JP7665688B2 - Electronic and information processing devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices and information processing devices.

Technologies related to suction devices that generate aerosols for inhalation have been developed. For example, cited reference 1 discloses a system that records the suction history of a suction device on a user terminal or server and uses the recorded information to plan the use of the suction device and control its frequency of use.

International Publication No. 2018/025217

However, in recent years, as suction devices have become more widespread, a wide variety of functions have been developed, and user preferences have become more diverse, with an increasing number of users using multiple suction devices depending on their mood or situation. In this regard, with the conventional method of managing the wide variety of functions of suction devices primarily based on a device ID for identifying the suction device, every time a new suction device is released, all of the functions of the suction device must be managed in association with the device ID of the suction device, which places a heavy burden on management.

The present invention aims to provide an electronic device, an information processing device, and a program that can easily manage functions.

An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that generates an aerosol for inhalation, and includes an aerosol generating unit that generates the aerosol, a control unit that controls the generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generating unit, a storage unit that stores a function ID for identifying a function of the electronic device, and a transmission unit that transmits the function ID to another information processing device.

According to this aspect, it is possible to manage electronic devices by function rather than by device. Therefore, even if a new model of electronic device is introduced, the new model can be easily managed by simply changing the combination of functions.

The present invention provides an electronic device, an information processing device, and a program that can easily manage functions.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a function management table. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a management information table. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a suction area management table. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a function registration process of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a management information generation process of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a control process of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. (Note that in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar configurations.)

(1) System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20, and an electronic device 30 associated with the user terminal 20. The electronic device 30 may be a device that generates an aerosol for inhalation, and may also be referred to as, for example, a "flavor inhaler". The electronic device 30 may include, for example, an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, a conventional cigarette, a medical nebulizer, or the like. In FIG. 1, the dotted line surrounding the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 indicates that the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 surrounded by the dotted line are associated with each other. The server 10 is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from each of the multiple user terminals 20 via a communication network N using a communication protocol such as TCP/IP. The server 10 may also be capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device 30 via a communication network N using a communication protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication network N is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including base stations, etc.), and a gateway, etc.

The server 10 provides a user terminal 20 and an electronic device 30 with a specific service for managing the functions of the electronic device 30 via a communication network N. The user terminal 20 is a terminal device of a user who uses the specific service provided by the server 10. For example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game machine, etc. are used as the user terminal 20. An application program (app) for using the specific service provided by the server 10 is stored in the user terminal 20. The electronic device 30 is associated with the user terminal 20 by, for example, registering the device ID of the electronic device 30 in the user terminal 20. In addition, the electronic device 30 is connected to the user terminal 20 so that information can be transmitted and received between them by short-range wireless communication or the like. Note that multiple electronic devices 30 may be connected to one user terminal 20.

(2) Functional Configuration (2-1) Server 10
2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a processing unit 13.

The communication unit 11 has a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 10 to the communication network N. The communication unit 11 transmits data supplied from the processing unit 13 via the communication network N to information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30. The communication unit 11 also supplies data received from information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30 via the communication network N to the processing unit 13.

The storage unit 12 has, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The storage unit 12 stores driver programs, operating system programs, application programs, data, etc. used in processing by the processing unit 13. Computer programs may be installed in the storage unit 12 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM using a known setup program, etc. The storage unit 12 also stores, as data, a function management table shown in FIG. 3, a management information table shown in FIG. 4, and a suction area management table shown in FIG. 5, etc.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a function management table. The function management table is a table for managing the functions of the electronic device 30, which is created, for example, for each user ID. Here, the functions of the electronic device 30 are not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an output function, an aerosol generation function, and a location information function. In addition, the output function may include, for example, a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a sound function.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first line of the function management table indicates the "function type" of the function of the electronic device 30, the second line indicates the "details" of the function, and the third line indicates the "function ID" for identifying the function. The "function type" indicates the type of function of the electronic device 30, and specifically includes, for example, an "aerosol generation function," an "location information function," and an "output function." The "output function" further includes, for example, a "display function," a "lighting function," a "vibration function," and an "audio function."

