INHALATION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

 Proposed is a setup in which an inhalation device performs communication intermittently. An inhalation device that comprises a wireless communication part that performs intermittent communication on the basis of wireless communication standards that define the intermittent communication and a control part that controls processing that generates a substance that is inhaled by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Inhaler devices that generate material to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, have become widespread. For example, an inhaler device generates an aerosol having a flavor component imparted thereto, by using 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. A user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhaler device and having a flavor component imparted thereto (hereinafter also referred to as puff), and thereby being able to taste a flavor.

[0003] In recent years, studies have been conducted to add a wireless communication function to an inhaler device and transmit information on the inhaler device to a server or the like on the Internet, thereby providing various services in accordance with the information on the inhaler device. For example, the following Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of remotely operating an inhaler device based on position information transmitted by the inhaler device.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2018/092093

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] However, the related art described in Patent Literature 1 mentioned above or the like is based on the assumption that the inhaler device is constantly capable of wireless communication. That is, in the related art, no consideration is made regarding that a period during which the inhaler device does not perform wireless communication may occur.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described issue, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system in which an inhaler device intermittently performs communication.

Solution to Problem

[0007] In order to solve the above issue, an aspect of the present invention provides an inhaler device including a wireless communicator that performs intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication, and a controller that controls a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

[0008] The inhaler device may further include a position information acquirer that acquires position information of the inhaler device, and the controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

[0009] In response to acquisition of information indicating that the user has performed a first action for inhaling the material generated by the inhaler device, the controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit information.

[0010] In response to acquisition of the information indicating that the user has performed the first action, the controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

[0011] The first action may include at least either an operation on an operation unit that is provided in the inhaler device and that is for accepting an operation by the user, or an action of inhaling the material to be inhaled by the user, and
in response to acquisition of the information indicating that the user has performed the first action, the controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

[0012] The controller may control, based on information received by the wireless communicator, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device.

[0013] The controller may control, based on information received by the wireless communicator before a first predetermined period elapses after the wireless communicator transmits information, whether to impose a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

[0014] The controller may stop reception by the wireless communicator in response to imposing, based on the information received by the wireless communicator before the first predetermined period elapses after the wireless communicator transmits the information, the restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

[0015] To restrict the operation of the inhaler device, the controller may make the process of generating the material to be inhaled by the user inexecutable.

[0016] The inhaler device may further include a notifier that provides information to the user, and the controller may control the notifier to provide predetermined information indicating a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

[0017] The notifier may include at least any of a display device, a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a sound output device.

[0018] The controller may control, based on whether the user is moving, whether to impose a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

[0019] In response to acquisition of information indicating that the user has performed a second action in a state in which a restriction is imposed on the operation of the inhaler device, the controller may lift the restriction imposed on the operation of the inhaler device.

[0020] The second action may include a movement of the user riding in a moving body.

[0021] The controller may impose a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device in a case where a difference between a current position of the inhaler device and a position of the inhaler device when a restriction was imposed on the operation of the inhaler device within a past second predetermined period is within a predetermined range.

[0022] The controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit information including destination information indicating that a terminal device associated with a different user different from the user is a destination.

[0023] The destination information may be identification information of the inhaler device or identification information of the terminal device associated with the different user.

[0024] The controller may control, based on a moving speed of the inhaler device, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

[0025] The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, and the controller may control, when the power supply is being charged, the wireless communicator to transmit information.

[0026] The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, and the controller may control, based on whether the power supply is being charged, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

[0027] The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, and the controller may control, based on an amount of remaining electric power stored in the power supply, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

[0028] In response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed a predetermined number of times or more within a third predetermined period, the inhaler device may control the wireless communicator to transmit information.

[0029] In the wireless communication standard, a frequency band of lower than 1 GHz may be used, and a transmission rate may be 100 kbps or lower.

[0030] In the wireless communication standard, a period during which downlink communication is possible may be defined after a period of uplink communication.

[0031] In the wireless communication standard, a period during which downlink communication is possible may be defined at a predetermined time interval.

[0032] In order to solve the above issue, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method executed by an inhaler device. The control method includes performing intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication, and controlling a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

[0033] In order to solve the above issue, another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer that controls an inhaler device to function as a wireless communicator that performs intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication, and a controller that controls a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0034] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a system in which an inhaler device intermittently performs communication.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0035] 

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler device according to a first configuration example.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler device according to a second configuration example.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an operation restriction process executed by an inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an operation restriction process executed by a server according to the present embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[0036] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and drawings, structural elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference signs, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0037] In the specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished from each other by different alphabetic characters attached to the same reference numerals. For example, a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished from each other as necessary, for example, inhaler devices 100A and 100B. However, a plurality of elements that have substantially the same functional configuration and that need not particularly be distinguished from each other are denoted by the same reference numerals. For example, when the inhaler devices 100A and 100B need not particularly be distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as inhaler devices 100.

1. Configuration example of inhaler device

[0038] An inhaler device generates material to be inhaled by a user. In the example described below, the material generated by the inhaler device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the material generated by the inhaler device may be gas.

(1) First configuration example

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the inhaler device according to the first configuration example. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the inhaler device 100A according to the present configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply 111A, a sensor 112A, a notifier 113A, a memory 114A, a communicator 115A, and a controller 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heater 121A, a liquid guide 122, and a liquid storage 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. In the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130, an airflow path 180 is defined.

[0040] The power supply 111A stores electric power. The power supply 111A supplies electric power to the structural elements of the inhaler device 100A under the control of the controller 116A. The power supply 111A may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0041] The sensor 112A acquires various items of information regarding the inhaler device 100A. In an example, the sensor 112A may be a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquire a value generated in accordance with the user's inhalation. In another example, the sensor 112A may be an input device that receives information input by the user, such as a button or a switch.

[0042]  The notifier 113A provides information to the user. The notifier 113A may be 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.

