JP7719951B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that produce substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action.

Preferences for the flavor experienced when puffing (hereinafter also referred to as smoking taste) vary from user to user. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which directly affects the smoking taste, be customizable by the user. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses technology that allows the user to customize the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

International Publication No. 2019/104227

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above had the problem that it was difficult to understand how the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated affects the smoking taste.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a customization mechanism that allows users to easily achieve the smoking taste they desire.

In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided that includes a control unit that changes control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information.

The information processing device may further include an input unit that accepts input of the evaluation at one or more of multiple timings included in the period in which aerosol is generated using the control information.

The control unit may change the parameters at one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was made, starting with the parameters at the earliest timing.

The control unit may select the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was given as the timing to be changed, and execute a first process including changing the parameters until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while repeatedly switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest of the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was given.

The first process may include changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation of the aerosol generated using the changed control information, repeating this process until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed.

The control unit may classify the multiple timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into multiple groups each including one or more of the timings, select the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as the group to be changed, and execute a second process including changing the parameters until an appropriate evaluation is input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given.

The second process may include changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, repeating this process until an appropriate evaluation is input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed.

Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on statistical values of the evaluation for one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed.

Changing the parameters at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the parameters at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on the relative relationship of the evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed.

The control unit may classify the multiple timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into multiple groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group.

The control unit may classify multiple timings included in the period in which aerosols are generated using the control information into multiple groups based on the time series changes in the parameters or the time series changes in the evaluation.

The control unit may change the parameter at a second timing that is later than the first timing at which the parameter was changed, among the multiple timings included in the period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information, in accordance with the change in the parameter at the first timing.

The control unit may change the parameters within a limited range.

The control unit may use the control information to change the parameters for a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated.

The control unit may change the length of the period for generating aerosol using the control information in response to changes in the parameters.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, which includes changing control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to function as a control unit that changes control information used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, the control information specifying the time series progression of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information.

As described above, the present invention provides a customization mechanism that allows users to easily achieve the smoking experience they desire.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a heating profile. 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. 10 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of customizing a heating profile. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a heating profile customization process executed in the terminal device according to the present embodiment.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

<1. Configuration example>
(1) System Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in the substrate.

The terminal device 200 is an information processing device that performs various information processing related to the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is used by a user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device, such as a smartphone, tablet device, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that charges the suction device 100.

The terminal device 200 is used to change the settings of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 accepts a user operation to change the settings of the suction device 100 and changes the settings of the suction device 100.

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

The power supply unit 111 stores power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

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

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The memory unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

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

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

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

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

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

The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations are possible, as exemplified below.

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

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

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

The inhalation device 100 works in conjunction with the stick-shaped substrate 150 to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered an aerosol generation system.

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

The input unit 210 has the function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a user. Examples of input devices include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones. The input unit 210 may also include various sensors such as image sensors.

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

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

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

The memory unit 250 stores various types of information. The memory unit 250 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

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

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

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

A heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile specifies parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of a parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time since heating began. In this case, the heating profile includes information specifying the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON/OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. Turning power supply ON/OFF to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as turning the heating unit 121 ON/OFF.

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature specified in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in 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 a 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 drops below the target temperature.

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

The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information warning them of the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify them of information indicating that preheating has ended when preheating has ended. The notification to the user may be made, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and begin puffing immediately after preheating has ended.

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

An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20A is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20A is the target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature. As shown in Figure 4, the target temperature may rise rapidly to around 300°C after heating begins, then drop to around 230°C, and then rise again to around 260°C. When heating based on such a heating profile is performed, the temperature of the heating section 121 rises rapidly to around 300°C after heating begins, then drop to around 230°C, and then rise again to around 260°C.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the heating session lasts approximately 325 seconds from the start of heating. Within the heating session, the pre-heating period lasts until 20 seconds after the start of heating, and the puffable period lasts from 20 seconds after the start of heating.

