TWI795610B - Communication support method, communication support program and communication server - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication support method includes the steps of: receiving use information indicating that a flavor suction tool has used, the use information being sent by an user terminal when the flavor suction tool has used; allocating a virtual space to the user terminal according to the received use information; transmitting display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal; generating a response message according to a message sent from the user terminal; and distributing the response message to the user terminal.

Description

Communication support method, communication support program and communication server

The invention relates to a communication support method, a program and a communication server.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that combines smoking with virtual space. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a technology is provided that, when a user wearing a head-mounted unit smokes with a flavor inhaler, by displaying on the head-mounted unit the smoke accompanying the cigarette The three-dimensional object of the coming smoke is simulated to provide the user with a smoking experience of a cigarette.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

International Publication No. 2017/121979

However, users of scent inhalers may be limited to limited usage environments due to the reduction in smoking places in recent years. Therefore, users have a demand for a smoking experience similar to using a scented inhaler with others. Although patent document 1 can use fragrance taster to carry out Simulated smoking experience, but to provide a smoking experience similar to smoking with other smokers, there must be other smokers within the shooting range of the camera of the head-mounted unit.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication support method, a program and a communication server that can provide the user with the experience of using with others regardless of the user's use environment of the fragrance inhaler.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication support method includes: a receiving step of receiving usage information sent by the user terminal when the scent inhaler is used, the usage information indicating that the scent inhaler has been used the information; the allocation step, according to the received aforementioned usage information, assigning the virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal; the sending step, sending the display information for displaying the aforementioned virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal; the generating step, based on the aforementioned user terminal The message sent by the terminal is used to generate a response message for responding to the message; and the transmitting step is to transmit the aforementioned response message to the aforementioned user terminal.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the program is to make the computer perform the following steps: the receiving step is to receive the use information sent by the user terminal when the scent inhaler is used, the aforementioned use information is to display the aforementioned scent inhalation information that has been used; the allocation step is to allocate the virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal according to the received aforementioned usage information; the sending step is to send the display information for displaying the aforementioned virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal; generate A step of generating a response message for responding to the message according to the message sent by the aforementioned user terminal; and a transmitting step of transmitting the aforementioned response message to the aforementioned user terminal.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication server includes: a communication part, which receives the use information sent by the user terminal when the scent inhaler is used, the aforementioned use information It is to display the information that the aforementioned scent inhaler has been used; the distribution part allocates the virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal according to the received usage information; and the generation part generates the A response message in response to the message; wherein, the communication unit sends display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal, and transmits the response message to the user terminal.

According to at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, the communication server can provide the user with a user experience of using the fragrance inhaler regardless of the use environment of the user of the fragrance inhaler.

1‧‧‧Communication system

90‧‧‧Computer

91‧‧‧processor

92‧‧‧main memory

93‧‧‧storage

94‧‧‧Interface

100‧‧‧Flavor tasters

100A‧‧‧Scent Tasting Set

100B‧‧‧Flavor tasters

102‧‧‧First component

104‧‧‧Second component

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Department of Communications

110‧‧‧Battery

112‧‧‧Sensor

114‧‧‧memory

116‧‧‧storage

118‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Inlet flow path

121‧‧‧Smoke flow path

122‧‧‧Nozzle part

124‧‧‧arrow

126‧‧‧The third component

128‧‧‧Scent source

131‧‧‧Outer shell

131A‧‧‧Upper housing

131B‧‧‧Lower housing

132‧‧‧Cover

132B‧‧‧opening

133‧‧‧Switch

134‧‧‧Cover Department

140‧‧‧smoking articles

200‧‧‧user terminals

201‧‧‧Display

202‧‧‧Department of Communications

203‧‧‧memory

204‧‧‧memory department

205‧‧‧Information Processing Department

206‧‧‧Operation Department

300‧‧‧communication server

301‧‧‧Virtual Space Memory Department

302‧‧‧User information memory

303‧‧‧Department of Communications

304‧‧‧designated department

305‧‧‧Distribution Department

306‧‧‧Configuration Department

307‧‧‧Message Receiving Department

308‧‧‧Analog response generation unit

309‧‧‧Transmission Department

310‧‧‧Response Instruction Acceptance Department

V‧‧‧virtual space

V1‧‧‧Avatar

V2‧‧‧Communication Information (Message)

V3‧‧‧Non-manipulating characters (non-manipulating character objects)

V4‧‧‧Analog communication information

M‧‧‧message input unit

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system of a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor inhaler of the first example.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second example of a flavor inhaler.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler in a state where an aerosol-generating base material is held.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the flavor tasting device of the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal of the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an example of the display state displayed on the user terminal of the first embodiment map.

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server of the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 shows an example of information stored in the virtual space memory unit of the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 shows an example of information stored in the user information storage unit of the first embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the communication server of the first embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of the communication server of the first embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server of the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of at least one embodiment of the computer.

〈First Implementation Type〉

"Communication System Structure"

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system according to a first embodiment.

The communication system 1 of the first embodiment includes: a scent inhaler 100 , a user terminal 200 and a communication server 300 . The scent inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 communicate with each other, for example, via short-range wireless communication. In addition, the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate with each other, for example, via wireless communication.

The scent inhaler 100 sends usage information indicating that the user has used the scent inhaler 100 to the user terminal 200 via short-distance wireless communication, for example. In addition, the user terminal 200 sends the received usage information to the communication server 300 via wireless communication, for example.

When receiving the use information, the communication server 300 allocates the virtual space to the user terminal 200 via wireless communication, and sends display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal 200 . In addition, the communication server 300 also sends the display information for displaying the virtual space to other user terminals 200 via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the virtual space according to the received display information.

In addition, the user terminal 200 sends the message to the communication server 300 via wireless communication. In addition, when receiving a message, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message in the virtual space to other user terminals 200 assigned to the virtual space via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the message in the virtual space according to the received display information (more specifically, displays the communication information belonging to the object displaying the message in the virtual space).

According to the first embodiment, when the communication server 300 detects that the scent inhaler 100 is used, the communication server 300 arranges the user's avatar V1 in the virtual space V, and displays the virtual space V on the user terminal 200. display image of . The avatar V1 is a character corresponding to the user or the user terminal 200 . In this virtual space V, avatars V1 of other users who use the aroma inhaler 100 at the same time are also arranged. Furthermore, in the virtual space V, communication information V2 such as a message sent by each user is also displayed. Therefore, each user can obtain the same smoking experience as smoking with other users regardless of the smoking environment.

Objects of a non-player character (NPC) V3 and simulated communication information V4 such as messages sent by the non-player character V3 can also be displayed in the virtual space V. In addition, the analog communication information V4 can also be described as a response message or an automatic response message, for example. The non-manipulating character V3 is a character that is not associated with the user or the user terminal. Analog communication information V4 is generated by the communication server 300 . Therefore, regardless of whether other users log in to the virtual space V, the user can obtain the experience of using the scent inhaler together with other users.

