EP4627952A1

EP4627952A1 - Terminal device, information processing method, and program

Info

Publication number: EP4627952A1
Application number: EP22968412.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ikuo Fujinaga
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-13
Filing date: 2022-12-13
Publication date: 2025-10-08
Also published as: KR20250108714A; JPWO2024127500A1; WO2024127500A1

Abstract

SUMMARY

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience.

[Solution] A terminal device (200) comprising a control unit (116) for controlling customization processing that includes generating a customization screen (30) displaying an operation target for setting parameters that relate to the temperature for heating an aerosol source included in a substrate (150) and that are included in control information prescribing the time series trends of the parameters and used by an inhalation device (100) that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information, receiving a user operation for setting the position of the operation target displayed on the generated customization screen, and setting the control information, in which the parameters corresponding to the operation target position have been set, in the inhalation device, wherein the control unit generates a customization screen that displays a first region (35) in which the operation target can be placed and second region (36) in which the operation target cannot be placed such that the regions are distinguishable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, an information processing method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by a user, such as e-cigarettes and nebulizers, are in widespread use. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate including a flavor source or the like for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, to generate an aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted, generated by the inhalation device. The action by which the user inhales the aerosol is also referred to below as "puffing" or a "puffing action".
Preferences for the flavor tasted during puffing vary for each user. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which directly affects the taste, can therefore preferably be customized by the user. PTL 1 below discloses technology with which a user customizes the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: WO 2019/104227 A1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, the technology according to PTL 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various aspects.
The present disclosure therefore takes account of the problems above, and the objective of the present disclosure lies in providing a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of a user experience.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

In order to solve the problems above, one aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device comprising a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information; receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
The customization screen may include a graph showing a time-series transition of the parameter included in the control information, and the operation point may be a plot on the graph.
The operation point may be a plot corresponding to a puff timing among plots on the graph.
The control unit may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to at least a second temperature, no greater than a first temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the first temperature or greater is expected to continue for a first time until a second time has elapsed.
The control unit may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to no greater than a fourth temperature, equal to or greater than a third temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the third temperature or less is expected to continue for a third time until a fourth time has elapsed.
The customization screen may include a plurality of operation points, and the control unit may set, on the basis of positions of set operation points, the first range and the second range at a time after a time corresponding to the positions of the set operation points.
The control unit may set the first range and the second range on the basis of a rate at which the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated can change.
The control unit may set the first range and the second range on the basis of the type of substrate used in the inhalation device.
The control unit may generate the customization screen to display the second range emphasized in relation to the first range.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problems above, another aspect of the present invention provides an information processing method implemented by means of a computer, the information processing method comprising controlling customization processing comprising: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information; receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein generating the customization screen comprises generating the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problems above, another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to function as a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information; receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The present disclosure as described above makes it possible to further improve the quality of user experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a schematic view schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to the embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile.
Fig. 6 is a diagram to illustrate an example of a customization screen.
Fig. 7 is a sequence chart showing an example of a customization processing flow implemented by the system according to the embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary enlargement of the graph on the customization screen.
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary enlargement of the graph on the customization screen.
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary enlargement of the graph on the customization screen.
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow for updating a customization screen 30, which is implemented by a terminal device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another exemplary enlargement of the graph on the customization screen.
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another exemplary enlargement of the graph on the customization screen.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numbers in the description and drawings to avoid giving a duplicate description.
In this description and the drawings, elements having substantially identical functional configurations may also be distinguished by using the same reference sign followed by a different letter of the alphabet. For example, a plurality of elements having a substantially identical functional configuration are distinguished as an inhalation device 100A and an inhalation device 100B as necessary. However, if there is no need to specifically distinguish between each of the plurality of elements having a substantially identical functional configuration, only the same code is assigned. For example, if it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B, then the inhalation device is merely referred as the inhalation device 100.

<1. Configuration example>

Fig. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of inhalation devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminals (200A and 200B), and a server 300.
The inhalation device 100 is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 will be described as being an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 can accommodate a stick-type substrate 150. The inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by using the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated therein. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to generation of an aerosol. The stick-type substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated therein.
The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the inhalation device 100. The terminal device 200 is associated with the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or the fact that the user of the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 is the same may be registered in the server 300 in advance. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a personal computer (PC). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that charges the inhalation device 100.
The server 300 is a control device that manages information about each device included in the system 1. The server 300 is connected to the terminal device 200 via a network 900. In particular, the server 300 indirectly communicates with the inhalation device 100 via the terminal device 200. The server 300 may perform various processing on the basis of information collected from the inhalation device 100 via the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the server 300 may perform various processing on the basis of user operations performed on the terminal device 200.
The system 1 includes a plurality of the inhalation devices 100 and a plurality of the terminal devices 200 used by a plurality of users. As an example, a user who uses the inhalation device 100A and the terminal device 200A is also referred to as user A. A user who uses the inhalation device 100B and the terminal device 200B is also referred to as user B.

