Heating information setting method, heating information setting system, and program

Abstract

A heating information setting method for setting heating information for an inhalation device (100) comprises: a location information acquisition step (S14) for acquiring location information of the inhalation device (100) or a terminal device (20); an atmospheric pressure information acquisition step (S17) for acquiring atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information; a generation / selection step (S18, S18c) for generating heating information on the basis of the atmospheric pressure information or selecting a specific piece of heating information from a plurality of pieces of heating information on the basis of the atmospheric pressure information; and a transmission step (S19) for transmitting the heating information to the terminal device (20) or the inhalation device (100).

Description

Heating information setting method, heating information setting system, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating information setting method, a heating information setting system, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavor components and allow a user to inhale the generated aerosol. Typically, the aerosol generating device heats a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating unit that is an electric resistance heater or an induction heater, thereby generating the aerosol and delivering it to the user.

[0003] Some aerosol generating devices control the temperature of a heating unit according to a predetermined heating profile (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The heating profile is, for example, information that defines the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit over a predetermined period. Patent Document 1 also discloses a heating profile changing method that appropriately changes the heating profile of the heating unit depending on the user's situation, taking into account that the flavor and aroma desired by the user may change depending on the user's situation, such as the user's mental state.

[0004] WO 2023 / 79759

[0005] However, atmospheric pressure can affect human taste. None of the prior art, including Patent Document 1, takes atmospheric pressure into consideration when generating aerosol, leaving room for further development of a technology that optimizes the flavor and aroma enjoyed by the user regardless of atmospheric pressure, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a heating information setting method, a heating information setting system, and a program that can provide users with a high-quality smoking experience by taking into account atmospheric pressure information.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a heating information setting method for setting heating information indicating a target value, which is a target temperature or target resistance value when heating an aerosol source, for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, the method comprising: a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device that can communicate with the aerosol generating device; an atmospheric pressure information acquisition step of acquiring atmospheric pressure information at a location indicated by the location information; a generation / selection step of generating the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information or selecting specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information; and a transmission step of transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a heating information setting system comprising: an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source; and a server configured to be able to communicate with the aerosol generating device or a terminal device that can communicate with the aerosol generating device, and that generates or selects heating information indicating a target value that is a target temperature or target resistance value when heating the aerosol source, wherein the server acquires location information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device, acquires atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information, generates the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, or selects specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, and transmits the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a program for setting heating information indicating a target value, which is a target temperature or target resistance value when heating an aerosol source, for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, the program causing a computer to execute the following steps: a location information acquisition step for acquiring location information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device that can communicate with the aerosol generating device; a pressure information acquisition step for acquiring pressure information at the location indicated by the location information; a generation / selection step for generating the heating information based on the pressure information, or selecting specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the pressure information; and a transmission step for transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, heating information is generated or selected based on atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information of the aerosol generating device or terminal device, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience that takes into account the atmospheric pressure information.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100A). FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100B). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heating information setting system of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the target temperature of the heating unit when temperature control of the heating unit of the suction device is performed based on a heating profile. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the target temperature of the heating unit changed based on atmospheric pressure information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the control flow of a heating information setting method of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the control flow in a first modified example of the heating information setting system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the control flow in a second modified example of the heating information setting system. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third modified example of the heating information setting system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the control flow in the third modified example of the heating information setting system.

[0012] Hereinafter, a heating information setting method, a heating information setting system, and a program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example in which an aerosol generating device included in the heating information setting system of the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. Note that, below, identical or similar elements are denoted by identical or similar reference symbols, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] <<1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device>> The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0014] (1-1) First Configuration Example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply 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.

[0015] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0016] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. As one example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0017] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information notified to the user by the notification unit 113A includes, for example, various information such as the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charge state of the power supply unit 111A, the preheating time for suction, the period during which suction is possible, etc. The notification unit 113A is 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.