(2) Customization of Heating Profile The control unit 260 changes the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the heating profile. Evaluations that can be input include a "good" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is appropriate and a "bad" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is inappropriate. Ungood evaluations that can be input include a "weak" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is weak and a "strong" evaluation indicating that the smoking taste is strong. As an example, the control unit 260 may not change the heating profile when a "good" evaluation is input. As another example, the control unit 260 may increase the target temperature when a "weak" evaluation is input. In this case, the smoking taste can be strengthened. As another example, the control unit 260 may decrease the target temperature when a "strong" evaluation is input. In this case, the smoking taste can be weakened. With this configuration, a user can automatically generate a heating profile that delivers the desired smoking taste simply by evaluating the smoking taste, without having to directly specify the target temperature.

The input unit 210 accepts the input of an evaluation at one or more of the multiple timings included in the heating session. One example of the timing for accepting the input of an evaluation is the timing at which a puff is made (hereinafter also referred to as the puff timing). For example, the user inputs an evaluation based on the smoking taste each time they puff. With this configuration, the user can customize the heating profile to deliver the desired smoking taste simply by evaluating the smoking taste each time the puff timing arrives, i.e., each time they puff.

As an example, the output unit 220 may display a screen prompting the user to input an evaluation of the smoking taste each time a puff timing occurs during a heating session. The user may then input the evaluation into the input unit 210 in response to the prompt. This configuration allows the user to intuitively customize the heating profile while puffing.

The puff timing may be predefined. In that case, the output unit 220 may output a screen prompting the user to puff each time the puff timing arrives. Alternatively, the puff timing may not be predefined. In that case, the output unit 220 may display a screen asking the user to input an evaluation of the smoking taste each time the inhalation device 100 detects that the user has puffed.

The control unit 260 may change the target temperatures at one or more puff timings that have been evaluated as inappropriate, starting with the target temperature at the earliest puff timing. Changing the target temperature at a certain puff timing may affect not only the smoking taste at that puff timing, but also the smoking taste at subsequent puff timings. This is because the remaining amount of aerosol source and the temperature of the heating unit 121 may change at subsequent puff timings. Therefore, by changing the target temperatures starting with the earliest puff timing, it is possible to efficiently customize the heating profile without having to go back and forth.

- Changing the target temperature on a puff timing basis The control unit 260 may change the target temperature on a puff timing basis. In this case, the control unit 260 selects the puff timing that has been evaluated as inappropriate as the puff timing to be changed. The control unit 260 then executes a first process that includes changing the target temperature until a suitable evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. However, the control unit 260 repeats the first process while switching the puff timing to be changed, starting with the earliest puff timing among the one or more puff timings that have been evaluated as inappropriate. When the first process has been executed for all puff timings that have been evaluated as inappropriate, suitable evaluations will be input for all puff timings included in the heating session. This makes it possible to generate a heating profile that can deliver an appropriate smoking experience to the user at all puff timings.

The first process involves changing the target temperature for the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the inhalation device 100 to generate aerosol based on the changed heating profile, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, repeating this process until an appropriate evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. In other words, changing the target temperature for the puff timing to be changed, heating based on the changed heating profile, and input of an evaluation are repeated until an appropriate evaluation is input for the puff timing to be changed. With this configuration, it is possible to customize the heating profile to deliver the desired smoking experience through trial and error on a puff timing basis.

When changing the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, the control unit 260 may increase the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed if the evaluation at the puff timing to be changed is a weak evaluation. On the other hand, when changing the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, the control unit 260 may decrease the target temperature at the puff timing to be changed if the evaluation at the puff timing to be changed is a strong evaluation.

Furthermore, by controlling the inhalation device 100 to generate aerosol based on the changed heating profile, the control unit 260 may control the communication unit 240 to send information indicating the changed heating profile to the inhalation device 100. The information indicating the changed heating profile may be the changed heating profile itself, or information indicating the difference between the heating profile before and after the change. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform heating from the next time onwards based on the changed heating profile.

Furthermore, by accepting input of an evaluation of the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, the control unit 260 may control the output unit 220 to output information prompting the user to replace the stick-shaped substrate 150 and perform heating. Furthermore, when heating based on the changed heating profile is performed, the control unit 260 may control the output unit 220 to output information prompting the user to perform a puff and input an evaluation each time the puff timing arrives.

