Aerosol generation device

Abstract

A suction device (100B), which is an example of an aerosol generation device that is configured such that a battery embodying a power supply unit (111B) can be attached thereto and detached therefrom and that generates an aerosol using the power of the mounted battery, is equipped with a control unit (116B) that controls the operation of the suction device (100B) on the basis of use restriction information stored in a storage unit of the battery attached to the suction device (100B).

Description

Aerosol Generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavor components and deliver the generated aerosols to a user. Such aerosol generating devices typically generate aerosols by supplying power to a heating unit, which is an electric resistance heater or an induction heater, and heating an aerosol source with the heating unit.

[0003] The following Patent Documents 1 to 5 disclose techniques for enabling a user to replace the battery in this type of aerosol generating device.

[0004] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 107373765 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 208480616 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 206507325 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 204407377 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 209609859

[0005] In the field of aerosol generating devices, when batteries become detachable, it is expected that users will replace the battery of the aerosol generating device, but even if the battery is replaced, it is desirable to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery. However, in the prior art, this point has not been sufficiently considered, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generation device configured to have a detachable battery, which is capable of appropriately controlling the charging and discharging of the replaced battery even if the battery is replaced.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol generating device configured to have a detachable battery and generating aerosol using the power of the attached battery, the aerosol generating device including a control unit that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device configured to have a detachable battery can be provided, which can appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery even if the battery is replaced.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery rental assistance system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the suction device 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication terminal 200. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the store terminal 300_i. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server 400. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery compatibility information table 405a stored in the storage unit 405. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store information table 405b stored in the storage unit 405. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the battery rental assistance system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rental store selection screen 1000 displayed on the UI unit 203 by the communication terminal 200 that has received rental assistance information. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a rental detail setting screen 1100 displayed on the UI unit 203 by the communication terminal 200 that has received rental support information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery attachment process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an external power supply connection process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a rental period notification process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference symbols. Note that not all of the features described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential. Furthermore, two or more of the features described in the following embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Hereinafter, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference symbols, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a battery rental support system 10 according to the present embodiment. The battery rental support system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that supports a battery rental service in which a battery 11 used in an inhalation device 100, which is an example of an aerosol generation device that generates aerosol, is rented to a user U of the inhalation device 100. Such a battery rental service can be provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100.

[0012] The battery 11 is a rechargeable battery mainly composed of a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery 11 also includes a storage unit 11a composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 11a can store usage restriction information, which will be described later. The battery 11 may also include a microprocessor (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery IC") that serves as a control unit for controlling the overall operation of the battery 11.

[0013] 1, the battery rental support system 10 includes, for example, a communication terminal 200 used by a user U of the suction device 100, store terminals 300_1 to 300_n (where n is a natural number greater than 1) installed in each of stores ST1 to STn, which are service locations that rent out batteries 11 to the user U, and a server 400 that can communicate with the communication terminal 200 and each of the store terminals 300_1 to 300_n via a network NET. The network NET is, for example, the Internet, a cellular communication network, or a wide area network (WAN).

[0014] Hereinafter, any store among stores ST1 to STn will also be referred to as "store STi," and a store terminal installed in store STi will also be referred to as "store terminal 300_i." Store STi is, for example, a convenience store, a tobacco store, or a restaurant (e.g., a coffee shop). As another example, store STi may be a public smoking area, etc.

[0015] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol, but this is not limited thereto, and the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be, for example, a gas.

[0016] Inhalation device 100 is configured to have a detachable battery 11, and generates aerosol using the power of battery 11. Although details will be described later, for example, inhalation device 100 is configured to include a heating unit that heats the aerosol source (e.g., heating unit 121A shown in FIG. 2 or heating unit 121B shown in FIG. 3), and supplies power from attached battery 11 to the heating unit to heat the aerosol source and generate aerosol.

[0017] Incidentally, there may be multiple types of suction device 100, such as suction device 100A, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 2, and suction device 100B, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 3. If a manufacturer of suction device 100 provides various types of suction device 100, user U can select a type of suction device 100 that suits his or her preference.

[0018] When various types of suction devices 100 exist, the power consumption, housing size, etc. differ for each type of suction device 100, and therefore it may happen that the type of battery 11 that is compatible with each type of suction device 100 differs. For this reason, for example, when a user U uses a battery rental service, a mechanism is desired that can prevent a type of battery 11 that is not compatible with the user U's suction device 100 from being rented to the user U.

[0019] The communication terminal 200 is, for example, a computer such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal used by the user U. The suction device 100 and the communication terminal 200 of the user U are linked to each other, for example, when the user U performs a predetermined operation on the suction device 100 and / or the communication terminal 200.

[0020] The communication terminal 200 can communicate with each of the suction device 100, the store terminal 300_i, and the server 400, thereby exchanging predetermined information (data) therebetween. For example, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the server 400 is performed via a network NET. On the other hand, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i may use, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Furthermore, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i may also be performed via the network NET.

[0021] The store terminal 300_i is configured to allow the battery 11 to be attached or detached. A battery 11 that is available for loan at the store STi where the store terminal 300_i is installed is attached to the store terminal 300_i. A user U can borrow the battery 11 by removing the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i. The user U can also return the borrowed battery 11 by attaching it to the store terminal 300_i. An example configuration of the store terminal 300_i will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0022] Server 400 is an example of an information processing device in the present disclosure, and is a computer managed by a service provider of a battery rental service (e.g., the manufacturer of suction device 100). Server 400 may be a virtual server (cloud server) realized in a cloud computing service, or may be a physical server realized as a single device. An example configuration of server 400 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0023] [2. Configuration Examples of Inhalation Device] <2-1. First Configuration Example of Inhalation Device> Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the inhalation device 100A of 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 section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 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.

[0024] The power supply unit 111A stores power. The power supply unit 111A supplies 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 to be rechargeable with power received from an external power source. The external power source may be, for example, an AC (Alternating Current) adapter, a mobile charger, or a PC (Personal Computer). The power supply unit 111A may be realized by, for example, a battery 11 attached to the suction device 100A.

[0025] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A is configured with, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with the suction by the user U.

[0026] As one example, sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects a change in pressure (hereinafter also referred to as an "internal pressure") inside suction device 100A caused by inhalation by user U. As another example, sensor unit 112A may include a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "flow rate") caused by inhalation by user U. As another example, sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of heating unit 121A or the vicinity of heating unit 121A.

[0027] The sensor unit 112A may also include an operation detection unit that detects an operation by the user U. In other words, the sensor unit 112A may also function as an input unit that accepts information input from the user U. In this case, the sensor unit 112A may be configured to include an operation button, an operation switch, a motion sensor, a hall sensor, or the like.

[0028] The notification unit 113A notifies the user U of information. The notification unit 113A may be configured, for example, by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. Here, the light-emitting device may be realized, for example, by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and a drive circuit that causes the light-emitting element to emit light. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode). The sound output device may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device may be, for example, a vibrator that includes a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the rotation shaft of the motor.

[0029] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information (for example, programs and data) for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A can be configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0030] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such a communication standard include standards using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA. For example, the communication unit 115A communicates with the communication terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC under the control of the control unit 116A.

[0031] 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 programs stored in the storage unit 114A, etc. For example, the control unit 116A controls the supply of power from the power supply unit 111A to each component (e.g., the heating unit 121A described below) and the charging of the power supply unit 111A (i.e., the battery 11) using power received from an external power source. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 116A is equipped with, for example, a real-time clock (RTC) that keeps track of real time.

[0032] The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit including an IC (Integrated Circuit), such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor (also referred to as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit)). The control unit 116A may be configured by one IC or two or more ICs.

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

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

[0035] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source. The heating unit 121A is configured in any shape, such as a coil, film, or blade, and is made of any material, such as metal or polyimide. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound with a heating resistor, such as nichrome or stainless steel, and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A.