[0018] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0019] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0020] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121A when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Note that the user's inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) within the inhalation device 100A detected by a puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0024] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0025] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0026] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (1-2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144. In the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example, the power supply unit 110 housing the power supply unit 111A and the heating unit 121A are separate entities, whereas in the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example, the power supply unit 111B and the heating unit 121B are integrated. In other words, the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example can also be said to be a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

[0032] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0035] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0042] 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 units 111A and 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor units 112A and 112B as the "sensor unit 112," the notification units 113A and 113B as the "notification unit 113," the memory units 114A and 114B as the "memory unit 114," the communication units 115A and 115B as the "communication unit 115," the control units 116A and 116B as the "control unit 116," and the heating units 121A and 121B as the "heating unit 121."

[0043] <<2. Heating Information Setting System>> (2-1) Configuration Example of Heating Information Setting System Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of heating information setting system 1. Heating information setting system 1 is a system that makes it possible to change predetermined heating information of inhalation device 100 that includes heating unit 121 that heats the aerosol source.

[0044] The predetermined heating information is information regarding the heating of the aerosol source, and includes, for example, a heating profile. The heating profile represents a target temperature of the heating unit 121 over a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, if the resistance of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may represent a target resistance value of the heating unit 121 over time. The predetermined period may be, for example, a period from when the inhalation device 100 is started until a predetermined number of suctions (e.g., 15 times) have been performed or until a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed. In this way, the heating profile represents a target temperature or target resistance value of the heating unit 121 over time. Details of the heating profile will be described later. Note that the inhalation device 100 of the heating information setting system 1 may be not only the inhalation device 100B of the second configuration example to which the heating profile can be applied, but also the inhalation device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0045] The heating information setting system 1 includes a suction device 100, a terminal device 20 used by a user of the suction device 100, and a heating information management server 30 that generates predetermined heating information.

[0046] In the heating information setting system 1, communication between the devices can be performed in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 20 is performed via wired communication using, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Communication between the terminal device 20 and the heating information management server 30 is performed via a network 50 realized, for example, by the Internet or a cellular line. The heating information management server 30 is configured to be able to communicate with a weather server 40 that acquires various weather data such as barometric pressure information, and communicates with the weather server 40 via the network 50 realized, for example, by the Internet or a cellular line.

[0047] The terminal device 20 includes a mobile device (such as a smartphone, tablet device, or wearable device) or a PC (Personal Computer) used by a user of the suction device 100. A predetermined application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as an "app") provided by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 is installed in the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 can operate the suction device 100 via the app.

[0048] The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , a communication unit 23 , a UI (User Interface) unit 24 , and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) unit 25 .

[0049] The control unit 21 functions as a processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the terminal device 20 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 21 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU or a microprocessor.

[0050] The storage unit 22 stores various types of information for the operation of the terminal device 20. The storage unit 22 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0051] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that can communicate according to the control of the control unit 21 , and communicates with the suction device 100 and the heating information management server 30 .

[0052] The UI unit 24 includes an input device that accepts information input (operation input) from the user and an output device that outputs various information to the user. The input device of the terminal device 20 may be configured, for example, with a touch panel, a keyboard, a microphone, or a mouse. The output device of the terminal device 20 includes, for example, a display device that displays images. As the display device, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like may be adopted. Furthermore, the output device of the terminal device 20 may include a sound output device such as a speaker that outputs sound, a light-emitting device such as an LED that emits light, a vibration device such as a vibrator that vibrates, or the like.

[0053] The GNSS unit 25 receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites and acquires location information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the terminal device 20 .

[0054] The heating information management server 30 is a computer that is managed, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, generates heating information in response to a request from the terminal device 20, and transmits the heating information to the suction device 100 via the terminal device 20. The heating information management server 30 may be a virtual server (cloud server) realized in a cloud computing service, or may be a physical server realized as a single device.

[0055] The heating information management server 30 has a heating information generation unit 31 that generates heating information, a barometric pressure information acquisition unit 32 that acquires barometric pressure information from a weather server 40, a communication unit 33 that communicates with the terminal device 20 and the weather server 40 via a network 50, and a memory unit 34 composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0056] The weather server 40 is configured to be able to communicate with the heating information management server 30 via a network 50, and provides predetermined weather data to the heating information management server 30 in response to a request from the heating information management server 30. The predetermined weather data includes the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, weather, etc. at a certain observation point.