(1) Configuration example of inhalation device

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating schematically a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. As illustrated in fig. 2, an inhalation device 100 according to the present configuration example comprises a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
The power source unit 111 stores electrical power. The power source unit 111 then supplies the electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100 in accordance with control performed by the control unit 116. The power source unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device which emits light, a display device which displays images, a sound output device which outputs sound, or a vibration device which vibrates, etc., for example.
The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that may be used include standards that employ Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), for example.
The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 allowing the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body comprising the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path, is disposed in a side surface of the inhalation device 100, for example. An air outflow hole serving as an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141 is disposed in the bottom portion 143, for example.
The stick-type substrate 150 comprises a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. In a state in which the stick-type substrate 150 is being held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via the air flow path, which is not illustrated in the drawings, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.
The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 2, the heating unit 121 has a film-like form and is arranged so as to cover an outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started sucking and/or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of electricity may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished sucking and/or that predetermined information has been input.
The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured by a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material, etc.
A configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.
As one example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged so as to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In that case, the blade-like heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more from among a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.
As another example, the accommodating portion 140 may comprise an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge for opening/closing part of a casing that forms the internal space 141. By opening/closing the casing, the accommodating portion 140 may then receive and grip the stick-type substrate 150 which has been inserted into the internal space 141. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be provided on the part of the accommodating portion 140 gripping the stick-type substrate 150, and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing same.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the inhalation device 100 comprises at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor which generates heat by means of induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100, or may be contained in the stick-type substrate 150.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 collaborates with the stick-type substrate 150 to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. As such, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol-generating system.

(2) Configuration example of terminal device

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in fig. 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a memory unit 250, and a control unit 260.
The input unit 210 has the function of receiving input of various types of information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that receives input of information from the user. Examples of input devices that may be cited include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone, etc. Alternatively, the input unit 210 may include various types of sensors such as an image sensor.
The output unit 220 has the function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of output devices that may be cited include: a display device for displaying information, a light-emitting device for emitting light, a vibration device which vibrates, and a sound output device for outputting sound, etc. A display is an example of the display device. A light-emitting diode (LED) is an example of the light-emitting device. An eccentric motor is an example of the vibration device. A speaker is an example of the sound output device. The output unit 220 outputs the information input from the control unit 260 to notify the user of the information.
The detection unit 230 has the function of detecting information relating to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect location information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) signal from a GNSS satellite (e.g., a GPS signal from a GPS (global positioning system) satellite), and detects location information comprising the longitude and latitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor, and detects an angular velocity and an acceleration.
The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and another device. The communication unit 240 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards which may be used include standards employing USB (universal serial bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (near field communication), or LPWA (low-power wide area), etc.
The memory unit 250 stores various types of information. The memory unit 250 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device, controlling overall operation within the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by a CPU (central processing unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs and computation parameters, etc. which are used, and a RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing suitably changing parameters, etc. The terminal device 200 implements various types of processing based on control performed by the control unit 260. Examples of processing controlled by the control unit 260 include: processing of information input by means of the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 240, and storage/reading of information by the memory unit 250. Other processing implemented by the terminal device 200, such as processing based on input of information to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by means of the control unit 260.
It should be noted that the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized by means of PWA (progressive web apps).

(3) Configuration example of server

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 300 according to the embodiment. As shown in fig. 4, the server 300 includes a notification unit 310, a memory unit 320, and a communication unit 330.
The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the server 300 and another device. The communication unit 310 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.
The memory unit 320 stores various types of information for operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is constructed of a non-volatile storage medium such as, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Driver).
The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, controlling overall operation within the server 300 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. The control unit 330 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs and computation parameters, etc. which are used, and a RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing suitably changing parameters, etc. The server 300 implements various types of processing on the basis of control performed by the control unit 330. The sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 310, and storage/reading of information by the memory unit 320 are examples of processing controlled by the control unit 330. Other processing implemented by the server 300, such as processing based on input of information to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by means of the control unit 330.

