WO2025141726A1 - Aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction device (100B), which is an example of an aerosol generation device that is configured such that a battery embodying a power supply unit (111B) can be attached thereto and detached therefrom and that generates an aerosol using the power of the mounted battery, is equipped with a control unit (116B) that controls the operation of the suction device (100B) on the basis of use restriction information stored in a storage unit of the battery attached to the suction device (100B).

Description

Aerosol Generator

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

　Conventionally, for example, aerosol generating devices are known that generate aerosols containing flavor components and deliver the generated aerosols to a user. Such aerosol generating devices typically generate aerosols by supplying power to a heating unit, which is an electrical resistance or induction heater, and heating an aerosol source with the heating unit.

The following patent documents 1 to 5 disclose technology that allows users to replace the battery in this type of aerosol generating device.

China Patent Publication No. 107373765 China Utility Model Publication No. 208480616 China Utility Model Publication No. 206507325 China Utility Model Publication No. 204407377 China Utility Model Publication No. 209609859

In the field of aerosol generating devices, when batteries become removable, it is expected that users will replace the battery in the aerosol generating device. Even if the battery is replaced, it is desirable to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery. However, this point has not been sufficiently considered in the prior art, and there is room for improvement.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device configured with a detachable battery, which is capable of appropriately controlling the charging and discharging of the replaced battery even if the battery is replaced.

One aspect of the present disclosure is
An aerosol generating device configured to have a detachable battery and generating aerosol using power from the attached battery,
A control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.
An aerosol generating device.

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device configured with a detachable battery can be provided that, even if the battery is replaced, can appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a battery rental support system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 200. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 300_i. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the battery compatibility information table 405 a stored in the storage unit 405 . FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the store information table 405b stored in the storage unit 405. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the battery rental support system 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a rental store selection screen 1000 that the communication terminal 200 displays on the UI unit 203 after receiving the rental support information. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a rental detailed setting screen 1100 that the communication terminal 200 displays on the UI unit 203 when it receives the rental support information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery attachment process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. In FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. In FIG. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 when an external power source is connected. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a rental period notification process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100.

Below, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference symbols. Note that not all of the features described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine two or more of the features described in the following embodiment. Below, identical or similar elements are denoted with identical or similar reference symbols, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[1. Battery rental support system]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a battery rental support system 10 according to the present embodiment. The battery rental support system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a system that supports a battery rental service in which a battery 11 used in an inhalation device 100, which is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol, is rented out to a user U of the inhalation device 100. Such a battery rental service can be provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100.

Battery 11 is a rechargeable battery that is mainly composed of a secondary battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 11 also has a memory unit 11a that is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as a flash memory. Usage restriction information, which will be described later, can be stored in memory unit 11a. Battery 11 may also have a microprocessor or the like (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery IC") that serves as a control unit that controls the overall operation of battery 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery rental support system 10 is composed of, for example, a communication terminal 200 used by a user U of the suction device 100, store terminals 300_1 to 300_n (where n is a natural number greater than 1) installed in each of the stores ST1 to STn which are service providing locations where batteries 11 are rented to the user U, and a server 400 capable of communicating with the communication terminal 200 and each of the store terminals 300_1 to 300_n via a network NET. The network NET is, for example, the Internet, a cellular communication network, or a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.

Hereinafter, any store among stores ST1 to STn will be referred to as "store STi", and the store terminal installed in store STi will be referred to as "store terminal 300_i". Store STi is, for example, a convenience store, a tobacco store, or a restaurant (e.g., a coffee shop). As another example, store STi may be a public smoking area, etc.

The suction device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by the user. In the following, the substance generated by the suction device 100 will be described as an aerosol, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the substance generated by the suction device 100 may be a gas.

The inhalation device 100 is configured so that the battery 11 can be detached, and generates aerosol using the power of the battery 11. Details will be described later, but for example, the inhalation device 100 is configured to include a heating unit (e.g., heating unit 121A shown in FIG. 2 or heating unit 121B shown in FIG. 3) that heats the aerosol source, and generates aerosol by supplying power from the attached battery 11 to the heating unit.

Incidentally, there may be multiple types of suction device 100, such as suction device 100A, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, and suction device 100B, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. If the manufacturer of suction device 100 provides various types of suction device 100, it becomes possible for user U to select a type of suction device 100 that suits his or her preferences.

When there are various types of suction devices 100, the power consumption and size of the housing of each type of suction device 100 may differ, and therefore it may happen that the type of battery 11 that is suitable for each type of suction device 100 may differ. For this reason, for example, when a user U uses a battery rental service, a mechanism is desired that can prevent a battery 11 of a type that is not suitable for the user U's suction device 100 from being rented to the user U.

The communication terminal 200 is, for example, a computer such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal used by the user U. The suction device 100 and the communication terminal 200 of the user U are linked to each other, for example, by the user U performing a predetermined operation on the suction device 100 and/or the communication terminal 200.

The communication terminal 200 can transmit and receive predetermined information (data) between the suction device 100, the store terminal 300_i, and the server 400 by communicating with each of them. For example, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the server 400 is performed via a network NET. On the other hand, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i may use, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). In addition, communication between the communication terminal 200 and the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i may also be performed via the network NET.

The store terminal 300_i is configured to allow the battery 11 to be attached and detached. The store terminal 300_i is fitted with a battery 11 that is available for loan at the store STi in which the store terminal 300_i is installed. A user U can borrow the battery 11 by removing the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i. The user U can also return the borrowed battery 11 by attaching it to the store terminal 300_i. An example of the configuration of the store terminal 300_i will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

The server 400 is an example of an information processing device in this disclosure, and is a computer managed by a service provider of a battery rental service (e.g., the manufacturer of the suction device 100). The server 400 may be a virtual server (cloud server) realized in a cloud computing service, or may be a physical server realized as a single device. An example of the configuration of the server 400 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[2. Configuration example of suction device]
<2-1. First configuration example of suction device>
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the inhalation device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the inhalation device 100A of this configuration example is configured to include a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 is configured to include a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 is configured to include a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 is configured to include a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

The power supply unit 111A accumulates power. The power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may also be configured to be rechargeable by power received from an external power source. The external power source may be, for example, an AC adapter (AC: Alternating Current), a mobile charger, or a PC (Personal Computer). The power supply unit 111A is realized, for example, by a battery 11 attached to the suction device 100A.

The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user U.

As one example, the sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects a change in pressure (hereinafter also referred to as "internal pressure") inside the suction device 100A caused by inhalation by the user U. As another example, the sensor unit 112A may include a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate (hereinafter also simply referred to as "flow rate") caused by inhalation by the user U. As another example, the sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A or the area around the heating unit 121A.

The sensor unit 112A may also include an operation detection unit that detects an operation by the user U. In other words, the sensor unit 112A may also function as an input unit that accepts information input from the user U. In this case, the sensor unit 112A may be configured to include an operation button, an operation switch, a motion sensor, a hall sensor, or the like.

The notification unit 113A notifies the user U of information. The notification unit 113A may be configured, for example, by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. Here, the light-emitting device may be realized, for example, by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and a drive circuit that causes the light-emitting element to emit light. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode). The sound output device may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device may be, for example, a vibrator configured to include a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the rotating shaft of the motor.

The storage unit 114A stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A may be configured, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, a standard using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA. For example, the communication unit 115A communicates with the communication terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC according to the control of the control unit 116A.

The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with programs stored in the memory unit 114A, etc. For example, the control unit 116A controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111A to each component (e.g., the heating unit 121A described below), and the charging of the power supply unit 111A (i.e., the battery 11) using power received from an external power source. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 116A is equipped with, for example, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) that keeps track of real time.

The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit including an IC (Integrated Circuit), such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor (also called an MCU (Micro Controller Unit)). Furthermore, the control unit 116A may be configured by one IC, or two or more ICs.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

The liquid guide section 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guide section 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 121A is configured in any shape, such as a coil, film, or blade, and is made of any material, such as metal or polyimide. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound with a heating resistor, such as nichrome or stainless steel, and is wrapped around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A.

