TWI788632B - Battery unit, aerosol generation apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery unit for an aerosol generation apparatus that generates aerosol includes a communications section (108) executing wireless communications between the aerosol generation apparatus and a user terminal (2); and a control section (106) determining the connection state of the battery unit with a cartridge having an atomization section (118) that atomizes an aerosol source and controlling the wireless communications based on the connection state. Thereby, the consumption of a battery (110) disposed in the aerosol generation apparatus can be reduced.

Description

Battery unit, mist generating device, information processing method and information processing program

The invention relates to a battery unit, a mist generating device, an information processing method and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a mist delivery system, which is constituted in the following manner: it has: a control body for the mist delivery element, which contains a processing circuit network; and a cartridge (cartridge), which can be carried by the processing circuit network The control information is read, and the control system is detachably engaged with the cartridge.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese National Publication No. 2017-513465

In the mist delivery system as described in Patent Document 1, when the control body and the cartridge are engaged, the control information carried by the cartridge is read, and the communication between the control body and the cartridge is implemented according to the control information.

In such conventional electronic cigarettes, there is a need for miniaturization of the main body. Therefore, the battery size of the electronic cigarette is also limited, so the battery capacity is also limited.

In conventional electronic cigarettes, short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth) [registered trademark] or Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Low Energy: BLE) communication may be performed with other devices. Performing such short-distance wireless communication increases the power consumption of the electronic cigarette, and battery consumption also increases. Therefore, it is likely that the user cannot maintain a sufficient remaining battery capacity required for the user to use the electronic cigarette to inhale the aerosol (also known as aerosol).

Therefore, some aspects of the present invention were developed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing consumption of a battery included in a mist generating device for generating mist.

One aspect of the battery unit of the present invention is a battery unit used by a mist generating device that generates mist, and the battery unit includes: a communication unit that performs wireless communication between the mist generating device and a user terminal; and a control unit that determines The connection state of the battery unit and the cartridge case, the cartridge case is equipped with an atomizing part for atomizing the mist source, and the control part controls the wireless communication according to the connection state.

A mist generating device according to the present invention is a mist generating device for generating mist, and the mist generating device is equipped with: a communication unit that performs wireless communication between the mist generating device and a user terminal; and a control unit that determines whether the mist is generated The connection state of the battery unit and the cartridge in the device, the cartridge is equipped with an atomizing part for atomizing the mist source, and the control part controls the wireless communication according to the connection state.

An information processing method of the present invention is performed by a mist generating device for generating mist, and the information processing method includes: a step of performing wireless communication between the mist generating device and a user terminal; determining the mist generating device The steps of the connection state of the used battery unit and the cartridge having an atomizing part for atomizing the mist source; and the steps of controlling the wireless communication according to the connection state.

A program of the present invention is a program that enables the computer to realize the following functions: the communication function of performing wireless communication between the mist generating device and the user terminal; The function, the control function is to control the wireless communication according to the connection state, and the aforementioned cartridge is equipped with an atomizing part for atomizing the mist source.

According to these aspects, the wireless communication is controlled according to the connection state of the battery unit and the cartridge. Thereby, since the increase of the power consumption of a mist generating device can be suppressed, the consumption of the battery with which a mist generating device is equipped can be reduced.

In addition, in the present invention, the term "part" and "device" not only means physical means, but also includes the case where the functions of the "part" and "device" are realized by software. In addition, the functions of one "part" or "device" can be realized by two or more physical means or devices, and the functions of two or more "parts" or "device" can also be realized by one physical means or device.

According to the present invention, consumption of batteries included in the mist generating device can be reduced.

1, 1A, 1B, 1n: Fragrance tasting devices

2: User terminal

11, 112: sensor

12: Ministry of Change

13, 26, 106: control department

14, 108: Ministry of Communications

21: Detection department

22: Output section

23: Input part

24: Department of Records

25: Department of Communications

40: computer

41: Processor

42: Master recording device

43: Auxiliary recording device

44: Input and output interface

45: Communication interface

46: bus line

100: Information Processing System

102: First component

104: Second component

110: battery

114: memory

116: Storage

118: atomization department

120: Intake flow path

121: fog flow path

122: Nozzle part

126: The third component

128: Fragrance source

131: Outer shell

131A: upper shell

131B: lower shell

132: cover body

132B: opening

133: switch

134: cover

140: Tasting Items

161, 162: end

200: System Control Department

202: Battery Control Department

204: Cartridge control unit

206: Communication Control Department

208:Interface detection department

S1~S5, S11~S19, S21~S27, S31~S39, S41~S51: steps

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a flavor inhaling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor tasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor tasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing another schematic configuration of the flavor inhaler according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the schematic appearance of the flavor tasting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is another example of the schematic appearance of the flavor inhaler in the state in which the mist generating substrate is maintained according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist. In addition, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same symbols as much as possible, and repeated explanations are omitted.

[Structure of information processing system]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram (system configuration diagram) of an information processing system according to this embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 100 is, for example, provided with: n sets (n is an arbitrary integer value greater than 1) of scent inhalers 1 ; and a user terminal 2 configured to be communicable.

Each scent inhaler 1 is provided with: a battery unit; and a cartridge with an atomizing portion for atomizing the mist source, and the battery unit and the cartridge can be electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected to each other. In addition, the battery unit is provided with a communication unit, and can communicate with the user terminal 2 . Moreover, in the information processing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the communication between the communication unit of the battery unit and the user terminal 2 is controlled according to the connection status of the battery unit and the cartridge in the scent inhaler 1 .

The "fragrance inhaler 1" is a device for inhaling a fragrance, and is not specifically limited, but it is assumed to be used in, for example, electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and conventional cigarettes. In addition, the scent inhaler 1 can also be a mist generating device that generates mist and is used to inhale the generated mist. The action of inhaling mist is called "puffing action", and the number of times of puffing is called "puffing times". The mist generating device is assumed to be used, for example, in electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes or medical nebulizers. More specifically, the mist generating device is, for example, a device that generates mist by atomizing a liquid (mist source) using electric power. The mist is made by atomizing the mist source, and it is a fine particle of the degree that will float in the gas. The mist generated by the mist generating device may also be mist accompanied by fragrance. Examples of the mist generating device include heated cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and the like. In addition, the mist generating device includes a type that directly heats tobacco (direct heating), a type that indirectly heats tobacco (indirect heating), or a type that heats liquid (liquid). In addition, the mist generating device may also be a device that generates SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave, Surface Acoustic Wave) by using a piezoelectric element substrate having a pair of comb-shaped electrodes to atomize the liquid. In addition, in the drawings, the fragrance inhaler 1a and the fragrance inhaler 1n are shown as n sets of fragrance inhalers. However, in the following description, when the description is made without distinguishing the n sets of scent tasting tools, some symbols are omitted and only referred to as "flavor tasting tools 1".

The user terminal 2 is realized by, for example, a smart phone, a game machine, or a personal computer. In addition, although one user terminal 2 is described in the figure, it is not limited thereto, and the information processing system 100 may be provided with a plurality of user terminals 2 .

The scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 will be associated with each other and communicate with each other (including wireless communication). For example, the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 can send and receive information between the two parties by performing short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth Low Energy) communication. In addition, the information transmission and reception between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 is not limited to BLE communication, for example, it can also be through such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network, low power wide area network) , NFC (Near Field Communication, Near Field Communication) and other communication to perform. In addition, the sending and receiving of information between the fragrance inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication, and can also be wired communication, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus, Universal Serial Bus) or Mini USB or Micro USB or Lightning wait.

