TERMINAL DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, an information processing method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by a user, such as e-cigarettes and nebulizers, are in widespread use. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate including a flavor source or the like for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, to generate an aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted, generated by the inhalation device. The action by which the user inhales the aerosol is also referred to below as “puffing” or a “puffing action”.

[0003]Preferences for the flavor tasted during puffing vary for each user. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which directly affects the taste, can therefore preferably be customized by the user. PTL 1 below discloses technology with which a user customizes the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

[0005]However, the technology according to PTL 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various aspects.

[0006]The present disclosure therefore takes account of the problems above, and the objective of the present disclosure lies in providing a system which enables easier adjustment of the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated.

Solution to Problem

[0007]In order to solve the problems above, one aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device comprising a control unit for controlling customization processing including: setting a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings by dividing a period in which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol on the basis of control information defining a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; receiving settings for evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods; and setting, in the inhalation device, control information which has been modified on the basis of the evaluation that has been set.

[0008]The the control unit may set, in the inhalation device, control information in which the parameter corresponding to an evaluation period has been modified on the basis of the evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user in that evaluation period.

[0009]The control unit may set the plurality of evaluation periods for each of a plurality of evaluation items, and may receive settings for evaluation according to each of the evaluation items for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods set for each of the plurality of evaluation items.

[0010]The control unit may set evaluation periods to include one puff timing.

[0011]The control unit may set the evaluation periods on the basis of time elapsed from the start of heating or number of puff timings.

[0012]The control unit may set the evaluation periods on the basis of a user instruction.

[0013]The control unit may make the evaluation periods which were set in the previous customization processing and the evaluation periods to be set in the subsequent customization processing different from each other.

[0014]The control unit may set the evaluation periods in the subsequent customization processing on the basis of the evaluations set in the previous customization processing.

[0015]The control unit may consolidate a plurality of consecutive evaluation periods in which a good evaluation was set into one evaluation period.

[0016]The control unit may divide one evaluation period in which a poor evaluation was set into a plurality of evaluation periods.

[0017]Furthermore, in order to solve the problems above, another aspect of the present invention provides an information processing method implemented by means of a computer, the information processing method comprising controlling customization processing which includes: setting a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings by dividing a period in which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol on the basis of control information defining a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; receiving settings for evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods; and setting, in the inhalation device, control information which has been modified on the basis of the evaluation that has been set.

[0018]Furthermore, in order to solve the problems above, another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to function as a control unit for controlling customization processing including: setting a plurality of evaluation periods including a plurality of puff timings by dividing a period in which an inhalation device heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol on the basis of control information defining a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; receiving settings for evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by a user in each of the plurality of evaluation periods; and setting, in the inhalation device, control information which has been modified on the basis of the evaluation that has been set.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0019]The present disclosure as described above provides a system which enables easier adjustment of the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of a system according to the embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to the embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a diagram to illustrate an example of an evaluation setting screen.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a diagram to illustrate an example of the evaluation setting screen.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a diagram to illustrate an example of the evaluation setting screen.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of a customization processing flow implemented by the system according to the embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a diagram to illustrate an example of the evaluation setting screen.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030]Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numbers in the description and drawings to avoid giving a duplicate description.

[0031]In this description and the drawings, elements having substantially identical functional configurations may also be distinguished by using the same reference sign followed by a different letter of the alphabet. For example, a plurality of elements having a substantially identical functional configuration are distinguished as an inhalation device 100A and an inhalation device 100B as necessary. However, if there is no need to specifically distinguish between each of the plurality of elements having a substantially identical functional configuration, only the same code is assigned. For example, if it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B, then the inhalation device is merely referred as the inhalation device 100.

1. Configuration Example

[0032]FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of a system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of inhalation devices 100 (100A and 100B), a plurality of terminals (200A and 200B), and a server 300.

[0033]The inhalation device 100 is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 will be described as being an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol-generating device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 can accommodate a stick-type substrate 150. The inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by using the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated therein. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to generation of an aerosol. The stick-type substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated therein.

[0034]The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the inhalation device 100. The terminal device 200 is associated with the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or the fact that the user of the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device 200 is the same may be registered in the server 300 in advance. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a personal computer (PC). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger for charging the inhalation device 100.