[0043] The memory 114A stores various items of information for operation of the inhaler device 100A. The memory 114A may be a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0044] The communicator 115A is a communication interface capable of communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0045] The controller 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls the overall operations of the inhaler device 100A in accordance with various programs. The controller 116A includes an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0046] The liquid storage 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohol or water. Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol source may include a flavor component that is either derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco. For the inhaler device 100A that is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicine.

[0047] The liquid guide 122 guides, from the liquid storage 123, the aerosol source that is the liquid stored in the liquid storage 123, and holds the aerosol source. The liquid guide 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twining fiber material such as glass fiber or porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the capillary action of the wick guides the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123.

[0048] The heater 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate the aerosol. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the heater 121A includes a coil wound around the liquid guide 122. When the heater 121A produces heat, the aerosol source held by the liquid guide 122 is heated and atomized to generate the aerosol. The heater 121A produces heat when receiving electric power from the power supply 111A. In an example, the electric power may be supplied in response to the sensor 112A detecting a start of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information. Subsequently, the supply of the electric power may be stopped in response to the sensor 112A detecting an end of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information.

[0049] The flavor source 131 is a structural element for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include a flavor component that is either derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco.

[0050] The airflow path 180 is a flow path of air to be inhaled by the user. The airflow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inlet hole 181 and an air outlet hole 182 at both ends. The air inlet hole 181 is an inlet of air into the airflow path 180, and the air outlet hole 182 is an outlet of the air from the airflow path 180. The liquid guide 122 is on the airflow path 180 at an upstream position (closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is on the airflow path 180 at a downstream position (closer to the air outlet hole 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181 when the user inhales mixes with the aerosol generated by the heater 121A. Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow 190, the mixture fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131 and is conveyed to the air outlet hole 182. When the mixture fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component included in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.

[0051] The mouthpiece 124 is to be held in a mouth of the user during inhalation. The mouthpiece 124 has the air outlet hole 182. When the user inhales with the mouthpiece 124 in his/her mouth, the mixture fluid of the aerosol and the air enters the oral cavity of the user.

[0052] The configuration example of the inhaler device 100A has been described above. The inhaler device 100A is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured in various ways as exemplified below.

[0053] In an example, the inhaler device 100A does not have to include the flavor imparting cartridge 130. In this case, the cartridge 120 includes the mouthpiece 124.

[0054] In another example, the inhaler device 100A may include various types of aerosol sources. Still another type of aerosol may be generated by mixing a plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources in the airflow path 180 and causing a chemical reaction.

[0055] In addition, means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heater 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating. Alternatively, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be atomizing of a liquid by generating a surface acoustic wave (SAW) by using a piezoelectric element substrate having a pair of comb-shaped electrodes.

(2) Second configuration example

[0056] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the inhaler device according to the second configuration example. As illustrated in Fig. 2, an inhaler device 100B according to the present configuration example includes a power supply 111B, a sensor 112B, a notifier 113B, a memory 114B, a communicator 115B, a controller 116B, a heater 121B, a holder 140, and a heat insulator 144.

[0057] The power supply 111B, the sensor 112B, the notifier 113B, the memory 114B, the communicator 115B, and the controller 116B are substantially the same as the respective corresponding structural elements included in the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0058] The holder 140 has an internal space 141, and holds a stick substrate 150 in a manner partially accommodated in the internal space 141. The holder 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with outside. The holder 140 holds the stick substrate 150 that is inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holder 140 may be a tubular body having the opening 142 and a bottom 143 on its ends, and may define the pillar-shaped internal space 141. The holder 140 can also define a flow path of air to be supplied to the stick substrate 150. For example, the bottom 143 has an air inlet hole that is an inlet of air into the flow path. The opening 142 serves as an air outlet hole that is an outlet of the air from the flow path.

[0059] The stick substrate 150 includes a substrate 151 and an inhalation port 152. The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source according to the present configuration example is not limited to a liquid. The aerosol source may be a solid. The stick substrate 150 held by the holder 140 includes the substrate 151 at least partially accommodated in the internal space 141 and the inhalation port 152 at least partially protruding from the opening 142. When the user inhales with the inhalation port 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his/her mouth, air flows into the internal space 141 through the air inlet hole (not illustrated), and the air and an aerosol generated from the substrate 151 reach inside the mouth of the user.

[0060] The heater 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heater 121A according to the first configuration example. Note that, in the example illustrated in Fig. 2, the heater 121B has a film-like shape and surrounds the outer circumference of the holder 140. Subsequently, heat produced from the heater 121B heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from the outer circumference, generating the aerosol.

[0061]  The heat insulator 144 prevents heat from transferring from the heater 121B to the other structural elements. For example, the heat insulator 144 may be a vacuum heat insulator or an aerogel heat insulator.

[0062] The configuration example of the inhaler device 100B has been described above. The inhaler device 100B is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured in various ways as exemplified below.

[0063] In an example, the heater 121B may have a blade-like shape, and may be disposed so that the heater 121B protrudes from the bottom 143 of the holder 140 toward the internal space 141. In this case, the heater 121B having the blade-like shape is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from its inside. In another example, the heater 121B may be disposed so that the heater 121B covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140. In still another example, the heater 121B may be implemented as a combination of two or more selected from a first heater that covers the outer circumference of the holder 140, a second heater having the blade-like shape, and a third heater that covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140.

[0064] In another example, the holder 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism that at least partially opens and closes an outer shell defining the internal space 141. Examples of the opening/closing mechanism include a hinge. In addition, the holder 140 may sandwich the stick substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heater 121B may be at the sandwiching position of the holder 140 and may produce heat while pressing the stick substrate 150.

[0065] In addition, means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heater 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0066] In addition, the inhaler device 100B may also include the heater 121A, the liquid guide 122, the liquid storage 123, and the airflow path 180 according to the first configuration example. The air outlet hole 182 of the airflow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, a mixture fluid of air and an aerosol generated by the heater 121A flows into the internal space 141, mixes further with an aerosol generated by the heater 121B, and then reaches the oral cavity of the user.

