Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system that enables improvement in the quality of user experience. [Solution] This information processing device includes a control unit that changes a first image on the basis of control information to generate a second image, the control information defining a time-series transition of a parameter corresponding to a temperature for heating an aerosol source.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

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

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosols imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action. An example of a device classified as an inhalation device is a heated tobacco product, which is used instead of a cigarette. A heated tobacco product is an inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source.

[0003] In recent years, various technologies related to inhalation devices have been developed to further improve the quality of user experience. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that displays a profile, which is information indicating time-series changes in parameters related to the operation of generating aerosol, and customizes the profile based on user operations on the displayed profile.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 101955

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 only visually displays the time series changes in parameters related to the aerosol generation operation as a graph, etc., making it difficult to intuitively understand the usability of the profile.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can improve the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided that includes a control unit that generates a second image by changing a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which an aerosol source is heated.

[0008] The control unit may generate a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on the control information, and generate the second image by modifying a plurality of partial images extracted from the first image based on the generated plurality of pieces of change policy information.

[0009] The control unit may generate a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on a time series transition of the parameter in a plurality of unit periods defined in the control information.

[0010] The control unit may set the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series transition of the parameter during the unit period, based on characteristics of the unit period.

[0011] The control unit may set the position of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series progression of the parameters during the unit period, based on the position of the unit period during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source is controlled based on the control information.

[0012] The control unit may set the size of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series changes of the parameters during the unit period, based on the duration of the unit period.

[0013] The control unit may generate the plurality of pieces of change policy information based on a time series transition of the parameter in some of the plurality of unit periods defined in the control information.

[0014] The control unit may generate the second image by modifying some of the multiple partial images extracted from the first image based on the modification policy information, and maintaining other partial images.

[0015] The change policy information may define a change policy for RGB (Red-Green-Blue) values.

[0016] The control unit may generate the change policy information that specifies a change to a higher R value as the parameter corresponds to a higher temperature.

[0017] The change policy information may define a change policy for the behavior of the object.

[0018] The second image may be a still image.

[0019] The second image may be a video.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer is provided, which includes generating a second image by modifying a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided for causing a computer to function as a control unit that generates a second image by changing a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated.

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

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph of the heating profile shown in Table 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the process of generating an image based on the heating profile according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the process of generating an image based on the heating profile executed by the system according to the embodiment.

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

[0025] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B), and a server 300.

[0026] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is assumed to be an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 can accommodate stick-type substrates 150 (150A and 150B) that contain an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated stick-type substrate 150.

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

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

[0029] (2) Configuration Example of Suction Device 100 Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0030] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0031] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0032] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0033] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0034] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0035] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0036] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0037] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0038] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0039] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0040] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0041] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0042] As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0043] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0044] (3) Example of Configuration of Terminal Device 200 Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0045] The input unit 210 has a function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The input unit 210 may also include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0046] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to a user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting information input from the control unit 260.

[0047] The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect position information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS signals from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites (for example, GPS signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites) to detect position information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor to detect angular velocity and acceleration.

[0048] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such a communication standard include standards using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

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

[0050] The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, arithmetic parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The terminal device 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 260. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260 include processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0051] The functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 260 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0052] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0053] The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the server 300 and other devices. The communication unit 310 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0054] The storage unit 320 stores various types of information for the operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0055] The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the server 300 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. The control unit 330 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the programs to be used, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. The server 300 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 330. The transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 310 and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 320 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 330. Other processes executed by the server 300, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 330.

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

[0057] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile specifies target values ​​of parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the parameter is the temperature of the heating unit 121. That is, the heating profile may specify a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information specifying the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify a method for supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or a feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0058] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user tastes when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can be optimized.

[0059] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the pulse width or frequency of the power pulses to control the duty ratio in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops below the target temperature.