The "aerosol generating function" is shown as attribute information to which the electronic device 30 belongs when the aerosol generating method by the electronic device 30 is classified according to a predetermined classification criterion. The classification criterion is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the components of the inhaled substance, the phase state of the inhaled substance when not in use, the method of generating an aerosol containing the inhaled substance, and the heating method. When the classification criterion is "components of the inhaled substance", the aerosol generating function is classified according to whether it contains tobacco, flavoring, etc., for example. When the classification criterion is "phase state of the inhaled substance when not in use", the aerosol generating function is classified according to, for example, solid, liquid, gas, intermediate states thereof, and combinations thereof. When the classification criterion is "method of generating an aerosol containing an inhaled substance", the aerosol generating function is classified according to, for example, combustion, heating, and vaporization. When the classification criterion is "heating method", the aerosol generating function is classified according to, for example, electric heating, heating by a carbon heat source, and induction heating. In the example shown in FIG. 3, "T-type" indicates a type that contains tobacco as an inhalation substance component and heats the tobacco directly at a high temperature using a heater or the like. "E-type" indicates a type that does not use tobacco, contains liquid as an inhalation substance component, and inhales an aerosol generated by electrically heating the liquid in a device or a dedicated cartridge. "I-type" indicates, for example, a type that contains tobacco as an inhalation substance component, does not directly heat the tobacco, and heats and atomizes the liquid to pass through the tobacco. The "aerosol generating function" may be expressed by a classification criterion created by appropriately combining a plurality of the above-mentioned classification criteria or other classification criteria. "Location information function" indicates a method for acquiring location information of the electronic device 30, and includes, for example, "GPS" and the like. "Display function" indicates a type of display for displaying images and the like, and includes, for example, "liquid crystal" indicating a liquid crystal display and "EL" indicating EL (Electroluminescence) and the like. "Lighting function" indicates a type of lighting part that emits light by a light-emitting body, and includes, for example, "LED" indicating an LED (Light Emitting Diode). "Vibration function" indicates the type of vibration unit that generates vibration, such as "eccentric type" which indicates an eccentric motor. "Audio function" indicates the type of audio output unit that outputs audio, such as "D type" which indicates a dynamic speaker or "C type" which indicates a condenser speaker. If "Details" is "none", this indicates that the device does not have any function that belongs to that "Function type".

Such classifications of "Function type," "Details," and "Function ID" may be preset by, for example, a system administrator. In addition, when a new function that does not belong to any classification is introduced, the system administrator may create a new classification corresponding to that function.

In the function management table, function IDs received from the electronic device 30, the user terminal 20, etc. are registered. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a function ID associated with each device ID may be registered. In this case, "◯" indicates that the electronic device 30 has a function associated with the function ID, and "×" indicates that the electronic device 30 does not have the function associated with the function ID. Also, unlike FIG. 3, all function IDs associated with user IDs may be registered together without being associated with device IDs. In this case, "◯" indicates that the user owns some electronic device 30 having the function associated with the function ID, and "×" indicates that the user does not own some electronic device 30 having the function associated with the function ID.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management information table. The management information table is a table for managing suction information and management information for each type of aerosol generation function. Here, the suction information includes any information related to the user's inhalation of aerosol using the electronic device 30, and may include, for example, the number of suctions, the suction location, the suction strength, the type of aerosol source, the suction time, the model used, and the suction profile. In addition, the management information is information that has been processed from the suction information using any method, and is information for understanding and managing the user's suction habits.

The management information table may be a compilation of suction information collected from multiple users without identifying the users, in which case the management information table shown in FIG. 4 includes suction information collected from multiple users and management information generated from the suction information. Alternatively, the management information table may be a compilation of suction information collected for each individual user by identifying the users, in which case the management information table shown in FIG. 4 includes suction information for a specific user and management information generated from the suction information.