As one example, power supply from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A may be performed when sensor unit 112A detects that user U has started inhaling and/or that specific information has been input. Then, when sensor unit 112A detects that user U has stopped inhaling and/or that specific information has been input, power supply to heating unit 121A may be stopped.

The heating unit 121A may be configured to generate aerosols by vibration or induction heating. When aerosols are generated by vibration, the suction device 100A includes a vibration unit as the heating unit 121A. The vibration unit is configured, for example, of a plate-shaped member containing piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibration unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibration unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibration unit, and an aerosol is generated.

When the aerosol is generated by induction heating, the suction device 100A includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the heating unit 121A. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as metal, and generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is disposed close to the liquid guide unit 122. As an example, the susceptor is made of a metal conductor and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. The electromagnetic induction source heats the susceptor by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is made of, for example, a coiled conductor, and generates a magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. When a magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. The aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized by the Joule heat, generating an aerosol.

The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 includes flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. For example, the flavor source 131 may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product in which cut tobacco or tobacco raw materials are formed into a granular, sheet, or powder form. The flavor source 131 may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the flavor source 131 may include a flavor component such as menthol. The flavor source 131 may also be a stick-shaped member. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, the flavor source 131 may include a drug for the patient to inhale. Note that the flavor source 131 is not limited to a solid, and may be a liquid containing flavor components such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The flavor source 131 may also be placed inside a container such as a capsule.

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

The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held by the user U in the mouth when inhaling. An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user U can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

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

As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not shown) that heats the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit is, for example, configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, and heats the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, configured in a blade shape, and may pierce the flavor source 131 to heat the flavor source 131 from the inside. The flavor source heating unit may also be configured to heat the flavor source 131 by vibration or induction heating. By providing such a flavor source heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to a case in which the flavor source heating unit is not provided, making it possible to increase the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol.

As another example, the suction device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate further types of aerosols.

Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

<2-2. Second Configuration Example of Suction Device>
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100B of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A described above.

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heating section 121B is configured as a film heater with conductive tracks made of heating resistors that have a correlation between electrical resistance and temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage section 140. When the heating section 121B generates heat, the substrate section 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. Note that the heating resistor of the heating section 121B can be the same as the heating resistor of the heating section 121A described above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the following, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B will be referred to as the "suction device 100" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply unit 111A and the power supply unit 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111", the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112B as the "sensor unit 112", the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B as the "notification unit 113", the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B as the "memory unit 114", the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B as the "communication unit 115", the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B as the "control unit 116", and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B as the "heating unit 121".

[3. Example of the configuration of a communication terminal]
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication terminal 200 includes, for example, a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a UI (user interface) unit 203, and a storage unit 205.

The control unit 201 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the communication terminal 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 201 is realized, for example, by an electronic circuit including a CPU, etc.

The communication unit 202 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 201. Such communication standards may include standards using the Internet, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA.

For example, the communication unit 202 communicates with the server 400 via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication according to the control of the control unit 201. The communication unit 202 also communicates with the suction device 100 or the store terminal 300_i via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC according to the control of the control unit 201.

The UI unit 203 includes an input device that accepts information input from the user U, and an output device that outputs (e.g., presents) various information to the user U. The input device of the UI unit 203 outputs the accepted information (in other words, input information) to the control unit 201. The output device of the UI unit 203 outputs various information under the control of the control unit 201. In this embodiment, the UI unit 203 is configured by a touch panel that combines a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display) that displays images and a pointing device, but is not limited to this. For example, the UI unit 203 may be provided with a display device and an input device provided separately. The UI unit 203 may also include a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

The memory unit 205 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the communication terminal 200, and is provided in a state in which the information can be referenced by the control unit 201. The memory unit 205 may be configured, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The memory unit 205 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area when a CPU or the like that realizes the control unit 201 performs various processes.

[4. Example of store terminal configuration]
5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 300_i. As shown in FIG. 5, the store terminal 300_i includes, for example, a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a UI unit 303, a battery storage unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

The control unit 301 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the store terminal 300_i in accordance with various programs. The control unit 301 is realized, for example, by an electronic circuit including a CPU, etc.

The communication unit 302 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 301. Such communication standards may include standards using the Internet, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA.

For example, the communication unit 302 communicates with the server 400 via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication, in accordance with the control of the control unit 301. The communication unit 302 also communicates with the communication terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC, in accordance with the control of the control unit 301.

The UI unit 303 includes an input device that accepts information input from a user (e.g., user U) and an output device that outputs various information to the user. The input device of the UI unit 303 outputs the accepted information (in other words, input information) to the control unit 301. The output device of the UI unit 303 outputs various information according to the control of the control unit 301. For example, the UI unit 303 may also be configured with a touch panel, similar to the UI unit 203. Furthermore, the UI unit 303 may be provided with a display device and an input device separately.

The battery storage unit 304 is configured to be able to store, for example, multiple batteries 11 and to store each battery 11 independently. As an example, in this embodiment, the battery storage unit 304 has, for example, multiple storage spaces, each capable of storing one battery 11. Each storage space is provided with a door with a locking mechanism that operates according to the control of the control unit 301. When the door of one storage space is unlocked by the control unit 301, the user U can open the door and remove the battery 11 stored in one storage space (i.e., borrow the battery 11). On the other hand, when the door of the storage space is locked, it is difficult for the user U to remove the battery 11 stored in that storage space.

Furthermore, each storage space is provided with a terminal electrically connected to the battery 11 stored in that storage space. The store terminal 300_i can, for example, supply power (i.e., charge) to the battery 11 stored in each storage space via this terminal. Furthermore, the store terminal 300_i (more specifically, the control unit 301) can, for example, communicate with a battery IC provided in the battery 11 stored in each storage space via this terminal, thereby storing predetermined information (for example, usage restriction information described later) in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 stored in each storage space and acquiring the information stored in the memory unit 11a.

The store terminal 300_i and the battery storage unit 304 do not have to be configured as an integrated unit, and may be configured as separate entities. In this case, the store terminal 300_i may communicate with another device that has a battery storage unit 304 to charge the battery 11 stored in the other device, store specific information in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, and obtain information stored in the memory unit 11a.

The storage unit 305 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the store terminal 300_i, and is provided in a state in which the information can be referenced by the control unit 301. The storage unit 305 may be configured, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 305 may further include a RAM that is used as a work area when a CPU or the like that realizes the control unit 301 performs various processes.

[5. Server configuration example]
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 400. As shown in Fig. 6, the server 400 includes, for example, a control unit 401, a communication unit 402, and a storage unit 405.

The control unit 401 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the server 400 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 401 is realized, for example, by an electronic circuit including a CPU, etc.

The communication unit 402 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 401. Such communication standards may include standards using the Internet, cellular communication, and Wi-Fi. For example, the communication unit 402 performs communication with the communication terminal 200 or the store terminal 300_i via a network NET such as the Internet or cellular communication under the control of the control unit 401.

The storage unit 405 stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the server 400, and is provided in a state in which the information can be referenced by the control unit 401. The storage unit 405 may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 405 may further include a RAM that is used as a work area when the CPU or the like that realizes the control unit 401 performs various processes.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 405 stores information such as a battery compatibility information table 405a and a store information table 405b. Below, an example of the battery compatibility information table 405a and the store information table 405b is described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a battery compatibility information table 405a stored in the storage unit 405. As shown in FIG. 7, the battery compatibility information table 405a includes information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with each type of suction device 100, for example.

For example, the battery compatibility information table 405a shown in FIG. 7 has information 405a_1 that associates an suction device 100 of type "model A" (e.g., suction device 100A shown in FIG. 2) with a battery 11 of type "battery type a." This information 405a_1 indicates that a battery 11 of type "battery type a" is compatible with an suction device 100 of type "model A."