Below, we will explain a specific example of customizing the heating profile shown in Figure 4 on a puff timing basis, with reference to Figure 5.

Figure 5 is a graph showing a schematic example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20B is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20B is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature before customization. Line 21B shows the time series progression of the target temperature after customization.

In the example shown in Figure 5, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an input of a smoking taste evaluation each time a predefined puff timing occurs while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A. In the figure, "OK" indicates a good evaluation, "W" indicates a weak evaluation , and "S" indicates a strong evaluation. In the example shown in Figure 5, a weak evaluation is input at puff timings 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, a strong evaluation is input at puff timings 4 and 5, and a good evaluation is input at puff timings 3 and 6.

The control unit 260 then selects the first puff timing, which is the earliest of the puff timings for which a weak or strong evaluation was input, as the puff timing to be changed. Because a weak evaluation was input for the first puff timing, the control unit 260 raises the target temperature for the first puff timing, as shown by line 21B in Figure 5. As a result, the smoking taste at the first puff timing can be strengthened. With this customization, it is expected that a suitable evaluation will be input for the first puff timing the next time heating is performed.

Changing the Target Temperature on a Group-by-Group Basis The control unit 260 may change the target temperature on a group-by-group basis. In this case, the control unit 260 classifies the puff timings included in a heating session into multiple groups (hereinafter also referred to as puff groups) each including one or more puff timings. Next, the control unit 260 selects a puff group including an inappropriately rated puff timing as a puff group to be changed. The control unit 260 then executes a second process, which includes changing the target temperature until appropriate ratings are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. However, the control unit 260 repeats the second process while switching the puff group to be changed in order from the earliest puff group among the one or more puff groups including an inappropriately rated puff timing. When the second process has been executed for all puff groups including an inappropriately rated puff timing, appropriate ratings are input for all puff timings included in the heating session. This makes it possible to generate a heating profile that can deliver an appropriate smoking experience to the user at all puff timings.

The second process involves changing the target temperature for each of one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed heating profile, repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, changing the target temperature for the puff group to be changed, heating based on the changed heating profile, and input of an evaluation are repeated until appropriate evaluations are input for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. With this configuration, it is possible to customize the heating profile to deliver the desired smoking experience through repeated trial and error on a puff group-by-puff group basis.

Changing the target temperature for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the target temperature for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed based on statistical evaluation values for the one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, the control unit 260 may uniformly apply the change in target temperature based on statistical evaluation values for the puff group to be changed to all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. The statistical value may be a median, average, or the like. For example, if there are many puff timings for which poor evaluations have been entered in the puff group to be changed, the target temperature for all puff timings included in the puff group to be changed may be uniformly increased. This configuration allows the target temperatures for many puff timings to be changed at once, compared to changing the target temperature on a puff timing-by-puff timing basis. This allows for efficient customization of the heating profile.

Changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed in accordance with an inappropriate evaluation may include changing the target temperatures for one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed based on the relative evaluations for the one or more puff timings included in the puff group to be changed. That is, the control unit 260 may individually adjust the target temperatures for each puff timing included in the puff group to be changed based on the relative evaluations for the puff group to be changed. For example, it is conceivable that the puff group to be changed contains a mixture of puff timings for which weak evaluations have been input and puff timings for which strong evaluations have been input. In this case, the control unit 260 may apply a uniform change based on the above-described statistical values, and then raise the target temperatures for puff timings for which weak evaluations have been input and lower the target temperatures for puff timings for which strong evaluations have been input. This configuration enables customization that is more suited to the user's evaluation than when the target temperatures are uniformly changed based on the statistical values of the evaluations within the puff group.

There are various ways to classify puff timing into puff groups.

As an example, the control unit 260 may classify multiple puff timings included in a heating session into multiple puff groups based on the number of puff timings belonging to each puff group. Specifically, the control unit 260 may classify each puff group into a puff group for every predetermined number of puff timings.