As shown in FIG. 4, the management information table includes, for example, a "function ID", "suction information", and "management information". The "function ID" is information indicating a function ID related to the aerosol generation function. The "suction information" is suction information associated with the function ID related to the aerosol generation function. The manner of association is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, the date and time when suction was performed using the aerosol generation function related to the function ID, information on the suction area, etc. Here, the suction area may include, for example, an area where a user is permitted to perform suction by laws, regulations, ordinances, or map information linked to the area. The "management information" may be information obtained by processing the suction information by any method. For example, the "management information" may be information indicating the result of statistically processing the date and time and suction area information included in the suction information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the management information table includes, for each function ID, a "frequency of use", a "time period of frequent use", and a "suction area of frequent use". Here, the "frequency of use" is information indicating the frequency with which the aerosol generation function associated with the function ID is used, and more specifically, is information indicating the ratio of the time that the aerosol generation function associated with the function ID is used to the total time of the "suction information" included in the management information table. The "frequently used time zone" is information indicating the time zone in which the aerosol generation function associated with the function ID is frequently used. Specifically, the "frequently used time zone" may be a time zone in which the frequency of suction in a certain time zone (the number of suctions or the proportion of suction time in a certain period of time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The frequency of suction for each time zone may be divided into stages (e.g., five stages) and displayed as the "management information". The "frequently used suction area" is information indicating the suction area in which the aerosol generation function associated with the function ID is frequently used. Specifically, the "frequently used suction area" may be a suction area in which the frequency of suction in a certain suction area (the number of suctions or the proportion of suction time in the suction area in a certain period of time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The frequency of suction in each suction area may be divided into stages (e.g., five stages) and displayed as the "management information". In this way, by managing the suction information for each function ID related to the aerosol generation function, it becomes possible to know how much the user has suctioned by which aerosol generation function. Furthermore, by generating management information based on the suction information for each function ID related to the aerosol generation function, it becomes possible to know in more detail how much the user has suctioned by which aerosol generation function.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a suction area management table. The suction area management table is a table for managing the type of aerosol generation function available for each suction area. As shown in FIG. 5, the suction area management table includes, for example, a "suction area ID", a "location", and each " function ID " related to the aerosol generation function as items. The "suction area ID" is an ID for identifying the suction area. The "location" is information indicating the location of the suction area, and may be the name of the location, an address, or location information. The "○" included in each cell of the "function ID" column indicates, for example, that the use of the type of aerosol generation function related to the function ID is permitted in the suction area related to the suction area ID. On the other hand, the "×" included in each cell of the "function ID" column indicates that the use of the type of aerosol generation function related to the function ID is prohibited or not permitted in the suction area related to the suction area ID.

In the example shown in Figure 5, for example, the suction area with suction area ID "E001" has "○" in the cells for the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-t" (i.e., "T-type" including tobacco), the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-e" (i.e., "E-type" not including tobacco), and the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-i" (i.e., "I-type" that heats and atomizes liquid to pass tobacco through). This indicates that the suction area with suction area ID "E001" is permitted to use all of the functions of "T-type" including tobacco, "E-type" not including tobacco, and "I-type" that heats and atomizes liquid to pass tobacco through. On the other hand, for the suction area with suction area ID "E002", the cells for the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-t" (i.e. "T-type" including tobacco) and the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-i" (i.e. "I-type" that heats and atomizes liquid to pass tobacco through) are marked with "X", and the cells for the aerosol generation function with function ID "FM-e" (i.e. "E-type" that does not include tobacco) are marked with "O". This indicates that for the suction area with suction area ID "E002", the use of the "E-type" function that does not include tobacco is permitted, but the use of the "T-type" including tobacco and the "I-type" function that heats and atomizes liquid to pass tobacco through is not permitted or is prohibited.

The processing unit 13 has one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 13 centrally controls the overall operation of the server 10, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 13 controls the operation of the communication unit 11, etc., so that various processes of the server 10 are executed in an appropriate order according to the programs, etc. stored in the storage unit 12. The processing unit 13 executes processes based on the programs (driver programs, operating system programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the storage unit 12. The processing unit 13 can also execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

The processing unit 13 has a registration unit 131, a management information generation unit 132, a control information generation unit 133, a transmission unit 134, and a reception unit 135. The registration unit 131 stores various information related to the electronic device 30, etc. in the storage unit 12. For example, the registration unit 131 registers the function ID and the device ID received from the electronic device 30 and/or the user terminal 20 in the function management table described with reference to FIG. 3. The management information generation unit 132 generates management information based on the function ID and the suction information. For example, the management information generation unit 132 may generate management information based on suction information collected from multiple users without identifying the users, or may generate management information related to a specific user based on suction information about the user. The control information generation unit 133 generates control information for controlling the electronic device 30 based on the position information of the electronic device 30 or the user terminal 20, information indicating the aerosol generation function, and suction area information, etc. The transmission unit 134 transmits various information to other information processing devices, etc. via the communication unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 134 transmits a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, a specific request signal, etc. to the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30, etc. The reception unit 135 receives various information from other information processing devices, etc. via the communication unit 11. For example, the reception unit 135 receives a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, a specific request signal, etc. from the user terminal 20 and the electronic device 30, etc.

(2-2) User terminal 20
6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the user terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 20 includes, for example, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an output unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a processing unit 25.

The communication unit 21 includes a communication interface circuit and connects the user terminal 20 to the communication network N. The communication unit 21 transmits data provided from the processing unit 25 via the communication network N to the server 10, the electronic device 30, etc. The communication unit 21 also provides data received from the server 10, the electronic device 30, etc. via the communication network N to the processing unit 25.

The storage unit 22 comprises, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 22 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc., used for processing in the processing unit 25. Various programs may be installed in the storage unit 22 using a known setup program or the like from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The storage unit 22 may also store, as data, a user ID, a device ID and/or a function ID of the electronic device 30 associated with the user terminal 20, etc.