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a store information table 405b stored in the storage unit 405. As shown in FIG. 8, the store information table 405b is configured to include, for example, for each store that rents out batteries 11 (for example, stores ST1 to STn shown in FIG. 1), information indicating the type of battery 11 available for rental at that store and the location of that store (hereinafter also referred to as "location information").

For example, the store information table 405b shown in FIG. 8 has information 405b_1 that associates a store called "Store α" (for example, store ST1 shown in FIG. 1) with a location "XX" and a type of battery 11 called "battery type a". This information 405b_1 indicates that "Store α", which is a store that rents out batteries 11, is located at "XX" and rents out batteries 11 of type "battery type a" (in other words, the store terminal 300_i of "Store α" contains batteries 11 of type "battery type a").

6. Operational Example of Battery Rental Assistance System 10
Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the battery rental support system 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the suction device 100 of the user U transmits suction device identification information to the communication terminal 200 of the user U (step S1). The communication terminal 200 that has received the suction device identification information stores the suction device identification information in the storage unit 205 (step S2).

Here, the suction device identification information includes information capable of identifying the type of suction device 100 of user U, and can be, for example, information capable of identifying an individual suction device 100. The timing at which the suction device 100 transmits the suction device identification information can be, for example, the timing at which the suction device 100 and the communication terminal 200 are linked together by the user U performing a specified operation on the suction device 100 and/or the communication terminal 200, but is not limited to this and can be determined arbitrarily by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

The suction device 100 also transmits the usage history information to the communication terminal 200 (step S3). The communication terminal 200 receives the usage history information and stores the usage history information in the storage unit 205 (step S4).

Here, the usage history information is information that represents the usage history of the inhalation device 100 by the user U, and includes, for example, information that can identify the time when smoking was performed using the inhalation device 100. As an example, the usage history information can be information that indicates the start and end times of smoking performed using the inhalation device 100 during a specified period in the past.

The timing at which the suction device 100 transmits the usage history information may be a timing preset by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, such as 00:00 every Sunday, but is not limited to this and may be a timing when a predetermined operation is performed by the user U on the suction device 100 and/or the communication terminal 200. In addition, the suction device 100 may also transmit the usage history information in conjunction with the transmission of the suction device identification information in step S1.

Then, when the communication terminal 200 accepts a predetermined operation by the user U, it transmits a battery rental service usage request (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "rental usage request") to the server 400 (step S5).

Here, the rental use request is information including the suction device identification information stored by the processing of step S2, in other words, the suction device identification information acquired from the suction device 100 of the user U. As an example, in this embodiment, the rental use request includes, in addition to the suction device identification information, the usage history information stored by the processing of step S3 and location information indicating the location of the communication terminal 200 (i.e., the location of the user U) at the time of sending this rental use request. Note that the location information included in the rental use request may be information indicating the location of a point specified by the user, instead of the location of the communication terminal 200.

In this way, a rental use request including location information of the user U's location or the location of a point specified by the user is sent to the server 400, which enables the server 400 to perform processing that takes into account the location of the user U or the location of a point specified by the user. In addition, a rental use request including usage history information of the suction device 100 is sent to the server 400, which enables the server 400 to perform processing that takes into account the usage history (in other words, usage trends) of the suction device 100 by the user U.

Next, the server 400 receives the rental usage request sent from the communication terminal 200, acquires the information contained in the rental usage request, and based on that information, selects rental stores to present to the user U and sets recommendation information (step S6).

To go into detail about an example of selecting a rental store, the server 400 first refers to the battery compatibility information table 405a stored in the memory unit 405, and identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U, based on the suction device identification information of the received rental use request. For example, if the suction device identification information of the received rental use request indicates "model A," the server 400 refers to the battery compatibility information table 405a shown in FIG. 7, and identifies "battery type a" as the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U.

Next, the server 400 refers to the store information table 405b stored in the memory unit 405 to search for a store STi that rents out a battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U. For example, assume that the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is identified as "battery type a." In this case, the server 400 refers to the store information table 405b shown in FIG. 8 to search for "store α" and the like as a store STi that rents out a battery 11 of "battery type a."

Next, based on the location information of the received rental request and the location information of each store in the store information table 405b, the server 400 selects, for example, a store located within a specified range (for example, within a radius of 1 km) from the user U (in other words, the communication terminal 200) from among the stores searched for as stores STi that rent out batteries 11 that are compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U, as a rental store. If there are multiple stores that meet the requirements for a rental store, the server 400 selects, for example, these multiple stores as rental stores.

If the location information of the received rental use request indicates the location of the point specified by user U, server 400 selects, from among the stores searched for as stores STi that rent out batteries 11 compatible with user U's suction device 100, a store located within a specified range (for example, within a radius of 1 km) from the point specified by user U as a rental store.

To go into more detail about an example of setting recommendation information, the server 400 first determines the number of times the user U smokes per day based on the usage history information of the received rental usage request. As an example, the server 400 determines from the usage history information how many times smoking has been performed using the inhalation device 100 on each day included in the most recent week, and determines the average of these values as the number of times the user U smokes per day.

Next, the server 400 derives the number of times the battery is charged per day based on the number of times the user U smokes per day. For example, in the inhalation device 100, it is assumed that the battery 11 will be in an empty state after 20 cigarettes have been smoked since the battery 11 was fully charged. It is also assumed that the user U smokes 20 times per day. In this case, if the battery 11 is charged once per day, the user U will be able to smoke the same number of cigarettes as the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Therefore, in this case, the server 400 derives the number of times the battery is charged per day as "1 time."

On the other hand, suppose that user U smokes 40 times per day. In this case, unless the battery 11 is charged twice a day, user U will not be able to smoke the number of times that he or she smokes per day. Therefore, in this case, the server 400 derives the number of times that the battery is charged per day to be "2 times."

After selecting the stores where rental items are available and setting the recommendation information in this manner, the server 400 transmits rental support information including information indicating the stores where rental items are available and the recommendation information to the communication terminal 200 of the user U (i.e., the source of the rental usage request), thereby presenting the rental support information to the user U (step S7).

The rental assistance information may also include information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 identified by the processing of step S6. In this way, the communication terminal 200 can present to the user U information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100. By presenting the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 to the user U, the user U can know the type of battery 11 that is compatible with his or her own suction device 100, which makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the user mistakenly borrows a battery 11 of a different type.

As an example, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 200 that has received the rental assistance information displays, for example, a rental store selection screen 1000 described later using FIG. 10 and a rental detailed setting screen 1100 described later using FIG. 11 on the UI unit 203, thereby presenting to the user U information indicating the stores where the battery can be rented, recommendation information, and information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U.

Then, the communication terminal 200 accepts the selection of the store STi (hereinafter also referred to as the "rental store") from which the user U wishes to rent the battery 11, and the detailed settings for the rental of the battery 11 by the user U, via, for example, the rental store selection screen 1000 and the rental detail setting screen 1100 (step S8). As an example, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 200 accepts the result of the selection of the rental store by the user U, the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U, and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U, through the processing of step S8.

Then, the communication terminal 200 transmits rental information regarding the rental of the battery 11 by the user U to the server 400 (step S9). The rental information can be, for example, information obtained as a result of the processing of step S8. As an example, in this embodiment, this rental information includes information indicating the rental store, the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U, and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. Here, the information indicating the rental period includes at least information indicating the end time of the rental period. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rental information also includes communication terminal identification information that can identify the individual communication terminal 200 of the user U.

The server 400 that has received the rental information identifies the rental store STi based on the rental information, and transmits the rental information to the store terminal 300_i of the store STi (step S10). This enables the server 400 to notify the store terminal 300_i installed in the rental store STi of the rental period and number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U, and the communication terminal identification information of the communication terminal 200 of the user U.