Hereinafter, the fragrance inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 included in the information processing system 100 will be described in detail.

[constitution of fragrance taster]

Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a flavor inhaling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A schematically and schematically shows each component of the scent tasting device 1. Please note that it does not show the exact configuration, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each component and the scent tasting tool 1. In addition, please also note that the flavor inhaler 1 may include components not shown in FIG. 2A , such as a cartridge (cartridge) that may include cigarette capsules or liquid.

The sensor 11 represents, for example, a sensor that detects information related to the user's taste. The sensor 11 can also be a flow sensor or a flow velocity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. to detect the user's Any kind of sensor for puff action. The sensor 11 can also be a button pressed by the user to perform a suction action. The sensor 11 can be, for example, a taste sensor, and can detect the user's taste of the scent inhaler 1 . The sensor 11 can be an airflow sensor, and can detect the airflow generated by the user's inhalation. The sensor 11 can also be a GPS sensor for measuring the location of the scent inhaler 1 . The sensor 11 can also be a motion sensor for detecting the motion of the scent inhaler 1 . The motion sensor 11 can also be, for example, a gyro sensor (gyro sensor) used to detect the angle or posture of the scent inhaler 1, etc., or a gyro sensor used to detect the directions of each axis of the scent inhaler 1. Motion accelerometer. The motion sensor can also be a combination of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

The change unit 12 is a block that produces predetermined changes that can be observed from the outside. The changing part 12 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light in a predetermined color, such as a blue LED, and the predetermined change can be light emitting in a predetermined color such as blue. In addition, the predetermined color is not limited to blue, and may be any color. In addition, the predetermined change may also be a change in luminous color or a change in luminous intensity in response to the intensity (pressure) of the suction sensed by the sensor 11 . In addition, the changing part 12 is not limited to an LED, but may also be a light source of another configuration that emits light in a predetermined color.

Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor tasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of the changing unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B , without limitation, the scent inhaler 1 sometimes has a rod shape including two ends 161 and 162 . Among them, the user holds one of the ends 161 in order to taste. In addition, the user may hold one of the end portions 161 for smoking through a mouthpiece or the like for a paper cigarette that can be attached to one of the end portions 161 . If the flavor inhaler 1 is in the shape shown in FIG. 2B, it is preferable that the change portion 12 is disposed at the other end 162 of the above two end portions. In addition, the change part 12 is the outermost part of the fragrance inhaler 1. A small part, for example, can be in any shape such as the roughly rectangular shape shown in FIG. 2B or the ring shape (not shown) along the periphery of the fragrance inhaler 1 .

Returning to FIG. 2A , the control unit 13 is a module for causing the changing unit 12 to produce predetermined changes based on at least the signal from the sensor 11 . For example, when the magnitude of the signal from the sensor 11 is above a predetermined critical value, or the intensity of the suction determined based on the signal is above a predetermined critical value, the control unit 13 may generate Glow in predetermined color. In addition, for example, the control unit 13 can also change the color or intensity of the light emitted by the changing unit 12 in response to the magnitude of the signal from the sensor 11 or the strength of the suction determined based on the signal. For example, the control unit 13 may increase the intensity of light emission when the absorption is strong, and decrease the intensity of light emission when the absorption is weak. In addition, for example, the control unit 13 may also divide the intensity of the inhalation into a plurality of stages, and set a predetermined color for each of the plurality of stages, and make the predetermined color corresponding to the inhalation intensity emit light. In addition, the control unit 13 can also be an electronic circuit module composed of a microprocessor or a microcomputer.

The communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with external devices including the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 or other computers. For example, the communication unit 14 executes, for example, an authentication connection with an external device, which is a setting process of a communication connection between the scent inhaler 1 and the external device (e.g., equivalent to performing Bluetooth or BLE communication, etc. pairing processing during short-distance wireless communication.). The authenticated connection is, for example, necessary processing when starting communication between the scent inhaler 1 and an external device. By properly performing an authenticated connection, encrypted communication can be performed between the scent inhaler 1 and the external device. In addition, the communication unit 14 may also receive a request related to an authenticated connection from an external device, or transmit a request related to an authenticated connection to an external device. The communication part 14 can be realized using at least a network interface etc. which are hardware resources. The control unit 13 can send various information detected by the sensor 11 to the user terminal 2 or other computers via the communication unit 14 . The control unit 13 sends various information to the user terminal 2 or other computers via the communication unit 14. The information includes, for example, the output information used to output the state of the scent inhaler 1 at the user terminal 2 . In addition, the communication unit 14 can receive various information sent by the user terminal 2 or other computers. The output information may be information showing the remaining amount of the battery 110 .

In addition, a flavor inhaler 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a conventional cigarette. The conventional cigarette does not include the sensor 11 , the control unit 13 and the communication unit 14 , but its combustion unit is equivalent to the changing unit 12 . That is to say, because the burning part of the known cigarette produces predetermined changes in color or temperature according to the user's puffing action.

Also, when the scent inhaler 1 is a conventional cigarette (for example, a paper cigarette), the mouthpiece (for example, a mouthpiece for a paper cigarette) installed at one end of the cigarette may also contain the sensing sensor in Fig. 2A. All or part of the functions of the device 11, the control unit 13, and the communication unit 14. According to such a configuration, the mouthpiece can transmit various information such as smoking information detected by the sensor 11 to the user terminal 2 or other computers.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor tasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , the scent tasting device 1A is provided with a first member 102 (battery unit) and a second member 104 (cartridge case). As shown in the figure, for example, the first component 102 may include: a control unit 106 , a communication unit 108 , a battery 110 , a sensor 112 and a memory 114 . In addition, the control unit 13 in Figure 2A corresponds to the control unit 106 in Figure 3, the sensor 11 in Figure 2A corresponds to the sensor 112 in Figure 3, and the communication unit 14 in Figure 2A corresponds to It corresponds to the communication unit 108 in FIG. 3 . In addition, in FIG. 3, the first member 102 (battery unit) is described as a configuration included in the flavor inhaler 1A, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration of the first component 102 can also be the external configuration of the scent tasting device 1A, that is, at least one configuration of the control unit 106, the communication unit 108, the battery 110, the sensor 112 or the memory 114 can also be used. It can be the external composition of the fragrance inhaler 1A.

For example, the second component 104 may include: a reservoir 116 , an atomizing portion 118 , an air intake flow path 120 , a mist flow path 121 , and a nozzle portion 122 . Some components included in the first member 102 may be included in the second member 104 . Some components included in the second member 104 may be included in the first member 102 . The second member 104 can be configured to be detachable from the first member 102 . Alternatively, instead of the first member 102 and the second member 104, all the components included in the first member 102 and the second member 104 may be included in the same housing.