[0035]The server 300 is a control device for managing information relating to each device included in the system 1. The server 300 is connected to the terminal device 200 via a network 900. In particular, the server 300 indirectly communicates with the inhalation device 100 via the terminal device 200. The server 300 may perform various processing on the basis of information collected from the inhalation device 100 via the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the server 300 may perform various processing on the basis of user operations performed on the terminal device 200.

[0036]The system 1 includes a plurality of the inhalation devices 100 and a plurality of the terminal devices 200 used by a plurality of users. As an example, a user who uses the inhalation device 100A and the terminal device 200A is also referred to as user A. A user who uses the inhalation device 100B and the terminal device 200B is also referred to as user B.

(1) Configuration Example of Inhalation Device

[0037]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an inhalation device 100 according to the present configuration example comprises a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.

[0038]The power source unit 111 stores electrical power. The power source unit 111 then supplies the electrical power to each component of the inhalation device 100 in accordance with control performed by the control unit 116. The power source unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0039]The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a capacitor microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for receiving input of information from the user.

[0040]The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device which emits light, a display device which displays images, a sound output device which outputs sound, or a vibration device which vibrates, etc., for example.

[0041]The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0042]The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that may be used include standards that employ Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), for example.

[0043]The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.

[0044]The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 allowing the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body comprising the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path, is disposed in a side surface of the inhalation device 100, for example. An air outflow hole serving as an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141 is disposed in the bottom portion 143, for example.

[0045]The stick-type substrate 150 comprises a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source comprises a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. In a state in which the stick-type substrate 150 is being held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via the air flow path, which is not illustrated in the drawings, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0046]The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 121 has a film-like form and is arranged so as to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of electricity may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.

[0047]The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured by a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material, etc.

[0048]A configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.

[0049]As one example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged so as to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In that case, the blade-like heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more from among a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0050]As another example, the accommodating portion 140 may comprise an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge for opening/closing part of a casing that forms the internal space 141. By opening/closing the casing, the accommodating portion 140 may then receive and grip the stick-type substrate 150 which has been inserted into the internal space 141. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be provided on the part of the accommodating portion 140 gripping the stick-type substrate 150, and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing same.

[0051]Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the inhalation device 100 comprises at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor which generates heat by means of induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100, or may be contained in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0052]It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 collaborates with the stick-type substrate 150 to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. As such, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol-generating system.

(2) Configuration Example of Terminal Device

[0053]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a memory unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0054]The input unit 210 has the function of receiving input of various types of information. Furthermore, the sensor unit 210 may comprise an input device for receiving input of information from the user. Examples of input devices that may be cited include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone, etc. Additionally, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0055]The output unit 220 has the function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of output devices that may be cited include: a display device for displaying information, a light-emitting device for emitting light, a vibration device which vibrates, and a sound output device for outputting sound, etc. A display is an example of the display device. A light-emitting diode (LED) is an example of the light-emitting device. An eccentric motor is an example of the vibration device. A speaker is an example of the sound output device. The output unit 220 outputs information input from the control unit 260 to notify the user of the information.

[0056]The detection unit 230 has the function of detecting information relating to the terminal device 200. The detection unit 230 may detect location information of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) signal from a GNSS satellite (e.g., a GPS signal from a GPS (global positioning system) satellite), and detects location information comprising the longitude and latitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect movement of the terminal device 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor, and detects an angular velocity and an acceleration.

[0057]The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and another device. The communication unit 240 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards which may be used include standards employing USB (universal serial bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (near field communication), or LPWA (low-power wide area), etc.

[0058]The memory unit 250 stores various types of information. The memory unit 250 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0059]The control unit 260 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device, controlling overall operation within the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by a CPU (central processing unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs and computation parameters, etc. which are used, and a RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing suitably changing parameters, etc. The terminal device 200 implements various types of processing based on control performed by the control unit 260. Examples of processing controlled by the control unit 260 include: processing of information input by means of the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 240, and storage/reading of information by the memory unit 250. Other processing implemented by the terminal device 200, such as processing based on input of information to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by means of the control unit 260.

[0060]It should be noted that the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 260 may be realized by means of PWA (progressive web apps).

(3) Configuration Example of Server

[0061]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 300 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 300 includes a notification unit 310, a memory unit 320, and a communication unit 330.