Also, the "use information" may be various kinds of use information that can be collected by the scent inhaler 100 . Usage information is information about the use of a scent inhaler, including, for example, frequency of use, amount and/or fact of use. In addition, the use information is not limited to the above-mentioned information, but also includes information related to the use status of the flavor inhalation tool 100 . Information about the state of use of the scent inhaler 100, for example, includes the use time of the scent inhaler 100, the state of charge or remaining state of the battery contained in the scent inhaler 100, the location of the scent inhaler (user) 100 , information such as the time when the predetermined capsule (capsule) is installed on the scent inhaler 100 or the time when the scent inhaler 100 is carried or kept. In addition, the usage information can be, for example, information about the number of pumping times or replacement times of supplements, the consumption or remaining amount of liquid, and the like. In addition, the refills are replaceable components, such as the storage or flavor source included in the flavor inhaler 100, the smoking article 140, various atomizers, and the like. In addition, the use information can be measured by various sensors installed in the scent inhaler 100 .

In addition, the "virtual space" is a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 200, such as a three-dimensional or two-dimensional space imitating a smoking area or a scenic spot. In addition, the virtual space V is not limited to smoking areas or attractions, but can be any area or place. In addition, the virtual space V does not have to be a place that actually exists, and may be any area or place, for example, a fictional area or place that does not actually exist. In addition, the virtual space V is not necessarily a three-dimensional space, but may be a two-dimensional space. Therefore, the virtual space V can be any space as long as it can be displayed on the user terminal 200 .

In addition, "message" refers to various information sent by the user terminal 200, such as including text information, audio information, animation information or image information. Messages can also contain pre-determined characters (including the avatars described below) corresponding image information, animation information or audio information, etc. In addition, the message may include a URL (Universal Resource Locator, Uniform Information Locator) or a QR code (registered trademark) related to a predetermined homepage on the Internet. In addition, the message may also contain a Morse signal or a predetermined encrypted signal. In addition, the message may be various information required by the user of the user terminal 200 to send to the user of another user terminal 200 . The information is not limited to these examples, and may include advertisement information, trouble information, coupons showing discounts on accessories of the scent inhaler 100, and the like.

In addition, "analog communication information", "response message" and/or "automatic response message" are various information generated by the communication server, and have the same content as the above-mentioned "message".

"Communication Systems in Action"

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication system 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, in the process diagram shown in FIG. 2 , the communication server 300 allocates the virtual space to the user terminal 200 by receiving usage information as a trigger. However, the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 2 is only an example of the operation of the communication system 1, and the trigger for allocating virtual space is not limited to receiving usage information.

For example, the communication server 300 can also use the user terminal 200 to log in to the communication system 1 as a trigger to allocate the virtual space to the user terminal 200 . In addition, for example, the communication server 300 may use predetermined information instead of using information as a trigger to allocate the virtual space to the user terminal 200 . The predetermined information includes, for example, information showing that the aroma inhaler 100 and/or the user terminal 200 exists in a predetermined space (for example, an actual smoking area), or information that the predetermined time has come, and that the switch of the aroma inhaler 100 is turned off. press information, etc. In addition, the predetermined space can be anywhere, as long as it is a place where the use of the scent inhaler 100 is not prohibited, such as a real smoking area or a residential area. Houses and other buildings where the scent inhaler 100 can be used, cars and other vehicles that can use the scent inhaler 100, shops that can use the scent inhaler 100, and various stores that can use the scent inhaler. The smoking room of the device 100, the area or area where the aroma inhaling device 100 can be used, and the like. In addition, the predetermined space can also be specified as a place or area via latitude and longitude, and can also be displayed as an area on a predetermined map.

According to the detection of the user's inhalation action (puffing) (S1001), the scent inhaler 100 sends usage information to the user terminal 200 via, for example, short-distance wireless communication (S1002). The user terminal 200 sends the usage information to the communication server 300 via wireless communication, for example ( S1003 ).

The communication server 300 allocates the virtual space to the user terminal 200 according to the received use information (S1004), and sends display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal 200 via wireless communication (S1005). The user terminal 200 displays the virtual space according to the received display information (S1006).

Accept the message input by the user of another user terminal 200 assigned to the same virtual space, or receive the response message and/or automatic response message generated by the communication server 300 (S1007), and send the message via wireless communication to the communication server 300 (S1008).

When the communication server 300 receives a message, or generates a response message and/or an automatic response message (S1009), it will be used to display the message, response message and/or automatic response message in the virtual space through wireless communication. The information is sent to the user terminals 200 assigned to the same virtual space (S1010). The user terminal 200 displays the message, the reply message and/or the automatic reply message in the virtual space according to the received display information (S1011).

Hereinafter, the scent inhaler 100 , the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 included in the communication system 1 will be described.

"Structure of Fragrance Inhalation and Tasting Devices"

The flavor inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling a flavor, and it is assumed to be used in, for example, electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and conventional cigarettes, although not specifically limited. In addition, the flavor inhaler 100 includes an aerosol generating device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and the aerosol generating device is assumed to be used in, for example, electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, or medical nebulizers. More specifically, the mist generating device is, for example, a device that atomizes a liquid (smoke source) using electric power to generate mist. Smoke is the source of atomized smoke, which is fine particles floating in the gas. The smoke generated by the smoke generating device may also be scented smoke. Examples of the smoke generating device include heated cigarettes (T-vapor or Infused), electronic cigarettes (E-vapor), and the like. In addition, the smoke generating device includes a type that directly heats tobacco (direct heating), a type that indirectly heats tobacco (indirect heating), or a type that heats liquid (liquid). In addition, the smoke generating device can generate SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave, Surface Acoustic Wave) by using a piezoelectric element substrate having a pair of comb electrodes to atomize the liquid.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor inhaler of the first example. As shown in FIG. 3 , the flavor inhaler 100A of the first example includes a first member 102 and a second member 104 . As shown in the figure, for example, the first component 102 may include: a control unit 106 , a communication unit 108 , a battery 110 , a sensor 112 and a memory 114 .

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

Reservoir 116 is used to hold a source of smoke. For example, the reservoir 116 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and the mist source as a liquid is held in gaps between fibers or pores of the porous material. As the above-mentioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material can be used. The reservoir 116 may be configured as a tank for storing liquid. The smoke source is a liquid such as glycerin (Glycerin) or polyhydric alcohol of propylene glycol or water. When the scent inhaler 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the smoke source may also include medicine for the patient to inhale. As another example, the smoke source may comprise tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases flavor components upon heating. Reservoir 116 may be of a configuration to replenish a depleted source of aerosol. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 can be configured so that the reservoir 116 itself can be replaced when the source of smoke is consumed. In addition, the smoke source is not limited to liquid, and may be solid. When the aerosol source is solid, the reservoir 116 may, for example, not use a hollow container of fibrous or porous material.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to atomize the smoke source to generate smoke. When the sensor 112 detects an inhalation action, the atomizer 118 generates smoke. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect the reservoir 116 and the atomizer 118 . In this case, a portion of the wick opens into the interior of the reservoir 116 and contacts the source of smoke. Another part of the wick extends to the atomizing portion 118 . The source of aerosol is transported from the reservoir 116 to the atomizing section 118 by capillary action of the wick. For example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 110 . The heater is placed in contact with or close to the core. When a puffing action is detected, the control part 106 controls the heater of the atomizing part 118 and atomizes the source of smoke delivered through the wick by heating the source. Another example of the atomizing unit 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer, which atomizes the smoke source through ultrasonic vibration. The air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomization part 118 , and the air intake flow path 120 communicates with the outside of the aroma inhaler 100A. The mist generated in the atomizing part 118 is mixed with the air inhaled through the intake flow path 120 . Mixed fluid of smoke and air as arrow As shown in 124, it is sent to the smoke flow path 121. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for sending a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the nebulizer 118 to the mouthpiece 122 .