[0036] As an example, power supply from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A may be performed when sensor unit 112A detects that user U has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when sensor unit 112A detects that user U has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, power supply to heating unit 121A may be stopped.

[0037] The heating unit 121A may be configured to generate aerosol by vibration or induction heating. When the aerosol is generated by vibration, the suction device 100A includes a vibration unit as the heating unit 121A. The vibration unit is configured, for example, by a plate-shaped member including piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibration unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibration unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibration unit, thereby generating the aerosol.

[0038] Furthermore, when aerosol generation is performed by induction heating, the suction device 100A includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the heating unit 121A. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as metal and generates heat through electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is disposed adjacent to the liquid guide unit 122. As an example, the susceptor is made of a metal conductor and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. The electromagnetic induction source heats the susceptor through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is made of, for example, a coiled conductor and generates a magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. When the magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. The aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized by this Joule heat, generating the aerosol.

[0039] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. For example, the flavor source 131 may be a tobacco-derived product, such as a processed product obtained by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 131 may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the flavor source 131 may include a flavor component such as menthol. The flavor source 131 may also be a stick-shaped member. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, the flavor source 131 may include a medication for inhalation by the patient. Note that the flavor source 131 is not limited to a solid, but may also be a liquid containing flavor components such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The flavor source 131 may also be disposed inside a container such as a capsule.

[0040] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user U. 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 U inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported 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.

[0041] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of user U when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, user U can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not shown) that heats the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, in the form of a film and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, thereby heating the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, in the form of a blade that pierces the flavor source 131 and heats the flavor source 131 from the inside. The flavor source heating unit may also be configured to heat the flavor source 131 by vibration or induction heating. By providing such a flavor source heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to when a flavor source heating unit is not provided, thereby enabling an increase in the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 100B of 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.

[0048] 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 the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A described above.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 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 contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user U holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path not shown, and reaches the user U's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0051] 3, the heating unit 121B is configured as a film heater with conductive tracks made of heating resistors whose electrical resistance value correlates with temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the housing 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, generating an aerosol. Note that the heating resistor of the heating unit 121B can be the same as the heating resistor of the heating unit 121A described above.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guiding 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 U.

[0058] In the following description, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B will be referred to as the "suction device 100" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply unit 111A and the power supply unit 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112B as the "sensor unit 112," the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B as the "notification unit 113," the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B as the "memory unit 114," the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B as the "communication unit 115," the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B as the "control unit 116," and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B as the "heating unit 121."

[0059] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of communication terminal 200. As shown in Fig. 4, communication terminal 200 includes, for example, a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a UI (user interface) unit 203, and a storage unit 205.

[0060] The control unit 201 functions as a processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the communication terminal 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 201 is realized by an electronic circuit including a CPU, for example.

[0061] The communication unit 202 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 201. As such a communication standard, a standard using the Internet, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA, or the like, can be adopted.

[0062] For example, the communication unit 202 communicates with the server 400 via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication in accordance with the control of the control unit 201. Furthermore, the communication unit 202 communicates with the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC in accordance with the control of the control unit 201.

[0063] The UI unit 203 includes an input device that accepts information input from the user U and an output device that outputs (e.g., presents) various information to the user U. The input device of the UI unit 203 outputs the accepted information (in other words, input information) to the control unit 201. The output device of the UI unit 203 outputs various information under the control of the control unit 201. In this embodiment, the UI unit 203 is configured by a touch panel that combines a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display) that displays images and a pointing device, but is not limited to this. For example, the UI unit 203 may have a display device and an input device that are provided separately. The UI unit 203 may also further include a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like.

[0064] The storage unit 205 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the communication terminal 200, and is provided in a state in which the information can be referenced by the control unit 201. The storage unit 205 may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 205 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area when a CPU or the like that implements the control unit 201 performs various processes.

[0065] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 300_i. As shown in FIG. 5, the store terminal 300_i includes, for example, a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a UI unit 303, a battery storage unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

[0066] The control unit 301 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the store terminal 300_i in accordance with various programs. The control unit 301 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU and the like.

[0067] The communication unit 302 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 301. As such a communication standard, a standard using the Internet, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA, or the like, can be adopted.

[0068] For example, the communication unit 302 communicates with the server 400 via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication in accordance with the control of the control unit 301. Also, the communication unit 302 communicates with the communication terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC in accordance with the control of the control unit 301.

[0069] The UI unit 303 includes an input device that accepts information input from a user (e.g., user U) and an output device that outputs various information to the user. The input device of the UI unit 303 outputs the accepted information (in other words, input information) to the control unit 301. The output device of the UI unit 303 outputs various information under the control of the control unit 301. For example, the UI unit 303 may also be configured with a touch panel, similar to the UI unit 203. Furthermore, the UI unit 303 may have a display device and an input device that are provided separately.

[0070] The battery storage unit 304 is configured to be able to store, for example, multiple batteries 11 and to store each battery 11 independently. As an example, in this embodiment, the battery storage unit 304 has, for example, multiple storage spaces, each capable of storing one battery 11. Each storage space is provided with a door with a locking mechanism that operates under the control of the control unit 301. When the door of one storage space is unlocked by the control unit 301, the user U can open the door and remove the battery 11 stored in that storage space (i.e., borrow the battery 11). On the other hand, when the door of a storage space is locked, it is difficult for the user U to remove the battery 11 stored in that storage space.

[0071] Each storage space is provided with a terminal electrically connected to the battery 11 stored in that storage space. The store terminal 300_i can, for example, supply power to (i.e., charge) the battery 11 stored in each storage space via this terminal. Furthermore, the store terminal 300_i (more specifically, the control unit 301) can store predetermined information (e.g., usage restriction information, which will be described later) in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 stored in each storage space and can obtain the information stored in the memory unit 11a by, for example, communicating with a battery IC provided in the battery 11 stored in each storage space via this terminal.

[0072] The store terminal 300_i and the battery storage unit 304 do not have to be configured as an integrated unit, but may be configured as separate entities. In this case, the store terminal 300_i may communicate with another device that has the battery storage unit 304 to charge the battery 11 stored in the other device, store predetermined information in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, and obtain information stored in the memory unit 11a.

[0073] The storage unit 305 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the store terminal 300_i, and is provided in a state where the information can be referenced by the control unit 301. The storage unit 305 may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 305 may further include a RAM that is used as a work area when a CPU or the like that implements the control unit 301 performs various processes.

[0074] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 400. As shown in Fig. 6, the server 400 includes, for example, a control unit 401, a communication unit 402, and a storage unit 405.

[0075] The control unit 401 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the server 400 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 401 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU and the like.

[0076] The communication unit 402 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 401. Such communication standards may include standards using the Internet, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, etc. For example, under the control of the control unit 401, the communication unit 402 communicates with the communication terminal 200 or the store terminal 300_i via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication.

[0077] The storage unit 405 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the server 400, and is provided in a state where the information can be referenced by the control unit 401. The storage unit 405 may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 405 may further include a RAM that is used as a work area when a CPU or the like that implements the control unit 401 performs various processes.

[0078] In this embodiment, information such as a battery compatibility information table 405a and a store information table 405b is stored in the storage unit 405. Examples of the battery compatibility information table 405a and the store information table 405b will be described below.

[0079] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the battery compatibility information table 405a stored in the storage unit 405. As shown in Fig. 7, the battery compatibility information table 405a includes information indicating the type of battery 11 compatible with each type of suction device 100, for example.

[0080] 7 has information 405a_1 that associates a suction device 100 of a type called "model A" (e.g., the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 2) with a battery 11 of a type called "battery type a." This information 405a_1 indicates that a battery 11 of a type called "battery type a" is compatible with a suction device 100 of a type called "model A."