[0057] (2-2) Details of the Heating Profile The heating profile, which is an example of heating information for the suction device 100, will now be described. Fig. 4 is a graph showing an example of the progression of the target temperature of the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time [sec], and the vertical axis represents temperature [°C]. Note that the specific values ​​shown in the graph are merely examples.

[0058] The control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the aerosol source (specifically, the stick-shaped substrate 150).

[0059] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0060] The heating profile includes one or more combinations of a target temperature and information indicating the timing at which the target temperature should be reached. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 by switching the target temperature depending on the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile began. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the current actual temperature and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile began. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage through feedback control.

[0061] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0062] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed in the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0063] The heating profile may include multiple periods in which different target temperatures are set. The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the target temperature set for a certain period is reached at any timing during the period, or may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature reaches the end of the period. This makes it possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same way as the change in the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0064] The heating profile includes three periods, broadly divided into an initial period, a middle period, and an end period. The initial period, middle period, and end period may be further divided into STEP 0 to STEP 7. A STEP is the smallest unit period that constitutes the heating profile.

[0065] The early stage is a period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises from the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating section 121 at the start of heating. In the early stage, the temperature of the heating section 121 may be maintained after rising. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature of the heating section 121 reaches 295°C 20 seconds after the start of the early stage and is maintained at 295°C for the next 40 seconds. This is expected to allow the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By rapidly raising the temperature to 295°C immediately after the start of heating, it is possible to end preheating early and start the puffable period early. Note that in FIG. 4 , the preheating period ends 40 seconds after the start of heating.

[0066] The middle stage is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In the middle stage, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be maintained after the temperature decrease. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases to 220°C 20 seconds after the start of the middle stage and is then maintained at 220°C for 60 seconds. During the period from the start of the middle stage until the temperature decreases to 220°C, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped, and heating may be stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature (295°C), the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be rapidly consumed, resulting in flavor deterioration, such as an overpowering flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, decreasing the temperature in the middle stage can avoid such flavor deterioration and improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0067] The final stage is a period in which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises again. In the final stage, the temperature of the heating section 121 may be maintained after rising again. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature of the heating section 121 rises to 260°C 60 seconds after the start of the final stage and is maintained thereafter for 60 seconds. If the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at a reduced temperature, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 also drops, reducing the amount of aerosol generated and potentially degrading the flavor experienced by the user. Furthermore, as the heating profile progresses toward the latter half, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases, so the amount of aerosol generated tends to decrease even if heating is continued at the same temperature. In this regard, by increasing the amount of aerosol generated by raising the temperature again in the latter half of the heating profile, the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated due to the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source can be compensated for. This makes it possible to prevent degradation of the flavor experienced by the user, even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0068] The final stage may include a period in which the final target temperature is not set. As shown in Fig. 4, during this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped, and heating is stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for a while due to residual heat from the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of the final stage.

[0069] The user may be notified of the start and end timings of the puffable period. Furthermore, the user may be notified of the timing a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period, specifically the timing at which power supply to the heating unit 121 will end. In this case, the user can puff during the puffable period by referring to the notification.

[0070] (2-3) Generation of Heating Information Based on Barometric Pressure Information Barometric pressure can affect human taste. Specifically, in places with low barometric pressure, the sensitivity of human taste decreases, so it is desirable to generate an aerosol with a strong flavor to optimize the flavor experienced by the user. The intensity of the flavor can be changed, for example, by adjusting the heating temperature of the aerosol source.