The output unit 23 is realized by any of all types of devices capable of outputting the processing results processed by the processing unit 25, or a combination thereof. When the processing results are output as video and/or moving images, the output device is realized by any of all types of devices capable of displaying the display data written in the frame buffer, or a combination thereof. Examples of the output device include, but are not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (such as, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays and OELDs (Organic Electroluminescence Displays)), head mounted displays (HDMs), projection mapping, holograms, devices capable of displaying images and text information in the air (which may be a vacuum), speakers (audio output), printers, and the like. Note that these output devices may be capable of displaying display data in 3D. The output unit 23 may also be a vibration element such as an eccentric motor or a linear resonant actuator capable of generating vibrations.

The operation unit 24 may be any device capable of operating the user terminal 20, such as a touch panel or key buttons. A user can input letters, numbers, symbols, etc. using the operation unit 24. When operated by a user, the operation unit 24 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then supplied to the processing unit 25 as an instruction from the user.

The processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 25 centrally controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20, and is, for example, a CPU. The processing unit 25 controls the operation of the communication unit 21, the output unit 23, etc. so that various processes of the user terminal 20 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the storage unit 22 and the operation of the operation unit 24, etc. The processing unit 25 executes processes based on the programs (operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the storage unit 22. The processing unit 25 can also execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

The processing unit 25 includes, for example, a registration unit 251, a location information acquisition unit 252, a pairing unit 253, a transmission unit 254, and a reception unit 255. The registration unit 251 executes a process of registering various information related to the electronic device 30 in the storage unit 22. For example, the registration unit 251 registers the function ID and device ID of the electronic device 30. The location information acquisition unit 252 acquires location information of the user terminal 20, for example, by communicating with an artificial satellite via the communication unit 21. As a pairing process, the pairing unit 253 performs wireless communication with another information processing device such as the user terminal 20 in accordance with any wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, the pairing unit 253 transmits and receives a specific key to and from the other information processing device, and then stores the specific key in the storage unit 22. Thereafter, the short-distance wireless communication can be realized by transmitting and receiving packets including the key. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information to other information processing devices, etc. via the communication unit 21. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, a specific request signal, etc. to the server 10 and the electronic device 30, etc. The receiving unit 255 receives various information from other information processing devices, etc. via the communication unit 21. For example, the receiving unit 255 receives a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, a specific request signal, etc. from the server 10 and the electronic device 30, etc.

(2-3) Electronic device 30
Next, the configuration of the electronic device 30 will be described.

As a first type, the electronic device 30 may be a type that directly heats tobacco at a high temperature. Specifically, the electronic device 30 may be configured to generate an aerosol containing a flavor by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a smoking article, having an aerosol source and a flavor-generating substrate, such as a filling containing a flavor source.

The second type of electronic device 30 may be a type that does not use tobacco, but instead contains a liquid as a component of the inhaled substance, and inhales an aerosol generated by electrically heating the liquid in the device or a dedicated cartridge.

A third type of electronic device 30 may include tobacco as a component of the inhaled substance, and instead of directly heating the tobacco, heat and atomize a liquid to pass through the tobacco.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The example shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the third type described above.

7, the electronic device 30 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. As shown in the figure, as an example, the first member 31 may include an output unit 311, a battery 312, a sensor 313, a memory unit 314, a communication unit 315, an operation unit 316, and a processing unit 317. As an example, the second member 32 may include a reservoir 321, an atomizing unit 322, an air intake flow path 323, an aerosol flow path 324, and a suction port unit 325. Some of the components included in the first member 31 may be included in the second member 32. Some of the components included in the second member 32 may be included in the first member 31. The second member 32 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 31. Alternatively, all of the components included in the first member 31 and the second member 32 may be included in the same housing instead of the first member 31 and the second member 32.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic device 30 includes a third member 33. The second member 32 and the third member 33 constitute an aerosol generating unit that generates an aerosol. As an example, the third member 33 may include a flavor source 331. As an example, when the electronic device 30 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 331 may include a flavor component contained in tobacco. The third member 33 may be configured to be detachable from the second member 32. Alternatively, all of the components contained in the second member 32 and the third member 33 may be included in the same housing instead of the second member 32 and the third member 33.

The reservoir 321 holds the aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 321 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds the aerosol source as a liquid in the gaps between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. The fibrous or porous material may be, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material. The reservoir 321 may be configured as a tank for containing a liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. If the electronic device 30 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug for the patient to inhale. As another example, the aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. In this case, an aerosol containing a flavor component is generated even if the third member 33 is not attached. The reservoir 321 may have a configuration that allows the consumed aerosol source to be replenished. Alternatively, the reservoir 321 may be configured so that the reservoir 321 itself can be replaced when the aerosol source is consumed. Furthermore, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. When the aerosol source is a solid, the reservoir 321 may be, for example, a hollow container that does not use a fibrous or porous material.