<2. Technical features>

(1) Heating profile

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. Control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the supply of power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-type substrate 150 using power supplied from the power source unit 111.
The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. A target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (also referred to below as the "target temperature") is an example of a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change in accordance with the time elapsed from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining a time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may comprise a parameter (hereinafter also referred to as a power supply parameter) defining how power is supplied to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, a voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or a method of feedback control to be employed. ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as ON/OFF of the heating unit 121.
The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 such that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (also referred to below as the "actual temperature") transitions similarly to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed such that, when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150, the flavour tasted by the user is optimized. Thus, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized.
The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by known feedback control, for example. The feedback control may be a Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller (PID) control, for example. The control unit 116 may cause power from the power supply unit 111 to be supplied to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can perform temperature control of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the frequency or the duty ratio of the power pulse in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON/OFF control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt 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 falls below the target temperature.
The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (a heating resistive element constituting the heating unit 121, to be more precise), for example. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistive element varies with temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistive element can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop at the heating resistive element, for example. The amount of voltage drop at the heating resistive element can be measured by a voltage sensor measuring a potential difference applied to the heating resistive element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.
The period from the start of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-type substrate 150 to the end is also referred to hereinafter as a heating session. In other words, a heating session is a period of time during which electrical supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled on the basis of the heating profile. The beginning of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile is started. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session comprises a first-half preheating period and a second-half puffing-possible period. The puffing-possible period is the period of time during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from when heating is started until the puffing-possible period is started. Heating performed in the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.
The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicative of the timing at which the preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the preheating period before the preheating period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the preheating has ended at the timing at which the preheating has ended. The notification to the user can be by lighting an LED or vibrating, or the like, for example. By referring to such notification, the user is able to take a puff immediately after the end of the preheating.
Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicative of when the puffing-possible period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the puffing-possible period before the puffing-possible period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the puffing-possible period has ended at the timing at which the puffing-possible period has ended. The notification to the user can be by lighting an LED or vibrating, or the like, for example. By referring to such notification, the user is able to take a puff until the end of the puffing-possible period.
An example of the heating profile will be described with reference to fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 denotes time. The vertical axis of the graph 20 denotes temperature. The line 21 denotes a time-series transition of the target temperature. As shown in fig. 5, the heating session may include an initial temperature-increase period, an intermediate temperature-reduction period, and a temperature re-increase period in succession. The initial temperature-increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises after the start of heating and is kept at a high temperature. The intermediate temperature-reduction period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops after the initial temperature-increase period. The temperature re-increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is once again increased after the intermediate temperature-reduction period. In the example shown in fig. 5, the target temperature rapidly increases to around 300°C during the initial temperature-increase period, then drops to around 230°C during the intermediate temperature-reduction period, after which the temperature increases stepwise to around 260°C during the temperature re-increase period. During the intermediate temperature-reduction period, electrical supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned OFF. In the example shown in fig. 5, the period from the start of heating to partway through the initial temperature-increase period is the preheating period, and the period from part way through the initial temperature-increase period to the end of the temperature re-increase period is the puffing-possible period.

(2) Customization processing

The system 1 repeatedly executes customization processing. The customization processing is processing for customizing (or namely, modifying) the heating profile. In the customization processing, the user requests a modification from the system 1 so that the feeling from inhalation approaches the user's preference. The system 1 then generates a heating profile in accordance with the user request. Thus, the system 1 can gradually generate a heating profile that can provide an optimal user experience by repeating the customization processing. The customization processing is executed or controlled by each of the inhalation device 100, the terminal device 200, or the server 300.
The customization processing includes at least: the inhalation device 100 generating the aerosol using the heating profile; receiving a user request to modify the heating profile; generating a heating profile on the basis of the user modification request; and setting the generated heating profile in the inhalation device 100. The customization processing may be repeatedly performed until a heating profile as intended by the user is generated. Each process included in the customization processing will be described in detail below.

- Generation of aerosol based on heating profile

The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150 on the basis of the heating profile, more specifically, by heating the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 on the basis of the heating profile. The user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 and evaluates the feeling from inhalation. The user can take a plurality of puffs during the heating session.
The timing at which a puff is taken (hereinafter, puff timing) may be set in advance. In this case, the user takes puffs at a preset puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 acquires information indicating the progress of heating from the inhalation device 100 and prompts the user to puff at a prescribed timing during the heating session. The information indicating the progress of heating may include an elapsed time from the start of heating, a temperature of the heating unit 121, and the like. The terminal device 200 may obtain, from the inhalation device 100, identification information of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100, along with or prior to the information indicating the progress of heating. Thus, even if the puff timing is different for each heating profile, it is possible to appropriately determine the arrival of the puff timing. Of course, the puff timing need not be set in advance. In this case, the user freely puffs at any timing. The inhalation device 100 may transmit information for identifying the actual puff timing to the terminal device 200. The information for identifying the puff timing may be information indicating what number puff was taken during the heating session, or information identifying the puff timing by the time elapsed from the start of heating. The information for identifying the puff timing may be included in the information indicating the progress of heating and transmitted.