[0071] The heating information management server 30 generates heating information based on atmospheric pressure information at a location (hereinafter also referred to as a user location) indicated by the location information of the inhalation device 100 or the terminal device 20. The heating information management server 30 then transmits the generated heating information to the terminal device 20. The inhalation device 100 acquires the heating information via the terminal device 20 and operates the heating unit 121 based on the heating information. In this way, by generating heating information taking into account changes in human taste caused by atmospheric pressure, a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0072] Specifically, the heating information management server 30 sets a higher target temperature or target resistance value included in the heating information as the air pressure at the user's location indicated by the air pressure information decreases. This allows the heating temperature of the aerosol source to be increased, enabling the generation of aerosol with a strong flavor. Therefore, even if the user's taste sensitivity is reduced in a location with low air pressure, the generation of aerosol with a strong flavor allows the reproduction of a taste equivalent to that of normal conditions.

[0073] Fig. 5 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile generated based on atmospheric pressure information. The thin solid line in Fig. 5 is the heating profile described in Fig. 4, the thick dashed dotted line is the heating profile generated based on atmospheric pressure information, and the thick solid line is the upper limit value of the heating profile generated based on atmospheric pressure information. For ease of explanation, the heating profile indicated by the thin solid line will be denoted by the symbol P0, the heating profile indicated by the thick dashed dotted line will be denoted by the symbol P1, and the heating profile indicated by the thick solid line will be denoted by the symbol P1_MAX.

[0074] The heating profile P0 is a heating profile that serves as a reference when generating the heating profile P1 based on atmospheric pressure information, and is used when the atmospheric pressure at the user's location is standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa; standard sea level atmospheric pressure). The heating profile P0 is pre-stored in the storage unit 34 of the heating information management server 30, and may also be stored in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100 and the storage unit 22 of the terminal device 20. The heating information management server 30 generates the heating profile P1 by applying corrections based on the atmospheric pressure information to the heating profile P0.

[0075] In this embodiment, the heating information management server 30 generates the heating profile P1 by changing the target temperatures in STEP 4 (middle) and STEP 6 (end) of the heating profile P0 according to the atmospheric pressure information. Specifically, when the atmospheric pressure at the user's location is lower than standard atmospheric pressure, the heating information management server 30 generates the heating profile P1 by setting the target temperatures in STEP 4 and STEP 6 higher than the target temperatures of the heating profile P0. Setting the target temperatures higher makes it possible to generate an aerosol with a stronger flavor. Therefore, even when the user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 in a location with low atmospheric pressure, the same taste as when the user is at standard atmospheric pressure can be reproduced.

[0076] Regarding the heating profile P1_MAX, the temperature T4_MAX, which is the maximum target temperature in STEP 4, is set to be higher than the temperature T4 (220°C in FIG. 4) and lower than the temperature T1 (295°C in FIG. 4). For example, the temperature T4_MAX is 275°C. The temperature T6_MAX, which is the maximum target temperature in STEP 6, is set to be higher than the temperature T6 (260°C in FIG. 4) and the temperature T4_MAX, but lower than the temperature T1 (295°C in FIG. 4). For example, the temperature T6_MAX is 295°C, the same as the temperature T1.

[0077] To explain the heating profile P1 again, the target temperatures in STEP 4 and STEP 6 set in the heating profile P1 are calculated, for example, by the following formula (1).

[0078] Target temperature = standard temperature + change range × (1013.25 - X) / 100 (1)

[0079] Here, the "standard temperature" in equation (1) is temperature T4, which is the target temperature of heating profile P0, in STEP 4, and temperature T6, which is the target temperature of heating profile P0, in STEP 6. The "variation width" is the difference between the maximum target temperature and the standard temperature in each STEP, and is (T4_MAX-T4) in STEP 4 and (T6_MAX-T6) in STEP 6. "X" is the air pressure [hPa] at the user's position.

[0080] As shown in formula (1), the target temperatures in STEP 4 and STEP 6 are set to increase by 1% for every 1 hPa decrease in the atmospheric pressure X at the user's position. In other words, the target temperatures are set to increase in proportion to the decrease in atmospheric pressure X. Therefore, the target temperatures can be calculated using a proportional relationship.