The mouthpiece part 122 is located at the end of the smoke flow path 121, and is configured to open the smoke flow path 121 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100A. By holding and sucking on the mouthpiece 122, the user inhales the air containing the smoke into the oral cavity.

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

The battery 110 supplies power to each component of the scent inhaler 100A such as the communication part 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, the atomizing part 118, and the like. The battery 110 can also be charged by being connected to an external power source via a predetermined port (not shown) of the scent inhaler 100A. Only the battery 110 can be removed from the first member 102 or the scent inhaler 100A, or can be replaced with a new battery 110 . In addition, the battery 110 can also be replaced with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102 .

The sensor 112 may include: a pressure sensor for detecting a change in internal pressure of at least one of the intake flow path 120 and the smoke flow path 121 or a flow sensor for detecting flow. The sensors 112 may also include weight sensors to detect the weight of components such as the reservoir 116 . The sensor 112 can also be configured to count the number of puffs taken by the user using the scent inhaler 100A. The sensor 112 can also be configured to accumulate the energization time of the atomizing unit 118 . The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the liquid level in the reservoir 116 . The sensor 112 can also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge, state of charge), current accumulation value, voltage, etc. of the battery 110 . The current integration value can be acquired by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage, open circuit voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 can also be an operation button that can be operated by the user. key.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module in the form of a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 can be configured to control the action of the scent inhaler 100A according to the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 114 . The memory 114 is a memory medium such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition to the above-mentioned computer-executable instructions, the memory 114 can also store setting data and the like required for controlling the scent inhaler 100A. For example, the memory 114 can store various data such as the control method of the communication part 108 (such as the state of light emission, sound generation, vibration, etc.), the value detected by the sensor 112 and the heating history of the atomization part 118, etc. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed, uses the data to control the scent inhaler 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a second example of a flavor inhaler. As shown in the figure, the flavor inhaler 100B of the second example further includes a third member 126 in addition to the structure of the flavor inhaler 100A in FIG. 3 . The third component 126 may contain a fragrance source 128 . For example, when the flavor inhaler 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may contain flavor components contained in cigarettes. As shown, the smoke flow path 121 extends across the second member 104 and the third member 126 . The nozzle part 122 is provided in the third member 126 .

The flavor source 128 is a component for imparting flavor to the smoke. The fragrance source 128 is disposed in the middle of the smoke flow path 121 . The mixed fluid of smoke and air generated by the atomizing part 118 (please note that the mixed fluid will also be referred to simply as smoke in some cases below) flows to the nozzle part 122 through the smoke flow path 121 . Therefore, relative to the flow of smoke, the fragrance source 128 is disposed downstream of the atomizing part 118 . In other words, the fragrance source 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the mist flow path 121 than the nebulizer 118 is. Therefore, the smoke produced by the atomizing part 118 passes through the fragrance The source 128 then reaches the nozzle section 122 . As the smoke passes through the flavor source 128, flavor components contained in the flavor source 128 are imparted to the smoke. For example, when the flavor inhaler 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be a flavor source derived from tobacco, such as shredded tobacco or a processed product obtained by forming tobacco material into a granular, sheet or powder form. Flavor source 128 may also be a non-tobacco-derived flavor source, such as a flavor source made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). For example, flavor source 128 includes a tobacco component. Flavor source 128 may include a fragrance ingredient such as menthol. In addition to the fragrance source 128, the reservoir 116 may also have a material containing a fragrance ingredient. For example, flavor inhaler 100B may be configured to retain tobacco-derived flavor material in flavor source 128 and contain non-tobacco-derived flavor material in reservoir 116 .

The user can inhale the air containing the aroma-imparting smoke into the oral cavity by sucking on the mouthpiece 122 .

The control unit 106 is configured to control the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention through various methods. In addition, the control unit 106 generates usage information of the scent inhaler 100 and sends it to the user terminal 200 . The scent inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 are associated with each other, for example, by implementing short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication, to send and receive data between the two parties. In addition, the data transmission and reception between the scent inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 is not limited to BLE communication, for example, can be through such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network, local area network), LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network, low power Wide Area Network) or NFC (Near Field Communication, Near Field Communication) and other communication to perform. In addition, the transmission and reception of data between the scent inhaler 100 and the user terminal 200 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication, and can also be wired communication, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus, Universal Serial Bus) or Mini USB or Micro USB. USB or Lightning etc. The usage information may include the type of the flavor inhaler 100 , the type of the flavor (flavor), the number of puffs, location information, and the like.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor inhaler in a state where the smoke-generating base material is held.

In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate flavor-containing smoke by, for example, heating the smoke-generating substrate of a smoking article having a flavor such as a filler including a smoke source and a flavor source. Generate substrate. Additionally, the smoking article 140 may serve as an aerosol generating substrate.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, the smoking article 140 is only one example of an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol source contained in the aerosol generating substrate can be solid or liquid. The source of smoke can be a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The smoke source may comprise tobacco material or an extract derived from tobacco material that releases flavor components upon heating. When the scent inhaler 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the smoke source may include medicine for the patient to inhale. Depending on the application, the aerosol-generating substrate may also contain no flavor source.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the scent inhaler 100 includes an upper case 131A, a lower case 131B, a cover 132 , a switch 133 and a cover 134 . The outer shell 131 of the scent tasting device 100 is formed by connecting the upper shell 131A and the lower shell 131B to each other. The outer housing 131 may be sized to fit a user's hand. In this case, when the user uses the scent inhaler 100, the user can hold the scent inhaler 100 by hand and taste the smoke.

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

The switch 133 is used to switch between the start (ON) and stop (OFF) of the scent inhaler 100 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the smoking article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B, the user operates the switch 133 to supply power from a battery (not shown) to the heating unit (not shown), Rather, the smoking article 140 can be heated in a non-combustible manner. When the smoking article 140 is heated, aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the smoking article 140 and the aroma of the flavor source is mixed into the aerosol. The user can inhale flavor-containing smoke by inhaling the portion of the smoking article 140 that protrudes from the flavor inhaler 100 (the portion shown in FIG. 6 ). In addition, in this specification, the direction in which the smoke-generating base material such as the smoking article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100 .

The configuration of the flavor tasting device 100 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is only an example of the configuration of the flavor tasting device of the present invention. The flavor inhaler of the present invention can be constructed in various forms. For example, the smoke can be generated by heating the smoke-generating substrate containing the smoke source, so that the user can inhale the generated smoke source.

"Action of Scent Taster"

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the flavor tasting device of the first embodiment. When the user starts a tasting (puffing) action from the mouthpiece part 122 , pressure is generated inside the fragrance inhaler 100 , and the sensor 112 detects the pressure. When the sensor 112 detects a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S1), the battery 110 starts supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S2). When the control unit 106 that has started to supply power starts, the battery 110 starts to supply power to the heater of the atomizing unit 118 (step S3). Thereby, the heater heats the mist source of the atomization part 118 . In addition, the control unit 106 sends the use information of the scent tasting device 100 to the user terminal 200 (step S4).

