrates.

[0177] The management server 500 may set the second threshold based on information indicating the usage mode of the inhalation device 100. For example, the management server 500 may set the second threshold high for a user U with a short smoking interval and low for a user U with a long smoking interval. This configuration makes it possible to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at an appropriate timing according to the base material consumption pace of each user U.

[0178] As another example, when an abnormality occurs in the battery pack 170 connected to the suction device 100, the management server 500 may execute a process of recommending candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. Whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the battery pack 170 may be input by the user U to the user terminal 200, or may be determined based on discharge information or charge information during heating. With this configuration, it is possible to prompt the user U to replace the battery pack 170 in which the abnormality has occurred, and to prevent the use of the battery pack 170 in which the abnormality has occurred.

[0179] The management server 500 may recommend multiple charging stations 300 as candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. In this case, the management server 500 may recommend the multiple charging stations 300 in accordance with a priority based on a predetermined criterion. An example of the criterion for setting the priority will be described below.

[0180] The management server 500 may preferentially recommend charging stations 300 having battery packs 170 that can be provided to the suction device 100 (i.e., fully charged) as candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. Furthermore, the management server 500 may preferentially recommend charging stations 300 that have a larger inventory of battery packs 170 that can be provided to the suction device 100 as candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. This configuration makes it possible to prevent inconveniences such as the user U visiting the store 8 but being unable to replace the battery pack 170 because it is out of stock.

[0181] The management server 500 may preferentially recommend charging stations 300 that can return the battery pack 170 used by the suction device 100 as candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. For example, the management server 500 preferentially recommends charging stations 300 that have available charging points as candidate locations for replacing the battery pack 170. This configuration makes it possible to prevent an inconvenience such as the user U visiting the store 8 but not being able to return the battery pack 170, resulting in the battery pack 170 not being able to be replaced.

[0182] Here, the management server 500 may select a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170 based on the scheduled charging end time for each of one or more charging points included in the charging station 300 and the scheduled arrival time of the user U at the charging station 300. For example, the management server 500 may first obtain the scheduled charging end time for each charging point estimated by the charging station 300. The management server 500 may also estimate the scheduled arrival time of the user U at the charging station 300 based on the current location of the user U indicated by the location information of the user terminal 200 and the location information of the store 8 where the charging station 300 is located. Then, when there is a charging station 300 having a charging point whose scheduled arrival time is later than the scheduled charging end time, the management server 500 may determine that the charging station 300 has an inventory of battery packs 170 that can be provided, and may recommend the charging station 300 as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. With this configuration, even if there is no battery pack 170 currently in stock, it is possible to recommend a charging station 300 that is expected to have battery packs 170 in stock by the time the user U arrives as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack 170.

[0183] The management server 500 may preferentially recommend a charging station 300 that is geographically close to the user U as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. For example, the management server 500 may preferentially recommend a charging station 300 that is located within a predetermined distance from the current location of the user U, which is indicated by the location information of the user terminal 200, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. Alternatively, the management server 500 may preferentially recommend a charging station 300 that is closest to the current location of the user U as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. With this configuration, it is possible to encourage the user U to replace the battery pack 170 at the nearest charging station 300.

[0184] The management server 500 may preferentially recommend, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170, a charging station 300 located in a store 8 that has stock of a base material pack used by the suction device 100. For example, the management server 500 may preferentially recommend, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170, a charging station 300 located in a store 8 that has stock of a base material pack that the user U recently purchased or that the user U frequently purchases. With this configuration, the user U can purchase a base material pack of their choice in addition to replacing the battery pack 170.

[0185] Next, an example of the flow of processing executed by the system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0186] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. This sequence involves the suction device 100, the user terminal 200, the charging station 300, and the management server 500.

[0187] 9 , first, charging station 300 reports various information to management server 500 (step S102). As an example, charging station 300 transmits to management server 500 the usage status of each charging point, the progress of charging of battery pack 170, and the scheduled charging completion time. As another example, charging station 300 transmits to management server 500 information collected from connected battery pack 170.

[0188] Next, management server 500 stores the information received from charging station 300 in a database (hereinafter also referred to as DB), thereby updating the DB that manages information about charging station 300 (step S104). The DB further stores the number of charging points that charging station 300 has, location information of store 8 where charging station 300 is located, and the like.

[0189] Next, the suction device 100 reports various information to the user terminal 200 (step S106). For example, the suction device 100 transmits to the user terminal 200 information indicating the remaining battery power of the battery pack 170 connected to the suction device 100.

[0190] Next, the user terminal 200 accepts a user input (step S108). For example, the user terminal 200 accepts an input of the number of substrates that the user U carries with the suction device 100.

[0191] Next, the user terminal 200 acquires location information indicating the current location of the user U (step S110).

[0192] Next, the user terminal 200 reports various information to the management server 500 (step S112). For example, the user terminal 200 transmits to the management server 500 the information received from the suction device 100 in step S106, the information input by the user U in step S108, and the location information acquired in step S110.

[0193] Next, the management server 500 determines whether or not it is necessary to recommend a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170 (step S114). For example, when the remaining battery charge of the battery pack 170 connected to the suction device 100 is less than a first threshold, the management server 500 determines that it is necessary to recommend a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170.