- Receipt of modification request

The terminal device 200 receives the user operation requesting modification of the heating profile. As an example, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for setting a target temperature. The heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 before the modification request has been set will also be referred to below as the unmodified heating profile.
The terminal device 200 generates a UI (user interface) screen (also referred to below as a customization screen) for setting the target temperature included in the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100. The terminal device 200 then receives the user operation for setting the target temperature on the generated customization screen. For example, the terminal device 200 may display the customization screen on a touch panel and receive a touch operation for setting the target temperature. An example of the customization screen will be described with reference to fig. 6.
Fig. 6 is a diagram to illustrate an example of the customization screen. As shown in fig. 6, a customization screen 30 includes a graph 31 showing a time-series transition of the target temperature included in the heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph 31 denotes time (more specifically, the time elapsed from the start of heating), and the vertical axis denotes target temperature. The graph 31 includes a plurality of operation points 32 and a line 33. The operation points 32 are plots on the graph 31 which are objects for receiving a user operation for setting the target temperature. The line 33 simulates a time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile, which is generated based on the positions of the operation points 32. The terminal device 200 receives a user operation for setting positions of the operation points 32 displayed on the customization screen 30. When the user moves an operation point 32 up/down/left/right to position the operation point 32, two operation points 32 which are longitudinally adjacent in the horizontal axis direction are connected by the line 33. The user operation on the customization screen 30 ends when the positions of the operation points 32 are set across the entire heating session.
The operation points 32 may be plots corresponding to puff timings among plots on the graph 31. That is to say, the positions of the operation points 32 in the horizontal axis direction may be positions corresponding to puff timings. Here, the puff timing may be a preset puff timing or an actual puff timing. According to such a configuration, it is easy to modify the target temperature to improve the evaluation from puffing. The operation points 32 may of course be any plots on the graph 31. That is to say, the operation points 32 may be plots which do not correspond to puff timings.
The terminal device 200 may display the customization screen 30 in real time in accordance with the progress of heating. In this case, the user can set the target temperature in real time while puffing. Of course, the terminal device 200 may also display the customization screen 30 after the heating session ends. In this case, the user can set the target temperature without hurrying.
The initial positions of the operation points 32 may be positions corresponding to the target temperature defined in the unmodified heating profile. That is to say, moving the operation points 32 from the initial positions corresponds to modifying the target temperature.
The terminal device 200 may display a line showing the unmodified heating profile on the graph 31, separately from the line 33. In this case, the user can set the target temperature while checking the difference between the unmodified heating profile and the heating profile generated on the basis of the target temperature set on the customization screen 30 (this heating profile will also be referred to below as the modified heating profile). The user can therefore appropriately modify the heating profile while checking whether or not the evaluation is better, based on the difference between the modified and unmodified heating profiles. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve usability in regard to customization of the heating profile.
Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may display on the graph 31, separately from the line 33, a line showing a time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 when the stick-type substrate 150 is heated on the basis of the unmodified heating profile. According to such configuration, it is possible to improve usability in regard to customization of the heating profile in the same way as when a line showing the unmodified heating profile is displayed on the graph 31.

- Setting of modified heating profile

The terminal device 200 sets, in the inhalation device 100, the modified heating profile in which a target temperature commensurate with the positions of the operation points 32 has been set. More specifically, the terminal device 200 sends to the server 300 a modification request including information showing the positions of the plurality of operation points 32 which have been set on the customization screen 30. The server 300 modifies the heating profile on the basis of the received modification request, and sends the modified heating profile to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 forwards, to the inhalation device 100, the modified heating profile which has been received. The inhalation device 100 stores the modified heating profile on receiving the modified heating profile from the terminal device 200. This is expected to improve the evaluation by the user during the next heating.
Based on the modification request, the server 300 generates the heating profile in which the target temperature commensurate with the positions of the operation points 32 has been set. More specifically, the server 300 generates a heating profile in which the target temperature at times corresponding to the positions of the operation points 32 in the horizontal axis direction has been set at a temperature corresponding to the positions of the operation points 32 in the vertical axis direction. The server 300 may employ "as-is" the target temperature and time corresponding to the positions of the operation points 32 set by the user. The server 300 may of course adjust the target temperature and/or time corresponding to the positions of the operation points 32 set by the user, and then employ the adjusted target temperature and/or time in the modified heating profile. For example, the server 300 may adjust the target temperature and/or time corresponding to the positions of the operation points 32 set by the user, for the purpose of smoothing a temperature change or for the purpose of keeping the degree of modification from the unmodified heating profile within a predetermined range.