[0081] Here, if the air pressure X at the user's position is higher than standard air pressure, the value of air pressure X is not used as is, but the target temperature is set using equation (1) with air pressure X = 1013.25 hPa. In this case, the target temperature is set to temperatures T4 and T6 in STEP 4 and STEP 6, respectively, and the heating profile matches heating profile P0. In other words, in STEP 4 and STEP 6, the target temperatures (temperatures T4 and T6) of heating profile P0 are set as the lower limit, and if the air pressure X at the user's position is higher than standard air pressure, the target temperatures in STEP 4 and STEP 6 are not lowered below the target temperatures (temperatures T4 and T6) of heating profile P0, even if the air pressure X increases. This prevents the target temperature from being set lower than the standard, resulting in a target temperature that does not generate sufficient aerosol.

[0082] Furthermore, when the atmospheric pressure X at the user's position is less than 913.25 hPa (i.e., standard atmospheric pressure - 100 hPa), the value of atmospheric pressure X is not used as is, but the target temperature is set using equation (1) with atmospheric pressure X = 913.25 hPa. The heating profile at this time matches the heating profile P1_MAX. In other words, in STEP 4 and STEP 6, the target temperatures (temperatures T4_MAX, T6_MAX) of the heating profile P1_MAX are the upper limit values, and when the atmospheric pressure X at the user's position is lower than 913.25 hPa, the target temperatures in STEP 4 and STEP 6 are not increased above the target temperatures (temperatures T4_MAX, T6_MAX) of the heating profile P1_MAX, even if the atmospheric pressure X decreases. This prevents the target temperature from being set too high, allowing the suction device 100 to be operated safely.

[0083] In this embodiment, the target temperature T1 in STEP 1 and STEP 2 of the heating profile P0 is not changed in accordance with the atmospheric pressure information, but may be set higher based on the atmospheric pressure information.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow of the heating information setting method of the present invention.

[0085] First, the terminal device 20 transmits a connection request to the suction device 100 (step S11), and a connection process is performed between the terminal device 20 and the suction device 100 (step S12). When the connection between the terminal device 20 and the suction device 100 is completed, the suction device 100 transmits predetermined device information to the terminal device 20 (step S13). The predetermined device information includes a product ID indicating product-specific identification information of the suction device 100, heating information applied to the suction device 100 (for example, information on the heating profile P0 described above), and the like. Furthermore, if the suction device 100 has a function for acquiring location information, the predetermined device information may also include location information of the suction device 100.

[0086] The terminal device 20 transmits the predetermined device information of the suction device 100 acquired in step S13 and the location information of the terminal device 20 or the suction device 100 to the heating information management server 30, and the heating information management server 30 acquires the predetermined device information and the location information (step S14). Step S14 may be performed by a user operating an app, or may be performed automatically without a user operation.

[0087] The heating information management server 30 requests the weather server 40 for atmospheric pressure information at the location (i.e., the user location) indicated by the location information of the terminal device 20 or the suction device 100 (step S15). Then, the weather server 40 acquires meteorological information at the user location from the observation data (step S16) and transmits the atmospheric pressure information to the heating information management server 30, and the heating information management server 30 acquires the atmospheric pressure information (step S17).

[0088] The heating information management server 30 generates heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information acquired from the weather server 40 (step S18). The heating information generated in step S18 is a heating profile P1 based on the atmospheric pressure indicated by the atmospheric pressure information. At this time, the heating information management server 30 generates heating information applicable to the suction device 100 based on the product ID of the suction device 100 acquired in step S14.

[0089] The heating information management server 30 transmits the heating information and weather information to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 acquires the heating information and weather information (step S19). The terminal device 20 then transmits the heating information to the suction device 100 (step S20). The terminal device 20 may also output the atmospheric pressure information acquired in step S19 using an output device, specifically, display it on a display device. The heating information management server 30 does not have to transmit the atmospheric pressure information to the terminal device 20.

[0090] The suction device 100 applies the heating information transmitted from the terminal device 20 and performs heating control of the heating unit 121 based on the heating information (step S21).

[0091] <<3. Modified Examples of the Heating Information Setting System>> (3-1) First Modified Example In the embodiment described above, the heating information management server 30 acquires the atmospheric pressure information at the user's location by communicating with the weather server 40, but this is not limited to this. If the terminal device 20 itself can acquire the atmospheric pressure at the user's location (for example, if the terminal device 20 is equipped with an atmospheric pressure sensor), the heating information management server 30 may acquire the atmospheric pressure information at the user's location directly from the terminal device 20 without communicating with the weather server 40.