The control unit 106 is used to determine whether the pressure detected by the sensor 112 has become smaller than a predetermined value (step S5). When the pressure detected by the sensor 112 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S5: No), power supply to the heater is continued. On the other hand, when the pressure detected by the sensor 112 is lower than the predetermined value (step S5: Yes), the control unit 106 stops the battery 110 from supplying power to the heater (step S6).

The control unit 106 determines whether the use information in step S4 has been sent (step S7). When the transmission of the use information has not been completed (step S7: No), power supply to the control unit 106 is continued. On the other hand, when the transmission of the use information has been completed (step S7: Yes), the control unit 106 stops the battery 110 from supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S8). That is, the control unit 106 stops supplying power to the control unit 106 at the later timing of the timing when the sensor 112 is lower than the predetermined pressure or the timing when the transmission of the use information is completed.

As mentioned above, the control unit 106 of the first embodiment sends usage information to the user terminal 200 for each user's sucking action. In other words, the use information is an example of inhalation information (puff data) issued for each inhalation (puff) action of the fragrance inhaler 100 .

"User Terminal"

The user terminal 200 is a terminal with a communication function such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 200 has a short-distance wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC, and a wireless communication function via a broadband communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user terminal 200 and the scent inhaler 100 communicate through short-distance wireless communication, and the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate using a wireless communication function via a broadband communication network. In addition, the data transmission and reception between the user terminal 200 and the scent inhaler 100 is not limited to short-distance wireless communication, and can also be wireless communication such as wireless LAN or LPWAN. In addition, the user terminal 200 may have a wired communication function such as USB, and may also communicate with the fragrance inhaler 100 through the wired communication function, or communicate with the communication server 300 through the wired communication function.

As mentioned above, the user terminal 200 is, for example, a smart phone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a computer (such as a desktop, a laptop, etc.), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, personal digital assistant), Mobile phones, watch-type terminals, eyeglass-type terminals, or other types of computers. In addition, the user terminal 200 may be an intelligent speaker (AI speaker; "AI" is an abbreviation of "artificial intelligence") or a head mounted display (HMD: Head Mounted Display). In addition, the user terminal 200 is not limited to these illustrations.

Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal of the first embodiment. The user terminal 200 includes: a display unit 201 , a communication unit 202 , a memory 203 , a storage unit 204 , an information processing unit 205 and an operation unit 206 . In addition, each component is electrically connected to each other via bus lines such as address bus or data bus.

The display unit 201 is means for displaying various display information. The display unit 201 is, for example, a display, but may be any device as long as it can display various display information. For example, the display unit 201 displays the virtual space V according to the display information received from the communication server 300 .

The communication unit 202 is implemented by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 202 is configured by a wireless device that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as short-distance wireless communication, wireless LAN (registered trademark), or LTE. In addition, the communication unit 202 may be constituted by a device performing wired communication. The communication unit 202 communicates via, for example, short-distance wireless communication Communicate with the scent taster 100. The communication unit 202 sends the use information indicating that the user has used the scent inhaler 100 to the user terminal 200 via short-distance wireless communication, for example. In addition, the communication unit 202 communicates with the communication server 300 through, for example, wireless communication. The communication unit 202 sends the received usage information or messages to the communication server 300 through wireless communication. In addition, the communication unit 202 receives display information from the communication server 300 through wireless communication.

The memory 203 is constituted by using a RAM such as a volatile memory including a semiconductor element, and is used as a working memory (Work Memory) of the information processing unit 57 . The memory 203 is constituted by, for example, a flash memory or the like. Also, the memory 203 may be a part of the storage unit 204 .

The memory unit 204 can be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory, random access memory), ROM (Read Only Memory, read-only memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive, hard disk drive), flash memory, or a combination of these A compound memory device of a plurality of memory devices or the like can be realized. In the storage unit 204 , for example, a program or an application program executed by the information processing unit 205 is stored.

The program is, for example, an operating system, which is located between the user or application program and the hard disk drive, and provides a standard interface for the user or application program, and effectively manages various resources such as hardware at the same time.

The application 208 is an application for communicating with other users via the virtual space V. The user terminal 200 receives usage information from the scent inhaler 100 by executing the application program, and sends the usage information to the communication server 300 . In addition, the user can display the virtual space V according to the display information received from the communication server 300 . In addition, the user can send a message for communicating with other users by operating the user terminal 200 sent to the communication server 300. In addition, the user terminal 200 can implement these functions through PWAs (Progressive Web Apps, progressive web applications) instead of local applications.

All or part of the information processing unit 205 is, for example, a functional unit (hereinafter referred to as a functional unit) implemented by executing programs and application programs stored in the memory unit 204 by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit, central processing unit). Software Functions Department). All or part of the information processing unit 205 can be implemented by LSI (Large Scale Integration, large-scale integrated circuit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, designated application integrated circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array, field programmable gate Array) and other hardware, or can also be realized by a combination of software function parts and hardware.

The information processing unit 205 executes the process of transmitting the usage information received from the scent inhaler 100 to the communication server 300 via the communication unit 202 . In addition, the information processing unit 205 executes processing for displaying display information received from the communication server 300 on the display unit 201 . In addition, the information processing unit 205 executes a process of displaying the information input by the user using the operation unit 206 on the communication server 300 via the communication unit 202 .

The operation unit 206 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, detects a touch operation performed on the screen displayed on the display unit 201 , and outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the information processing unit 205 .

"Display Patterns of User Terminals"

FIG. 9 shows an example of a display state displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 of the first embodiment.

The virtual space V is displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 . The display unit 201 displays, for example, a virtual three-dimensional space simulating a smoking area.

In addition, the display unit 201 displays the avatar V1 of the user in the virtual space V. FIG. The avatar V1 is an avatar of the user assigned to the user terminal 200 in the virtual space V. The clone V1 is, for example, displayed as an object imitating a person. Also, the avatar V1 is not limited to an object imitating a person, but can be displayed as any object, such as an object of a fictional character.

In addition, the clone V1 can move in at least one area in the virtual space V. In this case, the area where the avatar V1 moves can be a predetermined area according to each virtual space V, or the entire virtual space V.

In addition, in the display unit 201, the communication information belonging to the object of the display message V2 is displayed (arranged) in the virtual space V. Also, in the following, in terms of the meaning of displaying the communication information of the object belonging to the display message V2, it may also be expressed as displaying the message.

In the example in Fig. 9, the message V2 is displayed around the clone V1. For example, the message V2 is displayed around the avatar V1 corresponding to the user who sent the message V2. The message V2 can be displayed, for example, as a dialog box or simply as a text message. Also, when the avatar V1 is moving in the virtual space V, the message V2 can move in the virtual space V together with the moving avatar V1.

In addition, the message V2 does not have to be displayed in the virtual space V, and may be displayed in an area different from the virtual space V in the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 . In this case, the display format of the message V2 may, for example, be displayed in each time series, or may also be displayed in a chat format. In addition, the message V2 can be output by voice as a voice message, or can also be output in other formats or forms.