- Processing flow

An example of the customization processing flow will be described next with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence chart showing an example of a customization processing flow implemented by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. The sequence involves the inhalation device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300.
As shown in fig. 7, the inhalation device 100 first of all implements heating based on the heating profile (step S102). The inhalation device 100 then sends information indicating the heating profile being used to the terminal device 200 (step S104).
Next, the terminal device 200 displays the customization screen 30 (step S106) For example, the terminal device 200 displays the customization screen 30 illustrated in fig. 6. The terminal device 200 may display, on the customization screen 30, a line indicating the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the unmodified heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 in step S102.
Next, the terminal device 200 receives the user operation requesting modification of the heating profile (step S108). For example, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for setting positions of the operation points 32 on the customization screen 30.
The terminal device 200 then sends the modification request set by the user to the server 300 (step S110). This modification request includes the information set in step S108 indicating the positions of the plurality of operation points 32. The modification request may further include information showing the unmodified heating profile.
Next, the server 300 modifies the heating profile on the basis of the modification request received from the terminal device 200 (step S112). For example, the server 300 generates a heating profile in which a target temperature commensurate with the positions of the operation points 32 has been set. At this time, the server 300 may generate the modified heating profile while taking account of the unmodified heating profile.
The server 300 then sends the modified heating profile to the terminal device 200 (step S114). When the terminal device 200 receives the modified heating profile from the server 300, the terminal device 200 forwards the received modified heating profile to the inhalation device 100 (step S116).
Then, upon receiving the modified heating profile, the inhalation device 100 stores the received modified heating profile (step S118). Thus, in the next customization processing, the stick-type substrate 150 is heated on the basis of the modified heating profile.