[0062]The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the server 300 and another device. The communication unit 310 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0063]The memory unit 320 stores various types of information for operation of the server 300. The storage unit 320 is constructed of a non-volatile storage medium such as, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0064]The control unit 330 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, controlling overall operation within the server 300 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 330 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example. The control unit 330 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs and computation parameters, etc. which are used, and a RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing suitably changing parameters, etc. The server 300 implements various types of processing on the basis of control performed by the control unit 330. The sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 310, and storage/reading of information by the memory unit 320 are examples of processing controlled by the control unit 330. Other processing implemented by the server 300, such as processing based on input of information to each component and information output from each component, are also controlled by means of the control unit 330.

2. Technical Features

(1) Heating Profile

[0065]The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. Control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the supply of power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-type substrate 150 using power supplied from the power source unit 111.

[0066]The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines a parameter relating to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. A target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (also referred to below as the “target temperature”) is an example of a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change in accordance with the time elapsed from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining a time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may comprise a parameter (hereinafter also referred to as a power supply parameter) defining how power is supplied to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, a voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or a method of feedback control to be employed. ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as ON/OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0067]The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 such that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (also referred to below as the “actual temperature”) transitions similarly to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed such that, when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150, the flavor tasted by the user is optimized. Thus, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized.

[0068]The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by known feedback control, for example. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may cause power from the power source unit 111 to be supplied to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can perform temperature control of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the frequency or the duty ratio of the power pulse in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0069]The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (a heating resistive element constituting the heating unit 121, to be more precise), for example. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistive element varies with temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistive element can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop at the heating resistive element, for example. The amount of voltage drop at the heating resistive element can be measured by a voltage sensor measuring a potential difference applied to the heating resistive element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0070]The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-type substrate 150 is hereinafter also referred to as a heating session. In other words, a heating session is a period of time during which electrical supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled on the basis of the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session comprises a first-half preheating period and a second-half puffing-possible period. The puffing-possible period is the period of time during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from when heating is started until the puffing-possible period is started. Heating performed in the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0071]The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicative of the timing at which the preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the preheating period before the preheating period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the preheating has ended at the timing at which the preheating has ended. The notification to the user may be issued by lighting an LED or by means of vibrations, for example. By referring to such notification, the user is able to take a puff immediately after the end of the preheating.

[0072]Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicative of when the puffing-possible period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the puffing-possible period before the puffing-possible period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the puffing-possible period has ended at the timing at which the puffing-possible period has ended. The notification to the user may be issued by lighting an LED or by means of vibrations, for example. By referring to such notification, the user is able to take puffs until the end of the puffing-possible period.

[0073]An example of the heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 denotes time. The vertical axis of the graph 20 denotes temperature. The line 21 denotes a time-series transition of the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 5, the heating session may include an initial temperature-increase period, an intermediate temperature-reduction period, and a temperature re-increase period in succession. The initial temperature-increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises after the start of heating and is kept at a high temperature. The intermediate temperature-reduction period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops after the initial temperature-increase period. The temperature re-increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is once again increased after the intermediate temperature-reduction period. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the target temperature rapidly increases to around 300° C. during the initial temperature-increase period, then drops to around 230° C. during the intermediate temperature-reduction period, after which the temperature increases stepwise to around 260° C. during the temperature re-increase period. During the intermediate temperature-reduction period, electrical supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned OFF. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the period from the start of heating to partway through the initial temperature-increase period is the preheating period, and the period from part way through the initial temperature-increase period to the end of the temperature re-increase period is the puffing-possible period.

(2) Customization Processing

[0074]The system 1 repeatedly executes customization processing. The customization processing is processing for customizing (or namely, modifying) the heating profile. The system 1 modifies the heating profile in the customization processing to improve the evaluation by the user. Thus, the system 1 can gradually generate a heating profile that can provide an optimal user experience by repeating the customization processing. The customization processing is executed or controlled by each of the inhalation device 100, the terminal device 200, or the server 300.

[0075]The customization processing includes at least: the inhalation device 100 generating the aerosol using the heating profile; setting an evaluation period; receiving settings of an evaluation made by the user; modifying the heating profile based on the set evaluation; and setting the modified heating profile in the inhalation device 100. The customization processing may be repeatedly performed until a heating profile as intended by the user is generated. Each process included in the customization processing will be described in detail below.

Generation of Aerosol Based on Heating Profile

[0076]The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. The user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 to confirm the feeling of inhalation. The user can take a plurality of puffs during the heating session.