The atomizing unit 322 is configured to atomize the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When the inhalation operation is detected by the sensor 313, the atomizing unit 322 generates an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect the reservoir 321 and the atomizing unit 322. In this case, a part of the wick leads to the inside of the reservoir 321 and contacts the aerosol source. Another part of the wick extends to the atomizing unit 322. The aerosol source is transported from the reservoir 321 to the atomizing unit 322 by the capillary effect of the wick. As an example, the atomizing unit 322 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 312. The heater is arranged to be in contact with or in close proximity to the wick. When the inhalation operation is detected, the control unit 317a controls the heater of the atomizing unit 322 to heat the aerosol source transported through the wick, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. Another example of the atomizing unit 322 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. An air intake flow path 323 is connected to the atomizing unit 322, and the air intake flow path 323 leads to the outside of the electronic device 30. The aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 322 is mixed with air taken in through the air intake flow path 323. The mixture of the aerosol and air is sent to the aerosol flow path 324 as shown by the arrow 326. The aerosol flow path 324 has a tubular structure for transporting the mixture of the aerosol and air generated in the atomizing unit 322 to the suction port unit 325.

The flavor source 331 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. The flavor source 331 is disposed in the middle of the aerosol flow path 324. The mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the atomizing section 322 (note that the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as the aerosol hereinafter) flows through the aerosol flow path 324 to the mouthpiece section 325. Thus, the flavor source 331 is disposed downstream of the atomizing section 322 with respect to the flow of the aerosol. In other words, the flavor source 331 is located closer to the mouthpiece section 325 than the atomizing section 322 in the aerosol flow path 324. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizing section 322 passes through the flavor source 331 before reaching the mouthpiece section 325. When the aerosol passes through the flavor source 331, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 331 are imparted to the aerosol. As an example, if the electronic device 30 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 331 may be tobacco-derived, such as tobacco shreds or processed tobacco raw materials formed into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 331 may also be non-tobacco-derived, such as from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). As an example, the flavor source 331 may contain a flavor component such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 331, the reservoir 321 may also contain a substance that includes a flavor component. For example, the electronic device 30 may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavor substance in the flavor source 331 and to contain a non-tobacco-derived flavor substance in the reservoir 321.

The suction mouth portion 325 is located at the end of the aerosol flow path 324 and is configured to open the aerosol flow path 324 to the outside of the electronic device 30. As shown, the aerosol flow path 324 extends across the second member 32 and the third member 33. The suction mouth portion 325 is provided on the third member 33.

By holding the mouthpiece 325 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can draw air containing the flavored aerosol into the mouth.

The output unit 311 is realized by any of all kinds of devices capable of outputting the processing result processed by the processing unit 317, or a combination thereof, and has, for example, a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a sound function. When the processing result is output as a video and/or a moving image, the output device is realized by any of all kinds of devices capable of displaying the display data written in the frame buffer, or a combination thereof. Examples of the output device include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, etc.), a head mounted display (HDM), a projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying images, text information, etc. in the air (which may be a vacuum), a speaker (sound output), a printer, etc. Note that these output devices may be capable of displaying display data in 3D. The output unit 311 may also be a vibration element such as an eccentric motor or a linear resonant actuator capable of generating vibration.

The battery 312 is a power source that accumulates power and supplies power to each component of the electronic device 30, such as the output unit 311, the sensor 313, the memory unit 314, and the atomization unit 322. The battery 312 may be capable of being charged by connecting to an external power source via a predetermined port (not shown) of the electronic device 30. Only the battery 312 may be removable from the first member 31 or the electronic device 30, and may be capable of being replaced with a new battery 312. Also, the battery 312 may be capable of being replaced with a new battery 312 by replacing the entire first member 31 with a new first member 31.

The sensor 313 may include a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the air intake passage 323 and/or the aerosol passage 324, or a flow sensor that detects a flow rate. The sensor 313 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of components such as the reservoir 321. The sensor 313 may also be configured to count the number of puffs by the user using the electronic device 30. The sensor 313 may also be configured to integrate the time that the atomizing unit 322 is energized. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 321. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the attachment/detachment of the second member 32 to the first member 31, or the attachment/detachment of the third member 33 to the second member 32. The sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge), current integration value, voltage, etc. of the battery 312. The current integration value may be calculated by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 313 may also be an operation button that can be operated by the user.