As another example, the control unit 260 may classify multiple puff timings included in a heating session into multiple puff groups based on the time series change in the target temperature. Specifically, the control unit 260 may generate a puff group for each puff timing included in a period in which the time series change in the target temperature is similar, such as the target temperature increasing, maintaining, or decreasing. In other words, the control unit 260 may divide multiple puff timings included in a heating session at a position where the time series change in the target temperature changes. With this configuration, the target temperatures for puff timings included in periods in which the time series change in the target temperature is similar can be changed collectively, making it possible to customize the heating profile more efficiently.

As another example, the control unit 260 may classify multiple puff timings included in a heating session into multiple puff groups based on the time series changes in the evaluation. Specifically, the control unit 260 may generate a puff group for each multiple puff timing with similar consecutive evaluations in the time direction, such as when weak evaluations are input consecutively or when strong evaluations are input consecutively. In other words, the control unit 260 may divide multiple puff timings included in a heating session at a position where the trend of the time series changes in the evaluation. With this configuration, the target temperatures for puff timings with similar evaluations can be changed collectively, making it possible to customize the heating profile more efficiently.

Below, we will explain a specific example of customizing the heating profile shown in Figure 4 on a puff group basis, with reference to Figure 6.

Figure 6 is a graph showing a schematic example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20C is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20C is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature before customization. Line 21C shows the time series progression of the target temperature after customization.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The nine puff timings are further classified into three puff groups, each containing three puff timings. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts input of an evaluation of the smoking taste each time a predefined puff timing occurs while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, weak evaluations are input for puff timings 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, strong evaluations are input for puff timings 4 and 5, and good evaluations are input for puff timings 3 and 6.

Therefore, the control unit 260 selects the first puff group, which includes the earliest puff timing for which a weak or strong evaluation was input, as the puff group to be changed. Within the first puff group, a weak evaluation was input for the first and second puff timings, and a good evaluation was input for the third puff timing. Therefore, the control unit 260 uniformly raises the target temperatures for the first through third puff timings based on the median weak evaluation. Meanwhile, the control unit 260 further raises the target temperatures for the first and second puff timings based on the relative evaluations within the puff group. As a result, as shown by line 21C in Figure 6, the control unit 260 significantly raises the target temperatures for the first and second puff timings and slightly raises the target temperature for the third puff timing. This allows the overall smoking taste for the first puff group to be strengthened, while further enhancing the smoking taste for the puff timing for which a weak evaluation was input. This customization is expected to result in a good evaluation being input for the first puff group the next time heating is performed.

Changing the Target Temperature at a Later Stage Based on a Change in the Target Temperature at a Previous Stage The control unit 260 may change the target temperature at a second puff timing, which is subsequent to the first puff timing at which the target temperature was changed, in accordance with the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing among the multiple puff timings included in the heating session. As an example, the control unit 260 may apply the same change to the target temperature at the second puff timing as the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing. It is desirable that the relationship between the change in the target temperature at the first puff timing and the change in the target temperature at the second puff timing be learned appropriately and defined as a function or the like. With this configuration, the target temperature at the later puff timing can be automatically changed taking into account the effect of the change in the target temperature at the previous puff timing. This enables more efficient customization of the heating profile.

Note that such a change in the target temperature at a later puff timing based on a change in the target temperature at an earlier puff timing can be applied to both customization by puff timing and customization by puff group. That is, the control unit 260 may change the target temperature of a second puff group, which is one of multiple puff groups included in a heating session and comes after the first puff group whose target temperature has been changed, in accordance with the change in the target temperature of the first puff group.

Below, we will explain a specific example of the heating profile shown in Figure 4, in which the target temperature in a subsequent puff group is changed based on a change in the target temperature in a previous puff group, with reference to Figure 7.

Figure 7 is a graph showing a schematic example of customizing a heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 20D is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20D is target temperature. Line 21A shows the time series progression of the target temperature before customization. Line 21D shows the time series progression of the target temperature after customization.

In the example shown in Fig. 7, a total of nine puff timings are predefined. The terminal device 200 prompts the user to puff and accepts an input of an evaluation of the smoking taste each time a predefined puff timing occurs while the inhalation device 100 is performing heating based on the heating profile shown by line 21A. In the example shown in Fig. 7 , weak evaluations are input for the first, second, seventh, eighth, and ninth puff timings, strong evaluations are input for the fourth and fifth puff timings, and good evaluations are input for the third and sixth puff timings.