[0077]The timing at which a puff is taken (hereinafter, puff timing) may be set in advance. In this case, the user takes puffs at a preset puff timing. For example, the terminal device 200 acquires information indicating the progress of heating from the inhalation device 100 and prompts the user to puff at a prescribed timing during the heating session. The information indicating the progress of heating may include an elapsed time from the start of heating, a temperature of the heating unit 121, and the like. The terminal device 200 may obtain, from the inhalation device 100, identification information of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100, along with or prior to the information indicating the progress of heating. Thus, even if the puff timing is different for each heating profile, it is possible to appropriately determine the arrival of the puff timing. Of course, the puff timing need not be set in advance. In this case, the user freely puffs at any timing. The inhalation device 100 may transmit information for identifying the actual puff timing to the terminal device 200. The information for identifying the puff timing may be information indicating what number puff was taken during the heating session, or information identifying the puff timing by the time elapsed from the start of heating. The information for identifying the puff timing may be included in the information indicating the progress of heating and transmitted.

Setting of Evaluation Period

[0078]The terminal device 200 sets a plurality of evaluation periods by dividing the heating session. The evaluation period is a period for evaluation by a user. For example, the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period on the basis of the identification information of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 and the information indicating the progress of heating.

[0079]The evaluation period may include a plurality of puff timings. That is, the user may collectively set evaluations for a plurality of puffs. Here, the puff timing may be a preset puff timing or an actual puff timing. According to such a configuration, it is possible to roughly customize the heating profile. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced as compared with the case where the evaluation is set for each puff.

[0080]Of course, the evaluation period may include one puff timing. That is, the user may set the evaluation for each puff. According to such a configuration, it is possible to finely customize the heating profile.

[0081]The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period on the basis of an elapsed time from the start of heating. For example, the terminal device 200 may set a plurality of 30-second evaluation periods by dividing the puffing-possible period every 30 seconds.

[0082]The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation period on the basis of the number of puff timings. For example, the terminal device 200 may divide the puffing-possible period for each puff timing to set the evaluation period for each puff timing. According to such a configuration, even if the puff interval of the user is uneven, the evaluation period can be set appropriately.

[0083]The terminal device 200 receives settings for the evaluation for a plurality of evaluation items. According to such a configuration, the heating profile can be modified based on evaluations from various aspects.

[0084]The terminal device 200 may set a plurality of evaluation periods for each of the plurality of evaluation items. Then, the terminal device 200 may receive settings for evaluation of each evaluation item for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of a plurality of evaluation periods set for each of the plurality of evaluation items. For example, the terminal device 200 may set an evaluation period every 30 seconds for evaluation items A-C, and set an evaluation period for each puff for evaluation items D-F. According to such a configuration, the evaluation period can be set flexibly for each evaluation item, and thus it is possible to improve the ease of customization.

Reception of Settings for Evaluation

[0085]The terminal device 200 receives settings for evaluation for the aerosol inhaled by the user in each of a plurality of evaluation periods. In particular, the terminal device 200 receive settings for evaluation for each evaluation item for the aerosol inhaled by the user in evaluation periods set for each evaluation item. The evaluation set by the user is used in order to modify the heating profile. In other words, receiving the settings for the evaluation may be interpreted as receiving settings for an instruction to modify the heating profile (modification value, which is described later).

[0086]For example, the terminal device 200 may display, on a touch panel, a UI (user interface) screen (hereinafter also referred to as an evaluation setting screen) for receiving the settings for the evaluation, and may receive a touch operation for setting the evaluation during the evaluation period. The evaluation setting screen may be displayed in real time in accordance with the progress of heating. In this case, the user can set the evaluation in real time while puffing. Of course, the evaluation setting screen may be displayed after the heating session ends. In this case, the user can set the evaluation without hurrying.

[0087]An example of the evaluation setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. 6-8.

[0088]FIG. 6-8 are diagrams to illustrate an example of the evaluation setting screen. A screen transition is made in the order of an evaluation setting screen 30A shown in FIG. 6, an evaluation setting screen 30B shown in FIG. 7, and an evaluation setting screen 30C shown in FIG. 8. It is also assumed that the heating session includes a puff timing of 15 puffs, and the settings of the evaluation are received in real time in parallel with the progress of heating.