In addition, a message input unit M is displayed on the display unit 201 . The message input unit M includes: a plurality of icons and a display input for allowing the user of the user terminal 200 to input a message. area of the message, etc. Also, the message input part M can be in any form as long as the user can input messages. In addition, the message is not limited to manual input, and may also be input by voice or the like.

In addition, the display unit 201 displays the non-manipulating character V3 object in the virtual space V. The non-manipulating character V3 is a character that is not associated with the user or the user terminal. The non-manipulating character V3 is displayed, for example, as an object imitating a person. In addition, the non-manipulable character V3 is not limited to an object imitating a person, and can also be displayed as any object, such as an object of a fictional character. In addition, the non-manipulating character V3 can move in at least one area in the virtual space V. In this case, the area where the non-manipulating character V3 moves can be a predetermined area for each virtual space V, or the entire virtual space V.

In addition, the display unit 201 can also display an object simulating communication information V4 (response message or automatic response message V4 ) in the virtual space V. The analog communication information V4 is generated by the communication server 300 . In the example shown in FIG. 9, the analog communication information V4 can also be displayed around the non-controlling character V3. The analog communication information V4 can also be displayed, for example, as a dialogue bar, or simply as a text message. In addition, when the non-controlling character V3 moves in the virtual space V, the simulated communication information V4 can also move in the virtual space V together with the moving non-controlling character V3.

In addition, the analog communication information V4 does not have to be displayed in the virtual space V, and may also be displayed in a different area from the virtual space V in the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 . In this case, the display format of the analog communication information V4 can be displayed in each time series, for example, or can also be displayed in a chat format. Moreover, the analog communication information V4 can also be output as a voice message by voice, or can also be output in other formats or forms. In addition, the display unit 201 displays a message input unit M. As shown in FIG.

"Communication Server"

The communication server 300 allocates the virtual space V to the user terminal 200 according to the usage information of the scent inhaler 100 received from the user terminal 200 . Moreover, the communication server 300 will send the display information (movie or image, etc.) of the virtual space V to the user terminal 200 . In addition, the communication server 300 configures the avatar V1 of the user in the virtual space V. The clone V1 is associated with the user. In addition, the clone V1 can also be associated with the user terminal 200 of the user. In addition, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message received from the user terminal 200 to the user terminal 200 assigned to the virtual space V.

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server of the first embodiment.

The communication server 300 includes: a virtual space storage unit 301, a user information storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, a designation unit 304, a distribution unit 305, a configuration unit 306, a message receiving unit 307, a simulated response generation unit 308, and a delivery unit 309 .

The virtual space memory unit 301 can be realized by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a composite memory device combining multiple memory devices among them.

Fig. 11 shows an example of information stored in the virtual space memory unit of the first embodiment.

The virtual space memory unit 301 establishes an association with each of a plurality of virtual spaces V to store the following data and information: the background data of the virtual space V, the object data of the non-manipulating character V3 arranged in the virtual space V and the related information. The configuration information (position and inclination) is used to generate the chat engine of the simulated communication information V4 belonging to the message of the non-manipulating character, the object data and its configuration information in the virtual space V, and the person logged into the virtual space V User and clone V1 configuration information for . The background data of the virtual space V may represent, for example, smoking areas or scenic spots. In addition, the virtual space V may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space.

A plurality of virtual spaces V are respectively equipped with non-manipulating characters with different characteristics. For example, the appearance of the non-controlling character or the chat engine may be different for each virtual space V. For example, when setting a topic for each virtual space V, the appearance of the non-manipulating character or the chat engine should set the content of the topic. Specifically, when a topic of a certain baseball team is set in a certain virtual space V, a non-controlling character having the appearance of the baseball team's mascot (MASCOT) or player is set. In addition, the chat engine of the virtual space V can reflect the character and tone of the mascot or player. The chat engine can also generate simulated communication information (response messages or auto-response messages), and in this case, the simulated communication information can also reflect the character and tone of the mascot or player. In addition, it is not necessary to place non-manipulating characters in all the virtual spaces V. Moreover, it is not necessary to arrange the analog communication information (response message or dynamic response message) in all the virtual spaces V.

In addition, the topics set in the virtual space V can be any content, for example: topics related to rivalry, topics related to movies or TV programs, animations, etc., topics related to current affairs issues or political issues, social issues, Any topics may be used, such as topics related to a predetermined place, region, country, etc., topics related to history, topics related to flavor inhalers or cigarettes, topics related to companies, organizations, associations, etc. In addition, the topics set in the virtual space V can also be freely set by the users assigned to the virtual space V.

The user information storage unit 302 can be realized by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a composite memory device combining a plurality of these memory devices. .

Fig. 12 shows an example of information stored in the user information storage unit of the first embodiment.

The user information storage unit 302 is based on each user memory: status information (login status or logout status), identification information of the user terminal 200, model data of the avatar V1, assigned virtual space V, last received The time of usage information and the last usage information received.

The communication unit 303 is realized by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 303 is configured by a wireless device that performs wireless communication using a wireless LAN (registered trademark) or a wireless communication technology such as LTE. In addition, the communication unit 303 may also be constituted by a device that performs wired communication. The communication unit 303 collects the use information of the scent tasting device 100 from the user terminal 200 . The communication unit 303 records the collected usage information and receiving time in the user information storage unit 302 .

The specifying unit 304 specifies whether the user (or the user terminal 200 ) is using the scent inhaler 100 according to the last time the user received the usage information stored in the user information storage unit 302 . Specifically, among the plurality of users, the designation unit 304 designates a user whose elapsed time from the time when the use information was last received within a predetermined time is currently smoking. That is to say, the specifying unit 304 specifies the user terminal 200 related to the scent inhaler 100 being used according to the collected usage information. The specifying unit 304 determines the status information of the user (or the user terminal 200 ) related to the scent inhaler 100 being used as the login status.

The assigning unit 305 assigns a newly logged-in user to any one of a plurality of virtual spaces V. The allocating unit 305 determines the virtual space V to be allocated, for example, according to the user's selection, the user's location, the number of people, or smoking information. In addition, the allocating unit 305 may also determine the allocated virtual space V according to random numbers (that is, randomly), for example.

For example, when the virtual space V is set for each region, the allocating unit 305 may also determine the virtual space V to be allocated to the user based on the location information included in the user pre-information. At this time, the user is assigned to the same virtual space V as other users near the current location.

For example, when the virtual space V is set for each attribute, the allocation unit 305 may also determine the virtual space V allocated to the user according to the attribute information included in the use information. As examples of attributes, the user's age, gender, fragrance of the fragrance inhaler 100, hobbies, nationality, occupation, etc. are listed here.

For example, the assigning unit 305 may also assign the user to the virtual space V assigned to other users associated with the user (for example, friends, etc.).

For example, the allocating unit 305 may also allocate the user to the virtual space V whose number of users is less than the upper limit, and the virtual space V has the largest number of users. For example, the assigning unit 305 may present a plurality of virtual spaces V to the user, and assign the user to the virtual space selected by the user. For example, the allocating unit 305 may also determine the virtual space allocated to the user based on random numbers (that is, randomly).