[0092] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow of the heating information setting method in the first modified example. Note that the same steps as those in the control flow shown in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] In the first modified example, when the terminal device 20 acquires predetermined device information from the suction device 100, it transmits the predetermined attachment information, position information of the terminal device 20 or the suction device 100, and air pressure information at the user's position to the heating information management server 30 (step S14a). The heating information management server 30 then generates heating information based on the air pressure information acquired from the terminal device 20 (step S18). Note that in step S14a, as long as the terminal device 20 has transmitted the air pressure information to the heating information management server 30, it is not necessary for the terminal device 20 or the suction device 100 to transmit position information to the heating information management server 30.

[0094] (3-2) Second Modification In the embodiment described above, the suction device 100 does not communicate directly with the heating information management server 30, but acquires the heating information generated by the heating information management server 30 via the terminal device 20. However, this is not limited to this. The suction device 100 may communicate directly with the heating information management server 30 using a wireless communication technology such as LPWA. In other words, the terminal device 20 does not have to be a component of the heating information setting system 1.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow of the heating information setting method in the second modified example. Note that the same steps as those in the control flow shown in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0096] In the second modified example, the suction device 100 directly transmits, for example, location information of a wirelessly connected Wi-Fi access point to the heating information management server 30 as location information of the suction device 100 (step S13b). Even with this configuration, the heating information management server 30 can generate heating information based on air pressure information at the location of the suction device 100 (step S18) and transmit the heating information to the suction device 100 (step S19b).

[0097] (3-3) Third Modification In the above-described embodiment, the heating information management server 30 has a heating information generation unit 31 and is configured to generate heating information based on atmospheric pressure information at the user's location, but this is not limited to this. The heating information management server 30 may be configured to select specific heating information based on atmospheric pressure information at the user's location from multiple pieces of heating information that have been generated in advance based on atmospheric pressure.

[0098] Fig. 9 shows a heating information setting system 1 in a third modified example. Note that the same components as those shown in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] The heating information management server 30 in the third modified example has a heating information selection unit 35 instead of the heating information generation unit 31. The heating information management server 30 pre-stores multiple pieces of heating information that differ from one another depending on the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit 34, and the heating information selection unit 35 selects specific heating information from the multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information at the user's position and transmits the selected heating information to the terminal device 20 or the suction device 100.

[0100] In addition to the heating profile P0 described above, the heating information management server 30 generates in advance at least one heating profile P1 calculated based on atmospheric pressure and stores it in the storage unit 34. To explain this in more detail using an example, if the heating profile P1 includes 10 heating profiles (P1_1, P1_2, ..., P1_10), the heating profile P1_N (N is 1 to 10) is a heating profile in which the target temperature is calculated by substituting (1013.25 - 10 x N) [hPa] for the atmospheric pressure X in the above-mentioned equation (1). The heating profile P1_10 corresponds to the above-mentioned heating profile P1_MAX. If the air pressure X at the user's location is 1003.25 hPa or higher, the heating information management server 30 selects heating profile P0, if the air pressure X at the user's location is 993.25 hPa or higher but less than 1003.25 hPa, the heating information management server 30 selects heating profile P1_1, and if the air pressure X at the user's location is 983.25 hPa or higher but less than 993.25 hPa, the heating information management server 30 selects heating profile P1_2. Thereafter, the heating profile to be applied is changed in 10 hPa increments, and if the air pressure X at the user's location is less than 913.25 hPa, the heating information management server 30 selects heating profile P1_10.

[0101] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow of the heating information setting method in the third modified example. Note that the same steps as those in the control flow shown in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] In the third modification, the heating information management server 30 selects specific heating information from among a plurality of pieces of pre-generated heating information based on the air pressure information at the position of the inhalation device 100 (step S18c). Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience by appropriately selecting heating information in consideration of changes in human taste caused by air pressure.