2. One embodiment

2.1. Configuration example

[0067] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the system 1 includes an inhaler device 100 and a server 300. The inhaler device 100 and the server 300 are capable of communicating with each other.

(1) Inhaler device 100

[0068] The inhaler device 100 generates material to be inhaled by a user. The user's inhalation of the material generated by the inhaler device 100 using the inhaler device 100 will be hereinafter also simply referred to as inhalation (puff) or an inhalation action.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the inhaler device 100 may adopt any configuration example of the above-described first configuration example and second configuration example. That is, the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of either the inhaler device 100A or the inhaler device 100B or that of a modification of these configuration examples.

[0070] Hereinafter, a description will be given mainly of, regarding the configuration of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment, points to be added or emphasized for the configurations of the inhaler device 100A and the inhaler device 100B described above in the respective configuration examples.

Sensor 112

[0071] The sensor 112 according to the present embodiment further includes a position information acquirer that acquires position information indicating the position of the inhaler device 100. For example, the position information acquirer receives a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal from a GNSS satellite (for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal from a GPS satellite), and acquires position information including a latitude and a longitude of the device.

[0072] The sensor 112 may acquire information indicating the state of the power supply 111. In an example, the sensor 112 may be configured to acquire information indicating a state of charge (SOC), an integrated current value, a voltage, and the like of the power supply 111. The integrated current value may be obtained by using a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like.

[0073] The sensor 112 has a button that accepts a user operation. The button will be hereinafter also referred to as a power supply button.

Communicator 115

[0074] The communicator 115 according to the present embodiment is a wireless communicator that performs wireless communication in conformity with a predetermined wireless communication standard. The wireless communication standard will be described in detail below.

Controller 116

[0075] The controller 116 according to the present embodiment controls the communicator 115 to transmit various items of information. The controller 116 controls operation of the inhaler device 100, based on information received by the communicator 115.

[0076] In particular, the controller 116 controls a process of generating an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. In detail, the controller 116 controls whether to supply electric power from the power supply 111 to the heater 121, thereby controlling whether to execute a process of generating an aerosol. The controller 116 may control, based on information acquired by the sensor 112, the process of generating an aerosol.

[0077] In an example, the controller 116 controls an operation state of the inhaler device 100 in response to acquisition of information indicating that the power supply button has been pressed and/or in response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed (i.e., in response to acquisition of a negative pressure caused by inhalation by the user). The operation state of the inhaler device 100 is classified as, for example, an activated state, a power-OFF state, or a battery rundown state.

[0078] The activated state is a state in which all the functions of the inhaler device 100 are executable. For example, in the activated state, the inhaler device 100 is capable of executing heating by the heater 121, notification by the notifier 113, and communication by the communicator 115. The activated state may be classified as an aerosol generation state or a standby state. The aerosol generation state is a state in which an aerosol to be inhaled by the user is being generated. For example, the aerosol generation state is a state in which the heater 121 is performing heating. The standby state is a state in which an aerosol to be inhaled by the user can be generated. For example, the standby state is a state in which the heater 121 is not performing heating.

[0079] The power-OFF state is a state in which one or some of the functions of the inhaler device 100 are executable. For example, in the power-OFF state, among the functions of the sensor 112, only the function of acquiring information indicating that an operation of bringing the inhaler device 100 into an activated state has been performed may be executable. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize power consumption while making it possible to shift to an activated state at any timing.

[0080] The battery rundown state is a state in which the inhaler device 100 is incapable of operating due to an insufficient amount of remaining electric power. The inhaler device 100 shifts to the battery rundown state in response to the amount of remaining electric power stored in the power supply 111 becoming lower than a predetermined threshold value.

[0081] There are various triggers for the operation state to shift. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described under the assumption that the inhaler devices 100 of first to third types have different triggers for the operation state to shift.

[0082] The inhaler device 100 of the first type is configured as the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example. The inhaler device 100 of the first type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed by the user in a power-OFF state. On the other hand, the inhaler device 100 of the first type shifts to a power-OFF state in response to acquisition of information indicating that the inhalation action by the user has finished in the aerosol generation state.

[0083] The inhaler device 100 of the second type is configured as the inhaler device 100A according to the first configuration example. The inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a standby state in response to the power supply button being pressed in a power-OFF state. The inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed by the user in the standby state. On the other hand, the inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a standby state in response to acquisition of information indicating that the inhalation action by the user has finished in the aerosol generation state. The inhaler device 100 of the second type shifts to a power-OFF state in response to the power supply button being pressed in the standby state.

[0084] The inhaler device 100 of the third type is configured as the inhaler device 100B according to the second configuration example. The inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to an aerosol generation state in response the power supply button being pressed in a power-OFF state. The user becomes able to perform inhalation in response to the temperature of the stick substrate 150 (more precisely, the temperature of the substrate 151, which is a target to be heated by the heater 121) reaching (for example, exceeding) a predetermined temperature (hereinafter also referred to as an inhalation-enabled temperature). The heating executed by the inhaler device 100 of the third type until the temperature of the stick substrate 150 reaches the predetermined temperature is also referred to as preliminary heating. Also after the temperature of the stick substrate 150 has reached the inhalation-enabled temperature by preliminary heating, heating for maintaining the temperature may be performed. On the other hand, the inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to a standby state in response to a predetermined time elapsing in the aerosol generation state. The inhaler device 100 of the third type shifts to a power-OFF state in response to the stick substrate 150 being pulled out in the standby state.

(2) Server 300

[0085] The server 300 controls the inhaler device 100. The server 300 collects information from the inhaler device 100. Based on the collected information, the server 300 controls the inhaler device 100. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the server 300 includes a communicator 310, a memory 320, and a controller 330.