The store terminal 300_i that has received the rental information stores the rental information in the storage unit 305, and sets one of the batteries 11 housed in the battery housing unit 304 to prepare for rental (step S11). In the processing of step S11, the store terminal 300_i, for example, stores information based on the rental information in one of the batteries 11, and charges the one of the batteries 11 as necessary.

As an example, in this embodiment, the store terminal 300_i stores usage restriction information based on rental information in the memory unit 11a of one battery 11 through the process of step S11. Here, the usage restriction information can be, for example, information indicating the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. By storing such usage restriction information in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, the suction device 100 of the user U to which the battery 11 is attached can perform control taking into account the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

Then, the user U goes to the store STi, which is a rental store, and causes his/her own communication terminal 200 to communicate with the store terminal 300_i of the store STi, and causes the communication terminal 200 to transmit predetermined authentication information to the store terminal 300_i (step S12). Then, the store terminal 300_i, which has received the authentication information, performs authentication processing (step S13).

The authentication information may include, for example, communication terminal identification information. In this case, if the communication terminal identification information included in the rental information stored in the memory unit 305 matches the communication terminal identification information in the received authentication information, the store terminal 300_i determines that the authentication is successful and lends out the battery 11 (step S14). In the processing of step S14, the store terminal 300_i unlocks the door of the storage space that contains the battery 11 that has been set up for rental preparation in the processing of step S11, thereby lending out the battery 11.

In addition, the store terminal 300_i may, for example, before lending out the battery 11, present rental information to the user U via the UI unit 303 or the like, so that the user U can confirm the contents (for example, the rental period and the number of times the battery can be charged). Then, if an operation is received from the user U via the UI unit 303 or the like indicating that there are no errors in the contents, the battery 11 may be lent out.

On the other hand, if the communication terminal identification information included in the rental information stored in the storage unit 305 does not match the communication terminal identification information in the received authentication information, the store terminal 300_i determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the store terminal 300_i does not perform the process of step S14.

Only when the processing of step S14 has been performed can the user U remove the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i and attach it to the suction device 100. Then, when the battery 11 is attached, the suction device 100 performs a battery attachment process (step S15). The details of the battery attachment process will be described later, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

In addition, the store terminal 300_i transmits a payment request to the server 400 in response to the battery 11 being removed from the store terminal 300_i (i.e., in response to the battery 11 being lent to the user U) (step S16).

The server 400 that has received the payment request performs a payment process (step S17) to settle the rental fee according to the rental period and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U (in other words, to charge the rental fee to the user U). The rental fee is determined in advance by the service provider of the battery rental service (e.g., the manufacturer of the suction device 100), so that the longer the rental period and the more times the battery can be charged, the higher the rental fee.

As described above, the server 400 (e.g., the control unit 401) acquires the suction device identification information of the user U's suction device 100, identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 based on the suction device identification information, refers to the store information table 405b to search for a store STi that has a battery 11 of the type that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 available for rental, and presents information indicating the searched store STi to the user U. This makes it possible to guide the user U to the store STi that has a battery 11 of the type that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 available for rental, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

The server 400 may also acquire location information of the user U, and based on the location information, select a store STi located within a predetermined range of the user U from among stores STi that rent out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100, and present information indicating the selected store STi to the user U. In this way, the user U can be guided to a store STi that rents out batteries 11 of a type compatible with the user U's suction device 100 and is close to the user U in terms of distance, thereby helping the user U to use the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

As another example, the server 400 may obtain location information of a location specified by the user U, and based on the location information, select a store STi located within a predetermined range of the location specified by the user U from among stores STi that rent out batteries 11 of a type that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100, and present information indicating the selected store STi to the user U. In this way, the user U can be guided to a store STi that rents out batteries 11 of a type that is compatible with the user U's suction device 100 and is close in distance to the location desired by the user U, thereby supporting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

The server 400 also transmits rental information regarding the rental of the battery 11 by the user U to, for example, a store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected by the user U as a rental store. This enables the server 400 to cause the store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected by the user U to perform processing in preparation for lending the battery 11 to the user U.

More specifically, the rental information includes, for example, information indicating the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U. This enables the server 400 to notify the store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi, which is a rental store, of the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times the battery 11 can be charged.

Then, the server 400 transmits such rental information to a store terminal 300_i installed in the store STi selected by the user U, and stores the above-mentioned usage restriction information in the memory unit 11a of one of the batteries 11 that are being purchased at the store STi via the store terminal 300_i. This enables the suction device 100 of the user U equipped with a battery 11 that stores the usage restriction information to perform control that takes into account the rental period and number of times the battery 11 can be charged by the user U.

The server 400 may also present the user U with recommendation information regarding the rental of the battery 11 by the user U. In this way, the user U can be further encouraged to use the battery rental service.

As an example, the server 400 acquires usage history information of the suction device 100 of the user U, and presents recommendation information based on the usage history information to the user U. In this way, it becomes possible to present recommendation information to the user U that takes into account the usage tendency of the suction device 100 of the user U, which can further encourage the user U to use the battery rental service. Note that the recommendation information does not have to be based on the usage history information, and may be, for example, information predetermined by a service provider of the battery rental service (e.g., the manufacturer of the suction device 100).

Furthermore, when the battery 11 is lent to the user U, the server 400 may perform a settlement for the rental. In this way, it becomes possible to automatically charge the user U for the price associated with the rental of the battery 11 to the user U. When making the settlement, the server 400 may transmit information to the server of the card company of the user U's preregistered credit card, for example, that a transaction for a specified amount (rental amount) has taken place.

As an example, when the battery 11 is rented to the user U, the server 400 pays an amount according to the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times it can be charged as a settlement for the rental. In this way, it is possible to automatically charge the user U an appropriate amount (rental amount) that takes into account the rental period of the battery 11 by the user U and the number of times it can be charged.

The communication terminal 200 also acquires suction device identification information from the user U's suction device 100, transmits the suction device identification information to the server 400, receives from the server 400 information indicating a store STi that has a battery 11 of a type suitable for the user U's suction device 100 that has been searched for by the server 400 based on the suction device identification information, and presents the received information indicating the store STi to the user U. This makes it possible to guide the user U to the store STi that has a battery 11 of a type suitable for the user U's suction device 100 that is available for rental, thereby assisting the user U in using the battery rental service. This improves convenience for users U who wish to use the battery rental service.

[7. Example of rental store selection screen]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a rental store selection screen 1000 that the communication terminal 200 displays on the UI unit 203 after receiving the rental support information.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rental store selection screen 1000 includes, for example, a message 1010 indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U, a message 1020 prompting the user to select a rental store, and a map image 1030 showing a map of a specified area.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, a message such as "The battery that is suitable for your suction device is battery type a" is displayed as message 1010 indicating the type of battery 11 that is suitable for user U's suction device 100. This is because the type of battery 11 that is suitable for user U's suction device 100 was identified as "battery type a" by the process of step S6 shown in FIG. 9.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the map image 1030 shows a map within a predetermined range from the user U (in other words, the communication terminal 200). In the map image 1030, a current location icon 1031 is displayed at a location corresponding to the point where the user U is located.

In addition, on the map image 1030, rental store icons 1032 are displayed at locations corresponding to the location of each rental store. This causes the rental stores to be highlighted on the map image 1030, allowing the user U to intuitively and easily grasp the location of each rental store. The user U can then select a rental store, taking into consideration the positional relationship between the user U's location indicated by the current location icon 1031 and the location of the rental store indicated by each rental store icon 1032.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, "Store α" and "Store γ" are highlighted by the rental store icon 1032 as rental stores. In this case, user U can select "Store α" as a rental store, for example, by tapping the rental store icon 1032 corresponding to "Store α."

[8. Example of rental details setting screen]
11 is a diagram showing an example of a rental details setting screen 1100 that the communication terminal 200 that has received the rental support information displays on the UI unit 203. This rental details setting screen 1100 is displayed, for example, when any of the rental stores is selected as a rental store on the rental store selection screen 1000 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rental details setting screen 1100 includes, for example, a rental period setting field 1110 used to set the rental period, a chargeable number setting field 1120 used to set the number of chargeable times, and a decision button 1150 for confirming the rental period and the number of chargeable times set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the chargeable number setting field 1120.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the rental period setting field 1110 includes a "1 day" button 1111, a "3 days" button 1112, a "1 week" button 1113, and a rental start date/end date input button 1114.