[0089]As shown in FIG. 6-8, the evaluation setting screen 30 (30A-30C) includes an evaluation setting field 31 and an evaluation setting field 32. The evaluation setting field 31 receives settings of the evaluation for the evaluation items A-C in which an evaluation period including a plurality of puff timings is set. The evaluation setting field 32 receives settings of the evaluation for the evaluation items D-F in which an evaluation period including one puff timing has been set, or namely, an evaluation period has been set for each puff. By selecting any of the “+” button, the “OK” button, or the “−” button from a button group 33A for the evaluation item A, the evaluation for the evaluation item A can be set. The same also applies to button groups 33B-33F for the evaluation items B-F.

[0090]As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 in the evaluation setting screen 30A of FIG. 6, the evaluation setting screen 30A is displayed at the timing when the first evaluation period has 20 seconds remaining, and the second of a total of 15 puffs has been taken. As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 in the evaluation setting screen 30B of FIG. 7, the evaluation setting screen 30B is displayed at the timing when the second evaluation period has 30 seconds remaining, and the fourth of a total of 15 puffs has been taken. As shown in the evaluation setting fields 31 and 32 in the evaluation setting screen 30C of FIG. 8, the evaluation setting screen 30C is displayed at the timing when the third evaluation period has 30 seconds remaining, and the seventh of a total of 15 puffs has been taken.

[0091]Evaluation item A may be smoking flavor. Smoking flavor is the sensation that refers to the overall aerosol taste. It is evaluated that the stronger the taste is, the higher the smoking flavor is, and the weaker the taste is, the lower the smoking flavor is. The “+” button in the button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking flavor is high. The “OK” button in the button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking flavor is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33A is a button for setting that the smoking flavor is low. The user can set the evaluation of the smoking flavor by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33A.

[0092]Evaluation item B may be the amount of smoke. The amount of smoke is the sensation that refers to the amount of aerosol. The greater the amount of aerosol reaching the mouth of the user per puff is, the greater the amount of smoke is evaluated, and the less the amount of aerosol reaching the mouth of the user per puff is, the less the amount of smoke is evaluated. The “+” button in the button group 33B is a button for setting that the amount of smoke is high. The “OK” button in the button group 33B is a button for setting that the amount of smoke is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33B is a button for setting that the amount of smoke is low. The user can set the evaluation of the amount of smoke by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33B.

[0093]Evaluation item C may be the tobacco feeling. The tobacco feeling is the sensation that indicates the proximity to the taste of a cigarette. The closer the flavor itself or flavor concentration of the aerosol is to a cigarette, the stronger the tobacco feeling is evaluated. On the other hand, it is evaluated that the more refreshing the flavor of the aerosol is due to a strong flavor such as fruit or mint, the weaker the tobacco feeling is. The “+” button in the button group 33C is a button for setting that the tobacco feeling is strong. The “OK” button in the button group 33C is a button for setting that the tobacco feeling is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33C is a button for setting that the tobacco feeling is weak. The user can set the evaluation of the tobacco feeling by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33C.

[0094]The evaluation item D may be the sense of kick. The sense of kick is a feeling that indicates the degree of stimulation to the throat. Typically, a higher content of nicotine in the aerosol is evaluated to have a stronger sense of kick. The “+” button in the button group 33D is a button for setting that the sense of kick is strong. The “OK” button in the button group 33D is a button for setting that the sense of kick is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33D is a button for setting that the sense of kick is weak. The user can set the evaluation of the sense of kick by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33D.

[0095]Evaluation item E may be odor. Odor is the sensation that refers to the proximity to the odor of a cigarette. The closer the odor of the aerosol is to the odor of a cigarette, the stronger the odor is evaluated. On the other hand, it is evaluated that the more refreshing the scent of the aerosol is due to a strong scent such as fruit or mint, the weaker the odor is. The “+” button in the button group 33E is a button for setting that the odor is strong. The “OK” button in the button group 33E is a button for setting that the odor is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33E is a button for setting that the odor is weak. The user can set the evaluation of the odor by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33E.

[0096]The evaluation item F may be inhalation response. Inhalation response is a sensation that refers to the degree of stimulation to the entire oral cavity. The “+” button in the button group 33F is a button for setting that the inhalation response is strong. The “OK” button in the button group 33F is a button for setting that the inhalation response is just right. The “−” button in the button group 33F is a button for setting that the inhalation response is weak. The user can set the evaluation of the inhalation response by selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button group 33F.