The memory unit 314 is a storage medium such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory. In addition to the computer-executable instructions described above, the memory unit 314 may store setting data and the like necessary for controlling the electronic device 30. For example, the memory unit 314 may store various data such as the control method of the output unit 311 (such as the mode of light emission, vocalization, vibration, etc.), the value detected by the sensor 313, the heating history of the atomization unit 322, etc. The memory unit 314 may store, for example, a user ID, a device ID for identifying the electronic device 30, and a function ID for identifying the function of the electronic device 30.

The communication unit 315 includes a communication interface circuit and connects the electronic device 30 to the communication network N or the short-range wireless communication network. The communication unit 315 transmits data provided from the processing unit 317 to the server 10, the user terminal 20, etc. via the communication network N or the short-range wireless communication network. The communication unit 315 also provides the processing unit 317 with data received from the server 10 or the user terminal 20 via the communication network N or the short-range wireless communication network.

The operation unit 316 may be any device capable of operating the electronic device 30, such as a touch panel or key buttons. A user can use the operation unit 316 to input letters, numbers, symbols, etc. When operated by a user, the operation unit 316 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then supplied to the processing unit 317 as an instruction from the user.

The processing unit 317 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The processing unit 317 may be configured to control the operation of the electronic device 30 according to computer-executable instructions stored in the memory unit 314. The processing unit 317 reads data from the memory unit 314 as necessary and uses the data to control the electronic device 30, and stores the data in the memory unit 314 as necessary. The processing unit 317 may include a control unit 317a, a suction information generation unit 317b, a position information acquisition unit 317c, a pairing unit 317d, a transmission unit 317e, and a reception unit 317f.

The control unit 317a controls the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33). The control unit 317a performs this control by a method according to the aerosol generation method possessed by the electronic device 30.

The suction information generating unit 317b generates suction information. The suction information may include, for example, the number of suctions, the suction location, the suction strength, the type of aerosol source, the suction time, the model used, and the suction profile. The suction information generating unit 317b generates suction information (for example, the number of suctions, the suction location, the suction strength, the suction time, the suction profile, etc.) based on, for example, the position information supplied from the position information acquiring unit 317c, a detection signal according to the type of aerosol source (described later), and a detection signal related to suction supplied from the sensor 313.

The location information acquisition unit 317c acquires location information of the electronic device 30, for example, by communicating with an artificial satellite via the communication unit 315.

As a pairing process, the pairing unit 317d performs wireless communication with another information processing device, such as the user terminal 20, in compliance with any wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), or NFC (Near Field Communication). For example, the pairing unit 317d transmits and receives a specific key to and from the other information processing device, and then stores the specific key in the storage unit 314. Thereafter, the short-distance wireless communication can be realized by transmitting and receiving packets including the key.

The transmission unit 317e transmits various information to other information processing devices, etc., via the communication unit 315. For example, the transmission unit 317e transmits a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, position information, suction information, management information, control information, and a specified request signal, etc., to the server 10 and the user terminal 20, etc.

The receiving unit 317f receives various information from other information processing devices, etc., via the communication unit 315. For example, the receiving unit 317f receives a user ID, a device ID, a function ID, location information, suction information, management information, control information, and a specific request signal, etc., from the server 10 and the user terminal 20, etc.

(3) Operational Processing Next, the operational processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a function registration process of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process for registering a function ID of the electronic device 30 in the user terminal 20 or the server 10 prior to use of the electronic device 30.

First, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits a signal requesting a function ID to the electronic device 30 in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 24 (S10). At this time, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 may also request a device ID from the electronic device 30. Next, the transmission unit 317e of the electronic device 30 transmits the function ID of the electronic device 30 stored in the storage unit 314 of the electronic device 30 to the user terminal 20 in response to the signal requesting the function ID (S11). If the device ID is also requested in S10, the transmission unit 317e of the electronic device 30 may further transmit the device ID of the electronic device 30 to the user terminal 20.

Next, the registration unit 251 of the user terminal 20 registers the function ID by storing the function ID received from the electronic device 30 in the storage unit 22 (S12). At this time, if the registration unit 251 of the user terminal 20 has also received the device ID of the electronic device 30, it also registers the device ID by storing the device ID in the storage unit 22 in association with the function ID. Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the user ID, the function ID received from the electronic device 30, and a signal requesting registration of the function ID to the server 10 (S13). At this time, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 may also transmit the device ID of the electronic device 30 to the server 10.