In this case, user U can set the rental period to "1 day from today" by tapping the "1 day" button 1111, for example. In this case, the end time of the rental period (hereinafter also referred to as the "rental end time") will be, for example, 11:59:59 the next day. User U can also set the rental period to "3 days from today" by tapping the "3 days" button 1112. In this case, the rental end time will be, for example, 11:59:59 three days from today.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the "3rd" button 1112 has been tapped (i.e., selected), and is therefore highlighted in a different color from the other buttons to indicate that the button is selected.

Also, by tapping the rental start date/end date input button 1114 in the rental period setting field 1110, the user U can input any date as the rental start date and rental end date, and can set the desired rental period. In this case, for example, 23:59:59 on the entered rental end date becomes the rental end time.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the chargeable count setting field 1120 has a "1 time/day" button 1121, a "2 times/day" button 1122, and a "3 times/day" button 1123. Each of these buttons displays, for example, the chargeable count corresponding to the button selected in the rental period setting field 1110.

More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the "3 days" button 1112 is selected in the rental period setting field 1110, so the "1 time/day" button 1121 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "3 times," "2 times/day" button 1122 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "6 times," and "3 times/day" button 1122 displays the number of times the battery can be charged, such as "9 times."

In this case, for example, user U can set the number of times that charging is possible to "3 times" by tapping the "1 time/day" button 1121. User U can also set the number of times that charging is possible to "6 times" by tapping the "2 times/day" button 1122.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the "2 times/day" button 1122 has been tapped (i.e., selected), and so is highlighted in a different color from the other buttons to indicate that the button is selected.

Furthermore, the chargeable number of times setting field 1120 is further provided with, for example, a chargeable number of times input button 1124. By tapping, for example, the chargeable number of times input button 1124, user U can input any number as the chargeable number of times and set the desired chargeable number of times.

The rental details setting screen 1100 also displays, for example, a recommendation 1130 based on recommendation information included in the rental support information. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11, a message such as "We recommend that you set the number of times that the device can be charged to 2 times per day" is displayed as the recommendation 1130. This is because the number of times that the user U charges the device per day is derived to be "2 times" by the process of step S6 shown in FIG. 9. By presenting the user U with such a recommendation 1130 that matches the user U's tendency to use the suction device 100, the user U can easily set the number of times that the device can be charged that matches his or her own tendency to use the device, thereby improving the convenience of the user U.

When user U taps the decision button 1150 on the rental details setting screen 1100, rental information including information indicating the rental period and the number of times that charging is possible, which were set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the number of times that charging is possible setting field 1120, is sent from the communication terminal 200 to the server 400 (see step S9 shown in FIG. 9).

Furthermore, the rental details setting screen 1100 may be provided with a rental amount display field 1140 as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, the rental amount display field 1140 displays, for example, the rental amount according to the rental period and the number of times that charging can be performed set using the rental period setting field 1110 and the number of times that charging can be performed setting field 1120. By providing such a rental amount display field 1140, the user U can immediately grasp the rental amount, improving the convenience for the user U.

[9. Operational Example of Suction Device]
Next, an example of the operation of the suction device 100 will be described.

<9-1. Battery installation process>
12 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery attachment process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. A trigger that is a condition for the control unit 116 to perform this battery attachment process can be, for example, the attachment of the battery 11 to the suction device 100. In other words, the control unit 116 performs this battery attachment process in response to, for example, detecting the attachment of the battery 11 to the suction device 100.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the battery attachment process, the control unit 116, for example, first determines the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 (step S21). A specific example of a method for determining the type of the attached battery 11 will be described later, so the description will be omitted here.

Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100 based on the determination result obtained by the processing of step S21 (step S22). For example, the memory unit 114 of the suction device 100 stores information indicating the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the device in advance. In the processing of step S22, the control unit 116 refers to the information stored in the memory unit 114 to determine whether the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100.

If the control unit 116 determines that the attached battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100 (step S22: YES), it checks the condition of the attached battery 11 (step S23) and, based on the check result, determines whether the condition of the battery 11 satisfies a predetermined condition (step S24).

As an example, the control unit 116 checks the remaining charge (e.g., SOC (State Of Charge)) of the battery 11 in the process of step S23, and determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of step S24. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to the user U, it becomes possible to execute the process of step S27 described below, etc., and to prompt the user U to take appropriate action.

As another example, the control unit 116 may check the state of health (e.g., SOH (State of Health)) of the battery 11 in the process of step S23, and determine whether the state of health of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of step S24. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 with a low state of health is lent to the user U, it becomes possible to execute the process of step S27 described below, etc., and to prompt the user U to take appropriate action.

When the control unit 116 determines that the state of the battery 11 satisfies the predetermined condition (step S24: YES), it acquires the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the attached battery 11, stores the usage restriction information in the memory unit 114 of the suction device 100 (step S25), and ends the battery attachment process. If the control unit 116 can directly access the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, in the process of step S25, the control unit 116 can directly access the memory unit 11a to acquire the usage restriction information. As another example, the control unit 116 may acquire the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 via another IC (e.g. a battery IC) that can access the memory unit 11a.

If the control unit 116 determines that the attached battery 11 is not compatible with the suction device 100 (step S22: NO), it prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 and the battery 11 from supplying power to the heating unit 121 (in other words, the generation of aerosol by the suction device 100) (step S26).

Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user U via the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 to remove and return the attached battery 11 (step S27), and ends the battery attachment process. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U to return the battery 11 by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting manner (e.g., blinking red). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U to return the battery 11 by causing a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "There is a problem with the battery. Please remove it immediately and return it") to be displayed on the display device included in the notification unit 113.

In addition, if the control unit 116 determines that the state of the attached battery 11 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, in other words, for example, that the remaining charge or health of the battery 11 is below a threshold (step S24: NO), it also performs the processes of steps S26 and S27 described above and ends the battery attachment process.

As described above, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 acquires the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11. This makes it possible to control the operation of the suction device 100 based on the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 thereafter. Therefore, even if the battery 11 is replaced in a suction device 100 configured to allow the battery 11 to be detached, it is possible to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery 11 in the suction device 100.

In addition, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may determine whether the battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100, and if it determines that the battery 11 is not compatible with the suction device 100, may issue a predetermined notification via the notification unit 113. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 that is not compatible with the suction device 100 is lent to the user U, the user U can be prompted to take appropriate action.

As an example, if the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is not compatible with the suction device 100, the control unit 116 issues a notification urging the user to return the battery 11. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 that is not compatible with the suction device 100 is lent to the user U, the control unit 116 can urge the user U to return the battery 11.

In addition, for example, when the battery 11 is attached to the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and if it determines that the remaining charge of the battery 11 is less than the predetermined value, may issue a predetermined notification via the notification unit 113. In this way, in the unlikely event that a battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to the user U, the user U can be prompted to take appropriate action.

As an example, if the remaining charge of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may issue a notification urging the user to return the battery 11. In this way, if a battery 11 with a low remaining charge is lent to a user U, the user U can be urged to return the battery 11. Similarly, if the health level of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may issue a notification urging the user to return the battery 11. In this way, if a battery 11 with a low health level is lent to a user U, the user U can be urged to return the battery 11.

In addition, when the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is returned because the battery 11 is not compatible with the suction device 100 or the state of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 may perform processing to invalidate the payment made when the battery 11 was rented out. As an example, in this case, the control unit 116 may transmit a payment invalidation request from the suction device 100 to the server 400 via the communication terminal 200 or the store terminal 300_i to invalidate the payment made when the battery 11 was rented out.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is not compatible with the suction device 100, charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100 and supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 are prohibited. This prevents the suction device 100 from charging or discharging the incompatible battery 11, improving safety.