[0086] The communicator 310 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the server 300 and another device. The communicator 310 performs communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, the communicator 310 transmits information to or receives information from the inhaler device 100 directly or indirectly via a base station.

[0087]  The memory 320 stores various items of information for operation of the server 300. The memory 320 may be a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0088] The controller 330 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls the overall operations of the server 300 in accordance with various programs. The controller 330 includes an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, for example. Alternatively, the controller 330 may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a program, an arithmetic parameter, and the like to be used, and a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores a parameter that changes as appropriate. The server 300 executes various processes under control of the controller 330. Transmission and reception of information by the communicator 310, and storing and reading of information in the memory 320 are examples of processes controlled by the controller 330.

2.2. Technical features

(1) LPWA

[0089] The inhaler device 100 performs intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication. The intermittent communication is a communication scheme in which a period during which neither transmission nor reception is performed is regularly present.

[0090] Examples of such a wireless communication standard include Low Power Wide Area (LPWA). LPWA is a wireless communication standard characterized by a low transmission rate and a long communication distance. In LPWA, intermittent communication is basically performed.

[0091] In LPWA, typically, a communication node and a device functioning as a gateway (hereinafter also referred to as a base station) perform wireless communication. The base station relays communication between the communication node and a server or the like on the Internet. A communication path from the communication node to the base station is also referred to as an uplink. A signal transmitted through the uplink is also referred to as an uplink signal, and transmission and reception of an uplink signal is also referred to as uplink communication. A communication path from the base station to the communication node is also referred to as a downlink. A signal received through the downlink is also referred to as a downlink signal, and transmission and reception of a downlink signal is also referred to as downlink communication.

[0092] Examples of a wireless communication standard classified as LPWA will be described below.

LoRaWAN

[0093] Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) is an open standard whose technical specifications are developed by LoRa Alliance (registered trademark). The specifications of LoRaWAN conform to the Radio Laws of individual countries. Thus, the specifications of LoRaWAN vary in each country. However, the frequency band is lower than 1 GHz in all the countries. The transmission rate is about 0.25 kbps to about 50 kbps. In LoRaWAN, the following three classes are defined.

(Class A)

[0094] Class A is a scheme in which a communication node starts communication. In Class A, a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined after a period of uplink communication. For example, in Class A, a reception slot for receiving a downlink signal is provided after a predetermined time from when the communication node transmits an uplink signal. The reception slot is a period during which the communication node waits for reception. The reception slot is provided, for example, to receive a confirmation response (acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NACK)) from the base station. In Class A, the reception slot is set twice for one transmission of an uplink signal. In Class A, a suspension period is set during which the communication node performs neither transmission of an uplink signal nor reception of a downlink signal. That is, Class A is a scheme of performing intermittent communication.

(Class B)

[0095] Class B is a scheme in which a base station starts communication. In Class B, a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined at a predetermine time interval. For example, in Class B, a reception slot for receiving a downlink signal is regularly set. The base station regularly transmits a beacon as a downlink signal in accordance with the reception slot. In response to receiving the beacon, the communication node is capable of transmitting an uplink signal. In Class B, after transmission of an uplink signal in response to receipt of the beacon, a reception slot is further set twice. The reception slot is provided typically for receiving a confirmation response from the base station. In Class B, a suspension period is set during which the communication node performs neither transmission of an uplink signal nor reception of a downlink signal That is, Class B is a scheme of performing intermittent communication.

(Class C)

[0096] Class C is a scheme in which communication can be constantly performed. In Class C, a period during which a communication node does not transmit an uplink signal is defined as a reception slot for receiving a downlink signal. That is, in Class C, the communication node constantly waits for reception during a period of not performing transmission. In Class C, a suspension period is not set during which the communication node performs neither transmission of an uplink signal nor reception of a downlink signal. That is, Class C is a scheme of not performing intermittent communication.

Sigfox

[0097] Sigfox is a standard whose technical specifications are developed by a company. In Sigfox, a base station and a cloud service are provided by the company that develops the technical specifications. On the other hand, services in individual countries are provided by operators of the individual countries. The frequency band to be used is a 920 MHz band both in the uplink and the downlink. The transmission rate is 100 bps in the uplink and 600 bps in the downlink.

[0098] In Sigfox, signals in an ultra-narrow band are used. A signal of a 100 Hz width is used in the uplink, and a signal of an 800 Hz width is used in the downlink.

[0099] In Sigfox, time diversity and frequency diversity are implemented. Specifically, in Sigfox, the same frame is transmitted three times in different periods at different frequencies.

[0100] In Sigfox, space diversity is implemented. Specifically, in Sigfox, a signal transmitted by a communication node is received by a plurality of base stations.

[0101] With these features, Sigfox is capable of increasing stability, interference resistance, and disturbance resistance of communication.

ELTRES (registered trademark)

[0102] ELTRES is a standard whose technical specifications are developed by a company. In ELTRES, unidirectional communication of only transmission of an uplink signal from a communication node to a base station is basically performed. The frequency band to be used ranges from 923.6 MHz to 928.0 MHz. Among 38 channels defined in the frequency band, 4 channels are used with frequency hopping. The payload of a packet has a size of 128 bits. The same packet is repeatedly transmitted four times within 0.4 seconds. From the above, the transmission rate is about 80 bps as a result of calculating 128/0.4/4.

[0103] In ELTRES, transmission of an uplink signal is regularly performed once per 3 minutes to 24 hours. In addition, trigger transmission may be performed. The trigger transmission is transmission performed in response to the occurrence of a specific event. In ELTRES, transmission of an uplink signal is performed at an interval of 3 minutes for 60 minutes from the occurrence of a trigger. In ELTRES, a suspension period is set during which the communication node performs neither transmission of an uplink signal nor reception of a downlink signal. That is, ELTRES is a standard defining intermittent communication.