[0103] The configuration of the third modified example may be combined with the first or second modified example described above.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. 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 these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0105] For example, in the above-described embodiment and modified example, the heating information management server 30 generates the heating information (step S18) or selects the heating information (step S18c), but this is not limited to this. For example, the heating information management server 30 may distribute a program for setting heating information based on atmospheric pressure information to the terminal device 20, and the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 may execute the program to generate or select the heating information. In this case, the terminal device 20 executes steps S15 to S18 and S20 in FIGS. 6 to 8 and steps S15 to S18c and S20 in FIG. 10 in accordance with the program.

[0106] This specification etc. describes at least the following items. In parentheses, components etc. corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0107] (1) A heating information setting method for setting heating information (heating profile) indicating a target value, which is a target temperature or target resistance value, when heating an aerosol source for an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, the heating information setting method comprising: a location information acquisition step (step S14) for acquiring location information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device (terminal device 20) that can communicate with the aerosol generating device; an atmospheric pressure information acquisition step (step S17) for acquiring atmospheric pressure information at a location indicated by the location information; a generation / selection step (steps S18, S18c) for generating the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information or selecting specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information; and a transmission step (steps S19, S19b) for transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0108] It is known that atmospheric pressure affects human taste. According to (1), heating information is generated or selected based on atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device, so that a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user by taking the atmospheric pressure information into consideration.

[0109] (2) The heating information setting method according to (1), wherein in the generating / selecting step, the target value is set higher as the atmospheric pressure indicated by the atmospheric pressure information is lower.

[0110] It is known that the lower the atmospheric pressure, the lower the sensitivity of human taste. According to (2), the lower the atmospheric pressure indicated by the atmospheric pressure information, the higher the target value of the heating information, so that the taste of the aerosol can be maintained or improved even at low atmospheric pressure.

[0111] (3) The heating information setting method according to (2), wherein, when the atmospheric pressure indicated by the atmospheric pressure information is higher than a first atmospheric pressure (standard atmospheric pressure; 1013.25 hPa), the target value is set to a predetermined lower limit value (the target value of the heating profile P0) in the generating / selecting step.

[0112] According to (3), even if the air pressure increases, the target value of the heating information is not set lower than a predetermined lower limit value, so that it is possible to prevent the target value from being set to a value that does not generate enough aerosol.

[0113] (4) The heating information setting method according to (2) or (3), wherein, when the atmospheric pressure indicated by the atmospheric pressure information is lower than a second atmospheric pressure (standard atmospheric pressure - 100 hPa; 913.25 hPa), the target value is set to a predetermined upper limit value (the target value of the heating profile P1_MAX) in the generating / selecting step.

[0114] According to (4), even if the atmospheric pressure drops, the target value of the heating information is not set higher than a predetermined upper limit value, so that the target value can be prevented from being set excessively high.

[0115] (5) A heating information setting method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the heating information includes information on the change over time of the target value of the heating unit of the aerosol generating device over a predetermined period, and the change over time information includes information on a first period (STEP 1, 2) in which a first target value (temperature T1) is set, and a second period (STEP 4, 6) that follows the first period and in which a second target value (temperature T4, T6) that is equal to or less than the first target value is set, and wherein in the generation / selection step, the second target value is changed according to the atmospheric pressure information.

[0116] According to (5), the target temperature is changed in accordance with the atmospheric pressure information during a period when the flavor may be degraded, so that a good flavor can be maintained.

[0117] (6) The heating information setting method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the target value is set to be higher in proportion to a decrease in atmospheric pressure.

[0118] According to (6), the target value can be calculated using a proportional relationship.

[0119] (7) A heating information setting system (heating information setting system 1) comprising: an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source; and a server (heating information management server 30) that is configured to be able to communicate with the aerosol generating device or a terminal device (terminal device 20) that can communicate with the aerosol generating device, and that generates or selects heating information (heating profile) that indicates a target value that is a target temperature or target resistance value when heating the aerosol source, wherein the server: acquires location information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device; acquires atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information; generates the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, or selects specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information; and transmits the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0120] It is known that atmospheric pressure affects human taste. According to (7), the heating information is generated or selected based on atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device, so that a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user in consideration of the atmospheric pressure information.