Furthermore, the control unit 116 may not only acquire the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, but may also store specified information in the memory unit 11a.

More specifically, the control unit 116 may, for example, store information indicating the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As an example, in this case, information indicating the number of times the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has been charged and discharged in the suction device 100 may be stored as information indicating the usage history. In this way, when the battery 11 is returned, the store terminal 300 can refer to the information stored in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, and if the accumulated number of times the battery 11 has been charged or discharged reaches a predetermined number, perform processing such as not allowing the battery 11 to be rented out in the future.

In other words, the control unit 116 stores information indicating the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 in the memory unit 11a of the battery 11, thereby enabling other computers that can access the memory unit 11a to understand the usage history of the battery 11 in the suction device 100 and perform processing based on the usage history.

<9-2. First example of method for determining the type of installed battery>
Next, a method for determining the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 will be described. Below, a first example and a second example of the method for determining the type of the attached battery 11 will be specifically described, but the method is not limited to these, and other methods may be used to determine the type of the attached battery 11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a method for determining the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the battery 11 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. The internal resistance r [Ω] may differ depending on the type of battery 11. Therefore, by obtaining the value of the internal resistance r [Ω] of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, it is possible to determine the type of the battery 11.

In this example, the terminal voltage and the current flowing between the terminals of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 are measured by the sensor unit 112 or the like, the internal resistance r [Ω] is derived based on the measured terminal voltage value and current value, and the type of the battery 11 is determined based on the derived internal resistance r [Ω].

More specifically, in FIG. 13, if the terminal voltage of the battery 11 is V [V] and the current flowing between the terminals of the battery 11 is I [A], the following formula (1) is established.
E[V]=r[Ω]・I[A]+V[V]...(1)

Transforming equation (1) gives the following equation (2).
V[V]=E[V]-r[Ω]・I[A]...(2)

The electromotive force E [V] of the battery 11 can be obtained by measuring the terminal voltage V [V] with the current I [A] set to zero. That is, the electromotive force E [V] of the battery 11 can be obtained by measuring the terminal voltage V [V] when the circuit is open. The internal resistance r [Ω] of the battery 11 can be obtained by substituting the terminal voltage V [V] and current I [A] obtained by measurement into equation (2). In this example, the memory unit 114 stores information indicating the internal resistance r [Ω] of each type of battery 11 in advance. The control unit 116 refers to the information stored in the memory unit 114 and derives the type of battery 11 corresponding to the obtained value of internal resistance r [Ω] as the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100.

As described above, the control unit 116 determines whether the battery 11 is compatible with the suction device 100, for example, based on the terminal voltage of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. More specifically, the control unit 116 calculates the internal resistance r of the battery 11, for example, based on the terminal voltage of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100, and determines the type of the battery 11 based on the internal resistance r. This makes it possible to determine the type of the battery 11 at low cost and simply, without the need to provide the suction device 100 with a separate component or the like that is used only to determine the type of the battery 11.

<9-3. Second example of method for determining type of installed battery>
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for determining the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. As shown in Fig. 14, in this example, the battery 11 is provided with an identification resistor R2 having an electric resistance value according to the type of the battery 11.

As shown in FIG. 14, the battery 11 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. Furthermore, the battery 11 is provided with an identification resistor R2 having a different electrical resistance value for each type of battery 11, and the voltage drop across this identification resistor R2 causes the potential difference across the identification resistor R2 to be an identification voltage V2 [V] (where identification voltage V2 < terminal voltage V). In other words, the identification voltage V2 [V] has a different value for each type of battery 11.

In this example, the value of the identification voltage V2 [V] of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 is measured by the sensor unit 112 or the like, and the type of the battery 11 is determined based on the measured identification voltage V2. More specifically, in this example, the memory unit 114 stores in advance information indicating the value of the identification voltage V2 [V] for each type of battery 11. The control unit 116 then refers to the information stored in the memory unit 114 and derives the type of battery 11 corresponding to the measured value of the identification voltage V2 [V] as the type of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100. This makes it possible to determine the type of battery 11 at low cost and simply, without the need to provide the suction device 100 with a separate component or the like used only for determining the type of battery 11.

<9-4. Other examples of methods for determining the type of installed battery>
As another example, the battery 11 may be provided with an identification member having an identifier for identifying the type of the battery 11. As this identifier (in other words, the identification member), for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code determined for each type of battery 11, or an IC tag or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag in which information capable of identifying the type of the battery 11 is written can be used. In this case, the suction device 100 may be provided with a sensor or the like for reading the identifier of the attached battery 11, and the control unit 116 may determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the identifier read by the sensor.

As yet another example, the user U may input information indicating the type of battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 into the communication terminal 200, the communication terminal 200 may transmit this information to the suction device 100, and the control unit 116 may determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the information that the suction device 100 receives from the communication terminal 200. The control unit 116 may also determine the type of the attached battery 11 based on the information indicating the type of battery 11 that the user U input to the suction device 100.

<9-5. Processing when connecting to external power supply>
15 is a flowchart showing an example of the process when an external power source is connected, which is performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. The trigger that is the condition for the control unit 116 to perform this process when an external power source is connected can be, for example, the connection of the suction device 100 to the external power source. In other words, the control unit 116 performs this process when an external power source is connected, for example, in response to detecting the connection of the suction device 100 to the external power source.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the process when an external power source is connected, the control unit 116, for example, first determines whether the number of times the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has been charged in the suction device 100 is less than the number of times it can be charged indicated by the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 114 (step S31).

If the control unit 116 determines that the number of charges is less than the number of times that the battery can be charged (step S31: YES), the control unit 116 permits the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11 using the power received from the external power source (step S32). As a result, for example, if the battery 11 is not fully charged, charging of the battery 11 will begin.

Then, the control unit 116 waits for charging of the battery 11 to start (step S33: NO loop), and when charging of the battery 11 starts (step S33: YES), it increments the number of times charging has been performed (step S34) and ends the process when an external power source is connected. Note that information indicating the number of times charging has been performed counted by the control unit 116 is stored in the memory unit 114, for example.

Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the number of charges is not less than the number of possible charges, i.e., that the number of charges has reached the number of possible charges (step S31: NO), it prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 (step S35). In other words, in this case, the control unit 116 does not permit the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11. As a result, in this case, charging of the battery 11 is not performed.

Next, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the number of times the battery has been charged has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged via the notification unit 113 (step S36), and ends the process when connected to an external power source. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the number of times the battery has been charged has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged by making the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 emit light in a predetermined light-emitting manner (e.g., a predetermined light-emitting color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of times the battery has been charged has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged by making the display device included in the notification unit 113 display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The number of times the battery has been charged has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged"). As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of times the battery has been charged has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged by making the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 vibrate in a predetermined vibration manner (e.g., a predetermined vibration pattern).

As described above, the control unit 116 controls the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100 based on, for example, the number of times that the battery 11 can be charged indicated by the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 and the number of times that the battery 11 has been charged in the suction device 100. This makes it possible to appropriately control the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100, taking into account the number of times that the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 can be charged.

More specifically, for example, if the number of times the battery 11 has been charged has not reached the number of times it can be charged, the control unit 116 allows the suction device 100 to charge the battery 11. As a result, in the suction device 100 to which the battery 11 that has not been charged yet is attached, the user U can charge the battery 11 as necessary. On the other hand, if the number of times it has been charged has reached the number of times it can be charged, the control unit 116 prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11. This makes it possible to prevent the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 that exceeds the number of times it can be charged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the battery 11 that has been charged yet reaches the number of times it can be charged from being used in the suction device 100 for a long time, and to encourage the replacement of the battery 11 that has been charged yet reaches the number of times it can be charged. In particular, if the battery 11 has been lent to the user U as in this embodiment, it is possible to encourage the user U to promptly return the battery 11 that has been charged yet reaches the number of times it can be charged.