Based on these time-series changes in evaluation, the nine puff timings are classified into three puff groups. That is, the first puff group includes the first and second puff timings, for which a weak evaluation was input. The second puff group includes the third through fifth puff timings, for which a good evaluation and a strong evaluation were input. The third puff group includes the sixth through ninth puff timings, for which a good evaluation and a weak evaluation were input. An example of a method for calculating changes to the target temperature in the example shown in Figure 7 is shown in Table 1 below. The changes to the target temperature will be explained below with reference to Figure 7 and Table 1.

The control unit 260 selects the earliest first puff group that includes a puff timing for which a weak or strong evaluation was input as the puff group to be changed. A weak evaluation was input for the first and second puff timings of the first puff group. Therefore, the target temperature change range based on the evaluation for the first puff group is +10°C. Therefore, the control unit 260 uniformly raises the target temperature at the puff timings belonging to the first puff group by 10°C, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in Figure 7.

A strong evaluation was input at the fourth and fifth puff timings of the second puff group. Therefore, the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the second puff group is -10°C. On the other hand, the change in target temperature for the first puff group, which is the previous puff group, is +10°C. The sum of the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the second puff group and the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the previous first puff group is 0°C. Therefore, the control unit 260 does not change the target temperature at the puff timings belonging to the second puff group, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in Figure 7.

In the third puff group, weak evaluations were input for the seventh to ninth puff timings. Therefore, the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the third puff group is +10°C. On the other hand, the change in target temperature for the second puff group, which is the previous puff group, is 0°C. The sum of the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the third puff group and the change in target temperature based on the evaluation for the previous second puff group is +10°C. Therefore, the control unit 260 uniformly raises the target temperature for the puff timings belonging to the third puff group by 10°C, as shown in Table 1 and line 21D in Figure 7.

With this customization, it is expected that a good rating will be entered for the first puff group the next time the coffee is heated. Furthermore, it is expected that good ratings will also be entered for the second and third puff groups.

- Restrictions on Customization The control unit 260 may change the target temperature within a limited range. That is, the settable target temperature range may be limited. The control unit 260 may then set the target temperature within the settable target temperature range. The settable target temperature range may change depending on the time elapsed since the start of heating. For example, the settable target temperature range may be different between the preheating period and the puffing period. As an example, the settable target temperature range during the preheating period may be limited to a range from the lowest temperature at which aerosol can be generated to the highest temperature permitted by the heat resistance of the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the settable target temperature range during the puffing period may be limited to a range at which aerosol is appropriately generated. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which an inappropriate target temperature is set, thereby deteriorating the quality of the user experience.

The control unit 260 may change the target temperature during a limited period of the heating session. That is, the period during which the target temperature can be changed may be limited. The control unit 260 may then change the target temperature during the period during which the target temperature can be changed. The period during which the target temperature can be changed may be limited to, for example, at least a portion of the puffing period. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the target temperature from being changed at an inappropriate time, thereby degrading the quality of the user experience.

- Changing the Length of the Heating Session The control unit 260 may change the length of the heating session in response to a change in the target temperature. As one example, the control unit 260 may shorten the length of the heating session when the target temperature is increased. This is because the aerosol source is depleted more quickly as the target temperature increases. As another example, the control unit 260 may extend the length of the heating session when the target temperature is decreased. This is because the aerosol source is depleted more slowly as the target temperature decreases. The length of the heating session can be determined by a function, a parameter map, or the like defined by the target temperature, time, the energy consumed in the heating unit 121, and the like. This configuration makes it possible to consume the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the right amount.

The control unit 260 may change the puff timing in response to a change in the length of the heating session. As one example, the control unit 260 may set the puff timing by dividing the puffable period by a predetermined number of puff timings. As another example, the control unit 260 may increase the puff timings the longer the heating session is, and decrease the puff timings the shorter the heating session is.

- Processing Flow The flow of the heating profile customization process according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heating profile customization process executed in the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the input unit 210 receives an instruction to start customizing the heating profile (step S102).