Conclusion

[0104] Examples of a wireless communication standard classified as LPWA have been described above. The inhaler device 100 may use any one of the above-described wireless communication standards. In any of the above-described wireless communication standards, a frequency band of lower than 1 GHz is used, and the transmission rate is 100 kbps or lower. That is, the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment performs intermittent communication at least in conformity with a wireless communication standard in which a frequency band of lower than 1 GHz is used and the transmission rate is 100 kbps or lower. In particular, in the present embodiment, the inhaler device 100 performs intermittent communication in conformity with Class A or Class B of LoRaWAN.

(2) Information transmission

[0105] The inhaler device 100 transmits certain information to the server 300. For example, the inhaler device 100 may transmit position information acquired by the sensor 112. Accordingly, the inhaler device 100 is capable of operating under control of the server 300 in accordance with the position information. For example, operation restriction can be carried out in accordance with the position of the inhaler device 100, as described in detail below.

[0106] The inhaler device 100 transmits information to the server 300 at a certain timing. For example, the inhaler device 100 may transmit information in response to acquisition of information indicating that a user has performed a first action for inhaling an aerosol generated by the inhaler device 100. The first action includes at least either an operation on an operation unit that is provided in the inhaler device 100 and that is for accepting an operation by the user, or an action of inhaling an aerosol generated by the inhaler device 100. An example of the first action is an action of pressing the power supply button provided in the inhaler device 100. The power supply button is an example of the operation unit. Another example of the first action is an inhalation action of inhaling with the mouthpiece 124 of the inhaler device 100A in the user's mouth, or inhaling with the stick substrate 150 inserted into the inhaler device 100B in the user's mouth.

[0107] That is, a fact that the first action has been performed indicates a fact that the user has performed an inhalation action or is going to perform an inhalation action. Thus, as a result of transmitting the position information at a timing when the user performs the first action, restriction for an inhalation action can be performed at an appropriate timing in accordance with the position of the inhaler device 100.

[0108] Hereinafter, information transmitted by the inhaler device 100 will also be referred to as inhalation information. With the inhalation information, the server 300 is notified that the user has performed an inhalation action or is going to perform an inhalation action. Furthermore, when the inhalation information includes position information, the server 300 is notified of the position at which the user has performed an inhalation action or is going to perform an inhalation action.

(3) Operation restriction

[0109] The inhaler device 100 controls operation of the inhaler device 100, based on information received by the communicator 115. For example, the inhaler device 100 controls operation of the inhaler device 100, based on information for controlling the inhaler device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as control information) received from the server 300.

[0110] In detail, the inhaler device 100 controls, based on control information received by the communicator 115, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. Based on the control information, the inhaler device 100 imposes or does not impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. Not imposing a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 includes, for example, lifting a restriction already imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100. For example, a restriction is imposed when the position of the inhaler device 100 is included in a range of the position at which a restriction is to be imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100, and a restriction is not imposed when the position of the inhaler device 100 is not included in the range. The range of the position at which a restriction is to be imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 includes, for example, a place where use of the inhaler device 100 is prohibited by law or agreement in a local community. On the other hand, the range of the position information at which a restriction is not to be imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 includes, for example, a place where use of the inhaler device 100 is permitted by law or agreement in a local community. Hereinafter, the range of the position at which a restriction is to be imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 is also referred to as a restriction range.

[0111] In an example, the control information may include information indicating whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. For example, the server 300 determines whether the position of the inhaler device 100 indicated by position information included in inhalation information is included in the restriction range. If the position of the inhaler device 100 is included in the restriction range, the server 300 generates control information including information of providing an instruction to impose an operation restriction. On the other hand, if the position of the inhaler device 100 is not included in the restriction range, the server 300 generates control information including information of providing an instruction not to impose an operation restriction. Thereafter, the server 300 transmits the generated control information to the inhaler device 100 which is a source of the inhalation information. The inhaler device 100 imposes or does not impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 in accordance with the instruction included in the control information.

[0112] In another example, the control information may include information of providing an instruction to control, based on whether a user is moving, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. In this case, the inhaler device 100 controls, in accordance with the control information and based on whether the user is moving, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. For example, in a certain restriction range, inhalation while walking may be prohibited whereas inhalation in a stopped state may be permitted. In this case, the inhaler device 100 imposes a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 when the user is moving, and does not impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 when the user is not moving. Whether the user is moving may be determined based on whether a moving speed calculated based on a chronological change in position information acquired by the sensor 112 is included in a range of a walking speed. Of course, the inhaler device 100 does not need to perform such control outside the restriction range.

[0113] To restrict operation of the inhaler device 100, the inhaler device 100 may make a process of generating an aerosol inexecutable. For example, the inhaler device 100 does not perform heating by the heater 121. Accordingly, it becomes physically difficult for the user to inhale an aerosol.

[0114] The inhaler device 100 may provide, by the notifier 113, predetermined information indicating a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. The predetermined information may be information for warning the user that the user is currently at a place where use of the inhaler device 100 is prohibited. Accordingly, it becomes psychologically difficult for the user to inhale an aerosol.

[0115] As a result of imposing a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 in this manner, it becomes physically or psychologically difficult for the user to inhale an aerosol. Thus, it becomes possible to prompt the user to inhale while being compliant with a law or manners.

[0116] Hereinafter, a restriction imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 is also simply referred to as an operation restriction. A state in which an operation restriction is imposed is also referred to as a restricted state. A state in which an operation restriction is not imposed is also referred to as an unrestricted state.

[0117] In Class A of LoRaWAN, the inhaler device 100 starts communication. Thus, the inhaler device 100 may transmit an uplink signal for providing a reception slot for receiving control information, after receiving a confirmation response in a reception slot defined after transmitting inhalation information. The server 300 may transmit control information together with a confirmation response of the uplink signal or instead of the confirmation response.

Operation restriction in intermittent communication

[0118] The inhaler device 100 performs intermittent communication, and thus a time lag may occur between a timing of transmitting inhalation information and a timing of receiving control information corresponding to the transmitted inhalation information. The time lag may generate a gap between the position of the inhaler device 100 when the inhaler device 100 transmits inhalation information (hereinafter also referred to as an inhalation information transmission position) and the position of the inhaler device 100 when the inhaler device 100 receives control information (hereinafter also referred to as a control information reception position). The gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position generated by the time lag between the transmission of the inhalation information and the reception of the control information may cause various inconveniences.

[0119] In an example, when the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position is large, after inhalation information including position information acquired within the restriction range has been transmitted, control information that is generated based on the position information and that provides an instruction to impose an operation restriction may be received outside the restriction range. In this case, the operation restriction is imposed outside the restriction range, and thus usability degrades.

[0120] In another example, when the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position is large, after inhalation information including position information acquired outside the restriction range has been transmitted, control information that is generated based on the position information and that provides an instruction not to impose an operation restriction may be received within the restriction range. In this case, the operation restriction is not imposed within the restriction range, and thus it is possible to inhale an aerosol within the restriction range.

[0121] Accordingly, the inhaler device 100 may control, based on information received by the communicator 115 before a first predetermined period elapses after the communicator 115 transmits information, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. In other words, the inhaler device 100 may ignore information received by the communicator 115 after the first predetermined period elapses after the communicator 115 transmits information. The first predetermined period is set as appropriate as an upper limit value of an allowable time lag. The upper limit value of an allowable time lag may be, for example, a time assumed to be taken for a user who is at the center of the restriction range to move to the outside of the restriction range. With this configuration, control information is ignored when the time lag from the transmission of position information to the reception of the control information is large, and thus it is possible to avoid the above-described inconvenience.

[0122] The inhaler device 100 may stop reception by the communicator 115 in response to imposing, based on the information received by the communicator 115 before the first predetermined period elapses after the communicator 115 transmits the information, an operation restriction. For example, in the case of operating in conformity with Class A of LoRaWAN, the inhaler device 100 stops transmission of inhalation information, thereby stopping waiting for receiving control information generated by transmission of inhalation information. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

Lifting of operation restriction

[0123] In response to acquisition of information indicating that the user has performed a second action in a state in which a restriction is imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100, the inhaler device 100 may lift the restriction imposed on the operation of the inhaler device 100. An example of the second action is a user operation such as pressing of the power supply button. As a result of lifting the restriction imposed on the operation of the inhaler device 100 in a situation in which the above-described inconvenience resulting from a time lag has occurred, it is possible to increase usability.

[0124] Another example of the second action is a movement of the user riding in a moving body. Whether the user is moving while riding in a moving body may be determined based on whether a moving speed calculated based on a chronological change in position information acquired by the sensor 112 is included in a range of the moving speed of the moving body. The moving body may be, for example, a car. The above-described restriction range is designated for pedestrians by a law or the like, but a user riding in a moving body, such as a car, is not a target in many cases. This is because, when a pedestrian performs an inhalation action, an aerosol from the inhalation is emitted to outside air, whereas when an inhalation action is performed in a car cabin, an aerosol from the inhalation stays in the car cabin and is not likely to leak to the outside. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which an operation restriction is unreasonably imposed when the user is in a car cabin.

Operation restriction based on history

[0125] As described above, to avoid inconvenience resulting from the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position caused by a time lag from the transmission of inhalation information to the reception of control information, an operation restriction based on history may be imposed. In detail, the inhaler device 100 may impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 in a case where the difference between a current position of the inhaler device 100 and a position of the inhaler device 100 when a restriction was imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 in the past is within a predetermined range. That is, the inhaler device 100 stores position information obtained when a restriction was imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 in the past. If current position information matches the stored position information or is within a range of error, the inhaler device 100 imposes a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. This configuration enables the inhaler device 100 to shift to a restricted state without waiting for control information from the server 300, and thus it is possible to avoid the above-described inconvenience.

[0126] The inhaler device 100 may impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100 in a case where the difference between a current position of the inhaler device 100 and a position of the inhaler device 100 when a restriction was imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 within a past second predetermined period is within a predetermined range. That is, the inhaler device 100 may store position information obtained when a restriction was imposed on operation of the inhaler device 100 within only the past second predetermined period. The second predetermined period may be set as appropriate as an upper limit value of an allowable storage amount. For example, the second predetermined period may be set in association with the capacity of the memory 114. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the storage amount.

Flow of process

[0127] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a flow of a process executed by the inhaler device 100 regarding the above-described operation restriction, with reference to Fig. 4.

[0128] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an operation restriction process executed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 4, first, the inhaler device 100 determines whether information indicating that a user has performed a first action has been acquired (step S102). In response to determining that information indicating that a user has performed a first action has not been acquired (NO in step S102), the inhaler device 100 waits until information indicating that a user has performed a first action has been acquired. In response to determining that information indicating that a user has performed a first action has been acquired (YES in step S102), the inhaler device 100 transmits inhalation information (step S104).

[0129] Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 determines whether the difference between a current position of the inhaler device 100 and a position of the inhaler device 100 when an operation restriction was imposed in the past is within a predetermined range (step S106). In response to a determination being made that the difference between a current position of the inhaler device 100 and a position of the inhaler device 100 when an operation restriction was imposed in the past is within a predetermined range (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0130] In response to determining that the difference between a current position of the inhaler device 100 and a position of the inhaler device 100 when an operation restriction was imposed in the past is outside a predetermined range (NO in step S106), the inhaler device 100 determines whether control information has been received (step S108). In response to determining that control information has not been received (NO in step S108), the inhaler device 100 waits until control information has been received.

[0131] In response to determining that control information has been received (YES in step S108), the inhaler device 100 determines whether the control information includes information of providing an instruction to impose an operation restriction (step S110). In response to a determination being made that the control information includes information of providing an instruction to impose an operation restriction (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0132] In response to determining that the control information does not include information of providing an instruction to impose an operation restriction (NO in step S110), the inhaler device 100 does not impose an operation restriction (step S114). If an operation restriction has already been imposed, the inhaler device 100 lifts the imposed operation restriction. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0133] In step S112, the inhaler device 100 imposes an operation restriction (step S112). Thereafter, the inhaler device 100 determines whether information indicating that the user has performed a second action has been acquired (step S116). In response to determining that information indicating that the user has performed a second action has not been acquired (NO in step S116), the inhaler device 100 waits until information indicating that the user has performed a second action has been acquired. In response to determining that information indicating that the user has performed a second action has been acquired (YES in step S116), the inhaler device 100 lifts the operation restriction (step S118). Thereafter, the process ends.

[0134] Next, a description will be given of a flow of a process executed by the server 300 regarding the above-described operation restriction, with reference to Fig. 5.

[0135] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of an operation restriction process executed by the server 300 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 5, first, the server 300 determines whether inhalation information has been received (step S202). In response to determining that inhalation information has not been received (NO in step S202), the server 300 waits until inhalation information has been received. In response to determining that inhalation information has been received (YES in step S202), the server 300 transmits control information (step S204). For example, the server 300 determines whether the position of the inhaler device 100 indicated by position information included in the inhalation information is included in a restriction range. If the position of the inhaler device 100 is included in the restriction range, the server 300 generates control information including information of providing an instruction to impose an operation restriction. On the other hand, if the position of the inhaler device 100 is not included in the restriction range, the server 300 generates control information including information of providing an instruction not to impose an operation restriction. Subsequently, the server 300 transmits the generated control information to the inhaler device 100 which is the source of the inhalation information (step S206).

(4) Transmission control

[0136] The inhaler device 100 performs various types of control regarding transmission of inhalation information by the communicator 115.

[0137]  The inhaler device 100 may control, based on the moving speed of the inhaler device 100, the interval of transmission of inhalation information by the communicator 115. In an example, the inhaler device 100 may shorten the transmission interval of inhalation information as the moving speed of the inhaler device 100 increases. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position caused by a time lag from the transmission of inhalation information to the reception of control information. In another example, the inhaler device 100 may lengthen the transmission interval of inhalation information as the moving speed of the inhaler device 100 decreases. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0138] The inhaler device 100 may transmit inhalation information when the power supply 111 is being charged. In an example, the inhaler device 100 may transmit inhalation information when the power supply 111 is brought into connection to a charger, when a predetermined time elapses after the power supply 111 is brought into connection to the charger, or when the amount of remaining electric power becomes a predetermined value or more due to charging. In other words, the inhaler device 100 does not need to transmit inhalation information during a period in which the power supply 111 is not connected to the charger. This makes it possible to transmit inhalation information only when the possibility of battery rundown is low.

[0139] The inhaler device 100 may control, based on whether the power supply 111 is being charged, the transmission interval of inhalation information. In an example, during a period in which the power supply 111 is being charged, the inhaler device 100 may make the transmission interval of inhalation information shorter than during a period in which the power supply 111 is not being charged. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position caused by a time lag from the transmission of inhalation information to the reception of control information when the possibility of battery rundown is low. In another example, during a period in which the power supply 111 is not being charged, the inhaler device 100 may make the transmission interval of inhalation information longer than during a period in which the power supply 111 is being charged. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption and reduce the possibility of battery rundown.

[0140] The inhaler device 100 may control, based on the amount of remaining electric power stored in the power supply 111, the transmission interval of inhalation information. In an example, the inhaler device 100 may shorten the transmission interval of inhalation information as the amount of remaining electric power increases. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the inhalation information transmission position and the control information reception position caused by a time lag from the transmission of inhalation information to the reception of control information when the possibility of battery rundown is low. In another example, the inhaler device 100 may lengthen the transmission interval of inhalation information as the amount of remaining electric power decreases. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption and reduce the possibility of battery rundown.

[0141] The inhaler device 100 may transmit inhalation information in response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed a predetermined number of times or more within a third predetermined period. In other words, the inhaler device 100 may transmit inhalation information in response to an inhalation frequency exceeding a predetermined threshold value. When an operation restriction is imposed based on such inhalation information, it is possible to suppress excessive inhalation of an aerosol.

(5) Storage of position information

[0142] In response to imposing an operation restriction on the inhaler device 100 based on inhalation information collected from the inhaler device 100, the server 300 may store position information included in the inhalation information. This makes it possible to acquire a distribution of position information for which an operation restriction has been imposed.

[0143] Similarly, in response to not imposing an operation restriction on the inhaler device 100 based on inhalation information collected from the inhaler device 100, the server 300 may store position information included in the inhalation information. This makes it possible to acquire a distribution of position information for which an operation restriction has not been imposed.

(6) Monitoring function

[0144] Transmission of information by the inhaler device 100 is also effective for monitoring. The monitoring herein means, for example, sensing of actions of a target, such as a senior citizen, and remotely supporting of the target.

[0145] For the purpose of monitoring, the inhaler device 100 may transmit inhalation information including destination information indicating that a terminal device associated with a different user different from the user of the inhaler device 100 is a destination. The user of the inhaler device 100 is a target to be monitored, such as a senior citizen. The different user is a person who monitors the target, such as a member of the family of the senior citizen. The terminal device is a device, for example, a smartphone or a personal computer (PC). With this configuration, a notification indicating that the target to be monitored has performed an inhalation action is provided in real time, and thus the person who monitors the target is able to check an inhalation frequency or the like in real time. Furthermore, when the inhalation information includes position information, the person who monitors the target is able to check the position of the target. In addition, if the inhaler device 100 is stolen, it is possible to easily search for the inhaler device 100.

[0146] The destination information may include identification information of the terminal device associated with the person who monitors the target. The identification information of the terminal device may be information indicating the destination, such as an email address or an account of a social networking service (SNS). In this case, the server 300 transmits received inhalation information to the destination indicated by the identification information of the terminal device. Alternatively, the destination information may include identification information of the inhaler device 100. In this case, the server 300 stores in advance the identification information of the inhaler device 100 and the identification information of the terminal device associated with the person who monitors the target in association with each other. The server 300 transmits inhalation information to the destination indicated by the identification information of the terminal device stored in association with the received identification information of the inhaler device 100.

3. Supplemental description

[0147] While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. It is apparent that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention could conceive of various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical spirit described in the claims, and it is to be understood that the changes or modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention as a matter of course.

[0148] For example, in the above embodiment, control information includes information indicating whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, control information may include information used by the inhaler device 100 to determine whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device 100. An example of such control information is information indicating a restriction range. The inhaler device 100 autonomously controls whether to impose an operation restriction in accordance with whether position information acquired by the sensor 112 is included in the restriction range indicated by the control information. In this case, the server 300 generates control information including information indicating the restriction range around the position indicated by the position information collected from the inhaler device 100, and transmits the control information to the inhaler device 100.

[0149] The series of steps performed by the individual devices described in this specification may be implemented by using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting software are, for example, stored in advance in recording media (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside the individual devices. Each program is, for example, at the time of being executed by a computer, loaded into a RAM and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording media are, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and the like. The computer programs may be distributed, for example, via a network without using recording media.

[0150] The steps described using a flowchart or sequence diagram in this specification need not necessarily be executed in the order illustrated. Some of the process steps may be executed in parallel. An additional process step may be adopted, or one or some of the process steps may be omitted.

Reference Signs List

[0151] 

100

inhaler device

110

power supply unit

111

power supply

112

sensor

113

notifier

114

memory

115

communicator

116

controller

120

cartridge

121

heater

122

liquid guide

123

liquid storage

124

mouthpiece

130

flavor imparting cartridge

131

flavor source

140

holder

141

internal space

142

opening

143

bottom

144

heat insulator

150

stick substrate

151

substrate

152

inhalation port

180

airflow path

181

air inlet hole

182

air outlet hole

250

controller

300

server

310

communicator

320

memory

330

controller

Claims

1. An inhaler device comprising:

a wireless communicator that performs intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication; and

a controller that controls a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

2. The inhaler device according to claim 1, further comprising

a position information acquirer that acquires position information of the inhaler device, wherein

the controller controls the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

3. The inhaler device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in response to acquisition of information indicating that the user has performed a first action for inhaling the material generated by the inhaler device, the controller controls the wireless communicator to transmit information.

4. The inhaler device according to claim 3 dependent on claim 2, wherein in response to acquisition of the information indicating that the user has performed the first action, the controller controls the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

5. The inhaler device according to claim 4, wherein

the first action includes at least either an operation on an operation unit that is provided in the inhaler device and that is for accepting an operation by the user, or an action of inhaling the material to be inhaled by the user, and

in response to acquisition of the information indicating that the user has performed the first action, the controller controls the wireless communicator to transmit the position information acquired by the position information acquirer.

6. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller controls, based on information received by the wireless communicator, whether to impose a restriction on operation of the inhaler device.

7. The inhaler device according to claim 6, wherein the controller controls, based on information received by the wireless communicator before a first predetermined period elapses after the wireless communicator transmits information, whether to impose a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

8. The inhaler device according to claim 7, wherein the controller stops reception by the wireless communicator in response to imposing, based on the information received by the wireless communicator before the first predetermined period elapses after the wireless communicator transmits the information, the restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

9. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, to restrict the operation of the inhaler device, the controller makes the process of generating the material to be inhaled by the user inexecutable.

10. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising

a notifier that provides information to the user, wherein

the controller controls the notifier to provide predetermined information indicating a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

11. The inhaler device according to claim 10, wherein the notifier includes at least any of a display device, a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a sound output device.

12. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the controller controls, based on whether the user is moving, whether to impose a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device.

13. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein in response to acquisition of information indicating that the user has performed a second action in a state in which a restriction is imposed on the operation of the inhaler device, the controller lifts the restriction imposed on the operation of the inhaler device.

14. The inhaler device according to claim 13, wherein the second action includes a movement of the user riding in a moving body.

15. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the controller imposes a restriction on the operation of the inhaler device in a case where a difference between a current position of the inhaler device and a position of the inhaler device when a restriction was imposed on the operation of the inhaler device within a past second predetermined period is within a predetermined range.

16. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the controller controls the wireless communicator to transmit information including destination information indicating that a terminal device associated with a different user different from the user is a destination.

17. The inhaler device according to claim 16, wherein the destination information is identification information of the inhaler device or identification information of the terminal device associated with the different user.

18. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the controller controls, based on a moving speed of the inhaler device, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

19. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising

a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, wherein

the controller controls, when the power supply is being charged, the wireless communicator to transmit information.

20. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising

a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, wherein

the controller controls, based on whether the power supply is being charged, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

21. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising

a power supply that stores electric power to be used by the inhaler device to operate, wherein

the controller controls, based on an amount of remaining electric power stored in the power supply, an interval of transmission of information by the wireless communicator.

22. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein in response to acquisition of information indicating that an inhalation action has been performed a predetermined number of times or more within a third predetermined period, the inhaler device controls the wireless communicator to transmit information.

23. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein in the wireless communication standard, a frequency band of lower than 1 GHz is used, and a transmission rate is 100 kbps or lower.

24. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein in the wireless communication standard, a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined after a period of uplink communication.

25. The inhaler device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein in the wireless communication standard, a period during which downlink communication is possible is defined at a predetermined time interval.

26. A control method executed by an inhaler device, comprising:

performing intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication; and

controlling a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

27. A program for causing a computer that controls an inhaler device to function as:

a wireless communicator that performs intermittent communication in conformity with a wireless communication standard defining the intermittent communication; and

a controller that controls a process of generating material to be inhaled by a user.

Drawing