(3) Details of customization screen 30

The terminal device 200 generates the customization screen 30 to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation points 32 can be placed and a second range in which the operation points 32 cannot be placed. The user is able to place the operation points 32 within the first range, but cannot place the operation points 32 within the second range. According to such a configuration, the user can be spontaneously prompted to place the operation points 32 within the first range and not to place the operation points 32 within the second range. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve usability in regard to customization of the heating profile, and to improve the quality of the user experience.
The terminal device 200 may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to at least a second temperature, no greater than a first temperature, in a period from a time point at which a target temperature corresponding to the first temperature or greater is expected to continue for a first time until a second time has elapsed. For example, the terminal device 200 may set, as the first range, a range corresponding to a target temperature of less than 280°C for 100 seconds from a time point at which a target temperature of 300°C or greater is expected to continue for 100 seconds, and may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to a target temperature of 280°C or greater. In this case, the user sets a target temperature of less than 280°C for 100 seconds from the time point at which a target temperature of 300°C or greater is expected to continue for 100 seconds. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the aerosol source is rapidly consumed as a result of a high target temperature being maintained for a long time, and to prevent a situation in which the aerosol source runs out during a heating session.
The terminal device 200 may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to no greater than a fourth temperature, equal to or greater than a third temperature, in a period from a time point at which a target temperature corresponding to the third temperature or less is expected to continue for a third time until a fourth time has elapsed. For example, the terminal device 200 may set, as the first range, a range corresponding to a target temperature exceeding 270°C for 100 seconds from a time point at which a target temperature of 250°C or less is expected to continue for 100 seconds, and may set, as the second range, a range corresponding to a target temperature of 270°C or less. In this case, the user sets a target temperature exceeding 270°C for 100 seconds from the time point at which a target temperature of 250°C or less is expected to continue for 100 seconds. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the aerosol source is excessively cooled as a result of a low target temperature being maintained for a long time, and to prevent a situation in which a sufficient quantity of aerosol is no longer generated.
The terminal device 200 may also set an upper limit and a lower limit for the target temperature which can be set. In this case, the terminal device 200 may set a range between the lower limit and the upper limit of the target temperature as the first range, and may set a range below the lower limit or a range exceeding the upper limit of the target temperature as the second range. For example, the terminal device 200 may set a range of between 230°C and 320°C as the first range, and may set a range below 230°C or exceeding 320°C as the second range. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an excessively high target temperature or an excessively low target temperature from being set at any moment.
The terminal device 200 may set, on the basis of the positions of the set operation points 32, the first range and the second range at a time after a time corresponding to the positions of the set operation points. More specifically, the terminal device 200 sets the first range and the second range in a period of the heating session where positions of operation points 32 have not yet been set, based on the time-series transition of the target temperature in the period where the positions of the operation points 32 have already been set. For example, when positions of operation points 32 up to the third puff have been set, the terminal device 200 sets the first range and the second range in a period from the fourth puff onward, based on the positions of the operation points 32 up to the third puff. Conversely, the terminal device 200 does not need to reset the first range and the second range for the period where the positions of the operation points 32 have already been set. For example, when positions of operation points 32 up to the third puff have been set, the terminal device 200 does not need to change the first range and the second range which have already been set in the period up to the third puff. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which positions of set operation points 32 fall into the second range at a later stage and inevitably need to be rearranged. That is to say, reworking by the user can be prevented.
The terminal device 200 may set the first range and the second range on the basis of a rate at which the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated can change. There is a limit to the temperature-increase rate of the heating unit 121. The terminal device 200 therefore sets a range which can be reached with the temperature-increase rate of the heating unit 121 as the first range, and sets a range which is difficult to reach with the temperature-increase rate of the heating unit 121 as the second range. There is likewise a limit to the temperature-reduction rate of the heating unit 121. The terminal device 200 therefore sets a range which can be reached with the temperature-reduction rate of the heating unit 121 as the first range, and sets a range which is difficult to reach with the temperature-reduction rate of the heating unit 121 as the second range. According to such a configuration, it is possible to generate a heating profile defining a realistic temperature transition.
The terminal device 200 may set the first range and the second range on the basis of the type of stick-type substrate 150 used in the inhalation device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 may set a lower upper limit for the first temperature, second temperature and target temperature of a menthol-containing stick-type substrate 150 than for a stick-type substrate 150 that does not contain menthol. According to such a configuration, it is possible to generate a heating profile suited to each stick-type substrate 150.
The terminal device 200 may generate the customization screen 30 to display the second range emphasized in relation to the first range. According to such a configuration, the user can set the positions of the operation points 32 while mindful of ensuring that the operation points 32 do not lie in the second range. Conversely, the terminal device 200 may generate the customization screen 30 to display the first range emphasized in relation to the second range. According to such a configuration, the user can set the positions of the operation points 32 while mindful of ensuring that the operation points 32 are positioned within the first range.
An example of the first range and the second range displayed on the customization screen 30 will be described below with reference to fig. 8-10.
Fig. 8-10 are diagrams showing exemplary enlargements of the graph 31 on the customization screen 30. The graph 31 included in the customization screen 30 transitions over time in the order of: graph 31A shown in fig. 8, then graph 31B shown in fig. 9, then graph 31C shown in fig. 10.
As shown in fig. 8-10, the graph 31 includes: operation points 32 (32A-32D), a line 33, a broken line 34, a first range 35 (35A and 35B), and a second range 36 (36A-36E). The broken line 34 denotes information showing the progress of setting the positions of the operation points 32, moving from left to right. The broken line 34 is superimposed on the latest operation point 32 for which the position has been set by the user.
The second range 36A is a range exceeding an upper limit of 320°C of the target temperature which can be set. The second range 36B is a range below a lower limit of 230°C of the target temperature which can be set. The second range 36C is a range corresponding to a target temperature of 280°C or greater for 100 seconds from a time point at which a target temperature of 300°C or greater is expected to continue for 100 seconds. The second range 36D (36D-1 and 36D-2) is a range which is difficult to reach with the temperature-increase rate of the heating unit 121. The second range 36E is a range which is difficult to reach with the temperature-reduction rate of the heating unit 121.
The terminal device 200 sets a range outside the second range 36 as the first range 35. The first range 35A is a range of the first range 35 after the broken line 34, i.e., a range where the positions of operation points 32 have not yet been set. The first range 35B is a range of the first range 35 before the broken line 34, i.e., a range where the positions of operation points 32 have already been set.
The absence or presence of hatching and the differences in hatching in the first range 35 and the second range 36 represent the absence or presence of color and differences in color, as an example. That is to say, the first range 35 and the second range 36 are displayed in a distinguishable manner in fig. 8-10. The second range 36 is displayed emphasized in relation to the first range 35 in fig. 8-10.
The graph 31A shown in fig. 8 is displayed at a time point at which the position of the operation point 32A has been set. The broken line 34 is therefore superimposed on the operation point 32A. The operation point 32A is placed at a position corresponding to 310°C. The terminal device 200 sets the second range 36C with the expectation that the 310°C corresponding to the position of the operation point 32A will continue. The terminal device 200 sets the second ranges 36D-1 and 36E starting from the position of the operation point 32A. The terminal device 200 sets the the second range 36D-2 with the expectation that an operation point 32 will be placed at the position of 280°C at the end of the second range 36C.
The graph 31B shown in fig. 9 is displayed at a time point at which the position of the operation point 32C has been set, after the positions of the operation points 32A and 32B have been set. The broken line 34 is therefore superimposed on the operation point 32C. The operation point 32C is placed at a position corresponding to 310°C. The terminal device 200 sets the second range 36C on the basis that 310°C continues for at least 100 seconds up to the position of the operation point 32C. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 sets the second range 36E starting from the position of the operation point 32C. Here, the terminal device 200 deletes from the second range 36C a range of the second range 36C overlapping the second range 36E, and includes the deleted range in the second range 36E. The terminal device 200 also sets, as the first range 35A, a region 37 of the second range 36C where there is a temperature transition when the temperature is reduced at the maximum rate from the position of the operation point 32C. The terminal device 200 sets the second range 36D-2 in the same way as in fig. 8. Note that the terminal device 200 displays the second ranges 36D and 36E in the range before the broken line 34 (e.g., the second ranges 36D-1 and 36E shown in fig. 8) as the first range 35B. This is to enhance visibility.
The graph 31C shown in fig. 10 is displayed at a time point at which the position of the operation point 32D has been set, after the positions of the operation points 32A and 32C have been set. The broken line 34 is therefore superimposed on the operation point 32D. The terminal device 200 sets the second ranges 36D-1 and 36E starting from the position of the operation point 32D. The terminal device 200 sets the second range 36D-2 in the same way as in fig. 8. Note that the terminal device 200 displays the second ranges 36D and 36E in the range before the broken line 34 (the second ranges 36D-1 and 36E shown in fig. 8 and 9) as the first range 35B. This is to enhance visibility.
An example of the first range 35 and the second range 36 displayed on the customization screen 30 was described above. The processing flow relating to display of the first range 35 and the second range 36 on the customization screen 30 will be described next with reference to fig. 11.
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow for updating the customization screen 30, which is implemented by the terminal device 200 according to the embodiment. The processing relating to this flow is implemented in steps S106 and S108 shown in fig. 7.
As shown in fig. 11, the terminal device 200 first of all starts display of the customization screen 30 (step S202).
Next, the terminal device 200 receives the user operation for setting positions of operation points 32 (step S204).
The terminal device 200 then displays, in a distinguishable manner, the first range 35 and the second range 36, based on positions of operation points 32 which have been set (step S206). More specifically, the terminal device 200 sets the first range 35 and the second range 36 on the basis of the positions of the operation points 32 which have been set. The terminal device 200 then displays the first range 35 and the second range 36 differently, such as with or without color, or with different colors.
Next, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not the user operation for setting the positions of the operation points 32 has ended (step S208). For example, the terminal device 200 determines that the user operation for setting the positions of the operation points 32 has ended when positions of operation points 32 for all puff timings have been set.
The processing returns to step S204 if it is determined that the user operation for setting the positions of the operation points 32 has not ended (step S208: NO). The processing ends if it is determined that the user operation for setting the positions of the operation points 32 has ended (step S208: YES).