[0194] If it is determined that a recommendation of a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170 is necessary, the management server 500 selects one or more charging stations 300 as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170 (step S116). For example, the management server 500 refers to the DB updated in step S104 and selects, as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170, charging stations 300 that have an inventory of available battery packs 170 and are located within a predetermined distance from the current location of the user U.

[0195] Next, the management server 500 transmits information indicating candidate replacement locations for the selected battery pack 170 to the user terminal 200 (step S118).

[0196] Then, the user terminal 200 displays a UI screen showing potential replacement locations for the battery pack 170 based on the received information (step S120).

[0197] 5. Reservation Function The management server 500 may control a process for reserving the battery pack 170 owned by a candidate replacement location for the battery pack 170. The management server 500 reserves for the user U the inventory of the battery pack 170 in the charging station 300 selected by the user U from among the charging stations 300 recommended to the user U as candidate replacement locations for the battery pack 170. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability.

[0198] The reservation of the battery pack 170 can be performed on a UI screen displayed by the user terminal 200. An example of a UI screen related to the reservation will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0199] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed by the user terminal 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the UI screen P2 displays a pin P22 and a pin P23 (P23-1 and P23-2) superimposed on a map P21 of the area around the current location of the user U. The pin P22 indicates the current location of the user U. The pin P23 indicates the location of a charging station 300 recommended as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack 170.

[0200] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , each charging station 300 is associated with an annotation P24 (P24-1 and P24-2) that indicates information about the charging station 300 or the store 8 where the charging station 300 is located. The annotation P24 includes the same content as the annotation P14 shown in FIG. 8 and further includes a reservation button P25 (P25-1 and P25-2). By selecting the reservation button P25, the user U can reserve a battery pack 170 replacement at the charging station 300. Note that the reservation button P25-1 for the charging station 300 at Store A, which currently has no replaceable battery packs 170 in stock and is predicted to have no stock in five minutes, the travel time, is inactivated and unselectable. On the other hand, the reservation button P25-2 for the charging station 300 at Store B, which currently has replaceable battery packs 170 in stock, is activated and selectable.

[0201] When the management server 500 accepts the reservation, it reserves the reserved battery pack 170 and controls the charging station 300 to provide the reserved battery pack 170 only to the user U who made the reservation. For example, the charging station 300 may lock the storage case 301 that stores the reserved battery pack 170, or cause the LED 302 corresponding to the storage case 301 to emit light in a predetermined manner. The charging station 300 may provide the reserved battery pack 170 only if it is authenticated that the user U who comes to pick up the battery pack 170 is the user U who made the reservation. The authentication may be performed, for example, by having the user terminal 200 display a two-dimensional code issued by the management server 500 at the time of reservation and having the charging station 300 read it.

[0202] After accepting the reservation, the management server 500 may cancel the reservation if the user U who made the reservation does not receive the reserved battery pack 170 within a predetermined time.

[0203] When the management server 500 accepts a reservation, it may notify the user terminal 200 of information indicating that the acceptance of the reservation has been completed. Furthermore, when the management server 500 cancels a reservation, it may notify the user terminal 200 of information indicating that the reservation has been canceled.

[0204] <6. 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.

[0205] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the suction device 100 communicates with the management server 500 via the user terminal 200 or the charging station 300, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may also communicate directly with the management server 500.

[0206] In the above embodiment, an example in which the charging station 300 is operated by a store clerk S has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The charging station 300 may be operated by a user U through self-service. In other words, the store clerk S may not be involved in replacing the battery pack 170.

[0207] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the store terminal 400 is included in the system 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. As an example, the function of the store terminal 400 may be included in the user terminal 200. In that case, the replacement fee for the battery pack 170 may be paid by electronic payment using the user terminal 200. As another example, the function of the store terminal 400 may be included in the charging station 300.

[0208] In the above embodiment, a replacement service for the battery pack 170 that functions as the power supply unit 111 of the suction device 100 has been described, but the target of the replacement service is not limited to this example. The power supply unit 111 of the suction device 100 may be charged by a portable charger with a built-in battery that is configured to be detachable from the suction device 100. An replacement service for the portable charger may be provided, and the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied by regarding the portable charger as a battery pack in the present disclosure. For example, the charging station 300 may recommend candidate replacement locations for the portable charger to the user U.

[0209] Each process described in the above embodiment may be executed mainly by any device. For example, the determination of whether or not a replacement location candidate for the battery pack 170 needs to be recommended may be performed by the user terminal 200. In this case, the user terminal 200 may transmit a request to the management server 500 requesting that a replacement location for the battery pack 170 be recommended, and upon receiving the request, the management server 500 may select a replacement location for the battery pack 170 and respond to the user terminal 200.