[0081] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the store information table 405b stored in the storage unit 405. As shown in Fig. 8, the store information table 405b is configured to include, for example, information indicating the type of battery 11 available for rental at each store (for example, stores ST1 to STn shown in Fig. 1) and the location of the store (hereinafter also referred to as "location information").

[0082] For example, the store information table 405b shown in Fig. 8 has information 405b_1 that associates a store called "Store α" (for example, store ST1 shown in Fig. 1), a location "XX", and a type of battery 11 called "battery type a". This information 405b_1 indicates that "Store α", which is a store that rents out batteries 11, is located at "XX" and rents out batteries 11 of the type called "battery type a" (in other words, the store terminal 300_i of "Store α" contains batteries 11 of the type called "battery type a").

[0083] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation of the battery rental support system 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the suction device 100 of the user U transmits suction device identification information to the communication terminal 200 of the user U (step S1). The communication terminal 200, which has received the suction device identification information, stores the suction device identification information in the storage unit 205 (step S2).

[0084] Here, the suction device identification information includes information capable of identifying the type of suction device 100 of user U, and can be, for example, information capable of identifying an individual suction device 100. The timing at which suction device 100 transmits the suction device identification information can be, for example, the timing at which suction device 100 and communication terminal 200 are linked together by user U performing a predetermined operation on suction device 100 and / or communication terminal 200, but is not limited to this and can be determined arbitrarily by the manufacturer of suction device 100.

[0085] Furthermore, suction device 100 transmits the usage history information to communication terminal 200 (step S3). Communication terminal 200 receives the usage history information and stores the usage history information in storage unit 205 (step S4).

[0086] Here, the usage history information is information that represents the usage history of the inhalation device 100 by the user U, and includes, for example, information that can identify the time when smoking was performed using the inhalation device 100. As an example, the usage history information may be information that indicates the start and end times of smoking performed using the inhalation device 100 during a predetermined period in the past.

[0087] The timing at which suction device 100 transmits the usage history information may be a timing preset by the manufacturer of suction device 100, such as 00:00 every Sunday, but is not limited to this and may also be a timing at which a predetermined operation is performed by user U on suction device 100 and / or communication terminal 200. Furthermore, suction device 100 may also transmit the usage history information in conjunction with the transmission of the suction device identification information in step S1.

[0088] Then, upon receiving a predetermined operation by user U, communication terminal 200 transmits a battery rental service usage request (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "rental usage request") to server 400 (step S5).

[0089] Here, the rental use request is information including the suction device identification information stored by the processing of step S2, in other words, the suction device identification information acquired from the suction device 100 of user U. As an example, in this embodiment, the rental use request includes, in addition to the suction device identification information, the usage history information stored by the processing of step S3 and location information indicating the location of communication terminal 200 at the time of sending this rental use request (i.e., the location of user U). Note that the location information included in the rental use request may be information indicating the location of a point designated by the user, instead of the location of communication terminal 200.

[0090] In this way, a rental use request including location information of the location of user U or the location of a point designated by the user is transmitted to server 400, allowing server 400 to perform processing that takes into account the location of user U or the location of a point designated by the user. Furthermore, a rental use request including usage history information of suction device 100 is transmitted to server 400, allowing server 400 to perform processing that takes into account the usage history (in other words, usage trends) of suction device 100 by user U.

[0091] Next, the server 400 receives the rental use request sent from the communication terminal 200, obtains the information contained in the rental use request, and based on the information, selects rental stores to present to the user U and sets recommended information (step S6).

[0092] To explain in detail an example of selecting a rental store, the server 400 first refers to the battery compatibility information table 405a stored in the memory unit 405, and identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U, based on the suction device identification information of the received rental use request. For example, if the suction device identification information of the received rental use request indicates "model A," the server 400 refers to the battery compatibility information table 405a shown in FIG. 7 to identify "battery type a" as the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U.

[0093] Next, the server 400 refers to the store information table 405b stored in the storage unit 405 to search for a store STi that rents out a battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U. For example, assume that the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is identified as "battery type a." In this case, the server 400 refers to the store information table 405b shown in FIG. 8 to search for "store α" or the like as a store STi that rents out a battery 11 of "battery type a."

[0094] Next, based on the location information of the received rental request and the location information of each store in the store information table 405b, the server 400 selects, for example, a store located within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 1 km) from the user U (in other words, the communication terminal 200) from among the stores searched for as stores STi that rent out batteries 11 compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U, as a rental store. If there are multiple stores that meet the requirements for a rental store, the server 400 selects, for example, these multiple stores as rental stores.

[0095] In addition, if the location information of the received rental use request is information indicating the location of the point specified by user U, server 400 selects, from among the stores searched as stores STi that rent out batteries 11 compatible with user U's suction device 100, a store located within a specified range (for example, within a radius of 1 km) from the point specified by user U as a rental store.

[0096] To further describe an example of setting recommendation information in detail, server 400 first determines the number of times user U smokes per day based on the usage history information of the received rental use request. As an example, server 400 determines from the usage history information how many times smoking has been performed using inhalation device 100 on each day included in the most recent week, and determines the average of these values ​​as the number of times user U smokes per day.

[0097] Next, the server 400 derives the number of charges per day based on the number of cigarettes smoked by the user U per day. For example, in the inhalation device 100, it is assumed that the battery 11 will be empty after 20 cigarettes have been smoked since the battery 11 was fully charged. It is also assumed that the number of cigarettes smoked by the user U per day is 20. In this case, charging the battery 11 once per day will allow the user U to smoke the same number of cigarettes as the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Therefore, in this case, the server 400 derives the number of charges per day as "1 time."

[0098] On the other hand, suppose that user U smokes 40 times per day. In this case, unless battery 11 is charged twice a day, user U will not be able to smoke the number of times per day that user U smokes. Therefore, in this case, server 400 derives the number of times the battery is charged per day as "twice."

[0099] After selecting the rental stores and setting the recommendation information in this manner, the server 400 transmits rental support information including information indicating the rental stores and the recommendation information to the communication terminal 200 of the user U (i.e., the source of the rental request), thereby presenting the rental support information to the user U (step S7).

[0100] The rental support information may also include information indicating the type of battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100 identified by the processing of step S6. In this way, the communication terminal 200 can present to the user U information indicating the type of battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100. By presenting the user U with the type of battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100, the user U can know the type of battery 11 compatible with his or her own suction device 100, and it is therefore possible to prevent the user U from mistakenly borrowing a battery 11 of the wrong type.

[0101] As an example, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 200 that receives the rental support information displays, for example, a rental store selection screen 1000 described later using FIG. 10 and a rental detail setting screen 1100 described later using FIG. 11 on the UI unit 203, thereby presenting to the user U information indicating rental stores, recommendation information, and information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100.

[0102] Then, the communication terminal 200 accepts, for example, via the rental store selection screen 1000 and the rental detailed setting screen 1100, the selection of a store STi (hereinafter also referred to as a "rental store") from which the user U wishes to rent the battery 11, and the detailed settings for the rental of the battery 11 by the user U (step S8). As an example, in the present embodiment, by the processing of step S8, the communication terminal 200 accepts the result of the selection of the rental store by the user U, the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U, and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

[0103] Then, the communication terminal 200 transmits rental information regarding the user U's rental of the battery 11 to the server 400 (step S9). The rental information may be, for example, information obtained as a result of the processing in step S8. As an example, in this embodiment, the rental information includes information indicating the rental store, the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U, and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. Here, the information indicating the rental period includes at least information indicating the end time of the rental period. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rental information also includes communication terminal identification information that can identify the individual communication terminal 200 of the user U.

[0104] The server 400, which has received the rental information, identifies the rental store STi based on the rental information and transmits the rental information to the store terminal 300_i of the rental store STi (step S10). This enables the server 400 to notify the store terminal 300_i installed in the rental store STi of the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U, and the communication terminal identification information of the communication terminal 200 of the user U.