<3. Supplement>

Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having an ordinary level of knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs could conceive of various modified examples or variations within the scope of the technical concepts set forth in the claims, and these modified examples and variations will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1) First variant example

The customization screen 30 has various possible forms. Another example of the customization screen 30 will be described below with reference to fig. 12 and 13.
Fig. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing other exemplary enlargements of the graph 31 on the customization screen 30. The graph 31 included in the customization screen 30 transitions over time in the order of: graph 31D shown in fig. 12, then graph 31E shown in fig. 13. The description below will mainly relate to differences in the graphs 31D and 31E shown in fig. 12 and 13 with the graphs 31A-31C shown in fig. 8-10, and features which are the same will not be described.
As shown in fig. 12, double-ended arrows 38 (38F-38L) indicating ranges over which operation points 32 (32F-32L) for which positions have not yet been set can be moved are displayed in the graph 31D. The double-ended arrows 38 fall within the first range 35. The double-ended arrows 38 can also be understood to indicate the first range 35. In this variant example, the positions of the operation points 32 in the horizontal axis direction may be fixed at positions corresponding to puff timings. The user can set the desired target temperature by moving the operation points 32 up and down within the ranges of the double-ended arrows 38.
As shown in fig. 13, the double-ended arrows 38 (38G-38L) indicating the ranges over which the operation points 32 (32G-32L) for which positions have not yet been set can be moved are also similarly displayed in the graph 31E.