Reservoir 116 is used to hold a source of mist. For example, the reservoir 116 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds the mist source as a liquid in the gap between fibers or in the pores of the porous material. As the above-mentioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material can be used. The reservoir 116 can be configured as a tank for storing liquid. The mist source is liquid such as glycerin (Glycerin) or polyhydric alcohol of propylene glycol or water. When the scent inhaler 1A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may also include medicine for the patient to inhale. As another example, the aerosol source may comprise tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases flavor components upon heating. The reservoir 116 may be configured to replenish a depleted source of mist. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 may be configured such that the reservoir 116 itself is replaceable when the source of mist is consumed. In addition, the mist source is not limited to liquid, and may be solid. When the mist source is a solid, the reservoir 116 may be, for example, a hollow container that does not use fibrous or porous materials.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to atomize a mist source to generate mist. When the sensor 112 detects a puff action, the atomizer 118 generates mist. For example, a core (not shown) may be configured to connect the reservoir 116 and the atomizing portion 118 . In this case, a portion of the wick opens into the interior of the reservoir 116 and contacts the mist source. Another part of the core extends to the atomizing part 118 . The mist source is transported from the reservoir 116 to the nebulizer 118 by capillary action of the wick. For example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 110 . The heater is placed in contact with or close to the core. When a suction action is detected, the control Section 106 controls the heater of atomizing section 118 and atomizes the source of mist by heating the source of mist delivered through the wick. Another example of the atomizing unit 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer, which uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize the mist source. The air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomization part 118, and the air intake flow path 120 is connected to the outside of the aroma inhaler 1A. The mist generated in the atomization unit 118 is mixed with the air inhaled through the intake flow path 120 . The mixed fluid of mist and air is sent to the mist flow path 121 as indicated by arrow 124 . The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for sending a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomization unit 118 to the nozzle unit 122 .

The nozzle part 122 is located at the end of the mist flow path 121, and is configured to open the mist flow path 121 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 1A. The user inhales the mist-containing air into the oral cavity by holding and sucking on the mouthpiece 122 .

The communication unit 108 communicates with the user terminal 2 or other computers. The communication unit 108 can be realized using at least a network interface or the like as hardware resources.

The battery 110 supplies power to each component of the scent inhaler 1A such as the communication part 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, the atomizing part 118, and the like. The battery 110 can also be charged by being connected to an external power source via a predetermined port (not shown) of the scent inhaler 1A. Only the battery 110 can be removed from the first member 102 or the scent inhaler 1A, or can be replaced with a new battery 110 . In addition, the battery 110 can also be replaced with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102 .

The sensor 112 may include: a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure change in the intake flow path 120 and/or the mist flow path 121 , or a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate. The sensors 112 may also include weight sensors to detect the weight of components such as the reservoir 116 . The sensor 112 can also be configured to be able to detect the puffing action of the user using the scent inhaler 1A. The sensor 112 can also be configured to accumulate the energization time of the atomizing unit 118 . The sensor 112 can also be configured to detect of the liquid level. The sensor 112 can also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge, state of charge), current accumulation value, voltage, etc. of the battery 110 . The current integration value can be obtained by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage, open circuit voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 can also be an operation button or the like that can be operated by the user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module in the form of a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 can be configured to control the action of the scent inhaler 1A according to the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 114 . The memory 114 is a memory medium such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition to the above-mentioned computer-executable instructions, the memory 114 can also store setting information and the like required for controlling the scent inhaler 1A. For example, the memory 114 stores action information related to predetermined actions in the scent inhaler 1A.

The predetermined operations in the flavor tasting device 1A include, for example, the following operations (1) to (5).

(1) The first member 102 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is connected to the second member 104 equipped with the atomizing part 118 that makes the mist source atomized, or connected again (the first member 102 and the second member 104 is electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected, or when the authentication process is performed when the first member 102 and the second member 104 are to be electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected, the authentication process succeeds, etc. )

(2) Execute the suction action in the scent tasting device 1A (for example, the atomizing part 118 heats the heater in order to atomize the mist source, etc.)

(3) Pressing a predetermined key (not shown) provided in the scent tasting device 1A (for example, the scent tasting device 1A is provided with a predetermined key for resuming wireless communication, when the user presses the key When the button is pressed, the wireless communication starts again, etc.)

(4) It is detected that the scent tasting tool 1A forms a predetermined posture (for example, the movement of each axis direction of the scent tasting tool 1A is grasped through the sensor 112, and it is detected that the scent tasting tool 1A forms a predetermined angle, or Vibration of the scent inhaler 1A is detected by the sensor 112, etc.)

(5) Charging the battery 110 of the scent inhaler 1A (for example, charging the battery 110 by connecting the scent inhaler 1A to a charging device not shown in the figure, etc.), or detecting that the battery The remaining amount of 110 is greater than or less than the predetermined value.

In addition, in the case of (5), the predetermined value can be expressed as a ratio of, for example, 70%, or as a capacity of, for example, 1000 mAh. In addition, the predetermined value may be any value. In this case, the control unit 106 measures the remaining amount of the battery 110 that supplies power to the flavor tasting tool 1A shown in FIG. 3 . The control unit 106 measures the remaining capacity of the battery, for example, based on information such as the SOC of the battery 110 detected by the sensor 112 shown in FIG. 3 , the current accumulation value, or the voltage. The remaining capacity of the battery can be expressed as a percentage (%), or how much of the total amount remains, or in other ways of expression.

For example, the memory 114 can store: the control method of the communication unit 108 (states such as light emission, sound generation, vibration, etc.), the value detected by the sensor 112, and the heating history of the heater using the atomization unit 118, etc. Information. The control unit 106 reads information from the memory 114 as needed to control the scent inhaler 1A, and stores the information in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing another schematic configuration of a flavor tasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the scent tasting tool 1B includes a third member 126 in addition to the configuration of the scent tasting tool 1A of FIG. 3 . The third component 126 may contain a fragrance source 128 . For example, when the flavor inhaler 1B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may contain flavor components contained in cigarettes. As shown, the mist flow path 121 extends across the second member 104 and the third member 126 . The nozzle part 122 is disposed on the third member 126 .

The fragrance source 128 is a component for imparting fragrance to the mist. The fragrance source 128 is disposed in the middle of the mist flow path 121 . The mixed fluid of mist and air generated by the atomizing part 118 (please note that the mixed fluid is also referred to as mist for short in some cases below) flows to the nozzle part 122 through the mist flow path 121 . Therefore, with respect to the flow of the mist, the fragrance source 128 is disposed more downstream than the atomizing part 118 . In other words, the fragrance source 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the mist flow path 121 than the nebulizer 118 is. Therefore, the mist generated by the atomization unit 118 reaches the nozzle unit 122 after passing through the fragrance source 128 . As the mist passes through the fragrance source 128, the fragrance components contained in the fragrance source 128 are imparted to the mist. For example, when the flavor inhaler 1B is a heated cigarette, the flavor source 128 can be a flavor source derived from tobacco, such as shredded tobacco or processed products obtained by forming tobacco materials into granular, sheet or powder forms, etc. . Flavor source 128 may also be a non-tobacco-derived flavor source, such as a flavor source made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). For example, flavor source 128 includes a tobacco component. Flavor source 128 may include a fragrance ingredient such as menthol. In addition to the fragrance source 128, the reservoir 116 may also have a substance containing fragrance components. For example, flavor inhaler 1B may be configured to retain tobacco-derived flavor material in flavor source 128 and contain non-tobacco-derived flavor material in reservoir 116 .

The user can suck and taste the mouthpiece 122 , and inhale the air containing the mist endowed with fragrance into the oral cavity.

The control unit 106 is configured to be able to control the scent tasting devices 1A and 1B according to the embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "fragrance tasting device 1") by various methods.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the schematic appearance of the flavor tasting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is another example of the schematic appearance of the flavor inhaler in the state in which the mist generating substrate is maintained according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the scent inhaler 1 is configured to generate a mist containing a scent by, for example, heating a mist generating substrate of an inhalation article having Aroma-generating substrates including fillings for mist sources and aroma sources. Additionally, the tasting article 140 may be used as a mist-generating substrate.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, the tasting article 140 is only one example of a mist-generating substrate. The source of mist contained in the mist-generating substrate can be solid or liquid. The mist source may be a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water and mixtures thereof. The aerosol source may comprise tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases flavor components upon heating. When the scent inhaler 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may include medicine for the patient to inhale. Depending on the application, the mist-generating substrate may also contain no fragrance source.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the scent inhaler 1 includes: an upper case 131A, a lower case 131B, a cover 132 , a switch 133 and a cover 134 . The outermost outer casing 131 of the fragrance tasting device 1 is formed by connecting the upper casing 131A and the lower casing 131B to each other. The size of the outer case 131 may be a size suitable for a user's hand. In this case, when the user uses the scent inhaler 1, the user can hold the scent inhaler 1 with his hand and inhale the mist.

The upper case 131A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 132 is coupled to the upper case 131A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 6 , the cover body 132 has an opening 132B for inserting the tasting article 140 . The cover portion 134 is configured as an opening 132B of the cover body 132 that can be opened and closed. Specifically, the cover portion 134 is configured to be mounted on the cover body 132 and move along the surface of the cover body 132 between a first position for closing the opening 132B and a second position for opening the opening 132B.

The switch 133 is used to switch the action of starting (ON) and stopping (OFF) of the action of the scent tasting device 1 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the tasting article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B, the user operates the switch 133 to supply power from a battery (not shown) to the heating unit (not shown). , and the tasting article 140 can be heated in a non-combustible manner. When the sip article 140 is heated, from the sip article 140 The mist source contained in 140 generates the mist and mixes the fragrance of the fragrance source into the mist. The user can inhale the fragrance-containing mist by inhaling the portion of the tasting article 140 protruding from the fragrance inhaler 1 (the portion shown in FIG. 6 ). In addition, in this specification, the direction in which the mist-generating base material such as the tasting article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the flavor tasting device 1 .

The configuration of the flavor tasting device 1 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is only an example of the configuration of the flavor tasting device of the present invention. The flavor inhaler of the present invention can be constructed in various forms. For example, the mist can be generated by heating the mist generating substrate containing the mist source, so that the user can inhale the generated mist.

[Configuration of user terminal]

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 schematically and schematically shows the various components of the user terminal 2 . Please note that it does not show the exact arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each component and the user terminal 2 . In addition, please note that the user terminal 2 may include components not shown in the figure. In addition, an example of the user terminal 2 is a computer such as a smart phone, a tablet, or a personal computer, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 21 described later can also be realized by a digital camera connected to the outside of the computer.

The detecting part 21 detects predetermined changes of at least a part of the fragrance inhaler 1 , for example, detects predetermined changes generated in the changing part 12 that can be observed externally. The detection section 21 can be realized using at least a digital camera, a temperature sensor, etc. as hardware resources.

The output unit 22 executes a message output process based on the output information notified from the scent tasting device 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The output unit 22 can also perform sound output processing according to the output information notified by the scent inhaler 1 . The output unit 22 displays information indicating that the aforementioned predetermined change has been detected. The output unit 22 can be realized using at least a display (including, for example, a touch panel display) as a hardware resource.

The input unit 23 accepts input from the user. The input section 23 can be realized using at least a keyboard or a mouse, a touch panel display, etc. as hardware resources.

The recording unit 24 stores programs, information, and the like. The recording unit 24 can be realized using at least HDD (Hard Disk Drive, hard disk drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive, solid state disk), memory, etc. as hardware resources.

The communication unit 25 communicates with other computers. The communication part 25 can be realized using at least a network interface etc. which are hardware resources.

The control unit 26 performs various controls. The control unit 26 can be configured to transmit and receive information via the communication unit 25 . The output unit 22 can output: information according to the received output information. The control unit 26 can be configured to, for example, determine the user's sucking style. The output unit 22 can further display the result of the determination. In addition, the control unit 26 may be configured such that the user can select one of a plurality of sucking modes through the input unit 23 . In addition, the output unit 22 can further display information according to the selected sucking manner. The control section 26 can be realized using at least a processor or the like as hardware resources.

In addition, various functions of the user terminal 2 can also be realized by using application programs running on the user terminal. The user terminal 2 can also download application programs, and realize various functions through the downloaded application programs. In addition, the user terminal 2 can also download programs for realizing various functions of the user terminal 2, and realize various functions by executing the downloaded programs. In addition, the user terminal 2 can also use PWA (Progressive Web Apps, Progressive Web Apps) to realize these functions.

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 106 functionally includes: a system control unit 200 , a battery control unit 202 , a cartridge control unit 204 , a communication control unit 206 and an interface detection unit 208 .

In addition, the control unit 106 can be realized by, for example, a CPU or the like executing a program stored in the memory 114 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . Furthermore, the control unit 106 can also be realized by downloading a program used in the processing of the control unit 106 and executing the downloaded program. The control unit 13 shown in FIG. 2A may also functionally include: a system control unit 200 , a battery control unit 202 , a cartridge control unit 204 , a communication control unit 206 and an interface detection unit 208 . The above-mentioned functions of the control unit 106 or the control unit 13 may be provided by other configurations. For example, at least one component of the communication control unit 206 or the cartridge control unit 204 may be provided by the communication unit 108 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , for example. The interface detection unit 208 can also be provided by the sensor 112 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , for example.

In addition, the communication between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 can be any communication such as short-distance wireless communication, but the following uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication as an example for illustration.

The system control unit 200 controls, for example, each function included in the control unit 106 (the battery control unit 202, the cartridge control unit 204, the communication control unit 206, and the interface detection unit 208 in the example of FIG. 8). In addition, the system control unit 200 controls the execution of various control programs, installed operating system (OS) programs, and the like, for example. For example, when the system control unit 200 detects various request signals such as an activation instruction, it reads the program or OS code, etc., and executes the processing time and resource allocation required to execute these, so as to process the execution unit belonging to the program. The program (process). In addition, the system control unit 200 is not limited to these examples, and can control various functions and various processes necessary for the operation of the flavor tasting device 1 .

The battery control unit 202 controls, for example, power supply from the battery 110 shown in FIGS. and charging of the battery or the like. The battery control unit 202 controls, for example, power supply from a battery or the like to various elements such as a heater included in the flavor inhaler 1 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 . For example, controlling the heater In the case of power supply, the battery control unit 202 is detected when the sucking of the mouthpiece 122 illustrated in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is detected, and the switch 133 illustrated in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is pressed. In the case of a battery, etc., supply power to the heater. Furthermore, for example, the battery control unit 202 controls charging of a battery or the like from an external power source (not shown). In addition, the battery control unit 202 may also perform, for example, a function of detecting the remaining amount of the battery or a function of protecting the battery. In addition, the battery control unit 202 may perform, for example, heating control of a heater included in the flavor tasting device 1 . In addition, the battery control unit 202 is not limited to these examples, and can perform various controls on the battery.

The cartridge control unit 204 determines, for example, the connection state of the first member 102 and the second member 104 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second member 104 is provided with an atomizing unit 118 for atomizing a mist source. For example, the cartridge control unit 204 determines whether the first member 102 and the second member 104 are electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected.

The first component 102 is electrically connected to the second component 104 , including, for example, the first component 102 and the second component 104 are electrically connected.

Moreover, the mechanical (including physical) connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 includes, for example, the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 through fitting. Moreover, the first member 102 and the second member 104 are mechanically (including physically) connected, and may also include being connected to each other by screwing the first member 102 and the second member 104 , for example. Specifically, the first member 102 has a female connector at a position adjacent to the second member 104, and the female connector has a spiral groove. On the other hand, the second member 104 is connected to the first member 102. The adjacent portion has a male connector with a helical protrusion. Moreover, the first component 102 and the second component 104 are connected through the screwing of the female connector of the first component 102 and the male connector of the second component 104 . In addition, the first member 102 may have a male connector, and the second member 104 may have a female connector.

In addition, the cartridge control unit 204 is, for example, when performing authentication processing when the first member 102 and the second member 104 are to be electrically or mechanically connected, and when the authentication processing succeeds, it determines that the first member 102 and the second member 102 are connected to each other. 104 connected. On the other hand, when the authentication process fails, the cartridge control unit 204 determines that the first member 102 and the second member 104 are not connected. The authentication processing will be described in detail later.

The cartridge control unit 204 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.) has elapsed after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released. The cartridge control unit 204 calculates the elapsed time after the detection of the disconnection of the first member 102 and the second member 104 . The memory 114 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 stores information related to a predetermined time. For example, the cartridge control unit 204 refers to the information on the scheduled time stored in the memory 114 and compares the calculated elapsed time with the scheduled time.

The cartridge control unit 204 executes authentication processing of the second member 104 (cartridge). The cartridge control unit 204 confirms, for example, the legitimacy of the second member 104 as the connection target of the first member 102 . For example, the cartridge control unit 204 determines whether a specific second member 104 is valid as a connection object by referring to individual identification information of one or a plurality of second members 104 that can be connected to the first member 102. The identification information is recorded in advance in the memory 114 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 .

The cartridge control unit 204 can also determine whether the second component 104 is valid as a connection object according to the consumption period of the mist source in the storage 116 of the second component 104 . The second component 104 is the first component 102 connection object. For example, the cartridge control unit 204 obtains information related to the expiry date of the mist source from the second component 104 when the first component 102 is electrically or mechanically connected to the second component 104 . The cartridge control unit 204 refers to the acquired information related to the expiry date, and determines that the second member 104 has legitimacy as a connection object, and this second member 104 is a connection object of the first member 102 . Furthermore, the cartridge control unit 204 determines that the second member 104 does not have the legitimacy as a connection object when the consumption period of the mist source in the reservoir 116 of the second member 104 has expired, and the second member 104 is the connection object of the first component 102 . In addition, the cartridge control unit 204 may also obtain, for example, information on the remaining amount of the mist source in the storage 116 of the second member 104, and determine the second member to be connected based on the obtained remaining amount information. 104 legitimacy.

The communication control unit 206 controls the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 according to the connection state of the first member 102 and the second member 104 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second member The 104 series is provided with the atomization part 118 which atomizes the mist gas source. In addition, the communication control unit 206 may perform not only control of wireless communication but also control of wired communication.

The communication control unit 206 executes "authenticated connection", that is, the setting process of the communication connection between the flavor tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 . The communication control unit 206 performs an authentication connection between the flavor inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2, for example. When the authentication connection is executed by the communication control unit 206, the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 are in an "authenticated connection state". Bluetooth communication is performed in units of piconets (Piconet), for example. In the Bluetooth communication, the user terminal 2 is called "master device (master)", and the scent inhaler 1 is called "slave device (slave)". For example, one master device can connect, for example, seven slave devices. For example, the master device has the dominance of communication, and information transmission from the master device to the slave device can be performed at any point in time. On the other hand, information transmission from the slave device to the master device is performed according to an instruction (requirement related to an authenticated connection) from the master device. In addition, in the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2, it is not necessary that the user terminal 2 has the initiative to communicate. For example, the scent inhaler 1 may have the initiative to communicate, and send information from the scent inhaler 1 to the user terminal 2 at any point of time.

To establish encrypted communication between a master device and more than one slave device, for example, a shared secret (join key) generated by a random number is exchanged between the master device and the slave devices. Next, the communication between the master device and each slave device is encrypted according to the link key. This key exchange and the establishment procedure of the communication connection setting between the master device and the slave device are called "authenticated connection".

An example of communication in an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The master device and the slave device perform communication after completing the authentication connection, so as to synchronize the time points of information transmission (TX) or information reception (RX) of each other.

In the communication of the embodiment of the present invention, as one of the low power consumption operations, for example, a function called "transmission frequency (frequency) change" is provided. The transmission frequency change is an operation to reduce power consumption by reducing the response communication necessary to respond to an inquiry from the master device when the slave device has no information to transmit to the master device.

Specifically, when communicating between the master device and the slave device, the slave device must respond to the master device at every preset communication interval of the master device. For example, when the slave device does not respond to an inquiry from the master device (when the number of times preset as the number of communication interruptions does not respond, etc.), the slave device is disconnected from the master device for communication. However, even when there is no information to be sent (for example, updated information, etc.), the slave device communicates in response to an inquiry from the master device, which causes unnecessary power consumption.

Therefore, when the transmission frequency setting value during the transmission frequency change is set (or changed) to "4", for example, the communication connection can be maintained even if the slave device does not respond to the inquiry from the master device within four times. In this way, the slave device can reduce the response communication and suppress power consumption. In addition, even in a case where communication is reduced in accordance with a change in transmission frequency, the slave device performs communication for maintaining a communication connection with the master device, for example, with minimum power consumption.

Also, in the communication of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, there is a function called "forced transmission". The forced transmission is an action of transmitting scheduled information to the master device at the next transmission time point in the state before the reduction even if the communication is reduced by the change of the transmission frequency. For example, when the slave device sets the transmission frequency setting value to "4" by changing the transmission frequency, the response transmission will decrease. However, by setting forced transmission, even during the decrease period of communication (that is, when the transmission frequency change is set), the information to be transmitted can be transmitted to the master device at the next transmission time point in the state before the decrease . In this way, the change of the transmission frequency and the forced transmission in the communication according to the embodiment of the present invention are not only low power consumption operations but also efficient information transmission operations.

The initial setting of the setting content related to the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 may be performed by the communication control unit 206, or may be performed by the communication unit 108 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . For example, the initial setting of communication is performed based on the information recorded in advance in the flavor inhaler 1, the information separately input by the user, or the information contained in the request for authentication connection from the user terminal 2, etc.

Here, the "control" of the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 includes, for example, the "restriction" of the communication. Furthermore, the "restriction" of communication includes, for example, "restriction on the transmission of information" between the flavor inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 . In addition, the "restriction" of communication includes, for example, "restriction of authenticated connection", which is the setting process of the communication connection between the flavor inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 .

In addition, "control" of the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 includes, for example, "changing the setting content related to the communication". In addition, "changing the setting content related to communication" includes, for example, "changing the frequency (frequency) of communication" between the flavor inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 . In addition, "changing the communication frequency" includes, for example, "changing the response frequency (frequency)", which is the response frequency of the fragrance inhaler 1 to inquiries from the user terminal 2 . Specifically, the communication control unit 206 can perform wireless communication according to the changed response frequency. Also, "changing the communication frequency" includes, for example, "changing the transmission frequency setting value", which is the transmission frequency setting value between the user terminal 2 and the scent tasting device 1 . Specifically, the communication control unit 206 can perform wireless communication according to the changed transmission frequency setting value. Also, "changing the communication frequency" includes, for example, "changing the communication interval", which is the communication interval between the user terminal 2 and the scent inhaler 1 . Specifically, the communication control unit 206 can perform wireless communication according to the changed communication interval.

In addition, the "restriction of authentication connection" includes "waiting for authentication connection" in the scent tasting device 1, and includes waiting for the response of the scent tasting device 1 to the authentication connection from the user terminal 2. Response requested.

In addition, the "restriction" of the communication between the flavor tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 includes, for example, "stopping" of the communication. In addition, "stopping" of communication includes, for example, "stopping transmission of information" which is transmission of information from the flavor tasting device 1 to the user terminal 2 . In addition, the "restriction" of communication includes, for example, "suspending the authentication connection", which is the setting process of the communication connection between the flavor tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2. Specifically, the communication control unit 206 may, for example, stop the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 . The communication control unit 206 can, for example, control communication such that the communication unit 108 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 stops sending information to the user terminal 2 . The communication control unit 206 can also control the communication so that the communication unit 108 stops receiving information from the user terminal 2 .

In addition, by restricting or stopping at least one of information transmission or information reception, the power consumption of the scent inhaler 1 is reduced, and the battery consumption is also reduced. For example, the sending of information is compared to the receiving of information However, the power consumption of the battery 110 is large, so the consumption of the battery 110 can be further reduced by prioritizing or stopping the transmission of information.

In addition, the control of communication is not limited to the above example. For example, the communication control includes prohibiting the transmission of at least a part of the information that the communication unit 108 can transmit to the user terminal 2 .

In addition, communication control may allow the communication unit 108 to transmit only a response to a request for an authenticated connection to the user terminal 2 . The communication control unit 206 may also allow the communication unit 108 to receive a request related to an authentication connection from the user terminal 2 when the scent inhaler 1 is performing an inhalation action, for example. The communication control unit 206 may perform authentication connection (for example, respond to a request) after heating by the heater is completed.

The interface detection unit 208 detects predetermined actions in the scent inhaler 1 . The interface detection unit 208 is, for example, to detect at least one of the above-mentioned operations (1) to (5).

The interface detection unit 208 detects that the first member 102 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 has been connected or reconnected to the second member 104 having the atomizing part 118 for atomizing the mist source. The interface detection unit 208 detects the electrical connection between the first component 102 and the second component 104 by electrifying the first component 102 and the second component 104 . In addition, the interface detection unit 208 may also detect the connection between the first component 102 and the second component 104 when the authentication process is performed when the first component 102 and the second component 104 are to be electrically or mechanically connected. Member 104 is connected. The interface detection unit 208 determines that the puffing action is performed in the flavor inhaler 1 based on, for example, the heating state of the heater included in the atomization unit 118 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . The interface detection unit 208 detects that the pressing of a predetermined button (not shown) provided on the scent inhaler 1 has been performed.

The interface detection unit 208 detects that the fragrance inhaler 1 has formed a predetermined posture according to the detection result of the sensor 112 . Specifically, the interface detection unit 208 is, for example, by being a motion sensor When the sensor 112 grasps the movement of each axial direction of the scent inhaler 1, it detects that the scent inhaler 1 has formed a predetermined angle. Moreover, the interface detection unit 208 can also detect the vibration of the fragrance inhaler, for example, by using the sensor 112 which is a motion sensor.

Here, the control unit 106 may also use the following method for communication control. That is, as the operation of the processing of each function of the control unit 106, the following method can also be used: each functional element, for example, each part constituting the control unit 106 of the above-mentioned FIG. process, and use the entire system to meet the time constraints (for example, methods represented in real-time systems).

For example, when the battery control unit 202 is processed as one processing group and the communication control unit 206 is processed as one processing group, the two processing groups may be requested to perform processing at the same time. Specifically, when the communication control unit 206 receives a response request from the user terminal 2 via wireless communication while the inhalation operation is being performed in the flavor inhaler 1 , it must determine in advance which process is to be prioritized. As an example of the priority given to the processing, the processing with the highest priority is processing for an abnormal state in the flavor tasting device 1 . If we continue to give an example of giving priority, for example, the priority can be set in the following order: heater heating process, connection state detection process of mist generating device, operation detection process for user operation, The communication response of the terminal 2 requests processing. However, regardless of the order in which the processing priorities are set, the entire system must be available to satisfy the aforementioned time constraints. In order to satisfy the time limit condition, the execution time of each process may be predicted in advance, and then the processing order of all processes with the time limit condition may be adjusted so as to comply with the time limit. With the above priority setting, the processing with higher priority can be executed preferentially than the processing with lower priority. Also, control can be performed in the following manner: For processing with lower priority, processing with higher priority It is possible to insert a process while a process with a lower priority is being executed. Processing with higher priority may be performed by excluding processing with lower priority.

By using the operating method of the system in this way, even if the communication control unit 206 receives a response request from the user terminal 2 through wireless communication when the scent inhaler 1 is performing a suction action, for example, it can be determined in advance. Execute each process among the priorities and satisfy the time limit condition.

The above is just an example, and many methods are disclosed regarding the operating method of the system, so as long as it is applicable to the present embodiment, it is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

Furthermore, the control unit 106 may perform communication control as follows. For example, from a state in which the flavor inhaler 1 is activated (a state in which heating by a heater or other necessary processing can be performed for the user's inhalation action) to a sleep state (a state in which the operation is temporarily stopped and the state is on standby in a power-saving state) In this case, as communication control, the control unit 106 may change the setting content related to the communication performed between the flavor inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 . Furthermore, for example, when a predetermined period (for example, one minute, five minutes, etc.) elapses after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released, the control unit 106 may stop the communication as communication control. In addition, the predetermined period is not limited to one minute or five minutes, but can be any period and can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the control unit 106 may stop the communication as communication control when, for example, a predetermined action that can be judged to be not used by the user is detected, other than when a predetermined period has elapsed. It can be judged that the user does not use the predetermined action system of the scent tasting device 1. For example, in the case of FIG. Unloading the tasting article 140 is not limited thereto, but can be any action.

[Communication control processing]

<First Embodiment>

An example of communication control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 . Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9, in step S1, as a premise of the communication control process, first, the user, for example, presses the power button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the scent inhaler 1 to inhale the scent. Test tool 1 starts. The activation process of the flavor tasting tool 1 is also executed in the same manner in the communication control process of each embodiment described later. In addition, the activation process of the scent inhaler 1 is not limited to pressing the power button, and may be, for example, a suction action on the scent inhaler 1 , as long as the scent inhaler 1 can be activated, it may be any method.

In step S3, the scent tasting tool 1 determines the connection state of the first member 102 (battery unit) and the second member 104 (cartridge) as shown in, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4 . For example, the cartridge control unit 204 determines whether the first member 102 and the second member 104 are electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected.

In step S5 , the scent tasting device 1 controls the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 according to the connection state between the first component 102 and the second component 104 . For example, when the first member 102 and the second member 104 are not connected (for example, when the connection is released), the scent inhaler 1 restricts the communication between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 . For example, as a limitation of communication, the scent inhaler 1 can stop the communication between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2, or the scent inhaler 1 can stop or limit the communication shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The communication unit 108 can transmit information to the user terminal 2 or perform communication corresponding to the setting content changed by the communication control unit 206 . In addition, as a restriction on communication, the scent tasting device 1 may also limit or stop the authenticated connection between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 .

As above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the scent tasting tool 1 controls the communication between the scent tasting tool 1 and the user terminal 2 according to the connection state of the battery unit and the cartridge. In this way, you can Since the increase in power consumption of the flavor tasting device 1 is suppressed, the consumption of the battery 110 included in the flavor tasting device 1 can be reduced.

<Second Embodiment>

The second embodiment shows a communication control process when communication between the flavor tasting tool 1 and the user terminal 2 is started after the first member 102 and the second member 104 that are not connected to each other are connected. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 10, as an example of communication control, a case where authentication connection is limited is shown. In addition, the limitation of the authentication connection includes the standby of the authentication connection in the flavor inhaler 1 .

Here, in the second embodiment, communication control is not limited to restricting authentication connections. Communication control can also be, for example, limiting or stopping the communication between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2, or limiting or stopping the communication between the user terminal 2 and the user terminal 2 by the communication unit 108 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. To transmit the information, perform communication according to the setting content changed by the communication control unit 206, or stop the authentication connection.

In addition, in the second embodiment, as the communication control, the scent tasting device 1 can also change the setting contents related to the wireless communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 . For example, the scent tasting device 1 may change the response frequency of the scent tasting device 1 to inquiries from the user terminal 2 during the change of the transmission frequency. Also, for example, the fragrance tasting device may change the transmission frequency setting value between the user terminal 2 and the fragrance tasting device 1 during the change of the transmission frequency. Also, for example, the scent tasting device may change the communication interval between the user terminal 2 and the scent tasting device 1 during the change of the transmission frequency. Therefore, if considered per unit time, the transmission and reception of information between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 is reduced, and thus the power consumption related to communication in the scent tasting device 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the battery 110 of the flavor inhaler 1 can be reduced.

In step S11 , firstly, the user activates the first component 102 by, for example, pressing a power button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the first component 102 . In addition, the means for activating the first member 102 is not limited to pressing the power button, and may be any means.

In step S13, the scent inhaler 1 is connected to the first member 102 and the second member 104 (YES in step S13), and proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, the scent tasting tool 1 waits until the first member 102 and the second member 104 are connected when the first member 102 and the second member 104 are not connected (No in step S13 ).

In step S15 , the scent inhaler 1 performs an authentication connection with the user terminal 2 . Then, in step S17, the scent tasting device 1 determines whether the authentication connection is completed.

If the scent tasting device 1 has completed the authentication connection (YES in step S17), it proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, when the scent tasting device 1 has not completed the authenticated connection with the user terminal 2 (No in step S17), it waits until the authenticated connection is completed.

In step S19 , the scent inhaler 1 starts sending and receiving predetermined information with the user terminal 2 . In addition, the predetermined information includes, for example, tasting information and the like.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after the first member 102 and the second member 104 that are not connected to each other are connected, the communication between the flavor tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 is started. Therefore, the scent tasting device 1 is triggered by the connection between the first component 102 and the second component 104 to start communication with the user terminal 2, so when the first component 102 and the second component 104 are not connected , the communication with the user terminal 2 can be controlled, and the power consumption related to the communication in the fragrance inhaler 1 can be reduced. Therefore, consumption of the battery 110 can be reduced.

<Third Embodiment>

The third embodiment shows a communication control process when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released after the flavor inhaler 1 starts to communicate with the user terminal 2, and the communication is controlled. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of an example of communication control processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 11, the communication control system exemplifies the case where the communication is limited. In addition, in the third embodiment, the communication control is not limited to this. Step S21 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as step S1 shown in FIG. 9 , and thus description thereof is omitted.

In step S23 , the scent inhaler 1 performs, for example, an authentication connection with the user terminal 2 . The scent inhaler 1 starts to transmit and receive predetermined information with the user terminal 2 using Bluetooth when the authentication connection is completed.

In step S25, when the connection of the 1st member 102 and the 2nd member 104 is cancelled|released (yes case), the scent inhaler 1 progresses to step S27. On the other hand, when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is not released (maintained) in the scent tasting tool 1 (in the case of No), the scent tasting tool 1 does not limit communication with the user terminal 2. Instead of communicating, the user terminal 2 continues to transmit and receive predetermined information using Bluetooth.

In step S27 , the scent tasting device 1 restricts the communication with the user terminal 2 . For example, the scent tasting device 1 restricts the transmission of information from the scent tasting device 1 to the user terminal 2 . In addition, in the third embodiment, the restriction on communication is not limited to the transmission of restriction information. Communication restriction can also be: for example, stop the communication between the scent inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2, or stop the communication unit 108 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 from sending information to the user terminal 2, or Communication according to the setting contents changed by the communication control unit 206 is performed, or the authentication connection is limited or stopped.

In this way, in the case where the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released, the communication between the aroma inhaler 1 and the user terminal 2 is restricted, so that the communication-related consumption in the aroma inhaler 1 can be reduced. electricity. Therefore, the power consumption of the battery 110 of the flavor inhaler 1 can be reduced.

In addition, in the third embodiment, as a limitation of communication, the scent tasting device 1 may change the setting contents related to the wireless communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 . For example, the scent tasting device 1 may change the response frequency of the scent tasting device 1 to inquiries from the user terminal 2 during the change of the transmission frequency. Also, for example, the fragrance tasting device may change the transmission frequency setting value between the user terminal 2 and the fragrance tasting device 1 during the change of the transmission frequency. Also, for example, the scent tasting device may change the communication interval between the user terminal 2 and the scent tasting device 1 during the change of the transmission frequency. Therefore, when considered per unit time, the transmission and reception of information between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 is reduced, and therefore, the power consumption related to communication in the scent tasting device 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the battery 110 of the flavor inhaler 1 can be reduced.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the communication with the user terminal 2 is restricted when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released after the scent tasting device 1 starts to communicate with the user terminal 2 . Thus, the scent tasting device 1 restricts the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released. Therefore, power consumption related to communication in the flavor inhaler 1 can be reduced, so that consumption of the battery 110 can be reduced.

<Fourth Embodiment>

The fourth embodiment shows the communication control when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released after communication with the user terminal 2 is started in the scent tasting device 1, and the communication is continued for a certain period of time when the communication is restricted. deal with. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in Fig. 12, as an example of communication control, it shows the limitation of communication However, in the fourth embodiment, the control of communication is not limited to the limitation of communication. Steps S31 to S35 and S39 shown in FIG. 12 are the same as steps S21 to S27 shown in FIG. 11 , so descriptions are omitted.

In step S37, the scent tasting device 1 determines that a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.) has elapsed after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released (Yes in step S37). case), proceed to step S39. On the other hand, the scent tasting device 1 determines that a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.) has not elapsed after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released (NO in step S37). In the case of ), until a predetermined period elapses, the scent tasting device 1 does not limit the communication with the user terminal 2, but continues the communication with the user terminal 2 using Bluetooth. In addition, although the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 is not described, for example, until the communication is restricted, that is, before it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, if the abnormal heat generation of the battery 110 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 occurs, etc. abnormality, the scent inhaler 1 can notify the user terminal 2 of the abnormality of the battery 110 .

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, after the communication with the user terminal 2 is started in the fragrance tasting device 1, the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released and the communication is restricted to continue for a certain period of time. communication. This prevents the scent tasting device 1 from stopping the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 immediately after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released. For example, when the user removes the cartridge from the battery unit in order to exchange the cartridge of the scent inhaler 1 and immediately installs a new cartridge, there is no need to limit communication in particular. Therefore, after the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released, the communication is continued until a predetermined period elapses. If a new second member 104 is connected to the first member 102 within the predetermined period, no limit communications, but instead enable The letter continues. Thereby, the scent inhaler 1 can continue the communication without restricting the communication, for example, when the user exchanges cartridges.