Setting of Modified Heating Profile

[0097]The terminal device 200 sets the heating profile modified on the basis of the evaluation set by the user in the inhalation device 100. For example, the evaluation set by the user is transmitted to the server 300, and the heating profile is modified by the server 300. The terminal device 200 then receives the modified heating profile from the server 300 and forwards the modified heating profile to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 stores the modified heating profile on receiving the modified heating profile from the terminal device 200. This is expected to improve the evaluation by the user during the next heating.

[0098]The server 300 modifies the target temperature corresponding to the evaluation period on the basis of the evaluation of the aerosol inhaled by the user during that evaluation period. For example, the server 300 increases the target temperature in an evaluation period in which low smoking flavor is evaluated, and decreases the target temperature in an evaluation period in which high smoking flavor is evaluated. Such a configuration can modify the heating profile to improve the evaluation by the user.

[0099]The server 300 modifies the target temperature defined in the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100 on the basis of a modification value corresponding to the evaluation set by the user. The modification value corresponding to the evaluation can be set for each evaluation item. An example of modification values of the target temperature based on the evaluation of the evaluation items A-F displayed on the evaluation setting screens 30A-30C shown in FIG. 6-8 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0100]According to the example shown in Table 1 above, the server 300 lowers the target temperature by 30° C. if the “+” button for the evaluation item A is selected. This can reduce the next round of smoking flavor, and thus it is expected that the evaluation of the user will be improved. The server 300 raises the target temperature by 30° C. if the “−” button for the evaluation item A is selected. This can increase the next round of smoking flavor, and thus it is expected that the evaluation of the user will be improved. On the other hand, the server 300 does not modify the target temperature if the “OK” button for the evaluation target A is selected. This allows the next round of smoking flavor to remain as in the previous round, and thus a favorable evaluation by the user is expected to be maintained. The same also applies to the other evaluation items.

[0101]The server 300 calculates a final modification value of the target temperature for each puff timing by integrating modification values of the target temperature based on evaluations set for the plurality of evaluation items in overlapping evaluation periods (i.e., evaluation periods including the same puff timing). The server 300 then modifies the heating profile by modifying the target temperature for each puff timing defined in the heating profile on the basis of the final modification value of the target temperature for each puff timing. A variety of integration methods are conceivable in order to obtain the final modification value. As one example of the integration method, it is conceivable that the average value, median value, modification value at which the absolute value is greatest (i.e., modification value having the greatest modification width), or modification value at which the absolute value is least (i.e., modification value having the smallest modification width) is adopted as the final modification value. As an example, Table 2 shows an example in which a modification value with a maximum absolute value is adopted as a final modification value.

(3) Process Flow

[0102]FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of a customization processing flow implemented by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. The sequence involves the inhalation device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300.

[0103]As shown in FIG. 9, the inhalation device 100 first of all starts heating based on the heating profile (step S102). The inhalation device 100 then sends information indicating the start of heating to the terminal device 200 (step S104). The information indicating the start of heating may include identification information of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100.

[0104]Next, the terminal device 200 displays the evaluation setting screen (step S106) For example, the terminal device 200 sets the evaluation period on the basis of the heating profile used by the inhalation device 100. Then, the terminal device 200 displays the evaluation setting screen 30 illustrated in FIG. 6-8 on the basis of the set evaluation period.

[0105]The inhalation device 100 then sends information indicating the progress of heating to the terminal device 200 (step S108). The information indicating the progress of heating may include the time elapsed from the start of heating, information specifying the puff timing, or a temperature of the heating unit 121, etc.

[0106]The terminal device 200 updates the evaluation setting screen on receiving the information indicating the progress of heating (step S110). For example, the terminal device 200 updates the remaining time of the evaluation period in the evaluation setting field 31 and the number of puffs in the evaluation setting field 32, and sets the buttons of the button groups 33A-33F to an unselected state together with the start of the evaluation period, etc.

[0107]Next, the terminal device 200 receives settings for evaluation (step S112). For example, the terminal device 200 receives an operation for selecting any one button among the “+” button, the “OK button”, and the “−” button included in the button groups 33A-33F.

[0108]The terminal device 200 then determines whether or not the heating session has ended (step S114). If it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S108.

[0109]If it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S114: YES), the terminal device 200 sends the evaluation results and heating profile to the server 300 (step S116). The evaluation results include information for identifying an evaluation period for each evaluation item, and an evaluation set for each evaluation item and evaluation period.