Next, when the registration unit 131 of the server 10 receives from the user terminal 20 the function ID of the electronic device 30 and a signal requesting that the function ID be registered, the registration unit 131 registers the received function ID in the function management table described with reference to FIG. 3, for example (S14). At this time, the registration unit 131 of the server 10 may also register the device ID in the function management table. This completes the pre-registration process.

9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a management information generation process of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This process is a process in which suction information generated when a user performs suction using the electronic device 30 is transmitted to the server 10 via the user terminal 20, and then the server 10 generates management information based on the suction information.

First, the electronic device 30 executes a suction process in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 34 of the electronic device 30 (S20). Specifically, the control unit 317a of the electronic device 30 controls the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33). Next, the suction information generating unit 317b of the electronic device 30 generates suction information (S21). At this time, the suction information generating unit 317b may detect any parameter related to the suction of the electronic device 30 by the user, such as the strength and number of times. In addition, the position information of the electronic device 30 acquired by the position information acquiring unit 317c may be included in the suction information. In this way, the suction information generating unit 317b generates, for example, the above-mentioned number of suctions, suction location, suction strength, type of aerosol generating substrate, suction time, model used, and suction profile as the suction information.

Next, the transmitting unit 317e of the electronic device 30 transmits the generated suction information to the user terminal 20 (S22). Next, the registering unit 251 of the user terminal 20 registers the received suction information by storing the suction information in the memory unit 22 (S23). At this time, the registering unit 251 may include the location information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the location information acquiring unit 252 of the user terminal 20 in the suction information. This makes it possible to grasp the location of the suction location even if the electronic device 30 does not have a location information acquiring function.

Next, the transmitting unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the suction information and a signal requesting that the suction information be registered to the server 10 (S24). Next, the registering unit 131 of the server 10 registers the suction information received from the user terminal 20 in the management information table stored in the memory unit 12 (S25).

Next, the management information generating unit 132 of the server 10 generates management information based on the function ID and suction information recorded in the function management table (S26). At this time, the management information generating unit 132 may generate management information based on suction information collected from multiple users without identifying the users, or may generate management information related to a specific user based on suction information about that user. As described above, the "management information" may be information obtained by processing suction information using any method. For example, the "management information" may be information indicating the results of statistically processing information such as date and time and suction area information included in the suction information. This completes the management information generation process.

10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the control process of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this process, the server 10 generates control information, and the electronic device 30 executes various operations in accordance with the control information.

First, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 execute a pairing process (S30). Specifically, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 transmit and receive a predetermined key. Then, the pairing unit 317d of the electronic device 30 stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 314 of the electronic device 30, and the pairing unit 253 of the user terminal 20 stores the predetermined key in the storage unit 22 .

Next, the transmitting unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits a request signal requesting control information to the server 10 (S32). Here, the request signal may include any information related to the electronic device 30. For example, the request signal may include either the device ID of the electronic device 30 or the function ID of the electronic device 30. The function ID of the electronic device 30 may include a function ID related to the aerosol generation function described above. The request signal may also include location information acquired by the electronic device 30 and/or location information acquired by the user terminal 20.

Next, when the control information generating unit 133 of the server 10 receives a request signal requesting control information from the user terminal 20, it generates control information according to the information included in the request signal (S33). For example, when the request signal includes a device ID, the control information generating unit 133 may refer to the function management table to extract a function ID associated with the device ID, and generate control information for controlling a function related to the function ID. Also, for example, when the request signal includes a function ID, the control information generating unit 133 may refer to the function management table to generate control information for controlling a function related to the function ID. Also, for example, when the request signal includes position information of the electronic device 30 and/or the user terminal 20, the control information generating unit 133 may determine a suction area based on the position information, and then refer to the suction area management table stored in the storage unit 12 to generate control information for controlling a function (e.g., an aerosol generation function) that can be used in the determined suction area. The form of control related to the control information is not particularly limited as long as it is related to the control of the function, but may be, for example, for controlling switching the function on/off, adjusting parameters such as the strength of the function, and switching the mode of the function.

Next, the transmission unit 134 of the server 10 transmits the generated control information to the user terminal 20 (S34). Next, the output unit 23 of the user terminal 20 executes an output process for outputting the content related to the control information according to the control information received from the server 10 (S35). The manner and content of the output are not particularly limited, but for example, the output unit 23 of the user terminal 20 may display on a display the aerosol generation functions available in the area, the fact that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible, etc., or may output audio through a speaker.