[0105] The store terminal 300_i that has received the rental information stores the rental information in the storage unit 305, and also sets one of the batteries 11 housed in the battery housing unit 304 to be ready for rental (step S11). In the processing of step S11, the store terminal 300_i stores information based on the rental information in the one battery 11, and charges the one battery 11 as necessary, for example.

[0106] As an example, in this embodiment, the store terminal 300_i stores usage restriction information based on rental information in the memory unit 11a of one battery 11 through the process of step S11. Here, the usage restriction information may be, for example, information indicating the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. By storing such usage restriction information in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, the suction device 100 of the user U to which the battery 11 is attached can perform control taking into account the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

[0107] Thereafter, the user U goes to a rental store STi, and causes his / her own communication terminal 200 to communicate with a store terminal 300_i of the store STi, and causes the communication terminal 200 to transmit predetermined authentication information to the store terminal 300_i (step S12). Then, the store terminal 300_i, which has received the authentication information, performs authentication processing (step S13).

[0108] Here, the authentication information may be information including, for example, communication terminal identification information. In this case, if the communication terminal identification information included in the rental information stored in the storage unit 305 matches the communication terminal identification information in the received authentication information, the store terminal 300_i determines that the authentication is successful and rents out the battery 11 (step S14). In the processing of step S14, the store terminal 300_i unlocks the door of the storage space that houses the battery 11 that has been set up for rental preparation in the processing of step S11, thereby renting out the battery 11.

[0109] Furthermore, the store terminal 300_i may, for example, before renting out the battery 11, present rental information to the user U via the UI unit 303 or the like to allow the user U to confirm the contents (for example, the rental period and the number of times the battery can be charged). Then, when an operation indicating that there are no errors in the contents is received from the user U via the UI unit 303 or the like, the store terminal 300_i may rent out the battery 11.

[0110] On the other hand, if the communication terminal identification information included in the rental information stored in the storage unit 305 does not match the communication terminal identification information in the received authentication information, the store terminal 300_i determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the store terminal 300_i does not perform the process of step S14.

[0111] Only when the process of step S14 has been performed, the user U can remove the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i and attach it to the suction device 100. Then, when the battery 11 is attached, the suction device 100 performs a battery attachment process (step S15). The details of the battery attachment process will be described later, and therefore will not be described here.

[0112] In addition, the store terminal 300_i transmits a payment request to the server 400 in response to the battery 11 being removed from the store terminal 300_i (i.e., in response to the battery 11 being lent to the user U) (step S16).

[0113] The server 400 that has received the payment request performs a payment process (step S17) to settle the rental fee according to the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U this time (in other words, to charge the rental fee to the user U). The rental fee is determined in advance by the service provider of the battery rental service (for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100), so that the longer the rental period and the more times the battery can be charged, the higher the rental fee.

[0114] As described above, the server 400 (e.g., the control unit 401) acquires the suction device identification information of the user U's suction device 100, identifies the type of battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100 based on the suction device identification information, refers to the store information table 405b, searches for a store STi that rents out a battery 11 of the type compatible with the user U's suction device 100, and presents information indicating the searched store STi to the user U. This allows the user U to be guided to the store STi that rents out a battery 11 of the type compatible with the user U's suction device 100, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

[0115] Furthermore, the server 400 may acquire location information of the user U, and based on the location information, select a store STi located within a predetermined range from the user U from among stores STi that rent out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100, and present information indicating the selected store STi to the user U. In this way, the server 400 can guide the user U to a store STi that rents out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100 and is close to the user U, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

[0116] As another example, the server 400 may acquire location information of a location specified by the user U, and based on the location information, select a store STi located within a predetermined range from the location specified by the user U from among stores STi that rent out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100, and present information indicating the selected store STi to the user U. In this way, the server 400 can guide the user U to a store STi that rents out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100 and is close in distance to the user U's desired location, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

[0117] Furthermore, the server 400 transmits rental information regarding the rental of the battery 11 by the user U to, for example, a store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected as a rental store by the user U. This enables the server 400 to cause the store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected by the user U to perform processing in preparation for lending the battery 11 to the user U.

[0118] More specifically, the rental information includes, for example, information indicating the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. This allows the server 400 to notify the store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi, which is a rental store, of the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged.

[0119] The server 400 then transmits this rental information to a store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected by the user U, and stores the above-mentioned usage restriction information in the memory unit 11a of one of the batteries 11 that are available for purchase at the store STi via the store terminal 300_i. This enables the suction device 100 of the user U equipped with the battery 11 that stores the usage restriction information to perform control taking into account the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

[0120] Furthermore, the server 400 may present the user U with recommendation information regarding the rental of the battery 11 by the user U. In this way, the user U can be further encouraged to use the battery rental service.

[0121] As an example, the server 400 acquires usage history information of the suction device 100 of the user U and presents recommendation information based on the usage history information to the user U. In this way, it becomes possible to present recommendation information to the user U that takes into account the usage trends of the suction device 100 of the user U, thereby further encouraging the user U to use the battery rental service. Note that the recommendation information does not have to be based on the usage history information, and may be, for example, information predetermined by a service provider of the battery rental service (e.g., the manufacturer of the suction device 100).

[0122] Furthermore, when the battery 11 is rented to the user U, the server 400 may perform settlement for the rental. In this way, it becomes possible to automatically charge the user U for the price associated with renting the battery 11 to the user U. When making the settlement, the server 400 may transmit information indicating that a transaction of a predetermined amount (rental amount) has taken place to, for example, a server of a card company of the user U's pre-registered credit card.

[0123] As an example, when the battery 11 is rented to the user U, the server 400 settles the rental amount according to the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. In this way, it becomes possible to automatically charge the user U an appropriate amount (rental amount) that takes into account the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

[0124] Furthermore, the communication terminal 200 acquires suction device identification information from the user U's suction device 100, transmits the suction device identification information to the server 400, receives from the server 400 information indicating a store STi that has a battery 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100 that has been searched for by the server 400 based on the suction device identification information, and presents the received information indicating the store STi to the user U. This allows the user U to be guided to the store STi that has a battery 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100 that is available for rental, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

[0125] 7. Example of Rental Store Selection Screen FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a rental store selection screen 1000 that is displayed on the UI unit 203 by the communication terminal 200 that has received the rental support information.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 10, the rental store selection screen 1000 includes, for example, a message 1010 indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100, a message 1020 prompting the user to select a rental store, and a map image 1030 showing a map of a specified area.

[0127] 10, a message such as "The battery that is compatible with your suction device is battery type a" is displayed as message 1010 indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with user U's suction device 100. This is because the type of battery 11 that is compatible with user U's suction device 100 is identified as "battery type a" by the processing of step S6 shown in FIG.

[0128] 10, the map image 1030 represents a map within a predetermined range from the user U (in other words, the communication terminal 200). In the map image 1030, a current location icon 1031 is displayed at a location corresponding to the point where the user U is located.

[0129] Furthermore, rental store icons 1032 are displayed at locations on the map image 1030 that correspond to the locations of each rental store. This highlights the rental stores on the map image 1030, allowing the user U to intuitively and easily grasp the location of each rental store. The user U can then select a rental store by taking into consideration the positional relationship between the user U's location indicated by the current location icon 1031 and the location of each rental store indicated by each rental store icon 1032.

[0130] 10, "Store α" and "Store γ" are displayed as rental stores highlighted by rental store icons 1032. In this case, the user U can select "Store α" as a rental store by, for example, tapping the rental store icon 1032 corresponding to "Store α."