The allocating unit 305 may transmit to the user terminal 200 a selection screen for accepting selection of one virtual space V among a plurality of virtual spaces V. In this case, each of the plurality of virtual spaces V presented on the selection screen may be displayed in association with information on topics set for the virtual space V. FIG. The user can also operate the user terminal 200 and select a predetermined virtual space V with reference to the displayed topics.

The allocation unit 306 arranges the avatar V1 associated with each user (or each user terminal 200 ) in the virtual space V allocated by the allocation unit 305 . Clone V1 is configured The position in the virtual space V may be a predetermined position, or may be arbitrarily arranged. In addition, the clone V1 can move in at least one area in the virtual space V.

The message receiving unit 307 receives messages from the user terminal 200 . Also, the message is an example of communication information. In addition, the message receiving unit 307 can be realized by the communication unit 303 . In this case, the arranging unit 306 may also display the received message around the avatar V1.

The simulated response generating unit 308 generates a response message according to the message received by the message receiving unit 307, as the message to which the non-manipulating character V3 responds. The response message is an example of analog communication information V4. In this case, the arranging unit 306 may also display the generated response message around the non-manipulating character V3 object. In addition, the non-controlling character V3 can also move in at least one area in the virtual space V.

The transmission unit 309 transmits the display information on which the virtual space V is drawn to the user terminal 200 of the user assigned to each virtual space V according to the information stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 . In addition, the transfer unit 309 transfers the message received by the message receiving unit 307 and the response message generated by the simulated response generating unit 308 to the user assigned to the user in the same virtual space V as the sender (sender) of the message. Terminal 200. The delivery of messages and response messages can be arranged in the form of objects in the virtual space V as shown in Figure 1, or it can also be completed through a chat screen separate from the virtual space V. Also, the display aspect displayed on the user terminal 200 based on the display information transmitted by the transmission unit 309 is, for example, the same as the display aspect illustrated in FIG. 9 above. In addition, the transfer unit 309 can be realized by the communication unit 303 .

"Management of the usage status of the communication server"

Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the operation of the communication server of the first embodiment.

The communication server 300 executes the following processes at regular intervals.

The communication unit 303 of the communication server 300 judges whether the usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S101 ). When the use information is received (step S101: Yes), the specifying unit 304 specifies the user ID (Identification) of the sender of the received use information (step S102). The specifying unit 304 judges whether the status message associated with the user ID specified in step S102 is a logout state (step S103 ). When the status information is the login status (step S103: No), the user associated with the user ID has logged into the virtual space V. In this case, the specifying unit 304 updates the last received usage information associated with the user ID specified in step S102 and the last received usage information (step S104 ).

On the other hand, when the state information is the logout state (step S103: Yes), the user (or the user terminal 200 ) related to the user ID has not logged into the virtual space V yet. In this case, the allocating unit 305 allocates the user to one of the plurality of virtual spaces V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S105 ).

The distribution unit 305 rewrites the status information stored in association with the user ID specified in step S102 by the user information storage unit 302 into a login status (step S106 ). In addition, the allocation unit 305 adds the user ID specified in step S102 as the user (or user terminal 200) stored in association with the virtual space V allocated in step S105 by the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S107). Furthermore, the specifying unit 304 updates the last received usage information associated with the identification information of the user terminal 200 specified in step S102 and the last received usage information (step S104 ).

When the memory part is updated according to the user information or when no user information is received (step S101: No), the distribution part 305 of the communication server 300 will select one by one The virtual spaces V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 are stored, and the following steps S109 to S113 are executed for all the virtual spaces V (step S108).

The configuration unit 306 generates display information of each virtual space V according to the information of the virtual space V selected in step S108 stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S109 ). Specifically, the configuration unit 306 generates display information according to the following steps. First, the arrangement unit 306 arranges the background data and the objects V2 (including the non-manipulable character object V3 ) in the virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 . The configuration unit 306 reads out the model data of the avatar V1 of the user associated with the virtual space V from the user information storage unit 302 . The arrangement unit 306 arranges the objects of the avatar V1 in the virtual space V according to the read model data. Then, the configuration unit 306 renders the virtual space V by hatching to generate display information.

The specifying unit 304 specifies from the virtual space storage unit 301 the users who are assigned to the virtual space V selected in step S108, and the transfer unit 309 specifies the communication information of the user from the user information storage unit 302. The user terminal 200 (step S110). Next, the message receiving unit 307 judges whether a message has been received from the user terminal 200 specified in step S110 (step S111). When a message is received from the user terminal 200 specified in step S110 (step S111: Yes), the configuration unit 306 adds the received message to the display information (step S112). For example, the arrangement unit 306 arranges the communication information V2 belonging to the object for displaying the received message in the display information.

Next, the simulated response generator 308 analyzes the message received in step S111 and inputs it to the chat engine associated with the virtual space V selected in step S108 to generate a response message (step S113 ). For example, the chat engine can also identify a specific character string included in the message, and use the character string associated with the character string in the internal table to generate a response message interest. For example, the chat engine may also use modules obtained by machine learning from a chat corpus to generate response messages. At this time, the chat engine can also generate a response message according to the usage information stored in the user information storage unit 302 . For example, when receiving the message "You get tired easily recently", the simulated response generating part 308 will enter the message into the chat engine, thereby generating a response message "What's the matter?". Further, the simulated response generating part 308 will add "recent cigarette The amount of cigarettes seems to have increased", and the response message "The amount of cigarettes seems to have increased recently, what's the matter?". And, the configuration unit 306 will add the generated response message to the display information (step S114 ). The configuration unit 306 will configure the analog communication information V4 belonging to the object that displays the generated response message in the display information.

When the communication information V2 and the simulated communication information V4 are arranged in the virtual space, the transmission unit 309 transmits the display information formed by placing the communication information V2 and the simulated communication information V4 in the virtual space to the user specified in step S110 The terminal 200, or when no message is received from the user terminal 200 (step S111: No), transmits the display information that is not configured with the communication information V2 and the analog communication information V4 to the user terminal 200 specified in the step S110 (step S115). Thus, in the user terminal 200, it will be displayed in the virtual space V that there are multiple avatars V1 (including the non-manipulating character V3) including the avatar V1 of the user using the scent inhaler together and exchanging information at the same time.

In addition, the specifying unit 304 of the communication server 300 refers to the user information storage unit 302, and specifies the user whose elapsed time from the time when the use information was last received to the current time is more than a predetermined time (for example, one hour) (step S116). In addition, the predetermined time may be any time such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. In addition, the scheduled time can be set by the user at will. desired setting. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the last received moment, the user has most likely finished using the scent inhaler 100 . Therefore, the specifying unit 304 instructs the user information storage unit 302 to rewrite the state information stored in association with the user specified in step S116 into a logout state (step S117 ). Furthermore, the specifying unit 304 deletes the user ID of the user specified in step S116 from the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S118).

Also, when the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information to the logout state, the rewriting operation can be confirmed to the user. For example, the specifying unit 304 may ask the user terminal 200 whether rewriting is possible, and when instructed to rewrite, rewrite the status information to a logout state. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a user from being logged out while communicating with other users.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of the communication server of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an example of the operation of the communication server when the user terminal 200 logs in to the communication system 1 as a trigger to allocate a virtual space to the user terminal 200 .