Next, the control unit 260 controls the output unit 220 to issue a notification urging the user to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 and start heating (step S104). For example, the output unit 220 may display a screen urging the user to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 (replace it the second time onwards) and start heating.

Next, the control unit 260 detects the start of heating based on the heating profile (step S106). For example, when the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating that heating has started to the terminal device 200. Based on receiving such information, the control unit 260 may detect the start of heating based on the heating profile.

Next, the control unit 260 determines whether the puff timing has arrived (step S108). As an example, the control unit 260 determines whether the predetermined puff timing has arrived based on the elapsed time since the start of heating.

If it is determined that the puff timing has not arrived (step S108: NO), processing proceeds to step S114.

If it is determined that the puff timing has arrived (step S108: YES), the control unit 260 controls the output unit 220 to issue a notification prompting the user to puff (step S110). For example, the output unit 220 may display a screen prompting the user to puff.

Next, the input unit 210 accepts input of a smoking taste evaluation (step S112). For example, the output unit 220 displays an input screen that accepts input of a good, bad, or good evaluation. The input unit 210 then accepts input on the input screen. Processing then proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, the control unit 260 determines whether the heating session has ended (step S114). For example, when the suction device 100 has finished heating based on the heating profile, the control unit 260 may transmit information indicating that the heating session has ended to the terminal device 200. The control unit 260 may detect the end of the heating session based on the reception of such information.

If it is determined that the heating session has not ended (step S114: NO), processing returns to step S108.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: YES), the control unit 260 determines whether a favorable evaluation has been input for all puff timings included in the heating session (step S116).

If it is determined that an inappropriate puff timing has been input (step S116: NO), the control unit 260 changes the heating profile based on the input evaluation during the heating session (step S118). For example, the control unit 260 selects the earliest inappropriate puff timing as the puff timing to be changed, and changes the target temperature at that puff timing based on the input evaluation.

Next, the control unit 260 controls the communication unit 240 to transmit the changed heating profile to the suction device 100 (step S120). This allows the suction device 100 to perform heating based on the changed heating profile from the next time onwards.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a suitable evaluation has been entered for all puff timings included in the heating session (step S116: YES), the process ends. In this case, from the next time onwards, the inhalation device 100 will be able to deliver a suitable smoking experience to the user at all puff timings.

<3. Supplementary Information>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

The changes to the target temperature per puff timing, per puff group, and changes to the target temperature in a later stage based on changes to the target temperature in a previous stage, as described in the above embodiments, may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the early stages of customization, changes to the target temperature per puff group and changes to the target temperature in a later stage based on changes to the target temperature in a previous stage may be implemented, and after customization has progressed to a certain extent, changes to the target temperature per puff timing may be implemented.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat through electrical resistance, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil, that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat through induction heating, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and causes the susceptor to heat by penetrating the alternating magnetic field. In this case, the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as specified in the heating profile, is the target temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated include the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself as described in the above embodiment, as well as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, if the suction device 100 includes an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121, examples of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as specified in the heating profile, include target values such as the temperature of the susceptor or the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

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

Each device described in this specification may be realized as a standalone device, or some or all of them may be realized as separate devices. For example, the control unit 260 of the terminal device 200 may be provided in a device such as a server connected to the terminal device 200 via a network or the like. In other words, customization of the heating profile may be performed by a server on the cloud based on user operations input to the terminal device 200.

The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed and processed by multiple computers.

Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information;
An information processing device comprising:
(2)
the information processing device further includes an input unit that accepts input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information.
The information processing device according to (1) above.
(3)
The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed.
The information processing device according to (2) above.
(4)
The control unit selects the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was made as a timing to be changed, and repeats a first process including changing the parameter until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest timing among the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was made.
The information processing device according to (3) above.
(5)
The first processing includes changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation on the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed.
The information processing device according to (4) above.
(6)
The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into a plurality of groups each including one or more of the timings, selects the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as a group to be changed, and executes a second process including changing the parameters until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given.
The information processing device according to (3) above.
(7)
The second process includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed according to the inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed.
The information processing device according to (6) above.
(8)
Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on statistical values of evaluations for the one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed.
The information processing device according to (7) above.
(9)
Changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on a relative relationship of evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed.
The information processing device according to (7) or (8).
(10)
The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating the aerosol using the control information into a plurality of groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group.
The information processing device according to any one of (6) to (9).
(11)
The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in a period for generating the aerosol using the control information into the plurality of groups based on a time series change of the parameter or a time series change of the evaluation.
The information processing device according to any one of (6) to (9).
(12)
the control unit changes the parameter at a second timing, which is later than a first timing at which the parameter is changed, among the plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information, in accordance with the change content of the parameter at the first timing.
The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (11).
(13)
The control unit changes the parameters within a limited range.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12).
(14)
The control unit changes the parameters during a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated using the control information.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(15)
The control unit changes the length of the period for generating the aerosol using the control information in response to the change in the parameter.
The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14).
(16)
changing control information, which is used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source included in a substrate, and which defines a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an input evaluation of the aerosol generated using the control information;
An information processing method, including:
(17)
Computer,
a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information;
A program to function as a

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

Claims (15)

a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information ;
an input unit that receives an input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
Equipped with
the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information,
a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol,
the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed.
Information processing device. The control unit selects the timing at which an inappropriate evaluation was made as a timing to be changed, and repeats a first process including changing the parameter until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed, while switching the timing to be changed in order from the earliest timing among the one or more timings at which an inappropriate evaluation was made.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The first processing includes changing the parameters at the timing to be changed based on an inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation on the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until a suitable evaluation is input for the timing to be changed.
The information processing device according to claim 2 . The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating aerosols using the control information into a plurality of groups each including one or more of the timings, selects the group including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given as a group to be changed, and executes a second process including changing the parameters until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed, while repeatedly switching the group to be changed in order from the earliest group among the one or more groups including the timing for which an inappropriate evaluation was given.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The second process includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed according to the inappropriate evaluation, controlling the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol based on the changed control information, and accepting input of an evaluation for the aerosol generated using the changed control information, and repeating this process until appropriate evaluations are input for all of the timings included in the group to be changed.
The information processing device according to claim 4 . Changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameters at one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed based on statistical values of evaluations for the one or more of the timings included in the group to be changed.
The information processing device according to claim 5 . Changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed in accordance with the inappropriate evaluation includes changing the parameter at each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed based on a relative relationship of evaluations for each of the one or more timings included in the group to be changed.
7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6 . The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in the period for generating the aerosol using the control information into a plurality of groups based on the number of timings belonging to the group.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7 . The control unit classifies the plurality of timings included in a period for generating the aerosol using the control information into the plurality of groups based on a time series change of the parameter or a time series change of the evaluation.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7 . the control unit changes the parameter at a second timing, which is later than a first timing at which the parameter is changed, among the plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information, in accordance with the change content of the parameter at the first timing.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . The control unit changes the parameters within a limited range.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . The control unit changes the parameters during a limited period of time during which the aerosol is generated using the control information.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The control unit changes the length of the period for generating the aerosol using the control information in response to the change in the parameter.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . changing control information, which is used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source included in a substrate, and which defines a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an input evaluation of the aerosol generated using the control information;
receiving an input of the evaluation at one or more timings among a plurality of timings included in a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
Including,
the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information,
a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol,
the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
Changing the control information includes changing the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed in order from the earliest timing.
Information processing methods. Computer,
a control unit that changes control information, used by an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate, defining a time series transition of a parameter related to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, in accordance with an evaluation input for the aerosol generated using the control information;
It functions as
the aerosol generation device includes a holding unit that holds the base material inserted into an internal space through an opening, and a heating unit that heats the base material held in the holding unit based on the control information,
a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information is a period from the start to the end of a process in which the aerosol generation device heats the base material held in the holding unit to generate an aerosol,
the evaluation is input at one or more of a plurality of timings included in a period during which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
the plurality of timings are timings of a plurality of puffs performed during a period in which the aerosol is generated using the control information;
The control unit changes the parameters in order from the earliest timing among the parameters at the one or more timings at which the inappropriate evaluation was performed.
program.