Next, the transmission unit 254 of the user terminal 20 transmits the control information received from the server 10 to the electronic device 30 (S36). Next, the output unit 311 of the electronic device 30 executes an output process for outputting the contents related to the control information according to the control information received from the user terminal 20 (S37). The manner and contents of the output are not particularly limited, but for example, the electronic device 30 may display the aerosol generation function available in the area, the fact that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible, etc. on a display, may output audio through a speaker, or may light up an LED or the like in a predetermined pattern according to the notification contents. Note that the transmission unit 134 of the server 10 may directly transmit the generated control information to the electronic device 30. Next, when the control unit 317a of the electronic device 30 receives the control information, it executes an operation according to the control information (S38). For example, the control unit 317a controls the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generation unit (the second member 32 and the third member 33) according to the control information. This ends the control process.

The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those exemplified, and may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments may be partially substituted or combined.

Reference Signs List 1...information processing system, 10...server, 11...communication unit, 12...storage unit, 13...processing unit, 131...registration unit, 132...management information generation unit, 133...control information generation unit, 20...user terminal, 21...communication unit, 22...storage unit, 23...output unit, 24...operation unit, 25...processing unit, 251...registration unit, 252...location information acquisition unit, 253...pairing unit, 30...electronic device, 31...first member, 311...output unit, 312...battery , 313...sensor, 314...memory unit, 315...communication unit, 316...operation unit, 317...processing unit, 317a...control unit, 317b...suction information generation unit, 317c...position information acquisition unit, 317d...pairing unit, 317e...transmission unit, 317f...reception unit, 32...second member, 321...reservoir, 322...atomization unit, 323...air intake flow path, 324...aerosol flow path, 325...suction port unit, 33...third member, 331...flavor source

Claims (19)

1. An electronic device for generating an aerosol for inhalation, comprising:
A control unit that controls the generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generation unit;
a communication unit for receiving control information for controlling functions available at a location where the electronic device is used;
an output unit that outputs content related to the control information;
Equipped with
the communication unit transmits a function ID for identifying the function of the electronic device , and receives the control information for controlling the function related to the function ID, the function ID being available at a location where the electronic device is used;
The control unit controls the function based on the received control information ,
The output unit outputs information indicating that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible, based on the received control information.
Electronic device . the communication unit transmits a device ID for identifying the electronic device , and receives the control information for controlling the function of the electronic device identified by the device ID and usable at a location where the electronic device is used.
2. The electronic device of claim 1. the electronic device further includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a location of the electronic device ;
the communication unit transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, and receives the control information for controlling the function available at the location indicated by the transmitted location information.
2. The electronic device of claim 1. the function includes an output function of the electronic device ;
2. The electronic device of claim 1. The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein the output function includes at least one of a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a sound function. The control unit switches the function between ON and OFF based on the control information.
2. The electronic device of claim 1. The control unit adjusts a parameter of the function based on the control information.
2. The electronic device of claim 1. The control unit switches the mode of the function based on the control information.
2. The electronic device of claim 1. The output unit outputs, based on the received control information, information indicating an aerosol generating function available at a location where the electronic device is used and information indicating that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. an information processing device in communication with an electronic device for generating an aerosol for inhalation,
a communication unit that transmits location information indicating a location where the electronic device is used, receives control information for controlling a function that can be used at the location indicated by the transmitted location information, and transmits the received control information to the electronic device ;
an output unit that outputs content related to the control information;
Equipped with
the communication unit transmits a function ID for identifying the function of the electronic device , and receives the control information for controlling the function related to the function ID, the function ID being available at a location where the electronic device is used ;
The output unit outputs information indicating that the user is in an area where inhalation is possible, based on the received control information.
Information processing device. the communication unit transmits a device ID for identifying the electronic device , and receives the control information for controlling the function of the electronic device identified by the device ID and usable at a location where the electronic device is used.
The information processing device according to claim 10 . the communication unit receives the location information indicating a location of the electronic device from the electronic device , and transmits the received location information as location information indicating a location where the electronic device is used.
The information processing device according to claim 10 . The information processing device further includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a location of the information processing device,
The communication unit transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit as location information indicating a location where the electronic device is used.
The information processing device according to claim 10 . the function includes an output function of the electronic device ;
The information processing device according to claim 10 . The information processing device according to claim 14 , wherein the output function includes at least one of a display function, a lighting function, a vibration function, and a sound function. The control information includes information for switching the function ON/OFF.
The information processing device according to claim 10 . the control information includes information for adjusting parameters of the function;
The information processing device according to claim 10 . the control information includes information for switching a mode of the function;
The information processing device according to claim 10 . the communication unit transmits a request signal to a server requesting the control information when the communication unit establishes communication with the electronic device ;
receiving the control information generated in response to the request signal from the server and transmitting the control information to the electronic device;
The request signal includes the location information and the function ID.
The information processing device according to claim 10 .

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