When a log-in request is sent from the user terminal 200 to request log-in to the communication system 1 (step S201), the specifying unit 304 of the communication server 300 assigns the user corresponding to the user terminal 200 that issued the log-in The status information associated with the ID is rewritten as the login status (step S202). Thereafter, the assignment unit 305 assigns the user (or the user terminal 200) to one of the plurality of virtual spaces V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S203). In addition, the assigning unit 305 adds the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 200 requesting to log in as the user (or user terminal) stored in association with the virtual space V allocated in step S203 by the virtual space storage unit 301. 200) (step S204).

Afterwards, until the communication server 300 receives a logout request requesting to log out from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or fails to receive it within a predetermined time (for example, one hour). During the period when the usage information is received, the processes of steps S206 to S213 are repeatedly executed (step S205). Also, the predetermined time may be any time such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. In addition, the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set by the user. When the predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the last reception, the user is likely to have finished using the fragrance taster 100 . Therefore, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the status information stored in association with the user ID by the user information storage unit 302 in step S202 into a logout status (step S211 ).

The specifying unit 304 of the communication server 300 judges whether the usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S206 ). When the use information is received (step S206: Yes), the specifying unit 304 specifies the user ID (Identification) of the sender of the received use information (step S207). After that, the configuration unit 306 generates display information of the virtual space V according to the information of the virtual space V allocated in the step S203 stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S208 ). Firstly, the arrangement unit 306 arranges background data and objects V2 (including non-manipulable character objects V3 ) in the virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 . The configuration unit 306 reads out the module data of the avatar V1 of the user associated with the virtual space V from the user information storage unit 320 . The arrangement unit 306 arranges the objects of the avatar V1 in the virtual space V according to the read module data. Moreover, the configuration unit 306 renders the virtual space V by hatching to generate display information. On the other hand, if no usage information has been received (step S206: No), proceed to step S209.

The message receiving unit 307 judges whether a message is received from the user terminal 200 (step S209). When a message is received from the user terminal 200 (step S209: Yes), the configuration unit 306 adds the received message to the display message (step S210). For example, the arrangement unit 306 arranges the communication information V2 belonging to the object displaying the received message in the display message. Next, model The pseudo-response generation unit 308 analyzes the received message and inputs it to the chat engine associated with the selected virtual space V, thereby generating a response message (step S211). The configuration unit 306 configures the analog communication information V4 belonging to the object of the generated response message in the display information (step S212 ). On the other hand, when no message is received (step S209: No), no message or analog message is added.

In addition, when the communication information V2 and the simulated communication information V4 are arranged in the virtual space, the transmission unit 309 transmits the display information in which the communication information V2 and the simulated communication information V4 are arranged in the virtual space to the user terminal 200 ( Step S213), or when no message is received from the user terminal 200 (step S209: No), the transmission part 309 transmits the display information that is not configured with the communication information V2 and the analog communication information V4 to the user terminal 200 (step S213 ).

Thereafter, when the communication server 300 receives a request to log out from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or when the usage information is not received within a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), the steps from step S206 to step S206 are terminated. The process of S213 is repeated, and the process proceeds to step S213. Then, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the status information stored in association with the user ID by the user information storage unit 302 into a logout status (step S214 ). Furthermore, the specifying unit 304 deletes the user ID from the virtual space storage unit 301 .

"Effect"

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 specifies the user terminal 200 associated with the scent inhaler 100 in use according to the use information of the scent inhaler, and according to the communication sent by the user terminal 200 information (message), to generate analog communication information (response message), and transmit it to the user terminal 200. Thus, the user can use the scent inhaler 100 To issue communications on an occasional basis and to accept responses to such communications. That is, the communication server 300 can provide the user with the experience of using the scent inhaler with others regardless of the user's use environment (even if other users do not use the scent inhaler).

In addition, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 transmits to the user terminal 200 the virtual space V where the user's avatar V1 is configured and the display information related to the communication information. In addition, the communication information also contains analog communication information. As a result, the communication server 300 can display display information on the user terminal 200 showing the situation of smoking with other users. Therefore, the communication server 300 can provide the user with the visual experience of using the scent inhaler with others.

In addition, according to the first implementation mode, the communication server 300 also arranges a non-manipulable character object V3 in the virtual space V in addition to the user's avatar V1. Thus, even when other users have not logged into the virtual space V, the communication server 300 can cause the smoker's device to display display information indicating the status of using the flavor inhaler with other users.

<Second Implementation Type>

The communication server 300 of the first embodiment arranges a non-manipulable character object in the virtual space V, and establishes an association with the non-manipulable character object V3 to display the simulated communication information V4. In contrast, the communication server 300 of the second embodiment establishes an association with the avatar V1 to display the simulated communication information V4. Specifically, according to the second implementation type, the communication server 300 can make the avatar V1 send an automatic response message through the proxy response function.

Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the communication server 300 of the second embodiment includes a response instruction accepting unit 310 in addition to the structure of the first embodiment.

The response instruction accepting unit 310 accepts whether the automatic response function of the clone V1 is enabled or disabled by the user. That is, the response instruction accepting unit 310 accepts the automatic response instruction by enabling the automatic response function of the avatar V1 according to the user.

When the message receiving unit 307 receives a message from the user, the simulated response generating unit 308 generates an automatic response message for other users who log in to the same virtual space V as the user whose automatic response function is enabled. In addition, the chat engine of the second embodiment can also generate the automatic response message according to the sending history and usage information history of the messages sent by the users whose automatic response function is enabled.

The simulated response generator 308 analyzes the messages sent from other user terminals 200 and inputs them to the chat engine to generate an automatic response message. For example, the chat engine can also identify a specific character string included in the message, and use the character string associated with the character string in the internal table to generate an automatic response message. For example, chat engines can also use modules obtained by machine learning from chat corpora to generate auto-response messages. At this time, the conversation engine can also generate an automatic response message according to the use information of other user terminals 200 stored in the user information storage unit 302 . For example, when receiving a message "You get tired recently" from another user terminal 200, the simulated response generator 308 will enter the message into the chat engine, thereby generating an automatic response message "What's the matter?". Further, the simulated response generation unit 308 can also use information of other user terminals 200 (other user terminals 200 that have sent messages) stored in the user information storage unit 302, when the frequency of use of the scent inhaler 100 is When the predetermined value is above, in the self The dynamic response message is added "the amount of cigarettes seems to have increased recently", and the response message "the amount of cigarettes seems to have increased recently, what's wrong?".

The transmitting unit 309 transmits the message received by the message receiving unit 307 and the automatic response message generated by the simulated response generating unit 308 to the user terminals 200 of other users. The transmission of messages and response messages can also be arranged in the virtual space V in the form of objects. In this case, the arranging unit 306 may also display the generated automatic response message around the objects not manipulating the character. In addition, the display aspect of displaying the display information transmitted by the transmitting unit 309 on the user terminal 200 is, for example, the same as the display aspect illustrated in FIG. 9 above.

Thus, the communication server 300 of the second embodiment can use the proxy response function to generate an automatic response message for other users' messages. Therefore, for example, even if a user cannot respond to other users' messages, the user can send an automatic response message to other users.

<Other implementation types>

As above, one embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible.