In addition, if the number of times the battery has been charged has not reached the maximum number of times it can be charged, the control unit 116 may start charging the battery 11 with power received from the external power source in response to the suction device 100 being connected to the external power source. This allows the battery 11, which has not been charged the maximum number of times it can be charged, to be charged simply by connecting the suction device 100 to the external power source, improving convenience for the user U compared to a case in which other operations are required in addition to connection to the external power source.

In addition, when the number of times the battery has been charged reaches the maximum number of times that it can be charged, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the number of times that the battery has been charged has reached the maximum number of times that it can be charged, via the notification unit 113. In this way, when the battery 11 is not charged because the number of times that the battery has been charged has reached the maximum number of times that it can be charged, the user U can understand the reason, and it is possible to prevent the user U from mistakenly thinking that the suction device 100 has broken down. In addition, as in this embodiment, if the battery 11 has been lent to the user U, by notifying the user U that the number of times that the battery has been charged has reached the maximum number of times that it can be charged, it is possible to encourage the user U to quickly return the battery 11 that has reached the maximum number of times that it can be charged.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the number of charges reaches the maximum number of charges possible, the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 is not prohibited. Therefore, even after the number of charges reaches the maximum number of charges possible, if it is within the rental period and there is power remaining in the battery 11, the user U can use the suction device 100 and can, for example, cause the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol.

<9-6. Rental Period Notification Processing>
16 is a flowchart showing an example of a rental period notification process performed by the control unit 116 of the suction device 100. The trigger that serves as a condition for the control unit 116 to perform this rental period notification process is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, detection of a predetermined operation on the suction device 100. Here, the predetermined operation can be, for example, an operation by the user U to use the suction device 100, more specifically, an operation to cause the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol.

As one example, the above-mentioned predetermined operation can be an operation that is a condition for starting heating by the heating unit 121. As another example, the above-mentioned predetermined operation can be an operation that is assumed to cause the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be inserted into the storage unit 140, more specifically, an operation of opening a lid that opens and closes the opening 142. Note that the operation of opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142 can be detected, for example, by a sensor (for example, a motion sensor or a Hall sensor) provided on the lid or on the case that constitutes the outer shell of the suction device 100.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the rental period notification process, the control unit 116, for example, first determines whether the rental period has been exceeded (step S41). In the process of step S41, the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has been exceeded if the current time obtained by the RTC or the like possessed by the control unit 116 is later than the rental end time of the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information stored in the memory unit 114. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has not been exceeded if the current time is earlier than the rental end time.

If the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has expired (step S41: YES), it prohibits the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11 and from supplying power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 (step S42).

Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the rental period has expired via the notification unit 113 (step S43), and ends the rental period notification process. As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the rental period has expired by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined first light-emitting mode (e.g., blinking red). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the rental period has expired by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The rental period has expired")

On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has not expired (step S41: NO), it calculates the remaining period, which is the period remaining from the current time to the rental end time (step S44).

Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the remaining period calculated by the processing of step S44 is equal to or greater than a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours) (step S45). This predetermined period can be determined arbitrarily by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

If the control unit 116 determines that the remaining period is equal to or greater than the predetermined period (step S45: YES), it notifies the user U that the remaining period is equal to or greater than the predetermined period via the notification unit 113 (step S46), and ends the rental period notification process.

As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the remaining period is longer than a predetermined period by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined second light-emitting mode (e.g., blue light emission color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is longer than a predetermined period by causing a display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The remaining period is longer than 24 hours"). As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is longer than a predetermined period by causing a vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in a first vibration mode or not vibrate at all.

If the control unit 116 determines that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period (step S45: NO), it notifies the user U via the notification unit 113 that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period (step S47), and ends the rental period notification process.

As one example, the control unit 116 notifies the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined third light-emitting mode (e.g., a yellow light-emitting color). As another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the display device included in the notification unit 113 to display a predetermined message (e.g., a message such as "The remaining period is less than 24 hours"). As yet another example, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by causing the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in the second vibration mode.

In the example described here, when the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has expired, it prohibits not only the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121 but also the charging of the battery 11 by the suction device 100, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the control unit 116 determines that the rental period has expired, it may prohibit only the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121.

As described above, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on, for example, whether the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information acquired from the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has been exceeded. This makes it possible to appropriately control the operation of the suction device 100, taking into account the rental period set for the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100.

More specifically, for example, if the rental period has not expired, the control unit 116 permits the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121. This allows the user U to inhale aerosols using the suction device 100 equipped with a battery 11 that has not expired. On the other hand, if the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 prohibits the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to prevent the suction device 100 equipped with a battery 11 that has expired from being used for the purpose of inhaling aerosols. This makes it possible to encourage the prompt return of a battery 11 that has expired from the rental period.

Furthermore, when the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 may also prohibit the suction device 100 from charging the battery 11. In this way, if the battery 11 runs out of power after the rental period has expired, it becomes difficult to use the suction device 100 for purposes other than inhaling aerosols. This makes it possible to further prevent the use of the suction device 100 equipped with a battery 11 that has expired, and to encourage the prompt return of the battery 11 that has expired.

Furthermore, if the rental period has expired, the control unit 116 may notify the user U of the expiration of the rental period via the notification unit 113. In this way, it is possible to notify the user U of the expiration of the rental period and encourage the user U to promptly return the battery 11 that has expired.

Also, if the rental period has not expired, the control unit 116 may notify the user U of the remaining rental period via the notification unit 113. In this way, the user U can be informed of the remaining rental period, improving convenience. As an example, if the remaining period is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, the control unit 116 may notify the user U that the remaining period is equal to or greater than the predetermined period by issuing a first notification, and if the remaining period is less than the predetermined period, may notify the user U that the remaining period is less than the predetermined period by issuing a second notification different from the first notification.

Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

The control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program (control program) on a computer. This control program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium, for example, and is executed by reading it from the storage medium. This control program may also be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium such as a flash memory, or provided via a network NET such as the Internet.

In addition, in this embodiment, the computer that executes the above control program is the server 400 (e.g., the CPU that constitutes the control unit 401), but this is not limited to this. For example, the computer that executes the control program may be the store terminal 300_i. In other words, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the information processing device disclosed herein is realized by the server 400, but the information processing device may also be realized by the store terminal 300_i.

More specifically, user U, for example, goes to any store STi, communicates between his/her own communication terminal 200 and the store terminal 300_i of the store STi, and transmits a rental use request from the communication terminal 200 to the store terminal 300_i. The store terminal 300_i that receives the rental use request functions as an information processing device of the present disclosure, and, for example, identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with user U's suction device 100. Then, if a battery 11 that is compatible with user U's suction device 100 is stored in the battery storage section 304 of the store terminal 300_i, for example, via the UI section 303, etc., presents to user U that a battery 11 that is compatible with user U's suction device 100 is available for rental at the store terminal 300_i (i.e., the store STi in which the store STi is installed). On the other hand, if the battery 11 compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is not accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 304 of the device, the store terminal 300_i presents to the user U, for example, via the UI unit 303, information indicating rental stores that are located near the store STi where the device is installed.

As another example, the user U may go to, for example, any store STi, communicate with the store terminal 300_i of the store STi, and transmit suction device identification information from the suction device 100 to the store terminal 300_i. In this case, the store terminal 300_i that receives the suction device identification information functions as an information processing device of the present disclosure, and, for example, identifies the type of battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U. Then, if a battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is stored in the battery storage section 304 of the store terminal 300_i, for example, via the UI section 303, etc., the store terminal 300_i presents to the user U that a battery 11 that is compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is available for rental at the store terminal (i.e., the store STi in which the store STi is installed). On the other hand, if the battery 11 compatible with the suction device 100 of the user U is not accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 304 of the device, the store terminal 300_i presents to the user U, for example, via the UI unit 303, information indicating rental stores that are located near the store STi where the device is installed.