[0210] 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 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A control device including a control unit that selects one or more battery pack provision devices from among a plurality of battery pack provision devices capable of providing a battery pack replaceably connectable to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source as candidate battery pack replacement locations, and controls a process of recommending the selected candidate battery pack replacement locations to a user of the suction device. (2) The control device described in (1), in which the control unit executes a process of recommending the candidate battery pack replacement locations based on information indicating a remaining battery level of the battery pack currently connected to the suction device. (3) The control device described in (2), in which the control unit executes a process of recommending the candidate battery pack replacement locations when the remaining battery level of the battery pack currently connected to the suction device is less than a first threshold, and the first threshold is set to a value equal to or greater than the remaining battery level at which one or more of the base materials can be consumed. (4) The control device described in (3), in which the control unit sets the first threshold based on control information for controlling a temperature at which the suction device heats the aerosol source. (5) The control device according to (3) or (4), wherein the control unit sets the first threshold value based on a usage mode of the suction device. (6) The control device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the control unit executes a process of recommending candidate battery pack replacement locations when the number of base materials carried with the suction device is less than a second threshold value. (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit executes a process of recommending candidate battery pack replacement locations when an abnormality occurs in the battery pack connected to the suction device. (8) The control device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack providing device having the battery pack that can be provided to the suction device as the candidate battery pack replacement location.(9) The control device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack providing device to which the battery pack used by the suction device can be returned, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack. (10) The control device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit recommends the candidate replacement locations for the battery pack based on a scheduled charging end time for each of one or more charging points owned by the battery pack providing device and a scheduled arrival time of the user of the suction device at the battery pack providing device. (11) The control device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack providing device that is geographically close to the user, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack. (12) The control device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack providing device located in a store that has an inventory of the base material used by the suction device, as a candidate replacement location for the battery pack. (13) The control device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the control unit controls a process of reserving the battery pack owned by the candidate battery pack replacement location. (14) A control method executed by a processor, comprising: selecting one or more battery pack provider devices, among a plurality of battery pack provider devices capable of providing battery packs replaceably connectable to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source, as candidate battery pack replacement locations, and controlling a process of recommending the selected candidate battery pack replacement locations to a user of the suction device. (15) A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that controls a process of selecting one or more battery pack provider devices, among a plurality of battery pack provider devices capable of providing battery packs replaceably connectable to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source, as candidate battery pack replacement locations, and recommending the selected candidate battery pack replacement locations to a user of the suction device.

[0213] 1 System 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 144 Heat insulating section 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate section 152 Mouthpiece section 170 Battery pack 171 Battery 172 Protection IC 173 MCU 174 Memory 175 Sensor 176 Terminal 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet hole 182 Air outlet hole 200 User terminal 210 Communication unit 220 Memory unit 230 Input unit 240 Output unit 250 Control unit 300 Charging station 301 Storage case 302 LED 310 Communication unit 320 Memory unit 330 Input unit 340 Output unit 350 Charging unit 351 Connection terminal 360 Control unit 400 Store terminal 500 Management server 510 Communication unit 520 Memory unit 530 Control unit 8 Store 9 Network

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the process of selecting one or more battery pack supplying devices from among a plurality of battery pack supplying devices capable of providing a battery pack that can be interchangeably connected to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, as a candidate for battery pack replacement location, and recommending the selected battery pack replacement location candidate to the user of the suction device. A control device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit performs a process to recommend candidate locations for replacing the battery pack based on information indicating the remaining battery level of the battery pack connected to the suction device. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when the remaining battery level of the battery pack connected to the suction device is below a first threshold, executes a process to recommend a candidate location for replacing the battery pack. The first threshold is set to a value greater than or equal to the remaining battery charge that can consume one or more of the substrates. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit sets the first threshold based on control information for controlling the temperature at which the suction device heats the aerosol source. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit sets the first threshold based on the usage mode of the suction device. The control device according to claim 3.

6. The control unit performs a process to recommend a candidate location for replacing the battery pack when the number of substrates carried together with the suction device is less than a second threshold. The control device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The control unit, when an abnormality occurs in the battery pack connected to the suction device, performs a process to recommend a candidate location for replacing the battery pack. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack supply device having the battery pack available for the suction device as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack supply device, which is capable of receiving used battery packs via the suction device, as a candidate for battery pack exchange location. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The control unit recommends candidate locations for replacing the battery pack based on the estimated completion time of charging for each of the one or more charging points of the battery pack dispensing device, and the estimated arrival time of the user of the suction device to the battery pack dispensing device. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack supply device geographically close to the user as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The control unit preferentially recommends the battery pack dispensing device located in a store that has stock of the substrate used by the suction device as a candidate location for replacing the battery pack. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The control unit controls the process of reserving the battery pack that is available at the candidate battery pack replacement location. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

14. A control method executed by a processor, Controlling the process of selecting one or more battery pack supplying devices from among a plurality of battery pack supplying devices capable of providing a battery pack that can be interchangeably connected to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, as a candidate for battery pack replacement location, and recommending the selected battery pack replacement location candidate to the user of the suction device. A control method including

15. Computers, A control unit that controls the process of selecting one or more battery pack supplying devices from among a plurality of battery pack supplying devices capable of providing a battery pack that can be interchangeably connected to a suction device that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, as a candidate for battery pack replacement location, and recommending the selected battery pack replacement location candidate to the user of the suction device. A program designed to function as such.