Although the communication server 300 of the above-mentioned implementation forms configures the object of the dialog box in the virtual space V as the communication information V2, it is not limited thereto. For example, the communication information V2 of other implementation types may also be arranged in a display field in a schedule format set separately from the virtual space V. In addition, the communication information V2 in other embodiments can also be audio data.

In addition, although the user terminal 200 of the above-mentioned embodiment is a terminal such as a smart phone, it is not limited thereto. For example, user terminals 200 of other implementation types can also It is a head-mounted unit. In this case, the communication server 300 may generate a three-dimensional image modified by hatching with the line of sight of the user's avatar V1 as display information.

In addition, the communication server 300 of the above-mentioned embodiment allocates the virtual space V to the user terminal 200 within a predetermined time period from the output time of the usage information belonging to the suction (pumping) information to the current time. Thereby, the communication server 300 can properly distribute the virtual space V to the user (or the user terminal 200 ) who is using the scent inhaler 100 .

In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, although the user of the flavor inhaler 100 was described, the communication system 1 can also be applied to a smoker of a cigarette equipped with a mouthpiece having a communication function. According to this configuration, the mouthpiece can transmit various information such as smoking information of the cigarette detected by the sensor to the smoker's terminal (corresponding to the user terminal 200 ) or the communication server 300 .

"Computer Construction"

Fig. 16 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of at least one embodiment of the computer.

The computer 90 includes: a processor 91 , a main memory 92 , a storage 93 and an interface 94 .

The above-mentioned scent tasting device 100 , user terminal 200 and communication server 300 are respectively installed on the computer 90 . Moreover, the actions of each of the above-mentioned processing units are stored in the memory 93 in the form of programs. The processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93, expands it in the main memory 92, and executes the above-mentioned processing according to the program. In addition, the processor 91 secures a memory area corresponding to each of the above-mentioned memory units in the main memory 92 in the main memory 92 according to a program. Examples of the processor 91 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

The program may be a part for realizing the functions to be performed by the computer 90 . For example, a program can function by being combined with other programs already stored in the memory, or in combination with other programs installed in other devices. Also, in other implementation forms, in addition to or instead of the above structure, the computer 90 may include a customized LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device, Programmable Logic Device). Examples of the PLD include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic, general array logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device, complex programmable logic device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions implemented by the processor 91 may be implemented by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor.

Examples of the storage 93 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic disk, optical disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. Furthermore, when the program is distributed to the computer 90 via the communication line, the computer 90 that has received the distribution can develop the program in the main memory 92 and execute the above-described processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 93 is a non-transitory tangible memory medium.

In addition, this program can be used to realize part of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, this program may be a so-called update file (update program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with other programs already stored in the memory 93 .

Also, when the computer in Fig. 16 is, for example, a communication server 300, the communication server 300 includes a processor and the memory configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, and the instructions include: a receiving step, receiving The use information sent by the user terminal when using the scent inhaler, the use information is the information showing that the scent inhaler has been used; the allocation step is to allocate the virtual space to the user according to the received use information The user terminal; the sending step, sending the display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal; the generating step, generating a response message for responding to the message according to the message sent by the user terminal; and the delivery step , and transmit the response message to the user terminal.

[Industrial availability]

The communication server system can provide the user with the experience of using with others regardless of the use environment of the user of the fragrance inhaler.

1‧‧‧Communication system

100‧‧‧Scent taster

200‧‧‧user terminals

300‧‧‧communication server

V‧‧‧virtual space

V1‧‧‧Avatar

V2‧‧‧Communication Information (Message)

V3‧‧‧Non-manipulating characters (non-manipulating character objects)

V4‧‧‧Analog communication information

Claims (10)

A communication support method, comprising: a receiving step of receiving use information sent by a user terminal when a scent inhaler is used, the aforementioned use information is information showing that the scent inhaler has been used; a distributing step is based on The received aforementioned usage information allocates a virtual space determined from a plurality of virtual spaces to the aforementioned user terminal; the sending step is to send the display information for displaying the aforementioned virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal; the generating step is based on A message sent by the aforementioned user terminal is used to generate a response message for responding to the message; and a delivery step is to deliver the aforementioned response message to the aforementioned user terminal. The communication support method described in claim 1 of the patent application, wherein, in the generating step, the aforementioned response message is generated by considering the aforementioned usage information. The communication support method described in claim 1 or 2 of the scope of the patent application, wherein, in the aforementioned transmitting step, the display information of the aforementioned virtual space for displaying the objects configured with the aforementioned message and the aforementioned response message is transmitted to the aforementioned user or terminal. The communication support method as described in claim 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein, in the aforementioned transfer step, the display information of the aforementioned virtual space for displaying the objects configured with the aforementioned message and the aforementioned response message is delivered to the allocated Other user terminals in the aforementioned virtual space. The communication support method described in item 1 or 2 of the scope of the patent application further includes: a configuration step, which is to configure and use the user terminal of the aforementioned user terminal in the aforementioned virtual space or the aforementioned Objects of characters corresponding to the user terminal; in the aforementioned configuration step, the objects corresponding to the non-manipulated characters are configured in the aforementioned virtual space; The display information of the objects of the characters corresponding to the terminal and the objects corresponding to the non-manipulated characters in the virtual space are transmitted to the user terminal. The communication support method described in item 5 of the scope of the patent application, wherein, in the aforementioned transfer step, the aforementioned virtual space for displaying the objects with the aforementioned response messages arranged around the objects corresponding to the aforementioned non-manipulating characters The displayed information is transmitted to the aforementioned user terminal. The communication support method described in item 1 or 2 of the scope of the patent application further includes: the accepting step is to accept the instruction of the content of the automatic response message from the aforementioned user terminal; in the aforementioned generating step, when the aforementioned instruction is accepted, Generating an automatic response message for responding to messages from other user terminals, and in the aforementioned transmitting step, transmitting the aforementioned automatic response message to the aforementioned other user terminals. The communication support method described in claim 7 of the scope of the patent application, wherein, in the aforementioned transfer step, the object for displaying the aforementioned automatic response message is arranged around the object corresponding to the aforementioned user or the aforementioned user terminal The display information of the aforementioned virtual space is transmitted to the aforementioned other user terminals. A communication support program, which is used to make the computer perform the following steps: the receiving step is to receive the use information sent by the user terminal when the scent inhaler is used, and the use information indicates that the scent inhaler has been used information used; The allocating step is allocating a virtual space determined from a plurality of virtual spaces to the user terminal according to the received usage information; the sending step is sending display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal; The generating step is to generate a response message for responding to the message according to the message sent by the aforementioned user terminal; and the transmitting step is to transmit the aforementioned response message to the aforementioned user terminal. A communication server, comprising: a communication unit that receives usage information sent by a user terminal when a fragrance inhaler is used, the aforementioned usage information displays information that the aforementioned fragrance inhaler has been used; a distributing unit that is Allocating a virtual space determined from a plurality of virtual spaces to the user terminal according to the received usage information; and the generation unit generates a response message for responding to the message according to the message sent by the user terminal ; Wherein, the aforementioned communication unit sends the display information for displaying the aforementioned virtual space to the aforementioned user terminal, and transmits the aforementioned response message to the aforementioned user terminal.

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