(2) Other variant examples

Each process executed by the terminal device 200 or the server 300, described in the above embodiment, may be executed by any device. As an example, the heating profile may be modified by the terminal device 200. As another example, the first range 35 and the second range 36 may be set by means of the server 300.
The above embodiment includes modifying the target temperature as an example of modifying the heating profile, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The server 300 may modify the parameters relating to the time of the heating profile. Examples of parameters relating to the time of the heating profile include, for example, the duration of the heating session, the initial temperature-increase period, the intermediate temperature-reduction period, and the duration of each of the temperature re-increase periods. In addition, the parameters relating to the time of the heating profile include puff timing.
The embodiment above described an example in which a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as defined in the heating profile, is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An example of parameters relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated includes a target value of electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, a target value such as the temperature of a susceptor or the electrical resistance value of an electromagnetic induction source may be cited as a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as defined in the heating profile.
The embodiment above described an example in which the inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may equally be configured as what is known as a liquid atomization aerosol-generating device, which generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing a liquid aerosol source. The features of the present disclosure may also be applied to a liquid atomization aerosol-generating device.
As described in the embodiment above, setting of the first range 35 and the second range 36, and reception of user operations for setting the positions of the operation points 32 are implemented by means of the terminal device 200 Here, the terminal device 200 implementing these processes may also refer to these processes being implemented via a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 implementing these processes may also refer to these processes being implemented via PWA (progressive web apps) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, a server 300 may implement these processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.
In the above embodiment, at least a portion of the functional configuration of the inhalation device 100 may be included in other devices. One example of such other devices includes a charger that charges the inhalation device 100. The charger has a mechanism to which the inhalation device 100 can be attached/detached, and can charge the inhalation device 100 or transmit/receive information to/from the inhalation device 100 with the inhalation device 100 connected. As an example, the charger may have a wireless communication function, and may relay transmission and reception of information between the inhalation device 100 and a device such as a smartphone. As another example, the charger may have a memory function and store information received from or to be sent to the inhalation device 100. The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the charger 150 may be considered to be an aerosol generation system. Also, at least a part of the functional configuration of the terminal device 200 described in the above embodiment may be included in another device such as a charger that charges the inhalation device 100.
It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be realized by using software, hardware, and any combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting the software are prestored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided internally or externally to each device, for example. When the programs are then executed, for example, by a computer for controlling each device described in the present description, the programs are read into a RAM and executed by means of a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without the use of a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as ASIC, a general-purpose processor which executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing, etc. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.
Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in the present description need not necessarily be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps may be implemented in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed and some processing steps may be omitted.
It should be noted that configurations such as the following also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1) A terminal device comprising a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;
- receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and
- setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
(2) The terminal device as disclosed in (1) above, wherein the customization screen includes a graph showing a time-series transition of the parameter included in the control information, and the operation point is a plot on the graph.
(3) The terminal device as disclosed in (2) above, wherein the operation point is a plot corresponding to a puff timing among plots on the graph.
(4) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit sets, as the second range, a range corresponding to at least a second temperature, no greater than a first temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the first temperature or greater is expected to continue for a first time until a second time has elapsed..
(5) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the control unit sets, as the second range, a range corresponding to no greater than a fourth temperature, equal to or greater than a third temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the third temperature or less is expected to continue for a third time until a fourth time has elapsed..
(6) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the customization screen includes a plurality of operation points, and
the control unit sets, on the basis of positions of set operation points, the first range and the second range at a time after a time corresponding to the positions of the set operation points.
(7) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the control unit sets the first range and the second range on the basis of a rate at which the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated can change.
(8) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit sets the first range and the second range on the basis of the type of substrate used in the inhalation device.
(9) The terminal device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display the second range emphasized in relation to the first range.
(10) An information processing method implemented by means of a computer, the information processing method comprising controlling customization processing comprising: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;
- receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and
- setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein generating the customization screen comprises generating the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
(11) A program for causing a computer to function as
- a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;
- receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and
- setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 System
100 Inhalation device
111 Power source unit
112 Sensor unit
113 Notification unit
114 Memory unit
115 Communication unit
116 Control unit
121 Heating unit
140 Accommodating portion
141 Internal space
142 Opening
143 Bottom portion
144 Heat insulating portion
150 Stick-type substrate
151 Substrate portion
152 Mouthpiece portion
200 Terminal device
210 Input unit
220 Output unit
230 Detection unit
240 Communication unit
250 Memory unit
260 Control unit
300 Server
310 Communication unit
320 Memory unit
330 Control unit
900 Network

Claims

A terminal device comprising a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;
receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and

setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
The terminal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the customization screen includes a graph showing a time-series transition of the parameter included in the control information, and
the operation point is a plot on the graph.
The terminal device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the operation point is a plot corresponding to a puff timing among plots on the graph.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit sets, as the second range, a range corresponding to at least a second temperature, no greater than a first temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the first temperature or greater is expected to continue for a first time until a second time has elapsed.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit sets, as the second range, a range corresponding to no greater than a fourth temperature, equal to or greater than a third temperature, in a period from a time point at which the parameter corresponding to the third temperature or less is expected to continue for a third time until a fourth time has elapsed.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the customization screen includes a plurality of operation points, and
the control unit sets, on the basis of positions of set operation points, the first range and the second range at a time after a time corresponding to the positions of the set operation points.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit sets the first range and the second range on the basis of a rate at which the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated can change.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit sets the first range and the second range on the basis of the type of substrate used in the inhalation device.
The terminal device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display the second range emphasized in relation to the first range.
An information processing method implemented by means of a computer, the information processing method comprising controlling customization processing comprising: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;
receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and

setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set,

wherein

generating the customization screen comprises generating the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.
A program for causing a computer to function as
a control unit for controlling customization processing which comprises: generating a customization screen for displaying an operation point for setting a parameter relating to a temperature at which an aerosol source contained in a substrate is heated, the parameter being included in control information that defines a time-series transition of the parameter and being used by an inhalation device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source on the basis of the control information;

receiving a user operation for setting a position of the operation point displayed on the generated customization screen; and

setting, in the inhalation device, the control information in which the parameter commensurate with the position of the operation point has been set,

wherein the control unit generates the customization screen to display, in a distinguishable manner, a first range in which the operation point can be placed and a second range in which the operation point cannot be placed.