<Fifth Embodiment>

The fifth embodiment shows that when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 is released, after the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 is restricted, once a predetermined action is detected, This is the communication control processing when the communication restriction is released. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of an example of communication control processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 13, the case where communication is restricted is shown as an example of communication control, but the communication control of 5th Embodiment is not limited to communication restriction. Steps S41 to S45 shown in FIG. 13 are the same as steps S31 to S35 shown in FIG. 12 , and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In step S47, when the connection between the first component 102 and the second component 104 of the scent tasting device 1 is released, the communication between the scent tasting tool 1 and the user terminal 2 is restricted.

In step S49, when the scent inhaler 1 detects a predetermined motion (YES in step S49), it proceeds to step S51. The scent tasting device 1 is, for example, to detect at least one of the above-mentioned (1) to (5) actions.

For example, the scent inhaler 1 detects the electrical or mechanical (including physical) connection or reconnection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . In addition, the scent inhaler 1 may also perform an authentication process when the first member 102 and the second member 104 are electrically or mechanically (including physically) connected, and when the authentication process is successful, detect the first The component 102 is connected to the second component 104 .

In addition, the scent tasting device 1 can also detect that the pressing of a predetermined button (not shown) provided on the scent tasting device 1 has been performed. In addition, the scent inhaler 1 can also be detected according to the detection result of the sensor 112 Until the scent inhaler 1 has formed a predetermined posture or the like. Also, as one of the predetermined actions, the scent inhaler 1 may also detect that the battery 110 of the scent inhaler 1 has become charged.

On the other hand, in step S49, when the scent inhaler 1 does not detect a predetermined action (No in step S49), it is on standby, that is, the scent inhaler 1 maintains a communication-limited state.

In step S51 , the scent tasting device 1 releases the restriction on the communication between the scent tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 .

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the connection between the first member 102 and the second member 104 of the fragrance tasting device 1 is released, the communication between the fragrance tasting device 1 and the user terminal 2 is controlled. After the restriction, if a predetermined action is detected, the communication restriction is released. In this way, after the communication with the user terminal 2 is temporarily restricted, the scent tasting device 1 will automatically release the communication restriction if a predetermined action is detected. Therefore, after the communication is temporarily restricted, the degree of freedom to release the communication restriction is improved.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that can be used to configure the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

As shown in Figure 14, the computer 40 is mainly equipped with: a processor 41, a main recording device 42, an auxiliary recording device 43, an input and output interface 44, and a communication interface 45 with respect to its hardware resources, and these hardware resources are obtained through the address. The bus lines 46 of the bus, the information bus, the control bus, etc. are connected to each other. In addition, an appropriate interface circuit (not shown) may also be inserted between the bus line 46 and each hardware resource.

The processor 41 performs overall control of the computer. The main recorder 42 is to provide the working area to the processor 41, and is SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) Random Access Memory) and other volatile memory. The auxiliary recording device 43 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores software programs, information, and the like. The program, information, etc. are loaded from the auxiliary recording device 43 to the main recording device 42 via the bus line 46 at any point of time.

The input/output interface 44 is one or both of information presentation and information input acceptance, and is a digital camera, keyboard, mouse, display, touch panel display, microphone, speaker, temperature sensor, and the like.

Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention should be able to understand that through the cooperation of the hardware resources and software exemplified above, the computer 40 can be used as the desired means and function, and execute the desired steps to make the desired The function is realized.

The above-mentioned embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present inventors. The present invention can be changed/improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

1: Fragrance taster

11: Sensor

12: Ministry of Change

13: Control Department

14: Department of Communications

Claims (15)

A battery unit used in a mist generating device that generates mist, the battery unit having: a communication unit that performs wireless communication between the mist generating device and a user terminal; and a control unit that determines the relationship between the battery unit and the cartridge. In the connected state, the aforementioned cartridge is equipped with an atomizing part that atomizes the mist source, and the aforementioned mist generating device and the aforementioned user terminal are connected in a master-slave connection. The master-slave connection is for maintaining the connection. An inquiry and a response to the inquiry are performed at predetermined communication intervals, and the control unit restricts the wireless communication other than the inquiry and the response when the battery unit is not connected to the cartridge. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts transmission of information to the user terminal when the battery unit is not connected to the cartridge. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the settings related to the wireless communication. The battery unit according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the frequency of the wireless communication between the mist generating device and the user terminal. The battery unit according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further changes the frequency of the response to the inquiry from the user terminal. The battery unit according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the communication interval between the mist generating device and the user terminal. The battery unit described in claim 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the control unit restricts the authentication connection between the mist generating device and the user when the battery unit is not connected to the cartridge case. Setting processing of communication connection between terminals. The battery unit according to claim 7, wherein the control unit restricts the authentication connection when the authentication process of the cartridge is executed and the authentication process has not been completed. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts the wireless communication between the mist generating device and the user terminal when the connection between the battery unit and the cartridge is released . The battery unit according to claim 9, wherein the control unit maintains the wireless communication for a predetermined period after the connection between the battery unit and the cartridge is released. The battery unit according to claim 10, wherein the control unit detects a predetermined movement in the mist generating device, and releases the limitation of the wireless communication when the predetermined movement is detected. The battery unit as described in item 11 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the aforementioned predetermined action includes at least one of the following actions: reconnecting the aforementioned battery unit to the aforementioned cartridge, and the user using the aforementioned mist generating device to inhale the mist. suction action, Pressing a predetermined button provided on the mist generating device, or forming a predetermined posture of the mist generating device. A mist generating device for generating mist, comprising: a communication unit for performing wireless communication between the mist generating device and a user terminal; and a control unit for determining the connection between a battery unit and a cartridge used in the mist generating device State, the aforementioned cartridge is equipped with an atomizing part that atomizes the mist source, and the aforementioned mist generating device and the aforementioned user terminal are connected in a master-slave connection, and the master-slave connection is performed every predetermined communication in order to maintain the connection. The inquiry and the response to the inquiry are performed at intervals, and the control unit restricts the wireless communication other than the inquiry and the response when the battery unit is not connected to the cartridge. An information processing method executed by a mist generating device for generating mist, the mist generating device communicates with a user terminal connected in a master-slave connection at predetermined intervals in order to maintain the connection Responding to inquiries from the user terminal at intervals, the information processing method includes: performing wireless communication between the mist generating device and the user terminal; determining the battery unit and cartridge used in the mist generating device The step of connecting the cartridge, the cartridge is equipped with an atomizing unit for atomizing the mist source; and the step of restricting the wireless communication other than the inquiry and the response when the battery unit is not connected to the cartridge . An information processing program that enables a computer to realize the following functions: a communication function of performing wireless communication between a mist generating device and a user terminal; and The control function of judging the connection state of the battery unit used in the mist generating device and the cartridge, the cartridge is equipped with an atomizing part that atomizes the mist source, and the mist generating device and the user terminal are connected in a master-slave manner connection, the master-slave connection is to inquire and respond to the aforesaid inquiry every predetermined communication interval in order to maintain the connection, and the aforesaid control function is to limit the aforesaid interrogation and the aforesaid cartridge when the aforesaid battery unit is not connected The aforementioned wireless communication other than the aforementioned response.

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