[0131] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a rental detailed setting screen 1100 that the communication terminal 200, which has received the rental support information, displays on the UI unit 203. This rental detailed setting screen 1100 is displayed, for example, when any rental store is selected as the rental store on the rental store selection screen 1000 shown in FIG.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 11 , the rental details setting screen 1100 includes, for example, a rental period setting field 1110 used to set the rental period, a chargeable number setting field 1120 used to set the number of times the battery can be charged, and a decision button 1150 for confirming the rental period and the number of times the battery can be charged set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the chargeable number setting field 1120.

[0133] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the rental period setting field 1110 has a “1 day” button 1111, a “3 days” button 1112, a “1 week” button 1113, and a rental start date / end date input button 1114.

[0134] In this case, the user U can set the rental period to "one day from today" by tapping the "1 day" button 1111, for example. In this case, the end time of the rental period (hereinafter also referred to as the "rental end time") will be, for example, 11:59:59 PM the next day. Furthermore, the user U can set the rental period to "three days from today" by tapping the "3 days" button 1112. In this case, the rental end time will be, for example, 11:59:59 PM three days from today.

[0135] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the "3rd day" button 1112 has been tapped (i.e., selected), and is therefore highlighted in a different color from the other buttons to indicate that the button is selected.

[0136] Furthermore, the user U can input any dates as the rental start date and rental end date, and set the desired rental period, by tapping the rental start date / end date input button 1114 in the rental period setting field 1110. In this case, for example, 23:59:59 on the input rental end date becomes the rental end time.

[0137] 11, the chargeable count setting field 1120 is provided with a "1 time / day" button 1121, a "2 times / day" button 1122, and a "3 times / day" button 1123. Each of these buttons displays, for example, the chargeable count corresponding to the button selected in the rental period setting field 1110.

[0138] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 11, the "3 days" button 1112 is selected in the rental period setting field 1110, so the "1 time / day" button 1121 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "3 times," "2 times / day" button 1122 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "6 times," and "3 times / day" button 1122 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "9 times."

[0139] In this case, the user U can set the number of times that charging is possible to "3 times" by tapping, for example, the "1 time / day" button 1121. Furthermore, the user U can set the number of times that charging is possible to "6 times" by tapping the "2 times / day" button 1122.

[0140] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the "twice / day" button 1122 has been tapped (i.e., selected), and therefore is highlighted in a different color from the other buttons to indicate that the button is selected.

[0141] Furthermore, the chargeable number setting field 1120 is further provided with, for example, a chargeable number input button 1124. By tapping the chargeable number input button 1124, the user U can input any number of times as the chargeable number and set the desired chargeable number.

[0142] The rental detail setting screen 1100 also displays a recommendation 1130 based on, for example, recommendation information included in the rental support information. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11 , a message such as "We recommend that you set the number of times the device can be charged per day to two times" is displayed as the recommendation 1130. This is because the number of times the user U charges per day is determined to be "two times" by the process of step S6 shown in FIG. 9 . By presenting the user U with such a recommendation 1130 that matches the user U's usage tendency of the suction device 100, the user U can easily set the number of times the device can be charged that matches his or her usage tendency, thereby improving the user U's convenience.

[0143] When user U taps the decision button 1150 on the rental details setting screen 1100, rental information including information indicating the rental period and number of times that can be charged set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the number of times that can be charged setting field 1120 is sent from the communication terminal 200 to the server 400 (see step S9 shown in Figure 9).

[0144] 11, the rental details setting screen 1100 may be provided with a rental amount display field 1140. In this case, the rental amount display field 1140 displays, for example, the rental amount according to the rental period and the number of times that the chargeable battery can be charged, which are set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the number of times that the chargeable battery can be charged setting field 1120. By providing such a rental amount display field 1140, the user U can immediately grasp the rental amount, thereby improving convenience for the user U.

[0145] 9. Example of Operation of Suction Device Next, an example of operation of the suction device 100 will be described.

[0146] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the battery attachment process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. The trigger that causes the control unit 116 to perform this battery attachment process can be, for example, the attachment of the battery 11 to the suction device 100. In other words, the control unit 116 performs this battery attachment process in response to, for example, detecting that the battery 11 has been attached to the suction device 100.

[0147] 12 , in the battery attachment process, the control unit 116, for example, first determines the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 (step S21). A specific example of a method for determining the type of the attached battery 11 will be described later, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted here.

[0148] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100 based on the determination result obtained by the processing of step S21 (step S22). For example, information indicating the type of battery 11 compatible with the suction device 100 is stored in advance in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. In the processing of step S22, the control unit 116 determines whether the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100 by referring to the information stored in the storage unit 114.

[0149] If the control unit 116 determines that the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100 (step S22: YES), it checks the condition of the attached battery 11 (step S23) and, based on the check results, determines whether the condition of the battery 11 satisfies predetermined conditions (step S24).

[0150] As an example, the control unit 116 checks the remaining charge (e.g., SOC (State Of Charge)) of the battery 11 in the process of step S23, and determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of step S24. In this way, in the unlikely event that the battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to the user U, it becomes possible to execute the process of step S27 (to be described later) and prompt the user U to take appropriate action.

[0151] As another example, the control unit 116 may check the state of health (e.g., SOH (State of Health)) of the battery 11 in the process of step S23, and may determine whether the state of health of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of step S24. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 with a low state of health is lent to the user U, it becomes possible to execute the process of step S27 (to be described later) and prompt the user U to take appropriate action.

[0152] When the control unit 116 determines that the state of the battery 11 satisfies the predetermined condition (step S24: YES), the control unit 116 acquires the use restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the attached battery 11, stores the use restriction information in the memory unit 114 of the suction device 100 (step S25), and ends the battery attachment process. If the control unit 116 can directly access the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, the control unit 116 may acquire the use restriction information by directly accessing the memory unit 11a in the process of step S25. As another example, the control unit 116 may acquire the use restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 via another IC (e.g., a battery IC) that can access the memory unit 11a.

[0153] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the attached battery 11 is not compatible with the suction device 100 (step S22: NO), it prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 and the battery 11 from supplying power to the heating unit 121 (in other words, the generation of aerosol by the suction device 100) (step S26).

[0154] Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user U via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 to remove and return the attached battery 11 (step S27), and ends the battery attachment process. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U to return the battery 11 by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting mode (e.g., blinking red). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U to return the battery 11 by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "There is a problem with the battery. Please remove it immediately and return it.").

[0155] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the state of the attached battery 11 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, in other words, for example, if it determines that the remaining charge or health of the battery 11 is less than the threshold value (step S24: NO), it performs the processing of the above-mentioned steps S26 and S27 and terminates the battery attachment processing.

[0156] As described above, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 acquires the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11. This makes it possible to subsequently control the operation of the suction device 100 based on the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. Therefore, even if the battery 11 is replaced in the suction device 100 configured to allow the battery 11 to be detached, it is possible to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery 11 in the suction device 100.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may determine whether the battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100, and if it determines that the battery 11 is not compatible with the suction device 100, may issue a predetermined notification via the notification unit 113. In this way, in the unlikely event that the user U is lent a battery 11 that is not compatible with the suction device 100, the user U can be prompted to take appropriate action.

[0158] As an example, if the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is not compatible with the suction device 100, the control unit 116 issues a notification urging the user U to return the battery 11. In this way, if the battery 11 that is not compatible with the suction device 100 is lent to the user U, the control unit 116 can urge the user U to return the battery 11.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and if it determines that the remaining charge of the battery 11 is less than the predetermined value, may issue a predetermined notification via the notification unit 113. In this way, in the unlikely event that the battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to the user U, the user U can be prompted to take appropriate action.

[0160] As an example, if the remaining charge of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may issue a notification urging the user U to return the battery 11. In this way, if the battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to the user U, the user U can be urged to return the battery 11. Similarly, if the health level of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may issue a notification urging the user U to return the battery 11. In this way, if the battery 11 with a low health level is lent to the user U, the user U can be urged to return the battery 11.

[0161] Furthermore, when the battery 11 is returned because, for example, the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is not compatible with the suction device 100 or the state of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 may perform processing to invalidate the payment made when the battery 11 was rented out. As an example, in this case, the control unit 116 may transmit a payment invalidation request from the suction device 100 to the server 400 via the communication terminal 200 or the store terminal 300_i to invalidate the payment made when the battery 11 was rented out.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is incompatible with the suction device 100, charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100 and supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 are prohibited. This prevents the suction device 100 from charging or discharging the incompatible battery 11, thereby improving safety.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may not only acquire the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, but may also store predetermined information in the memory unit 11a.

[0164] More specifically, the control unit 116 may store, for example, information indicating the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As an example, in this case, information indicating the number of times the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has been charged or discharged in the suction device 100 may be stored as information indicating the usage history. In this way, when the battery 11 is returned, the store terminal 300 can refer to the information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, and if the cumulative number of times the battery 11 has been charged or discharged reaches a predetermined number, perform processing such as not allowing the battery 11 to be rented out in the future.

[0165] In other words, by having the control unit 116 store information indicating the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, other computers that can access the memory unit 11a can understand the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 and perform processing based on the usage history.

[0166] <9-2. First Example of Method for Determining the Type of Attached Battery> Next, a description will be given of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. Below, first and second examples of the method for determining the type of attached battery 11 will be specifically described, but the method is not limited to these, and other methods may be used to determine the type of attached battery 11.

[0167] 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the battery 11 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. The internal resistance r [Ω] may vary depending on the type of battery 11. Therefore, by obtaining the value of the internal resistance r [Ω] of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, the type of the battery 11 can be determined.

[0168] Therefore, in this example, the terminal voltage and the current flowing between the terminals of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 are measured using the sensor unit 112 or the like, the internal resistance r [Ω] is derived based on the measured terminal voltage value and current value, and the type of the battery 11 is determined based on the derived internal resistance r [Ω].

[0169] More specifically, in FIG. 13, if the terminal voltage of the battery 11 is V [V] and the current flowing between the terminals of the battery 11 is I [A], the following equation (1) holds: E [V] = r [Ω] · I [A] + V [V] (1)

[0170] Transforming equation (1) yields the following equation (2): V[V]=E[V]-r[Ω]·I[A] (2)

[0171] The electromotive force E [V] of the battery 11 can be obtained by measuring the terminal voltage V [V] when the current I [A] is set to zero. That is, the electromotive force E [V] of the battery 11 can be obtained by measuring the terminal voltage V [V] when the battery 11 is open circuit. Furthermore, the internal resistance r [Ω] of the battery 11 can be calculated by substituting the measured terminal voltage V [V] and current I [A] into equation (2). In this example, the memory unit 114 pre-stores information indicating the internal resistance r [Ω] value for each type of battery 11. The control unit 116 then references the information stored in the memory unit 114 and derives the type of battery 11 corresponding to the acquired internal resistance r [Ω] value as the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100.

[0172] As described above, the control unit 116 determines whether the battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100, for example, based on the terminal voltage of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. More specifically, the control unit 116 calculates the internal resistance r of the battery 11 based on the terminal voltage of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, for example, and determines the type of the battery 11 based on the internal resistance r. This eliminates the need to provide the suction device 100 with a separate component or the like used solely for determining the type of the battery 11, making it possible to determine the type of the battery 11 simply and at low cost.

[0173] 14 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 14 , in this example, the battery 11 is provided with an identification resistor R2 having an electrical resistance value according to the type of the battery 11.

[0174] 14, the battery 11 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. Furthermore, the battery 11 is provided with a discrimination resistor R2 having a different electrical resistance value for each type of battery 11. The voltage drop across the discrimination resistor R2 results in a potential difference across the discrimination resistor R2 of a discrimination voltage V2 [V] (where discrimination voltage V2<terminal voltage V). In other words, the discrimination voltage V2 [V] varies depending on the type of battery 11.

[0175] Therefore, in this example, the value of the discrimination voltage V2 [V] of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is measured by the sensor unit 112 or the like, and the type of the battery 11 is determined based on the measured discrimination voltage V2. More specifically, in this example, the storage unit 114 pre-stores information indicating the value of the discrimination voltage V2 [V] for each type of battery 11. The control unit 116 then references the information stored in the storage unit 114 and derives the type of battery 11 corresponding to the measured value of the discrimination voltage V2 [V] as the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. This eliminates the need to provide a separate component or the like in the suction device 100 that is used solely for determining the type of battery 11, making it possible to determine the type of battery 11 simply and at low cost.

[0176] <9-4. Other Examples of Methods for Determining the Type of Attached Battery> As another example, for example, the battery 11 may be provided with an identification member having an identifier that identifies the type of battery 11. As this identifier (in other words, the identification member), for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code defined for each type of battery 11, or an IC tag or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag on which information that can identify the type of battery 11 is written can be used. In this case, the suction device 100 may be provided with a sensor or the like that reads the identifier of the attached battery 11, and the control unit 116 may determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the identifier read by the sensor.

[0177] As yet another example, the user U may input information indicating the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 into the communication terminal 200, the communication terminal 200 may transmit this information to the suction device 100, and the control unit 116 may determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the information received by the suction device 100 from the communication terminal 200. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the information indicating the type of battery 11 input by the user U into the suction device 100.

[0178] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an external power supply connection process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. The trigger that causes the control unit 116 to perform this external power supply connection process can be, for example, connection of the suction device 100 to an external power supply. In other words, the control unit 116 performs this external power supply connection process in response to, for example, detecting that the suction device 100 is connected to the external power supply.

[0179] As shown in Figure 15, in the processing when an external power source is connected, the control unit 116, for example, first determines whether the number of times the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has been charged in the suction device 100 is less than the number of times it can be charged indicated by the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 114 (step S31).

[0180] When the control unit 116 determines that the number of charges is less than the maximum number of charges (step S31: YES), the control unit 116 permits the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11 using power received from the external power source (step S32). As a result, for example, if the battery 11 is not fully charged, charging of the battery 11 is started.

[0181] Next, the control unit 116 waits for charging of the battery 11 to start (step S33: NO loop), and when charging of the battery 11 starts (step S33: YES), the control unit 116 increments the number of charges (step S34) and ends the external power supply connection process. Note that information indicating the number of charges counted by the control unit 116 is stored in the storage unit 114, for example.

[0182] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the number of charges is not less than the maximum number of charges, i.e., that the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges (step S31: NO), the control unit 116 prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 (step S35). In other words, in this case, the control unit 116 does not permit the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11. As a result, in this case, charging of the battery 11 is not performed.

[0183] Next, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges via the notification unit 113 (step S36), and terminates the external power source connection process. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges by causing a light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting manner (e.g., a predetermined light color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges by displaying a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges") on a display device included in the notification unit 113. As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges by vibrating a vibration device included in the notification unit 113 in a predetermined vibration manner (e.g., a predetermined vibration pattern).

[0184] As described above, the control unit 116 controls the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100 based on, for example, the number of times that the battery 11 can be charged indicated in the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 and the number of times that the battery 11 has been charged in the suction device 100. This makes it possible to appropriately control the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100, taking into account the number of times that the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 can be charged.

[0185] More specifically, for example, if the number of times the battery 11 has been charged has not reached the maximum chargeable number, the control unit 116 allows the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11. As a result, in the suction device 100 to which the battery 11 that has not been charged has been attached, the user U can charge the battery 11 as needed. On the other hand, if the number of times the battery has been charged has reached the maximum chargeable number, the control unit 116 prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11. This prevents the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 that exceeds the maximum chargeable number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the battery 11 that has reached the maximum chargeable number from being used in the suction device 100 for a long period of time, and to encourage the user U to replace the battery 11 that has reached the maximum chargeable number. In particular, if the battery 11 has been loaned to the user U, as in this embodiment, it is possible to encourage the user U to quickly return the battery 11 that has reached the maximum chargeable number.

[0186] Furthermore, when the number of charges has not reached the maximum number of charges possible, the control unit 116 may start charging the battery 11 with power received from the external power source in response to the connection of the suction device 100 to the external power source. This allows the battery 11, which has not yet reached the maximum number of charges possible, to be charged simply by connecting the suction device 100 to the external power source, thereby improving convenience for the user U compared to when other operations are required in addition to connecting to the external power source.

[0187] Furthermore, when the number of charges reaches the maximum chargeable number, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum chargeable number via the notification unit 113. In this way, when the battery 11 is not charged because the number of charges has reached the maximum chargeable number, the user U can understand the reason, and it is possible to prevent the user U from mistaking that the suction device 100 is broken. Furthermore, if the battery 11 is a battery that has been loaned to the user U, as in the present embodiment, by notifying the user U that the number of charges has reached the maximum chargeable number, it is possible to encourage the user U to quickly return the battery 11 that has reached the maximum chargeable number.

[0188] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the number of charges reaches the maximum number of charges possible, the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 is not prohibited. Therefore, even after the number of charges reaches the maximum number of charges possible, if the rental period is still in progress and power remains in the battery 11, the user U can use the inhalation device 100 and, for example, can cause the inhalation device 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0189] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of rental period notification processing performed by control unit 116 of suction device 100. The trigger that serves as a condition for control unit 116 to perform this rental period notification processing is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, the detection of a predetermined operation on suction device 100. Here, the predetermined operation can be, for example, an operation by user U to use suction device 100, more specifically, an operation to cause suction device 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0190] As one example, the predetermined operation can be an operation that serves as a condition for starting heating by the heating unit 121. As another example, the predetermined operation can be an operation that is assumed to involve inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140, more specifically, an operation of opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142. Note that the operation of opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142 can be detected, for example, by a sensor (for example, a motion sensor or a Hall sensor) provided on the lid or on the case that forms the outer shell of the suction device 100.

[0191] 16, in the rental period notification process, the control unit 116 first determines whether the rental period has expired (step S41). In the process of step S41, the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has expired if the current time obtained by the RTC or the like of the control unit 116 is later than the rental end time of the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information stored in the storage unit 114. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has not expired if the current time is earlier than the rental end time.

[0192] When the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has expired (step S41: YES), it prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 and the battery 11 from supplying power to the heating unit 121 (step S42).

[0193] Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the rental period has expired via the notification unit 113 (step S43), and ends the rental period notification process. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the rental period has expired by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined first light-emitting mode (for example, by flashing red). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the rental period has expired by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (for example, a message such as "The rental period has expired").

[0194] On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has not expired (step S41: NO), it calculates the remaining period, which is the period remaining from the current time to the rental end time (step S44).

[0195] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the remaining period calculated by the process of step S44 is equal to or greater than a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours) (step S45). This predetermined period can be determined arbitrarily by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0196] If the control unit 116 determines that the remaining period is longer than the predetermined period (step S45: YES), it notifies the user U via the notification unit 113 that the remaining period is longer than the predetermined period (step S46), and terminates the rental period notification process.

[0197] As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the remaining period is equal to or longer than the predetermined period by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined second light-emitting mode (e.g., blue light emission color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is equal to or longer than the predetermined period by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The remaining period is equal to or longer than 24 hours"). As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is equal to or longer than the predetermined period by causing the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in a first vibration mode or by deliberately not vibrating.

[0198] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the remaining period is less than the specified period (step S45: NO), it notifies the user U via the notification unit 113 that the remaining period is less than the specified period (step S47), and terminates the rental period notification process.

[0199] As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined third light-emitting mode (e.g., yellow light emission color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The remaining period is less than 24 hours"). As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in a second vibration mode.

[0200] In the example described here, when it is determined that the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 prohibits not only the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 but also the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 may prohibit only the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121.

[0201] As described above, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on, for example, whether the rental period indicated in the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has expired. This makes it possible to appropriately control the operation of the suction device 100 in consideration of the rental period set for the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100.

[0202] More specifically, for example, if the rental period has not expired, the control unit 116 permits the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121. This allows the user U to inhale aerosols using the inhalation device 100 equipped with a battery 11 whose rental period has not expired. On the other hand, if the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 prohibits the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121. This prevents the inhalation device 100 equipped with a battery 11 whose rental period has expired from being used for the purpose of inhaling aerosols. This makes it possible to encourage the user to quickly return the battery 11 whose rental period has expired.

[0203] Furthermore, when the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 may also prohibit the inhalation device 100 from charging the battery 11. In this way, if the battery 11 runs out of power after the rental period has expired, it becomes difficult to use the inhalation device 100 for purposes other than inhaling aerosols. This further reduces the use of the inhalation device 100 equipped with the battery 11 whose rental period has expired, and makes it possible to promptly return the battery 11 whose rental period has expired.

[0204] Furthermore, when the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the rental period has expired via the notification unit 113. In this way, it is possible to notify the user U that the rental period has expired and encourage the user U to promptly return the battery 11 that has expired.

[0205] Furthermore, if the rental period has not expired, the control unit 116 may notify the user U of the remaining period of the rental period via the notification unit 113. In this way, the user U can be notified of the remaining period of the rental period, thereby improving convenience. As an example, if the remaining period is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is equal to or greater than the predetermined period by issuing a first notification, and if the remaining period is less than the predetermined period, may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by issuing a second notification different from the first notification.

[0206] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0207] The control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program (control program) on a computer. The control program is stored in, for example, a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network (NET) such as the Internet.

[0208] In addition, in the present embodiment, the computer that executes the above-described control program is the server 400 (e.g., the CPU that constitutes the control unit 401), but this is not limited to this. For example, the computer that executes the present control program may be the store terminal 300_i. In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing device of the present disclosure is realized by the server 400, but the information processing device may also be realized by the store terminal 300_i.

[0209] More specifically, the user U, for example, goes to an arbitrary store STi, communicates between the user's communication terminal 200 and a store terminal 300_i of the store STi, and transmits a rental use request from the communication terminal 200 to the store terminal 300_i. The store terminal 300_i that receives the rental use request functions as the information processing device of the present disclosure and, for example, identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100. If the battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 is accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 304 of the store terminal 300_i, the store terminal 300_i notifies the user U, for example, via the UI unit 303, that the battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 is available for rental at the store terminal 300_i (i.e., the store STi where the store terminal 300_i is installed). On the other hand, if the battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100 is not stored in the battery storage section 304 of the device, the store terminal 300_i presents to the user U, for example via the UI section 303, information indicating rental stores located near the store STi where the device is installed.

[0210] As another example, the user U may go to, for example, any store STi, and cause his / her own suction device 100 to communicate with the store terminal 300_i of the store STi, thereby causing the suction device 100 to transmit suction device identification information to the store terminal 300_i. In this case, the store terminal 300_i that receives the suction device identification information functions as the information processing device of the present disclosure and, for example, identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U. Then, if the battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 304 of the store terminal 300_i, the store terminal 300_i notifies the user U, for example, via the UI unit 303, that the battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is available for rental at the store terminal 300_i (i.e., the store STi where the store terminal 300_i is installed). On the other hand, if the battery 11 compatible with the user U's suction device 100 is not stored in the battery storage section 304 of the device, the store terminal 300_i presents to the user U, for example via the UI section 303, information indicating rental stores located near the store STi where the device is installed.

[0211] Furthermore, as another example, the user U may operate the UI unit 303 of the store terminal 300_i of the store STi that he or she visits and input various information required to borrow the battery 11 into the store terminal 300_i, thereby being able to receive the loan of the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i.

[0212] Furthermore, when the rental period of the attached battery 11 has expired, the suction device 100 may notify the communication terminal 200 of this fact. Then, when the rental period of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has expired, that is, when the battery 11 has not been returned even after the rental end time has passed, the communication terminal 200 may transmit a payment request for the late fee to the server 400. In this case, the server 400 that has received the payment request for the late fee may, for example, settle the late fee according to the period by which the rental period of the battery 11 has expired (the so-called "late period").

[0213] Furthermore, communication terminal 200 may request server 400 to extend the rental period and settle the payment for the extension based on input from user U. When the rental period is extended, communication terminal 200 may transmit new usage restriction information including information about the extended rental period to suction device 100, and control unit 116 of suction device 100 may thereafter control the operation of suction device 100 based on this new usage restriction information.

[0214] This specification etc. describes at least the following matters. Note that the components etc. corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown in parentheses, but are not limited to these.

[0215] (1) An aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) configured to have a detachable battery (battery 11, power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) and generating aerosol using the power of the attached battery, the aerosol generating device comprising a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0216] According to (1), in an aerosol generating device with a replaceable battery, even if the battery is replaced, it is possible to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery.

[0217] (2) An aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery, the usage restriction information includes information indicating the number of times the battery can be charged in the aerosol generating device, and the control unit controls the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device based on the number of times the battery can be charged indicated by the usage restriction information and the number of times the battery has been charged in the aerosol generating device.

[0218] According to (2), it is possible to appropriately control the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device, taking into account the number of times the battery attached to the aerosol generating device can be charged.

[0219] (3) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the control unit allows the aerosol generating device to charge the battery when the number of times of charging has not reached the number of times that can be charged, and prohibits the aerosol generating device from charging the battery when the number of times of charging has reached the number of times that can be charged.

[0220] According to (3), it is possible to prevent the aerosol generating device from charging the battery more than the number of times it can be charged.

[0221] (4) An aerosol generating device according to (2) or (3), wherein the control unit starts charging the battery with power received from an external power source in response to the aerosol generating device being connected to the external power source when the number of charges has not reached the maximum number of charges possible.

[0222] According to (4), for batteries that have not been charged the maximum number of times they can be charged, they can be charged simply by connecting the aerosol generating device to an external power source, which improves user convenience compared to cases where other operations are required in addition to connecting to an external power source.

[0223] (5) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (4), further comprising a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying a user of information, and when the number of times of charging reaches the number of times that can be charged, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the number of times of charging has reached the number of times that can be charged.

[0224] According to (5), if the battery is not charged because the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges possible, the user can understand the reason, which makes it possible to prevent the user from mistaking the aerosol generating device for a malfunction.

[0225] (6) An aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the aerosol generating device is capable of detachably attaching the battery rented to a user through a battery rental service, the usage restriction information includes information indicating a rental period for the battery, and the control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on whether the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information has elapsed.

[0226] According to (6), it is possible to appropriately control the operation of the aerosol generating device by taking into account the rental period set for the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0227] (7) The aerosol generating device according to (6), wherein the control unit permits the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol when the rental period has not expired, and prohibits the aerosol generating device from generating aerosol when the rental period has expired.

[0228] According to (7), it is possible to prevent an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery 11 whose rental period has expired from being used for the purpose of inhaling aerosols, thereby encouraging prompt return of a battery whose rental period has expired.

[0229] (8) The aerosol generating device according to (6), wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery, and the control unit further prohibits the aerosol generating device from charging the battery when the rental period has elapsed.

[0230] According to (8), if the battery runs out after the rental period has expired, it becomes difficult to use the aerosol generating device for purposes other than inhaling aerosol. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the use of an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery that has expired, and to encourage the prompt return of batteries that have expired.

[0231] (9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (6) to (8), further comprising a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying a user of information, and when the rental period has expired, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the rental period has expired.

[0232] According to (9), it is possible to notify the user that the rental period has expired and encourage the user to promptly return the battery whose rental period has expired.

[0233] (10) The aerosol generating device according to (9), wherein the control unit notifies the user of the remaining time of the rental period via the notification unit when the rental period has not expired.

[0234] According to (10), the user can be informed of the remaining time of the rental period, thereby improving convenience.

[0235] (11) An aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service can be attached and detached to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying the user of information, and the control unit further determines whether the remaining charge of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the battery is attached to the aerosol generating device, and if it determines that the remaining charge is less than the predetermined value, issues a predetermined notification via the notification unit.

[0236] According to (11), in the unlikely event that a battery with a low remaining charge is lent to a user, the user can be prompted to take appropriate action.

[0237] (12) An aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the aerosol generating device is capable of detachably attaching the battery rented to a user through a battery rental service, the aerosol generating device further comprises a notification unit capable of notifying the user of information, and the control unit further determines whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generating device when the battery is attached to the aerosol generating device, and when it determines that the battery is not compatible with the aerosol generating device, issues a predetermined notification via the notification unit.

[0238] According to (12), in the unlikely event that a battery that is not compatible with the user's aerosol generating device is loaned to the user, the user can be prompted to take appropriate action.

[0239] (13) The aerosol generating device according to (12), wherein the control unit determines whether the battery attached to the aerosol generating device is compatible with the aerosol generating device based on a terminal voltage of the battery.

[0240] According to (13), there is no need to provide a separate component or the like in the aerosol generating device that is used solely for determining the type of battery, making it possible to determine the type of battery at low cost and simply.

[0241] (14) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control unit stores information indicating the usage history of the battery in the aerosol generating device in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0242] According to (14), it is possible for another computer that can refer to the storage unit of the battery to know the usage history of the battery in the device itself and to perform processing based on the usage history.

[0243] 10 Battery rental support system 11 Battery 100, 100A, 100B Inhalation device (aerosol generating device) 113, 113A, 113B Notification unit 116, 116A, 116B Control unit

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device configured to be detachable from a battery and generating an aerosol using the power of the attached battery, comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a storage unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery, the usage restriction information includes information indicating the number of chargeable times that the battery can be charged in the aerosol generating device, and the control unit controls the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device based on the number of chargeable times indicated by the usage restriction information and the number of charging times that the battery has been charged in the aerosol generating device.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit permits the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device when the number of charging times has not reached the number of chargeable times, and prohibits the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device when the number of charging times has reached the number of chargeable times.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit starts charging the battery with the power received from an external power source in response to the aerosol generating device being connected to the external power source when the number of charging times has not reached the number of chargeable times.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information, and the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the number of charging times has reached the number of chargeable times when the number of charging times has reached the number of chargeable times.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device is detachable from the battery lent to the user by a battery rental service, the usage restriction information includes information indicating the rental period of the battery, and the control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on whether the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information has elapsed. Aerosol generating device.

7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein when the rental period has not been exceeded, the control unit permits the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating device, and when the rental period has been exceeded, the control unit prohibits the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the mounted battery, and when the rental period has been exceeded, the control unit further prohibits the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying the user of information, and when the rental period has been exceeded, the control unit notifies the user of the fact that the rental period has been exceeded via the notification unit. Aerosol generating device.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein when the rental period has not been exceeded, the control unit notifies the user of the remaining period of the rental period via the notification unit. Aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generating device is detachable from the battery lent to the user by a battery rental service, the aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying the user of information, and the control unit further determines whether the remaining amount of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the battery is mounted on the aerosol generating device, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the predetermined value, a predetermined notification is made via the notification unit. Aerosol generating device.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the battery lent to the user by a battery rental service is detachable from the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further comprises a notification unit capable of notifying the user of information, and the control unit further determines whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generating device when the battery is attached to the aerosol generating device, and when it is determined that the battery is not compatible with the aerosol generating device, a predetermined notification is made via the notification unit. Aerosol generating device.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit determines whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generating device based on the voltage between the terminals of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit causes the storage unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device to store information indicating the usage history of the battery in the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device.

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