[0060] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the resistive heating element that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of a resistive heating element changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the resistive heating element can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element. The amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the resistive heating element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0061] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session hereinafter. In other words, a heating session is a period during which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is a period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0062] An example of a heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 5. Table 1 is an example of a heating profile. FIG. 5 is a graph of the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of graph 20 shown in FIG. 5 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20 is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 shows the progression of the target temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0063]

[0064] As shown in Table 1, a heating session is divided into a plurality of unit periods. The heating profile defines the time series progression of the target temperature and the time series progression of the power supply parameters in each unit period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating session is divided into a total of eight unit periods, STEP 0 to STEP 7. As shown in FIG. 5, STEP 0 to STEP 1 are the pre-heating period, and STEP 2 to STEP 7 are the puffable period.

[0065] As shown in Table 1, the multiple unit periods included in a heating session are divided into an initial heating period, an intermediate temperature decreasing period, a reheating period, and a heating end period.

[0066] The initial temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased from or maintained at a predetermined temperature. In the example shown in Table 1, the initial temperature rise period consists of STEP 0 to STEP 2. As shown in FIG. 5, during the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is rapidly increased to and maintained at 295°C. By rapidly increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the initial temperature rise period and maintaining it at a high temperature, the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be heated quickly and sufficiently. This allows the preheating period to be shortened.

[0067] The intermediate temperature drop period follows the initial temperature rise period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops. In the example shown in Table 1, the intermediate temperature drop period consists of STEP 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 230°C during the intermediate temperature drop period. During the intermediate temperature drop period, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop as quickly as possible. In this way, by lowering the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the heating session, rapid consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from running out during the heating session.

[0068] The reheating period follows the intermediate temperature drop period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased or maintained. In the example shown in Table 1, the reheating period consists of STEP 4 to STEP 6. As shown in FIG. 5, during the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased stepwise to 260°C. By gradually increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the reheating period, it is possible to reduce power consumption during the entire heating session while maintaining the amount of aerosol generated.

[0069] The heating end period follows the reheating period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating end period consists of STEP 7. As shown in FIG. 5 , the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases during the heating end period. During the heating end period, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. On the other hand, during the heating end period, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated by the residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0070] Time control may be performed in each step. Time control is a control that ends a step when a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each step) has elapsed. When time control is performed, the rate of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature at the end of the step. Alternatively, the target temperature may be considered to change gradually throughout the entire step. Alternatively, when time control is performed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature midway through the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration has elapsed. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is performed in steps 1, 2, and 4 to 7.

[0071] In some cases, time control is not performed in each step. When time control is not performed, the step ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). Therefore, the duration of a step in which time control is not performed expands or contracts depending on the rate of temperature change. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is not performed in steps 0 and 3.

[0072] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0073] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period at the timing when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0074] The heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. For example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate.

[0075] (2) Image Generation Process Based on Heating Profile Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the image generation process based on the heating profile according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the image generation process based on the heating profile according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 as needed.

[0076] The server 300 (e.g., the control unit 330) generates an image based on the heating profile used by the suction device 100. In particular, the server 300 generates an arranged image (an example of a second image) by modifying an original image (a first image) based on the heating profile. The original image is an image that is the basis of the arranged image. The original image may be an image that shows a real space including natural scenery, buildings, people, animals, etc., or an image that shows a virtual space such as a picture. The arranged image is an image that has been modified from the original image. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the server 300 generates an arranged image (an example of a second image) by modifying an original image G, which is a still image showing a natural scenery. Ｏ By changing the heating profile P, the arrangement image G, which is a still image, ＡThe heating profile P is as shown in Table 1 and FIG. 5. For example, the user causes the inhalation device 100 to perform heating based on the heating profile and puffs while selecting an original image that is close to the impression (i.e., the feeling of use) given by the heating profile. The server 300 then modifies the original image based on the heating profile, automatically generating an arranged image that is closer to the feeling of use of the heating profile. This configuration makes it possible to easily generate an image that visually represents the feeling of use of the heating profile, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0077] The terminal device 200 may store a heating profile and an arrangement image generated based on the heating profile in association with each other. With this configuration, a user can intuitively understand the feel of using the heating profile by referring to the arrangement image. The terminal device 200 may display a plurality of arrangement images corresponding to a plurality of heating profiles, and may accept a user operation to select an arrangement image as a user operation to instruct switching of the heating profile. In this case, the terminal device 200 causes the suction device 100 to use the heating profile corresponding to the selected arrangement image. With this configuration, a user can refer to the arrangement image as identification information when switching the heating profile used by the suction device 100.

[0078] The server 300 generates a plurality of pieces of modification policy information based on the heating profile. The modification policy information is information that specifies how to modify the original image. The server 300 then generates an arranged image by modifying a plurality of partial images extracted from the original image based on the generated plurality of pieces of modification policy information. If the original image is a still image, an example of a partial image is an image of one area of ​​the original image. For example, the server 300 may extract a plurality of partial images by dividing the original image. The server 300 then generates an arranged image by modifying each of the plurality of partial images based on each of the plurality of pieces of modification policy information. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the server 300 generates modification policy information C1 to C3 from the heating profile P. The server 300 then extracts an original image G based on the generated modification policy information C1 to C3. Ｏ By changing the partial images G1 to G3 included in Ａ According to this configuration, it is possible to generate an arranged image in which the time series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile is expressed as the difference between the partial images.

[0079] The server 300 generates multiple pieces of change policy information based on the time series progression of the target temperature over multiple unit periods defined in the heating profile. For example, the server 300 generates one piece of change policy information based on the time series progression of the target temperature over one unit period. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the server 300 generates change policy information C1 to C3 based on the time series progression of the target temperature over steps 4 to 6. This configuration makes it possible to generate an arrangement image in which differences in the time series progression of the target temperature over each unit period are expressed as differences between each partial image.

[0080] The server 300 sets the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series transition of the target temperature in a unit period, based on the characteristics of the unit period. With this configuration, it is possible to generate an arrangement image that reflects the characteristics of the time series transition of the target temperature in a certain unit period in the partial image corresponding to the characteristics of the unit period.

[0081] As an example, the server 300 may set the position of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time-series progression of the target temperature over a unit period based on the position of the unit period in the heating session. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the server 300 sets the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information C1 generated from STEP 4, which arrives earliest among STEPs 4 to 6, to the leftmost partial image G1. The server 300 also sets the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information C2 generated from STEP 5, which arrives second earliest among STEPs 4 to 6, to the second-from-the-left partial image G2. The server 300 also sets the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information C3 generated from STEP 6, which arrives latest among STEPs 4 to 6, to the rightmost partial image G3.

[0082] As another example, the server 300 may set the size (e.g., area) of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time-series transition of the target temperature in a unit period based on the duration of the unit period. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the durations of STEP 4 to STEP 6 are equal. Therefore, the server 300 sets the areas of the partial images G1 to G3 to be changed based on the change policy information generated from STEP 4 to STEP 6 to be equal.

[0083] The server 300 may generate multiple pieces of change policy information based on the time series progression of the target temperature during some of the multiple unit periods defined in the heating profile. In other words, the server 300 does not need to use the time series progression of the target temperature during other unit periods defined in the heating profile to generate the change policy information. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the server 300 generates change policy information C1 to C3 from STEPs 4 to 6, which belong to the reheating period of the heating session. On the other hand, the server 300 does not generate change policy information from the initial heating period, intermediate heating period, or heating end period. It is assumed that the time series progression of the target temperature during periods that have a significant impact on the entire heating session, such as the initial heating period and intermediate heating period, does not differ significantly between heating profiles. In this regard, with this configuration, change policy information can be generated based only on periods that may be significantly different between heating profiles, i.e., periods where the characteristics of each heating profile are likely to be apparent. As a result, it is possible to generate an arrangement image that more closely resembles the feel of the heating profile.

[0084] The change policy information may specify a change policy for RGB (Red-Green-Blue) values. For example, the change policy information may specify increasing or decreasing at least one of the R value, G value, and B value, or changing the balance between the R value, G value, and B value. This configuration makes it possible to generate an arrangement image that expresses the feel of the heating profile using color shades.

[0085] An example will be described below in which change policy information that defines a change policy for RGB values ​​is generated based on the time series transition of the target temperature set for a unit period.

[0086] As an example, the server 300 may generate change policy information that specifies the increase or decrease of the RGB values ​​based on the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period, as shown in Table 2 below. Regarding the example shown in FIG. 6, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 4 is 230° C., the server 300 generates the change policy information that specifies the increase or decrease of the RGB values ​​based on the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period, as shown in Table 2 below. ＯBy adding (-50, 0, 50) to the RGB values ​​of the partial image G1, the arranged image G Ａ In addition, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 5 is 245° C., the server 300 generates the partial image G1 of the original image G Ｏ By adding (50, 0, -50) to the RGB values ​​of the partial image G2, the arranged image G Ａ In addition, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 6 is 260° C., the server 300 generates the partial image G2 of the original image G Ｏ By adding (100, 0, -100) to the RGB values ​​of partial image G3, the arranged image G Ａ A partial image G3 is generated.

[0087]

[0088] As another example, the server 300 may generate change policy information that specifies the RGB values ​​after the change based on the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period, as shown in Table 3 below. In the example shown in FIG. 6, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 4 is 230° C., the server 300 generates the change policy information that specifies the RGB values ​​after the change based on the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period, as shown in Table 3 below. Ｏ By changing the RGB values ​​of the partial image G1 to (0,0,0), the arranged image G Ａ In addition, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 5 is 245° C., the server 300 generates the partial image G1 of the original image G Ｏ By changing the RGB values ​​of the partial image G2 to (34, 139, 34), the arranged image G Ａ In addition, since the average value of the target temperature in STEP 6 is 260° C., the server 300 generates the partial image G2 of the original image G Ｏ By changing the RGB values ​​of the partial image G3 to (205, 92, 92), the arranged image G Ａ A partial image G3 is generated.

[0089]

[0090] Note that the information referenced when generating the change policy information is not limited to the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period. When generating the change policy information, at least one of the maximum value, minimum value, and rate of change of the target temperature set for the unit period may be referenced together with or instead of the average value of the target temperature set for the unit period.

[0091] Here, as illustrated in Tables 2 and 3, it is desirable for the server 300 to generate change policy information that specifies a change to a higher R value as the target temperature increases. Considering that red is naturally associated with high temperatures, this configuration makes it possible to generate an arrangement image that matches the user's sense of use for the heating profile.

[0092] Next, an example of the flow of the image generation process based on the heating profile described above will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the image generation process based on the heating profile executed by the system 1 according to this embodiment. This sequence involves the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300.

[0093] 7, first, the suction device 100 transmits a heating profile to the terminal device 200 (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 transmits the heating profile currently in use to the terminal device 200.

[0094] Next, the terminal device 200 selects an original image (step S104). For example, the terminal device 200 selects an image stored in the terminal device 200 or on the Web as the original image based on a user operation.

[0095] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits the heating profile received in step S102 and the original image selected in step S104 to the server 300 (step S106).

[0096] Next, the server 300 generates change policy information from the heating profile (step S108). For example, the server 300 generates a plurality of change policy information defining change policies for RGB values ​​based on the time series transition of the target temperature in some unit periods among the plurality of unit periods that make up the heating profile.

[0097] Next, the server 300 generates an arranged image by modifying the original image based on the modification policy information (step S110). For example, the server 300 generates an arranged image in which the color of the original image is modified by modifying the RGB values ​​of the multiple partial images that make up the original image based on the multiple pieces of modification policy information generated in step S108.

[0098] Next, the server 300 transmits the generated arrangement image to the terminal device 200 (step S112).

[0099] Then, the terminal device 200 stores the heating profile received in step S102 and the arrangement image received in step S112 in association with each other (step S114).

[0100] 3. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] (1) First Supplementary Note: In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the time series transition of the target temperature in the unit periods belonging to the initial heating period, the intermediate heating period, and the heating end period was not used to generate the change policy information, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The change policy information may be generated based on at least a part of the unit periods belonging to these periods.

[0102] Of the multiple unit periods defined in the heating profile, the number of unit periods used to generate the change policy information is arbitrary and is not limited to the three shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the durations of the unit periods used to generate the change policy information do not need to be the same and may be different.

[0103] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one piece of change policy information is generated based on the time series change of the target temperature in one unit period defined in the heating profile, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. As an example, multiple unit periods defined in the heating profile may be integrated, and one piece of change policy information may be generated based on the time series change of the target temperature in the integrated single period. As another example, one unit period defined in the heating profile may be divided into multiple periods, and multiple pieces of change policy information may be generated based on the time series change of the target temperature in the multiple divided periods.

[0104] (2) Second Supplementary Note: As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the original image may be a still image. The server 300 may divide the original image, which is a still image, into a plurality of partial images by dividing the original image in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is not limited to the horizontal direction. The original image may be divided in the vertical direction, or in two or more directions, such as the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0105] The shape of the partial image is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a variety of shapes such as a triangle, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0106] The original image may be divided in any manner. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the original image may be divided so that the partial images have the same or similar shapes. Alternatively, the original image may be divided into background and foreground images, or into objects included as subjects in the original image.

[0107] The server 300 may generate an arranged image by modifying some of the partial images extracted from the original image based on the modification policy information and maintaining the other partial images. In other words, it is not necessary for all of the partial images extracted from the original image to be modified based on the modification policy information. For example, the server 300 may generate an arranged image by dividing the original image into upper and lower halves, extracting multiple partial images from the upper half of the original image and modifying them based on the modification policy information, while maintaining the lower half of the original image.

[0108] (3) Third Supplementary Note: As described above with reference to Fig. 6, the arranged image may be a still image, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The arranged image may also be a moving image.

[0109] For example, the original image may also be a moving image. The server 300 may then generate an arranged image as a moving image by dividing the original image in the time direction to obtain a plurality of partial images, modifying the partial images based on the modification policy information, and then connecting the partial images.

[0110] As another example, the original image may be a still image. The server 300 may then generate multiple partial images (moving the original image) by duplicating and animating the original image. The server 300 may then modify the multiple partial images based on the modification policy information and then link them together to generate an arranged image as a moving image. The modification policy information may specify the change in RGB values ​​over time. For example, the original image may be a still image depicting a mountain landscape. In this case, the server 300 may duplicate and animate the original image, modify the RGB values, and then link them together to generate an arranged image as a moving image in which the mountain landscape changes over time. As a result, it is possible to generate an arranged image that resembles a fixed-point observation of mountain scenery that changes with the changing seasons.

[0111] In addition, if the arrangement image is a video, it is desirable that the server 300 set the time position or size (i.e., duration) of the partial image as a video to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series change of the target temperature in the unit period, based on the position or duration of the unit period included in the heating profile. For example, as shown in Figure 6, consider an example in which an arrangement image as a video is generated based on the time series change of the target temperature in steps 4 to 6, which have the same duration. In this example, the server 300 can generate an arrangement image as a three-minute video by concatenating the one-minute partial image changed based on step 4, the one-minute partial image changed based on step 5, and the one-minute partial image changed based on step 6.

[0112] (4) Fourth Supplement The change policy information is not limited to the one that defines the change policy for RGB values ​​exemplified in the above embodiment. The change policy information may define at least one of the change policies exemplified below together with or instead of the change policy for RGB values.

[0113] The modification policy information may define a modification policy for the placement of objects. For example, the modification policy information may define, as a modification policy, moving the position or enlarging or reducing the size of an object, such as a character, tool, sun, or tree, included in the original image. The modification policy information may also define, as a modification policy, adding an object not included in the original image, such as a cloud or an animal. This configuration makes it possible to generate an arrangement image that expresses the usage feel of a heating profile through the placement of objects.

[0114] The modification policy information may define a modification policy for the behavior of an object. For example, the modification policy information may define a modification policy such as making a character included in the original image run, changing the pose or expression of the character, dropping a tool, or making trees sway in the wind. This configuration makes it possible to generate an arrangement image that expresses the usage feel of a heating profile through the behavior of an object.

[0115] Additionally, the modification policy information may specify a modification policy for any feature that can be extracted from an image, such as a texture feature, a SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform) feature, a SURF (Speed-Up Robust Features) feature, or a moment feature.

[0116] (5) Others In the above embodiment, an example in which the server 300 generates the change policy information and the arrangement image has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device 200 may generate at least one of the change policy information and the arrangement image.

[0117] In the above embodiment, an example of generating an arranged image by modifying an original image has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An arranged image may be generated from scratch based on a heating profile. One example of a method for generating an image from scratch is a method using so-called image generation AI (artificial intelligence) developed using deep learning or the like.

[0118] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as defined in the heating profile, is the temperature of the heating unit 121. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An example of the parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, an example of the parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the susceptor, the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source, or the like.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization aerosol generator that generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing an aerosol source in the form of a liquid. The technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid atomization aerosol generator.

[0120] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into a random access memory (RAM) and executed by a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU). The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be centrally processed by a single computer or distributed across multiple computers. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented on a single medium.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An information processing device comprising: a control unit that generates a second image by modifying a first image based on control information that defines a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to a temperature to which an aerosol source is heated. (2) The information processing device described in (1), wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on the control information, and modifies a plurality of partial images extracted from the first image based on the generated plurality of pieces of change policy information to generate the second image. (3) The information processing device described in (2), wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on a time series transition of the parameter over a plurality of unit periods defined in the control information. (4) The information processing device described in (3), wherein the control unit sets the partial images to be modified based on the change policy information generated based on the time series transition of the parameter over the unit period based on characteristics of the unit period. (5) The information processing device according to (4), wherein the control unit sets a position of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time-series transition of the parameter in the unit period based on a position of the unit period in a period during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source is controlled based on the control information. (6) The information processing device according to (4) or (5), wherein the control unit sets a size of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time-series transition of the parameter in the unit period based on a duration of the unit period. (7) The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on the time-series transition of the parameter in some of the unit periods among a plurality of the unit periods defined in the control information. (8) The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein the control unit generates the second image by changing some of the partial images among the plurality of partial images extracted from the first image based on the change policy information and maintaining the other some of the partial images.(9) The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (8), wherein the change policy information specifies a change policy for RGB (Red-Green-Blue) values. (10) The information processing device according to any one of (9), wherein the control unit generates the change policy information specifying a change to a higher R value as the parameter corresponds to a higher temperature. (11) The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (10), wherein the change policy information specifies a change policy for an object's behavior. (12) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the second image is a still image. (13) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the second image is a video. (14) An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: generating a second image by changing a first image based on control information that specifies a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to a temperature at which an aerosol source is heated. (15) A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that generates a second image by changing a first image based on control information that specifies the time series transition of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated.

[0123] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit 200 Terminal device 210 Input unit 220 Output unit 230 Detection unit 240 Communication unit 250 Memory unit 260 Control unit 300 Server 310 Communication unit 320 Memory unit 330 Control unit 900 Network

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a control unit that generates a second image by modifying a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which an aerosol source is heated.

2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on the control information, and generates the second image by modifying a plurality of partial images extracted from the first image based on the plurality of pieces of change policy information generated.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on a time series transition of the parameter in a plurality of unit periods defined in the control information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the partial image to be modified based on the modification policy information generated based on the time series transition of the parameter during the unit period, based on the characteristics of the unit period.

5. The information processing device described in claim 4, wherein the control unit sets the position of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series progression of the parameter during the unit period, based on the position of the unit period in a period during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source is controlled based on the control information.

6. An information processing device as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit sets the size of the partial image to be changed based on the change policy information generated based on the time series changes of the parameters during the unit period, based on the duration of the unit period.

7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the control unit generates a plurality of pieces of change policy information based on the time series trends of the parameters in some of the unit periods among the plurality of unit periods defined in the control information.

8. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the control unit generates the second image by modifying some of the multiple partial images extracted from the first image based on the modification policy information and maintaining the other partial images.

9. The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the change policy information defines a change policy for RGB (Red-Green-Blue) values.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit generates the change policy information that specifies a change to a higher R value as the parameter corresponds to a higher temperature.

11. The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the change policy information defines a change policy for an operation of an object.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second image is a still image.

13. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second image is a moving image.

14. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: generating a second image by modifying a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which an aerosol source is heated.

15. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that generates a second image by modifying a first image based on control information that specifies the time series progression of a parameter corresponding to the temperature to which an aerosol source is heated.

Images