[0121] (8) The heating information setting system according to (7), further comprising the terminal device, wherein the server acquires the location information of the terminal device, acquires the atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information of the terminal device, generates the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, or selects specific heating information from among multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, and transmits the heating information to the terminal device.

[0122] According to (8), heating information generated or selected based on atmospheric pressure information can be set in the aerosol generating device via the terminal device.

[0123] (9) A program for setting heating information (heating profile) indicating a target value, which is a target temperature or target resistance value when heating an aerosol source, for an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, the program causing a computer (control unit 21 of terminal device 20) to execute the following steps: a location information acquisition step for acquiring location information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device (terminal device 20) that can communicate with the aerosol generating device; an atmospheric pressure information acquisition step for acquiring atmospheric pressure information at the location indicated by the location information; a generation / selection step for generating the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information or selecting specific heating information from multiple pieces of heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information; and a transmission step for transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

[0124] It is known that atmospheric pressure affects human taste. According to (9), the heating information is generated or selected based on atmospheric pressure information at the position indicated by the location information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device, so that a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user in consideration of the atmospheric pressure information.

[0125] 1 Heating information setting system 20 Terminal device 21 Control unit (computer) 30 Heating information management server (server) 100, 100A, 100B Suction device (aerosol generating device)

Claims

1. A heating information setting method for setting heating information indicating a target value, which is a target temperature or a target resistance value when heating an aerosol source, for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, the method comprising: a position information acquisition step of acquiring position information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device capable of communicating with the aerosol generating device; a pressure information acquisition step of acquiring pressure information at the position indicated by the position information; a generation / selection step of generating the heating information based on the pressure information or selecting specific heating information from a plurality of the heating information based on the pressure information; and a transmission step of transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

2. The heating information setting method according to claim 1, wherein in the generation / selection step, the lower the pressure indicated by the pressure information, the higher the target value is set.

3. The heating information setting method according to claim 2, wherein when the pressure indicated by the pressure information is higher than a first pressure, in the generation / selection step, the target value is set to a predetermined lower limit value.

4. The heating information setting method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the pressure indicated by the pressure information is lower than a second pressure, in the generation / selection step, the target value is set to a predetermined upper limit value.

5. The heating information setting method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating information includes time-dependent change information of the target value of the heating unit of the aerosol generating device over a predetermined period, the time-dependent change information includes information on a first period in which a first target value is set and a second period after the first period in which a second target value lower than the first target value is set, and in the generation / selection step, the second target value is changed according to the pressure information.

6. The heating information setting method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the target value is set higher in proportion to a decrease in pressure.

7. A heating information setting system comprising: an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a server configured to be communicable with the aerosol generating device or a terminal device communicable with the aerosol generating device, the server generating or selecting heating information indicating a target value that is a target temperature or a target resistance value when heating the aerosol source, wherein the server acquires position information of the aerosol generating device or the terminal device, acquires atmospheric pressure information at the position indicated by the position information, generates the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, or selects specific heating information from among a plurality of pieces of the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, and transmits the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

8. The heating information setting system according to claim 7, further comprising the terminal device, wherein the server acquires the position information of the terminal device, acquires the atmospheric pressure information at the position indicated by the position information of the terminal device, generates the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, or selects specific heating information from among a plurality of pieces of the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information, and transmits the heating information to the terminal device.

9. A program for setting heating information indicating a target value that is a target temperature or a target resistance value when heating an aerosol source for an aerosol generating device that heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing a computer to execute: a position information acquisition step of acquiring position information of the aerosol generating device or a terminal device communicable with the aerosol generating device; an atmospheric pressure information acquisition step of acquiring atmospheric pressure information at the position indicated by the position information; a generation / selection step of generating the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information or selecting specific heating information from among a plurality of pieces of the heating information based on the atmospheric pressure information; and a transmission step of transmitting the heating information to the terminal device or the aerosol generating device.

Images