[0110]Next, the server 300 modifies the heating profile received from the terminal device 200 on the basis of the evaluation results received from the terminal device 200 (step S118). For example, the server 300 calculates a final modification value of the target temperature at each puff timing by integrating a plurality of modification values of the target temperature based on evaluations set for a plurality of evaluation items in overlapping evaluation periods, as illustrated in Table 2. Then, the server 300 modifies the heating profile by modifying the target temperature for each puff timing on the basis of the final modification value.

[0111]The server 300 then sends the modified heating profile to the terminal device 200 (step S120). When the terminal device 200 receives the modified heating profile from the server 300, the terminal device 200 forwards the received modified heating profile to the inhalation device 100 (step S122).

[0112]Then, upon receiving the modified heating profile, the inhalation device 100 stores the received modified heating profile (step S124). Thus, in the next customization processing, the stick-type substrate 150 is heated on the basis of the modified heating profile.

3. Supplement

[0113]Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having an ordinary level of knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs could conceive of various modified examples or variations within the scope of the technical concepts set forth in the claims, and these modified examples and variations will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1) First Variant Example

[0114]The terminal device 200 may make the evaluation periods which were set in the previous customization processing and the evaluation periods to be set in the subsequent customization processing different from each other. According to such a configuration, appropriate evaluation periods can be set in accordance with the progress of customization.

[0115]The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation periods in the subsequent customization processing on the basis of the evaluations set in the previous customization processing. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a suitable balance between rough customization and fine customization on the basis of user evaluations, as described above.

[0116]More specifically, the terminal device 200 may consolidate a plurality of consecutive evaluation periods in which a good evaluation was set into one evaluation period. For example, the terminal device 200 may take a plurality of consecutive evaluation periods in which the “OK” button was selected in the previous customization processing, and combine those evaluation periods in the subsequent customization processing to make one evaluation period. This configuration makes it possible to further lighten the burden on the user because it is possible to consolidate evaluation periods that do not require fine customization.

[0117]Additionally, the terminal device 200 may divide one evaluation period in which a poor evaluation was set into a plurality of evaluation periods. For example, the terminal device 200 may take one evaluation period including a plurality of puff timings for which the “+” button or “−” button was selected in the previous customization processing, and divide that evaluation period by puff timings in the subsequent customization processing to make a plurality of evaluation periods. This configuration enables fine customization by finely dividing an evaluation period for which a poor evaluation was set.

[0118]Additionally, the terminal device 200 may divide an evaluation period having different evaluations among evaluation items into a plurality of evaluation periods. As an example, the terminal device 200 may take an evaluation period in which the modification values of the target temperature are variously positive/negative among the evaluation items, and divide that evaluation period into a plurality of evaluation periods. This configuration enables fine customization by finely dividing an evaluation period in which the evaluations are split among evaluation items.

(2) Second Variant Example

[0119]The embodiment above described an example in which discrete evaluations of “+”, “OK” or “−” are set, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Continuous evaluations may also be set. An example of the evaluation setting screen when continuous evaluations are set will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0120]FIG. 10 is a diagram to illustrate an example of the evaluation setting screen. An evaluation setting screen 30D shown in FIG. 10 includes an evaluation setting field 31 and an evaluation setting field 32. The evaluation setting screen 30D is displayed at the timing when the second evaluation period has 30 seconds remaining and the fourth of a total of 15 puffs has been taken. That is to say, the evaluation setting screen 30D shown in FIG. 10 may be displayed instead of the evaluation setting screen 30B shown in FIG. 7.

[0121]As shown in FIG. 10, a slide bar 34 (34A-34F) is displayed on the evaluation setting screen 30D instead of the button group 33 (33A-33F). The left-hand end of the slide bar 34 corresponds to the “+” button in the button group 33, the right-hand end of the slide bar 34 corresponds to the “−” button in the button group 33, and the center of the slide bar 34 corresponds the “OK” button in the button group 33. The user can set evaluations by moving a knob to the left and right on the slide bar 34. The knob can be moved to any position on the slide bar 34 so the user can set evaluations as continuous values.

(3) Third Variant Example

[0122]The embodiment above described an example in which the heating profile for a user is modified on the basis of an evaluation set by that user, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.

[0123]As an example, the heating profile may be modified on the basis of an evaluation set by another user. More specifically, the server 300 may aggregate evaluations set by multiple users and modify the heating profile on the basis of the aggregation result.