Furthermore, as another example, the user U may operate the UI unit 303 of the store terminal 300_i of the store STi he or she visits to input various information required to borrow the battery 11 into the store terminal 300_i, thereby being able to receive the loan of the battery 11 from the store terminal 300_i.

Furthermore, when the rental period of the attached battery 11 has expired, the suction device 100 may notify the communication terminal 200 of this fact. Then, when the rental period of the battery 11 attached to the suction device 100 has expired, that is, when the battery 11 has not been returned even after the rental end time has passed, the communication terminal 200 may send a payment request for the late fee to the server 400. In this case, the server 400 that receives the payment request for the late fee may, for example, settle the late fee according to the period by which the rental period of the battery 11 has expired (the so-called "late period").

Furthermore, the communication terminal 200 may request the server 400 to extend the rental period and make a payment for the extension based on the input of the user U. Then, when the rental period is extended, the communication terminal 200 may transmit new usage restriction information including information about the extended rental period to the suction device 100, and the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may thereafter control the operation of the suction device 100 based on this new usage restriction information.

This specification describes at least the following items. Note that the corresponding components in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown in parentheses, but are not limited to these.

(1) An aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) configured to be detachable from a battery (battery 11, power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) and generating aerosol using the power of the attached battery,
A control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) is provided that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (1), in an aerosol generating device with a replaceable battery, even if the battery is replaced, it is possible to appropriately control the charging and discharging of the replaced battery.

(2) The aerosol generating device according to (1),
The aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery,
the usage restriction information includes information indicating the number of times the battery can be charged in the aerosol generation device,
The control unit controls charging of the battery by the aerosol generation device based on the number of times that the battery can be charged, which is indicated by the usage restriction information, and the number of times that the battery has been charged in the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (2), it is possible to appropriately control the charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device, taking into account the number of times the battery can be charged.

(3) The aerosol generating device according to (2),
The control unit is
When the number of times of charging has not reached the number of times that the battery can be charged, the aerosol generating device is permitted to charge the battery;
When the number of times of charging reaches the number of times that the battery can be charged, charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device is prohibited.
Aerosol generating device.

(3) makes it possible to prevent the aerosol generating device from charging the battery more than the number of times it can be charged.

(4) The aerosol generating device according to (2) or (3),
When the number of times of charging has not reached the number of times that the battery can be charged, the control unit starts charging the battery with power received from an external power source in response to the aerosol generating device being connected to the external power source.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (4), for batteries that have not yet reached the maximum number of charges, they can be charged simply by connecting the aerosol generating device to an external power source, which improves user convenience compared to a case where other operations are required in addition to connecting to an external power source.

(5) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (4),
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying a user of information,
When the number of times of charging reaches the number of times that the battery can be charged, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the number of times of charging has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (5), when the battery is not charged because the number of charges has reached the maximum number of charges possible, the user can understand the reason, which makes it possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the aerosol generating device has broken down.

(6) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5),
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
the usage restriction information includes information indicating a rental period of the battery,
The control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on whether the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information has elapsed.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (6), it is possible to appropriately control the operation of the aerosol generating device by taking into account the rental period set for the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.

(7) The aerosol generating device according to (6),
The control unit is
permitting the aerosol generation device to generate aerosol if the rental period has not expired;
If the rental period has expired, the aerosol generation device is prohibited from generating aerosol.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (7), it is possible to prevent an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery 11 whose rental period has expired from being used for the purpose of inhaling aerosols. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the prompt return of a battery whose rental period has expired.

(8) The aerosol generating device according to (6),
The aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery,
The control unit further prohibits the aerosol generating device from charging the battery when the rental period has elapsed.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (8), if the battery runs out of power after the rental period has expired, it becomes difficult to use the aerosol generating device for purposes other than inhaling aerosols. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the use of an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery that has exceeded the rental period, and to encourage the prompt return of batteries that have exceeded the rental period.

(9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (6) to (8),
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying a user of information,
When the rental period has expired, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the rental period has expired.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (9), it is possible to notify the user that the rental period has expired and encourage the user to promptly return the battery that has expired.

(10) The aerosol generating device according to (9),
the control unit notifies the user of the remaining period of the rental period via the notification unit when the rental period has not expired.
Aerosol generating device.

(10) allows the user to be informed of the remaining rental period, improving convenience.

(11) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10),
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
The control unit further
When the battery is attached to the aerosol generation device, it is determined whether or not the remaining charge of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
When it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the predetermined value, a predetermined notification is given via the notification unit.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (11), in the unlikely event that a battery with low remaining power is lent to a user, the user can be prompted to take appropriate action.

(12) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (11),
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
The control unit further includes:
When the battery is attached to the aerosol generation device, determining whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generation device;
When it is determined that the battery is not compatible with the aerosol generating device, a predetermined notification is given via the notification unit.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (12), in the unlikely event that a battery that is not compatible with the user's aerosol generating device is loaned to the user, the user can be prompted to take appropriate action.

(13) The aerosol generating device according to (12),
The control unit determines whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generation device based on a terminal voltage of the battery attached to the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (13), there is no need to provide a separate component or the like in the aerosol generating device that is used solely for determining the type of battery, making it possible to determine the type of battery at low cost and simply.

(14) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13),
The control unit stores information indicating a usage history of the battery in the aerosol generation device in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (14), it is possible for another computer that can access the battery's memory unit to understand the usage history of the battery in the device and perform processing based on the usage history.

10 Battery rental support system 11 Battery 100, 100A, 100B Suction device (aerosol generating device)
113, 113A, 113B Notification section 116, 116A, 116B Control section

Claims (14)

An aerosol generating device configured to have a detachable battery and generating aerosol using power from the attached battery,
A control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on usage restriction information stored in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generating device.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 ,
The aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery,
the usage restriction information includes information indicating the number of times the battery can be charged in the aerosol generation device,
The control unit controls charging of the battery by the aerosol generation device based on the number of times that the battery can be charged, which is indicated by the usage restriction information, and the number of times that the battery has been charged in the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2,
The control unit is
When the number of times of charging has not reached the number of times that the battery can be charged, the aerosol generating device is permitted to charge the battery;
When the number of times of charging reaches the number of times that the battery can be charged, charging of the battery by the aerosol generating device is prohibited.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3,
When the number of times of charging has not reached the number of times that the battery can be charged, the control unit starts charging the battery with power received from an external power source in response to the aerosol generating device being connected to the external power source.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
When the number of times of charging reaches the number of times that the battery can be charged, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the number of times of charging has reached the number of times that the battery can be charged.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
the usage restriction information includes information indicating a rental period of the battery,
The control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating device based on whether the rental period indicated by the usage restriction information has elapsed.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6,
The control unit is
permitting the aerosol generation device to generate aerosol if the rental period has not expired;
If the rental period has expired, the aerosol generation device is prohibited from generating aerosol.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6,
The aerosol generating device is configured to be able to charge the attached battery,
The control unit further prohibits the aerosol generating device from charging the battery when the rental period has elapsed.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
When the rental period has expired, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the rental period has expired.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9,
When the rental period has not expired, the control unit notifies the user of the remaining period of the rental period via the notification unit.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
The control unit further includes:
When the battery is attached to the aerosol generation device, it is determined whether or not the remaining charge of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
When it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the predetermined value, a predetermined notification is given via the notification unit.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The aerosol generating device is capable of detachably mounting the battery rented to a user by a battery rental service,
The aerosol generating device further includes a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information,
The control unit further includes:
When the battery is attached to the aerosol generation device, determining whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generation device;
When it is determined that the battery is not compatible with the aerosol generating device, a predetermined notification is given via the notification unit.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12,
The control unit determines whether the battery is compatible with the aerosol generation device based on a terminal voltage of the battery attached to the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The control unit stores information indicating a usage history of the battery in the aerosol generation device in a memory unit of the battery attached to the aerosol generation device.
Aerosol generating device.

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