[0124]As another example, the heating profile may be modified on the basis of user evaluation trends. More specifically, the server 300 may modify the heating profile provided to a particular user, based on the extent of deviation of an evaluation set by that user from an average of evaluations set by multiple users. As an example, the server 300 may calculate a final modification value by taking a weighted average obtained by weighting a modification value corresponding to an evaluation of an evaluation item deemed important by the user. As another example, the server 300 may calculate a final modification value by taking a weighted average with less weighting on a modification value corresponding to an evaluation of an evaluation item where the user tends to set an extreme evaluation. This configuration enables the heating profile which the user hopes for to be reached more quickly by referring to user evaluation trends.

(4) Other

[0125]The embodiment above described an example in which the terminal device 200 sets evaluation periods in accordance with predetermined criteria, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The terminal device 200 may set the evaluation periods on the basis of a user instruction. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a balance between rough customization and fine customization, as the user hopes for.

[0126]The embodiment above described an example in which the same evaluation period is set for the evaluation items A-C, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. A different evaluation period may also be set for each evaluation item. For example, an evaluation period may be set every 30 seconds for evaluation item A, every 40 seconds for evaluation item B, and every 50 seconds for evaluation item C.

[0127]Furthermore, the embodiment above described an example in which the evaluation periods are evenly set within a heating session for one evaluation item. Multiple types of evaluation periods may also be set within a heating session for one evaluation item. For example, for evaluation item A, a 30-second evaluation period may be set first of all, then a 40-second evaluation period may be set, and an evaluation period for each puff timing may be set next.

[0128]Each process executed by the terminal device 200 or the server 300, described in the above embodiment, may be executed by any device. As an example, the evaluation period may be set by the server 300. As another example, the heating profile may be modified by the terminal device 200.

[0129]The terminal device 200 may set evaluation periods in accordance with intervals of puffs taken by the user in the past. According to such a configuration, it is possible to set an evaluation period suitable for the habits of the user, such as a narrow or wide puffs interval.

[0130]The above embodiment includes modifying the target temperature as an example of modifying the heating profile, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The server 300 may modify the parameters relating to the time of the heating profile. Examples of parameters relating to the time of the heating profile include, for example, the duration of the heating session, the initial temperature-increase period, the intermediate temperature-reduction period, and the duration of each of the temperature re-increase periods. In addition, the parameters relating to the time of the heating profile include puff timing.

[0131]The embodiment above described an example in which a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as defined in the heating profile, is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An example of parameters relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated includes a target value of electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. Furthermore, when the means for heating the aerosol source is induction heating, a target value such as the temperature of a susceptor or the electrical resistance value of an electromagnetic induction source may be cited as a parameter relating to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, as defined in the heating profile.

[0132]The embodiment above described an example in which the inhalation device 100 generates the aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may equally be configured as what is known as a liquid atomization aerosol-generating device, which generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing a liquid aerosol source. The features of the present disclosure may also be applied to a liquid atomization aerosol-generating device.

[0133]As described in the above embodiment, the processes such as setting the evaluation period, receiving settings for the evaluation, setting the post-modification heating profile to the inhalation device 100, etc. are performed by the terminal device 200. Here, the terminal device 200 implementing these processes may also refer to these processes being implemented via a native application installed on the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 implementing these processes may also refer to these processes being implemented via PWA (progressive web apps) provided for the terminal device 200. As an example, a server 300 may implement these processes via a PWA provided for the terminal device 200.

[0134]In the above embodiment, at least a portion of the functional configuration of the inhalation device 100 may be included in other devices. One example of such other devices includes a charger that charges the inhalation device 100. The charger has a mechanism to/from which the inhalation device 100 can be attached/detached, and can charge the inhalation device 100 or send/receive information to/from the inhalation device 100 with the inhalation device 100 connected. As an example, the charger may have a wireless communication function, and may relay transmission and reception of information between the inhalation device 100 and a device such as a smartphone. As another example, the charger may have a memory function and store information received from or to be sent to the inhalation device 100. The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the charger 150 may be considered to be an aerosol generation system. Also, at least a part of the functional configuration of the terminal device 200 described in the above embodiment may be included in another device such as a charger that charges the inhalation device 100.

[0135]The series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting the software are prestored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided internally or externally to each device, for example. When the programs are then executed, for example, by a computer for controlling each device described in the present description, the programs are read into a RAM and executed by means of a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without the use of a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as ASIC, a general-purpose processor which executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing, etc. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0136]Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in the present description need not necessarily be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps may be implemented in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed and some processing steps may be omitted.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST