Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

A suction device (100B) is provided with: a heating unit (121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a rod-type substrate (150) having an aerosol source; and a control unit (116B) that controls the operation of the suction device (100B). The control unit (116B) is configured so as to be able to execute: heating control during authentication in which the temperature of the heating unit (121B) is controlled with a temperature lower than the minimum temperature at which aerosol is generated as a target temperature; a heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit (121B) with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated as a target temperature; when authentication processing pertaining to whether or not the suction device (100B) can be used is performed, heating control during authentication is executed, and when the authentication processing is completed, the heating control during authentication is ended and this heating control is executed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an aspirator that generates an aerosol that imparts a flavor component, and a user can inhale the generated aerosol. Typically, such an aspirator heats a substrate including an aerosol source by using a heater, i.e., a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is a resistive or inductive heating type, to deliver the generated aerosol to the user. In addition, such an aspirator sometimes has a so-called "child-proof function" to prevent adverse effects caused by misuse by children (e.g., infants and young children).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that a vaporizer receives information associated with a user of the vaporizer, determines the user's age based on the received information, and unlocks the vaporizer to activate the vaporizer's operation based on the user's age meeting a threshold.

[0004] In addition, the following patent document 2 discloses a technology that utilizes fingerprint authentication and unlocking after RFID inspection in a mobile device equipped with an RFID reader, thereby limiting the use of electronic smoking articles to individuals with specific fingerprints or individuals with a mobile device that includes an opener for unlocking the smoking articles.

[0005] Prior Art Literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-508457

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-523982 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems that the invention will solve

[0010] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving the safety of the suction device and reducing the convenience of transplantation.

[0011] The present invention provides an attraction device, a control method and a program that can improve the safety and security of the attraction device and suppress the reduction in convenience associated with the improvement in safety and security.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] The first invention is a suction device that generates aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, characterized in that it comprises:

[0014] a heating unit for heating the substrate to generate the aerosol;

[0015] A control unit for controlling the action of the suction device;

[0016] The control unit is configured to be able to execute a first heating control and a second heating control.

[0017] In the first heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated as a target temperature.

[0018] In the second heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0019] The first heating control is executed when the authentication process related to the usability of the suction device is performed,

[0020] When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended and the second heating control is executed.

[0021] The second invention is a control method for controlling the operation of a suction device by a computer, wherein the suction device includes a heating unit for heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and the substrate is heated by the heating unit to generate an aerosol, wherein the computer is caused to perform the following processing:

[0022] The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used,

[0023] The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0024] The third invention is a program for controlling the operation of a suction device by a computer, wherein the suction device includes a heating unit for heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and the substrate is heated by the heating unit to generate an aerosol, wherein the computer is caused to perform the following processing:

[0025] The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used,

[0026] The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, there are provided an attraction device, a control method, and a program capable of improving the safety and security of the attraction device while suppressing a decrease in convenience associated with the improvement in safety and security. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of the suction device.

[0030] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device.

[0031] Figure 2 It is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a top view of the suction device 100B.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the suction device 100B in a state where the panel 10 is removed.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a first example of temperature transition of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a second example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a third example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a first example of notification of progress information.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the light emitting device 23a.

[0039] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a second example of notification of progress information.

[0040] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an example of the display device 23b.

[0041] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a third example of notification of progress information.

[0042] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control unit 116B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, a suction device, a control method and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the following, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0044] <<1. Example of the structure of the suction device>>

[0045] The suction device of this embodiment is a device that generates a substance to be sucked in by a user. In the following, the substance generated by the suction device is described as an aerosol. In addition, the substance generated by the suction device may also be a gas.

[0046] (1) First configuration example

[0047] Figure 1A Schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of the suction device. Figure 1A As shown, the suction device 100A of this 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 unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0048] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A based on the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A can be composed of a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

[0049] The sensor unit 112A obtains various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and obtains a value accompanying the user's suction. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of an input device that receives input of information from the user, such as an operation button or a switch.

[0050] For example, the sensor unit 112A includes a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "suction sensor") that detects changes in pressure (i.e., internal pressure) in the suction device 100A caused by the user's suction. In addition, the sensor unit 112A may also include a flow sensor that detects a flow rate caused by the user's suction, a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "suction thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A or the periphery of the heating unit 121A, and the like.

[0051] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light (for example, the light emitting device 23a described later), a display device that displays an image (for example, the display device 23b described later), a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0052] The storage unit 114A stores various information used for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0053] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, the communication standard may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0054] The control unit 116A functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0055] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. That is, the cartridge 120 having the liquid storage unit 123 storing the aerosol source is an example of a substrate having an aerosol source. Aerosol is generated by atomizing the aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyol such as glycerin and propylene glycol or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may also contain flavor components that may or may not be derived from tobacco. In the case where the suction device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a drug.

[0056] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, that is, the aerosol source. The liquid guide portion 122 is a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0057] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. Figure 1AIn the example shown, the heating portion 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide portion 122. When the heating portion 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide portion 122 is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating portion 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply portion 111A. As an example, when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user starts suctioning and / or a prescribed information is input, power may be supplied to the heating portion 121A. Furthermore, when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user ends suctioning and / or a prescribed information is input, power supply to the heating portion 121A may be stopped. It should be noted that the user's suction action on the suction device 100A can be detected based on, for example, the pressure (internal pressure) in the suction device 100A detected by the suction sensor exceeding a prescribed threshold.

[0058] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include a flavor component derived from tobacco or a flavor component not derived from tobacco.

[0059] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air sucked by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 as an inlet for air into the air flow path 180 and an air outlet 182 as an outlet for air from the air flow path 180 as two ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side close to the air inlet 181), and the fragrance source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side close to the air outlet 182). The air flowing in from the air inlet 181 along with the suction of the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating part 121A, and is transported to the air outlet 182 through the fragrance source 131 as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the fragrance source 131, the fragrance contained in the fragrance source 131 is imparted to the component aerosol.

[0060] The mouthpiece 124 is a member for the user to hold in his mouth when inhaling. The mouthpiece 124 is provided with an air outflow hole 182. The user can take a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 124 in his mouth and inhaling.

[0061] The above is a description of the configuration example of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to this, and various configurations as exemplified below are possible.

[0062] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavor imparting cartridge 130 . In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124 .

[0063] As another example, the suction device 100A may also include a second heating unit that heats the flavor source 131. In this case, the second heating unit is, for example, configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the periphery of the flavor imparting cartridge 130. Moreover, the second heating unit generates heat by supplying electricity to the power supply unit 111A, and heats the flavor imparting cartridge 130 from the periphery. By providing such a second heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to a case where the second heating unit is not provided, and the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol can be increased. In the case where such a second heating unit is provided, the second heating unit is, for example, the same as the heating unit 121B described later, and the actual temperature is controlled to a specified target temperature. Hereinafter, the suction device 100A having such a second heating unit will also be referred to as a "hybrid suction device 100A".

[0064] As another example, the suction device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. By mixing a plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, other types of aerosols may be generated.

[0065] In addition, the means of atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0066] (2) Second configuration example

[0067] Figure 1B Schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. Figure 1B As shown, the suction device 100B of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140 , and a heat insulating unit 144 .

[0068] The power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B are substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0069] The storage section 140 has an internal space 141, and a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the internal space 141 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held. The storage section 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 with the outside, and stores the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the storage section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and the columnar internal space 141 is divided. The storage section 140 is connected to an air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141. The air inlet to the air flow path, that is, the air inflow hole, is arranged, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. The air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, that is, the air outflow hole, is arranged, for example, at the bottom 143.

[0070] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. That is, the rod-shaped substrate 150 is another example of a substrate including an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco. In the case where the suction device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol and water that contain flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco, or a solid that contains flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is stored in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air flow path (not shown), and the aerosol generated from the base portion 151 also reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0071] exist Figure 1B In the example shown, the heating portion 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage portion 140. When the heating portion 121B generates heat, the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 is heated from the outer periphery to generate aerosol.

[0072] The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat conduction from the heating portion 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is formed using a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material.

[0073] The configuration example of the suction device 100B has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations as exemplified below are possible.

[0074] As an example, the heating unit 121B is configured in a plate shape, and may be configured to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 to the internal space 141. In this case, the plate-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150, and heats the base material portion 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be configured to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. In addition, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a plate-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0075] As another example, the storage section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage section 140 opens and closes the outer shell to clamp and store the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating section 121B may be provided at the clamping portion of the storage section 140 to heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0076] In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating of the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may also be induction heating. In this case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field instead of the heating unit 121B. The heating table that generates heat by induction heating may also be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0077] In addition, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 of the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may also supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and the air is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B that flows into the internal space 141, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0078] <<2. Example of the structure of the appearance of the suction device>>

[0079] Next, an example of the appearance configuration of the suction device 100 (100A, 100B) according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1B The suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1 is described, but is not limited to this. Figure 1A The same applies to the suction device 100A shown and the hybrid type suction device 100A.

[0080] (1) An example of a suction device with a panel installed

[0081] Figure 2 It is an overall stereogram of the suction device 100B. Figure 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B. Specifically, Figure 3 (a) shows the suction device 100B in a state where the opening 142 is blocked by a shutter 50 described later. Figure 3 (b) shows the suction device 100B in a state where the opening 142 is open.

[0082] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the suction device 100B includes a panel 10, a main body housing 20 to which the panel 10 can be attached and detached, and a shutter 50 that can slide (ie, move) relative to the main body housing 20. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are composed of different components.

[0083] The panel 10 is mainly composed of a covering member that forms at least a portion of the outermost housing 40 (described later) of the suction device 100B. Figure 2 As shown, the panel 10 has a display unit 18 and an operation unit 19 on its surface (outer surface). The display unit 18 is made of a transparent material that can transmit light. As will be described in detail later, a light emitting device 23a as an example of a notification unit 113B is provided in the suction device 100B (in the main body 30 described later). The user can visually confirm the light from the light emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10 via the display unit 18.

[0084] The operation unit 19 is, for example, recessed toward the main body housing 20. This allows the user to be guided to the position of the operation unit 19. Alternatively, a predetermined mark (logo) may be printed on the surface of the panel 10 to guide the user to the position of the operation unit 19.

[0085] The main body case 20 houses the main body 30 of the suction device 100B. The main body 30 houses, for example, Figure 1B The components of the attraction device 100B are shown.

[0086] By mounting the panel 10 on the main body housing 20, the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100B is formed. For example, the user can mount the panel 10 of a design that suits his / her own preference, so that the appearance of the suction device 100B becomes what he / she likes. In addition, since the suction device 100B has the panel 10, even if the main body 30 generates heat, the heat released to the outside can be buffered. That is, the panel 10 can, for example, act as a heat insulation for the heat generated from the main body 30 (for example, the heating unit 121B).

[0087] The housing 40 is sized to fit in the user's hand. For example, the user brings the fingertip into contact with the surface of the panel 10 while holding the suction device 100B with one hand. Then, the user presses the operating portion 19 with the fingertip, thereby deforming the panel 10 so that the operating portion 19 is further recessed toward the main housing 20. As a result of the deformation of the panel 10, the bottom of the operating portion 19 contacts the operating button 22 (described later) provided on the surface of the main housing 20, and the operating button 22 is pressed. As an example, the user presses the operating portion 19 with a finger to press the operating button 22, thereby turning on the power of the suction device 100B.

[0088] It should be noted that in Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In (a), the suction device 100B is shown in a state where the opening 142 is blocked by the shutter 50. Figure 3 In the state shown in (a), the user slides the shutter 50 with a finger, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the shutter 50 moves from above the opening 142 to open the opening 142 . In this way, the user can open the opening 142 by operating the shutter 50 , and can insert the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 142 .

[0089] (2) An example of a suction device with the panel removed

[0090] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a suction device 100B in a state where the panel 10 is removed, and specifically, shows the outer surface of the main body housing 20 exposed after the panel 10 is removed from the main body housing 20. That is, Figure 4 The outer surface of the main body casing 20 shown is covered by the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body casing 20 .

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, magnets 21a, 21b, operation buttons 22, and a display window 23 are provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 20. In addition, on the outer surface of the main body housing 20, for example, a sensor for detecting the installation of the panel 10 to the main body housing 20 may also be provided.

[0092] The magnets 21a and 21b use magnetic force (magnetic attraction) to adsorb the panel 10 to the main body shell 20. As a result, the panel 10 is retained in the main body shell 20. More specifically, when the panel 10 is mounted on the main body shell 20, magnets (not shown) corresponding to the magnets 21a and 21b are provided on the inner surface of the panel 10 opposite to the outer surface of the main body shell 20. Moreover, the panel 10 is retained in the main body shell 20 by adsorbing the magnets provided on the panel 10, the magnets 21a and 21b. The magnets 21a, 21b and the panel 10 may also be composed of permanent magnets, for example.

[0093] The operation button 22 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation portion 19 of the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. Thus, as described above, the user can operate the operation button 22 via the operation portion 19 of the panel 10.

[0094] The display window 23 is an opening aligned with the light emitting device 23a provided in the main body 30, and allows light from the light emitting device 23a to pass through the display unit 18 of the panel 10. Thus, the user can visually check the light from the light emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10 as described above.

[0095] The light emitting device 23a is an example of a light emitting unit that emits light, and is composed of, for example, one or more light emitting elements. As the light emitting element of the light emitting device 23a, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used. As an example, in the present embodiment, the light emitting device 23a is configured to have a plurality of LEDs having different luminous colors, and can emit light in a plurality of luminous colors including blue, yellow, and red.

[0096] The light emitting device 23a can notify the user of the specified information by emitting light in a specified light emitting manner. Here, the light emitting manner is, for example, the light emitting color, but is not limited to this, and may also be, for example, the intensity of the lighting (in other words, the brightness), or the lighting mode (for example, flashing at a specified time interval).

[0097] As a notification that the light emitting device 23a can make, for example, a notification of the action information of the attraction device 100B indicating whether the power of the attraction device 100B is turned on (i.e., the power is turned on) can be listed. In addition, in this embodiment, the light emitting device 23a can notify the user of information related to the progress of the authentication process (described later).

[0098] <<3. Example of suction device operation>>

[0099] Next, an operation example of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 116 (116A, 116B) can operate the suction device 100 based on input from the user. As an example, the control unit 116 causes the suction device 100 to generate aerosol in response to an aerosol generation request from the user.

[0100] The aerosol generation request can be, for example, an operation indicating the start of heating (hereinafter also referred to as a "heating start operation"). As an example, the heating start operation can be the pressing of the operation button 22 when the power of the suction device 100 is turned on. As another example, the heating start operation can also be a suction action relative to the suction device 100 when the power of the suction device 100 is turned on. In addition, the aerosol generation request is not limited to a direct operation relative to the suction device 100, and can also be, for example, the reception of specified information from other devices that can communicate with the suction device 100, such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect the aerosol generation request based on information obtained by, for example, the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0101] For example, when the attraction device 100 is Figure 1A In the case of the suction device 100A shown in the figure, when the control unit 116A detects the suction action relative to the suction device 100A based on the detection result of the puff sensor, it generates aerosol by supplying a predetermined power to the heating unit 121A. At this time, the power supplied to the heating unit 121A is predetermined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100A to generate an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor components. As a result, a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0102] In addition, the suction device 100 is Figure 1B In the case of the suction device 100B shown, when the control unit 116B detects a heating start operation (e.g., pressing of the operation button 22), the temperature of the heating unit 121B is controlled based on a pre-prepared heating profile, thereby generating aerosol. Here, the heating profile is information that specifies a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121B, i.e., a time series transition of the target temperature, and is pre-stored in the storage unit 114B, for example.

[0103] The temperature control of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile (hereinafter, also referred to as "heating control based on the heating profile") will be described in detail. The control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time after the start of the heating control based on the heating profile and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B (hereinafter, also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B in such a way that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B becomes the same as the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0104] The temperature control of the heating unit 121B can be realized, for example, by a known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116B supplies the power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B in the form of pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116B can control the temperature of the heating unit 121B by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

[0105] In the feedback control, the control unit 116B controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121B based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature, for example, the above-mentioned duty cycle. In addition, the feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Alternatively, the control unit 116B may also perform a simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116B may also perform heating of the heating unit 121B until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and stop heating of the heating unit 121B when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating of the heating unit 121B again when the actual temperature is lower than the target temperature.

[0106] The temperature of the heating portion 121B can be obtained (in other words, quantitatively) by, for example, measuring or inferring the resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating portion 121B. This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be inferred (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the voltage drop in the heating resistor. The voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. As another example, the temperature of the heating portion 121B can also be measured using a temperature sensor (pumping thermistor) provided near the heating portion 121B.

[0107] It should be noted that, typically, the heating profile (such as the heating profile for the present heating control described later) is designed so that the user can have the most suitable aroma when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150. Thus, by controlling the temperature of the heating portion 121B based on the heating profile, the aroma that the user can taste can be made most suitable, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0108] However, in an aspirator that generates a substance to be sucked by a user, such as the suction device 100, a so-called "child-proof function" (hereinafter also referred to as "CR function") can be installed to prevent adverse conditions caused by misuse by children (e.g., infants and young children). As a CR function of such an aspirator, it is considered that, for example, after confirming the legitimacy of the user through user authentication such as fingerprint authentication, aerosol generation is performed.

[0109] Generally, it takes a certain amount of time after the heating of the heating unit starts to reach a sufficient temperature for generating aerosol for the heating unit of the heating aerosol source. In addition, since the heating of the heating unit starts to be delayed for this period of time after the legitimacy of the user is confirmed, the time until the aerosol is generated is further prolonged.

[0110] If the time before aerosol generation is prolonged, the convenience of the aspirator will be reduced, and the commercial value of the aspirator will be reduced. From the perspective of the commercial value of the aspirator, it is hoped that by preventing people other than legitimate users (such as children) from using it, the safety and security of the aspirator can be improved, while the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement in safety and security can be minimized.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised within a range where aerosol is not generated, starting from the time when the authentication process (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "authentication process") of whether the suction device 100 can be used is performed. Thus, since the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised in advance during the authentication process, the time required for the heating unit 121 to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol after the authentication process is completed can be shortened. Thus, even if the authentication process needs to be completed to generate aerosol, the time required to generate aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed.

[0112] Therefore, the generation of aerosols for people other than legitimate users such as children can be suppressed to improve the safety and security of the suction device 100, and the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement of safety and security can be suppressed, thereby improving the commercial value of the suction device 100. The following is a more specific description of the operation example of the suction device 100 of this embodiment.

[0113] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the suction device 100 of this embodiment is Figure 1BThe suction device 100B shown in the figure is described, but is not limited to this. For example, the suction device 100 is the same in the case of a hybrid suction device 100A. In this case, in the following description, the "suction device 100B" is renamed as the "hybrid suction device 100A", the "sensor unit 112B" is renamed as the "sensor unit 112A", the "notification unit 113B" is renamed as the "notification unit 113A", the "storage unit 114B" is renamed as the "storage unit 114A", the "communication unit 115B" is renamed as the "communication unit 115A", the "control unit 116B" is renamed as the "control unit 116A", and the "heating unit 121B" is renamed as the "second heating unit of the hybrid suction device 100A (i.e., the heating unit that heats the flavor-imparting cartridge 130)".

[0114] As described above, the control unit 116B of the suction device 100B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B reaches the predetermined target temperature. Regarding the temperature control of the heating unit 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "heating control"), the control unit 116B is configured to be able to perform the heating control during authentication and the main heating control.

[0115] Here, the heating control in authentication is heating control with a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating aerosol (hereinafter also simply referred to as "minimum temperature") as the target temperature, which is an example of the first heating control of the present invention. The minimum temperature is determined by the characteristics of the substance of the aerosol source, and as an example, is 230 [°C] in the present embodiment.

[0116] By making the target temperature of heating control during authentication (hereinafter also referred to as "target temperature during authentication") a temperature lower than the minimum temperature, the generation of aerosol during the authentication process (in other words, before confirming the legitimacy of the user) is suppressed, thereby improving the safety and security of the suction device 100.

[0117] Furthermore, by making the authentication target temperature lower than the minimum temperature, the aerosol source of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be suppressed from being consumed by increasing the temperature of the heating portion 121B during the authentication heating control. Thus, even if the authentication heating control is performed, an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated later, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user. In addition, since the consumption of the aerosol source during the authentication heating control can be suppressed, even if the legitimacy of the user in the authentication process fails, the rod-shaped substrate 150 heated in the authentication process can be used continuously later.

[0118] The authentication target temperature is, for example, a temperature higher than so-called room temperature (eg, 300 [K] = 27 [° C.]). Thus, the authentication heating control can increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B to a temperature higher than room temperature within a range where aerosol is not generated.

[0119] More specifically, when the lowest temperature is 230°C, the certification target temperature can be, for example, 100°C. In addition, the certification target temperature is not limited to a single temperature, and may be, for example, a plurality of temperatures such as 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C (described later).

[0120] This heating control is a heating control that sets a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature, and is an example of the second heating control of the present invention. The target temperature of this heating control (hereinafter also referred to as "target temperature in this heating") is typically determined to be the most suitable flavor for the user to taste when the user inhales the generated aerosol.

[0121] More specifically, when the minimum temperature is 230 [°C], the target temperature in this heating can be 240 [°C], 260 [°C], or 300 [°C], etc. In this embodiment, the target temperature in this heating changes to 300 [°C], 240 [°C], 260 [°C], etc., depending on the time elapsed after the start of this heating control (described later).

[0122] In this way, the control unit 116B configured to be able to execute the heating control during authentication and the present heating control executes the heating control during authentication when performing the authentication process. Moreover, when the authentication process is completed, the control unit 116B ends the heating control during authentication and executes the present heating control. As a result, the heating unit 121B can be raised to the target temperature during authentication during the authentication process, and the time required for the heating unit 121B to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened by the present heating control performed after the authentication process is completed. As a result, even if the authentication process needs to be completed to generate the aerosol, the time required to generate the aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed.

[0123] It should be noted that in this specification, "completion" of the authentication process means, for example, that the legitimacy of the user is confirmed by the authentication process, thereby terminating the authentication process. More specifically, even if the authentication process does not confirm the legitimacy of the user, it ends when a predetermined time (so-called timeout) has passed since the start, or when the authentication fails a predetermined number of times (for example, three times in a row), but such termination of the authentication process cannot be said to be "completion". Hereinafter, the termination of the authentication process due to the failure to confirm the legitimacy of the user is also referred to as "interruption".

[0124] In the authentication process, for example, user authentication is performed to receive input of specified authentication information (such as fingerprint information described below) from the user and to confirm the legitimacy of the user by comparing the input authentication information with pre-stored information. User authentication as authentication processing can adopt biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication, gesture authentication, PIN (Personal Identification Number) authentication, password authentication or voice authentication.

[0125] As another example, communication authentication between other devices such as a smart phone that can communicate with the attraction device 100B and the attraction device 100B can also be used as user authentication for authentication processing. As communication authentication, for example, gesture authentication or password authentication using other devices can be used. In this case, when the other device confirms the legitimacy of the user through gesture authentication or password authentication, it sends information indicating the content to the attraction device 100B.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the control unit 116B performs authentication processing based on the detection of the heating start operation. More specifically, the control unit 116B performs authentication processing when it detects the pressing of the operation button 22 when, for example, the power of the suction device 100B is turned on. It should be noted that the operation of the execution opportunity of the authentication process is not limited to the pressing of the operation button 22. For example, it can also be an operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142, or an operation of inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 142. Moreover, in the case where the suction device 100 is a hybrid suction device 100A, the operation of the execution opportunity of the authentication process can also be, for example, an operation of installing the flavor-imparting smoke bomb 130 on the suction device 100A.

[0127] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit 112B is configured to include a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information representing a fingerprint of a user, and the control unit 116B performs fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint information acquired by the fingerprint sensor as user authentication for authentication processing. More specifically, when the control unit 116B acquires fingerprint information from the fingerprint sensor during authentication processing, the acquired fingerprint information is compared with the comparison information pre-stored in the storage unit 114B. Furthermore, when the fingerprint represented by the acquired fingerprint information is consistent with the fingerprint represented by the comparison information, the control unit 116B authenticates the user as a legitimate user. On the other hand, when the fingerprint represented by the acquired fingerprint information is inconsistent with the fingerprint represented by the comparison information, the control unit 116B does not authenticate the user as a legitimate user in this fingerprint authentication, and the authentication result of this fingerprint authentication is authentication failure.

[0128] In addition, in the authentication process, multiple user authentications may be performed, and the authentication process may be completed by completing all of the multiple user authentications. In other words, when at least one of the multiple user authentications performed by the authentication process is not completed, the authentication process is not completed. Thus, compared with the case where the authentication process is completed when a single user authentication is completed, the safety and security of the suction device 100B can be improved.

[0129] In addition, when multiple user authentications are performed by the authentication process, the multiple user authentications may include both user authentications within the attraction device 100B (for example, user authentications that the attraction device 100B can perform independently, such as fingerprint authentication) and communication authentications using communication with other devices. In this way, by performing multiple user authentications that combine user authentications within the attraction device 100B and communication authentications, the safety and security of the attraction device 100B can be further improved.

[0130] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 116B performs the authentication process, but is not limited thereto. The authentication process may also be performed by other devices such as a smart phone that can communicate with the attraction device 100B. In this case, the other device, for example, notifies the attraction device 100B (for example, the control unit 116B) of the content when the authentication process starts, and also notifies the attraction device 100B of the content when the authentication process is completed or interrupted. In addition, the authentication process may also be performed by allowing the attraction device 100B to communicate with other devices while cooperating appropriately.

[0131] (1) First Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Section 121B

[0132] Next, a specific example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control will be described. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents the period, and the vertical axis represents the temperature [° C.] of the heating unit 121B. Figure 5 “RT” on the vertical axis represents room temperature.

[0133] exist Figure 5 At the time t0 shown, the user performs a heating start operation (e.g., pressing the operation button 22), and the heating start operation is detected by the control unit 116B. In this case, the control unit 116B starts the authentication process from the time t0, and starts the authentication heating control with 100 [°C] as the target temperature. As a result, the heating unit 121B is controlled to increase the temperature to 100 [°C] from the time t0, and maintain 100 [°C] after reaching 100 [°C].

[0134] Then, at time t1, the authentication process is completed. In this case, the control unit 116B ends the heating control during authentication at time t1 and starts the actual heating control.

[0135] In this embodiment, the target temperature in the heating process is changed according to the time elapsed after the start of the heating control. More specifically, Figure 5 As shown, when the time elapsed after the start of the heating control is from 0 [s] to Ta [s] (it should be noted that Ta>0), the target temperature in the heating is 300 [°C]. In addition, when the time elapsed after the start of the heating control is from Ta [s] to Tb [s] (it should be noted that Tb>Ta), the target temperature in the heating is 240 [°C]. Furthermore, when the time elapsed after the start of the heating control is from Tb [s] to Tc [s] (it should be noted that Tc>Tb), the target temperature in the heating is 260 [°C].

[0136] Therefore, when the present heating control is started from time t1, the heating unit 121B first increases the temperature to 300 [°C], and after reaching 300 [°C], maintains 300 [°C] until time t2. Here, time t2 is a period when Ta [s] has passed from time t1.

[0137] In addition, at time t2, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is lowered to 240 [°C], and after reaching 240 [°C], it is maintained at 240 [°C] until time t3. Here, time t3 is a period when Tb [s] has passed from time t1.

[0138] Furthermore, at period t3, the heating unit 121B raises the temperature again to 260 [°C], and after reaching 260 [°C], maintains 260 [°C] until period t4. Here, period t4 is the period after Tc [s] has passed since period t1. Furthermore, at period t4, the control unit 116B ends this heating control. After this heating control ends, the heating unit 121B naturally dissipates heat, and the temperature of the heating unit 121B gradually decreases to room temperature.

[0139] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 116B can increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B to 100 [°C], which is the target temperature during authentication, before the start of the heating control by performing the heating control during authentication. As a result, after the start of the heating control, the heating unit 121B only needs to be heated from 100 [°C] to 300 [°C], which is the initial target temperature during heating. Therefore, compared with the case of heating from room temperature to 300 [°C], the time required to reach 300 [°C] can be shortened. As a result, after the authentication process is completed (i.e., after the start of the heating control), the heating unit 121B can be quickly heated to the temperature for generating aerosol.

[0140] For example, the heating control during authentication is realized by the control unit 116B executing the heating control based on the heating profile for the heating control during authentication that specifies the target temperature during authentication. In addition, the present heating control is realized by the control unit 116B executing the heating control based on the heating profile for the heating control that specifies the target temperature during heating. As another example, the heating control during authentication and the present heating control may also be realized by the control unit 116B executing the heating control based on a heating profile that specifies the target temperature during authentication and the target temperature during heating.

[0141] In addition, for example, when the legitimacy of the user is not confirmed by the authentication process starting from the period t0, and a predetermined time (e.g., 20 [s]) has passed since the period t0, the control unit 116 may interrupt the authentication process at this time and terminate the heating control during authentication. In this way, when the predetermined time has passed since the start of the authentication process, by terminating the heating control during authentication, it is possible to prevent the heating control during authentication from continuing for a long time and increasing the power consumption of the suction device 100B. In addition, it is possible to prevent the rod-shaped substrate 150 from being deteriorated due to the heating control during authentication continuing for a long time, and the rod-shaped substrate 150 heated in the authentication process can be continuously used later.

[0142] In addition, the control unit 116B may lower the authentication target temperature when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the authentication process, compared to before the predetermined time has passed. For example, the authentication target temperature may be 100 [°C] before the predetermined time has passed from the period t0, and the authentication target temperature may be 70 [°C] after the predetermined time has passed from the period t0. In this way, when the predetermined time has passed since the start of the authentication process, by lowering the authentication target temperature, the power supplied to the heating unit 121B can be reduced compared to the case where the same authentication target temperature is maintained even after the predetermined time has passed, and the increase in power consumption of the suction device 100B can be suppressed.

[0143] It should be noted that, although the example in which the target temperature during authentication is a single 100 [°C] and the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 100 [°C] by the heating control during authentication is described here, it is not limited to this. For example, the authentication process may be completed in a short time (e.g., about 5 [s]) or may take a long time (e.g., about 20 [s] to complete) depending on whether the user authentication is carried out smoothly. Assuming that the target temperature during authentication is single (i.e., consistent), if the authentication process takes a long time, the time for generating aerosol will also take a long time.

[0144] Therefore, a plurality of authentication target temperatures may be set, and the authentication target temperature may be increased according to the elapsed time from the start of the authentication process. A second example in which the authentication target temperature is increased according to the elapsed time from the start of the authentication process will be described below.

[0145] (2) Second Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Section 121B

[0146] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a second example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control. Figure 5 The explanation focuses on the different parts of the description. Figure 5 The description of the common parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0147] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, three target temperatures during authentication are set: 100 [℃], 150 [℃], and 200 [℃]. For example, the target temperature during authentication is set to 100 [℃] when the time elapsed after the start of heating control during authentication is from 0 [s] to Tx [s] (it should be noted that Tx>0). In addition, the target temperature during authentication is set to 150 [℃] when the time elapsed after the start of heating control during authentication is from Tx [s] to Ty [s] (it should be noted that Ty>Tx). In addition, the target temperature during authentication is set to 200 [℃] when the time elapsed after the start of heating control during authentication is Ty [s] or later.

[0148] In such a structure, if Figure 6 As shown, when the heating control during authentication starts from time t0, the heating unit 121B first raises the temperature to 100 [°C], and after reaching 100 [°C], maintains 100 [°C] until time t11. Here, time t11 is a period after Tx [s] has passed from time t0.

[0149] In addition, at time t11, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is raised again to 150 [°C], and after reaching 150 [°C], the temperature is maintained at 150 [°C] until time t12. Here, time t12 is a time when Ty [s] has passed from time t0.

[0150] Then, at time t12, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is raised again to 200 [°C], and after reaching 200 [°C], it is maintained at 200 [°C] until time t1.

[0151] like Figure 6As shown, by increasing the target temperature during authentication according to the time elapsed after the authentication process starts, when the authentication process is prolonged, the temperature of the heating unit 121B can be further increased in advance during the authentication process. As a result, the time required to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121B to the temperature for generating aerosol by the present heating control performed after the completion of the authentication process can be shortened. As a result, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the time required to generate aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed.

[0152] On the other hand, for example, the authentication target temperature is set to a relatively low 100 [°C], and the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 100 [°C] during the authentication process regardless of the length of the authentication process. In such a case, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the heating unit 121B needs to be heated from 100 [°C] to the initial target temperature during heating, i.e., 300 [°C] (i.e., 200 [°C]) as the heating control is started. Therefore, in such a case, as the authentication process is prolonged, the time until aerosol is generated is also prolonged.

[0153] In addition, for example, it is considered that the target temperature during authentication is set to a relatively high 200 [°C], and the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 200 [°C] during the authentication process regardless of the length of the authentication process. In this case, although the time required to heat the heating unit 121B to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened by this heating control, the power supplied to the heating unit 121B during the authentication process increases, resulting in an increase in the power consumption of the suction device 100B.

[0154] In this regard, as described above, by gradually increasing the authentication target temperature according to the elapsed time after the authentication process starts, the power supplied to the heating unit 121B during the authentication process can be reduced compared to the case where the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at a relatively high temperature during the authentication process, and the increase in power consumption of the suction device 100B can be suppressed. In addition, by gradually increasing the authentication target temperature according to the elapsed time after the authentication process starts, the deterioration of the rod-shaped base material 150 during the authentication process can be suppressed compared to the case where the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at a relatively high temperature during the authentication process.

[0155] It should be noted that, although an example is described here in which the target temperature during authentication is increased according to the time elapsed after the start of the heating control during authentication, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the target temperature during authentication may be increased according to the progress of the authentication process. Here, the progress of the authentication process is an evaluation value indicating the progress status of the authentication process (in other words, the degree of progress). In the present embodiment, the progress status of the authentication process is expressed as a percentage from 0 [%] to 100 [%].

[0156] Below, refer again Figure 6 , an example of a case where the target temperature during authentication is increased according to the progress of the authentication process is described. In this example, Figure 6 The period from period t0 to period t11 shown is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%]. In addition, the period from period t11 to period t12 is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is greater than 33 [%] and less than 66 [%]. Furthermore, the period from period t12 to period t1 is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is greater than 66 [%].

[0157] In addition, in this example, the target temperature during authentication when the progress of the authentication process is from 0 [%] to 33 [%] is 100 [°C], the target temperature during authentication when the progress of the authentication process is from 33 [%] to 66 [%] is 150 [°C], and the target temperature during authentication when the progress of the authentication process is from 66 [%] to 100 [%] is 200 [°C].

[0158] In the case of this example, the control unit 116B derives the progress of the authentication process when performing the authentication process. The progress of the authentication process can be derived based on, for example, the total amount of data required to be processed or communicated to complete the authentication process, or the amount of data processed or communicated so far. As another example, the progress of the authentication process can also be derived based on the input (e.g., operation) required to complete the authentication process, or the input so far. In addition, when the authentication process is divided into a plurality of stages in advance, the progress of the authentication process can also be derived based on the current number of stages.

[0159] If the derived progress is less than 33% , the control unit 116B controls the heating unit 121B to 100° C. by the heating control during authentication. Thus, in this example, the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 100° C. during the period from time t0 to time t11.

[0160] On the other hand, when the derived progress degree is 33 [%] or more and less than 66 [%], the control unit 116B controls the heating unit 121B to 150 [°C] by the heating control during authentication. Thus, in this example, the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 150 [°C] during the period from time t11 to time t12.

[0161] When the derived progress degree is 66 [%] or more, the control unit 116B controls the heating unit 121B to 200 [°C] by the heating control during authentication. Thus, in this example, the heating unit 121B is heated and maintained at 200 [°C] from the period t12 to the period t1.

[0162] As described above, when the authentication target temperature is increased according to the progress of the authentication process, the same effect as when the authentication target temperature is increased according to the elapsed time after the start of the authentication heating control can be obtained.

[0163] In addition, as described above, multiple user authentications may be performed through the authentication process. Moreover, in such a case, the target temperature during authentication may be set to be higher when at least one user authentication is completed than when none of the multiple user authentications is completed. The following describes a third example in which the target temperature during authentication is set to be higher when at least one user authentication is completed than when none of the multiple user authentications is completed.

[0164] (3) Third Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Section 121B

[0165] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a third example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121B in the heating control during authentication and the present heating control. Figure 5 The explanation focuses on the different parts of the description. Figure 5 The description of the common parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0166] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, according to the authentication process, fingerprint authentication (ie, user authentication inside the attraction device 100B) and communication authentication (ie, user authentication using communication with other devices) are performed in sequence. Figure 7 In the example shown, the target temperature during authentication from the start of the authentication heating control to the completion of the fingerprint authentication is 100 [° C.], and the target temperature during authentication after the completion of the fingerprint authentication is 150 [° C.].

[0167] In such a case, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the heating control during authentication (i.e., fingerprint authentication) is started from period t0, the heating unit 121B first increases the temperature to 100 [°C], and after reaching 100 [°C], maintains 100 [°C] until period t13. Here, period t13 is the period of fingerprint authentication. Furthermore, at period t13, the heating unit 121B increases the temperature again to 150 [°C], and after reaching 150 [°C], maintains 150 [°C] until period t1.

[0168] like Figure 7As shown, in the case where multiple user authentications are performed through the authentication process, the authentication target temperature is configured to be higher when at least one user authentication is completed than when none of the multiple user authentications is completed. In this case, the authentication target temperature can be increased according to the progress of the authentication process. As a result, the same effect as the above-mentioned case of increasing the authentication target temperature according to the progress of the authentication process, etc. can be obtained.

[0169] (4) Example of notification of information related to the progress of authentication processing

[0170] Furthermore, if the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, the user can estimate how much time is required to inhale the aerosol (ie, smoke the aerosol), thereby improving the convenience of the inhalation device 100B.

[0171] Therefore, the control unit 116B may also notify the user of information related to the progress of the authentication process (hereinafter also referred to as "progress information") via the notification unit 113B. The progress information may be, for example, information indicating the progress of the authentication process. In this case, the progress information is not limited to "○○[%]" which clearly indicates the progress of the authentication process, and may be, for example, a prompt which allows the user to roughly understand the progress of the authentication process.

[0172] In this embodiment, for example, the light emitting device 23a emits different colors according to the progress of the authentication process, thereby notifying the user of the progress information. This makes it possible to intuitively and easily understandably notify the user of the progress of the authentication process.

[0173] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a first example of a notification of progress information. Figure 6 The explanation focuses on the different parts of the description. Figure 6 The description of the common parts of the description is appropriately omitted or simplified. Figure 8 In the example shown, the period from time t0 to time t11 is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%]. In addition, the period from time t11 to time t12 is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 33 [%] and less than 66 [%]. Furthermore, the period from time t12 to time t1 is a period during which the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 66 [%].

[0174] exist Figure 8In the example shown, when the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%], the control unit 116B causes the light emitting device 23a to emit red light. In addition, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than 33 [%] and less than 66 [%], the control unit 116B causes the light emitting device 23a to emit yellow light. Furthermore, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than 66 [%], the control unit 116B causes the light emitting device 23a to emit blue light.

[0175] Thus, by making the light color of the light emitting device 23a different according to the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be prompted to the user according to the light color of the light emitting device 23a. Thus, the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, and the convenience of the attraction device 100B is improved.

[0176] Here, the progress information is notified to the user by changing the light color of the light emitting device 23a according to the progress of the authentication process, but the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, various examples of notifying the user of the progress information by using methods other than the light color of the light emitting device 23a will be described.

[0177] Fig. 9 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the light emitting device 23a. Fig. 9 In the example shown, the light emitting device 23a includes a first light emitting element 23a_1, a second light emitting element 23a_2, and a third light emitting element 23a_3. As the first light emitting element 23a_1, the second light emitting element 23a_2, and the third light emitting element 23a_3, for example, LEDs can be used. It should be noted that the light emitting colors of the first light emitting element 23a_1, the second light emitting element 23a_2, and the third light emitting element 23a_3 can be the same or different.

[0178] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a second example of a notification of progress information. Figure 8 The explanation focuses on the different parts of the description. Figure 8 The description of the common parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0179] exist Fig.10 In the example shown, the control unit 116B notifies the user of the progress information by making the number of light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a different according to the progress of the authentication process. This allows the user to be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and understandable manner.

[0180] Specifically, in Fig.10In the example shown, when the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%], the control unit 116B causes one of the light emitting elements (e.g., the first light emitting element 23a_1) of the light emitting device 23a to emit light. In addition, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 33 [%] and less than or equal to 66 [%], the control unit 116B causes two of the light emitting elements (e.g., the first light emitting element 23a_1 and the second light emitting element 23a_2) of the light emitting device 23a to emit light. Furthermore, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 66 [%], the control unit 116B causes three of the light emitting elements (i.e., the first light emitting element 23a_1, the second light emitting element 23a_2, and the third light emitting element 23a_3) of the light emitting device 23a to emit light.

[0181] In this way, by making the number of light-emitting elements in the light-emitting device 23a different according to the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be prompted to the user according to the number of light-emitting elements. As a result, the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, and the convenience of the suction device 100B is improved.

[0182] It should be noted that, here, the number of light emitting elements in the light emitting device 23a that emit light varies according to the progress of the authentication process, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 116B may also notify the user of the progress information by varying the number of light emitting elements in the light emitting device 23a that emit light according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0183] More specifically, when the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%], the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the first light emitting element 23a_1 of the light emitting elements of the light emitting device 23a to emit light. Also, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 33 [%] and less than or equal to 66 [%], the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the second light emitting element 23a_2 of the light emitting elements of the light emitting device 23a to emit light. Furthermore, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 66 [%], the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the third light emitting element 23a_3 of the light emitting elements of the light emitting device 23a to emit light.

[0184] In this way, by making the light emitting elements of the light emitting device 23a emit light differently according to the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be prompted to the user by the light emitting elements. Thus, the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, and the convenience of the attraction device 100B is improved.

[0185] In addition, when the notification unit 113B includes a display unit that displays an image, the progress information can be notified to the user by making the display mode of the display unit different according to the progress of the authentication process. In this case, the progress of the authentication process can be notified to the user intuitively and easily understood. Hereinafter, an example of notifying the user of information related to the progress of the authentication process via the display device 23b as an example of the display unit included in the notification unit 113B will be described.

[0186] Fig.11 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display device 23 b. The display device 23 b is provided at a position in the attraction device 100B where the user can visually recognize the display device 23 b. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used as the display device 23 b.

[0187] In this example, the display device 23b displays, as an image for notifying the user of progress information, for example, an indicator I. The indicator I displays the degree of progress of the authentication process in three stages.

[0188] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a third example of a notification of progress information. Figure 8 The explanation focuses on the different parts of the description. Figure 8 The description of the common parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0189] exist Fig.12 In the example shown, when the progress of the authentication process is less than 33 [%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in one stage. In addition, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 33 [%] and less than 66 [%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in two stages. Furthermore, when the progress of the authentication process is greater than or equal to 66 [%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in three stages.

[0190] In this way, by making the display mode of the display device 23b (in the example described here, the display mode of the indicator 1) different according to the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be prompted to the user according to the display mode of the display device 23b. As a result, the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, and the convenience of the suction device 100B is improved.

[0191] It should be noted that in the above examples, the progress of the authentication process is notified to the user in three stages, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the progress of the authentication process may be notified to the user in two stages, or in four or more stages.

[0192] In addition, when the notification unit 113B includes a vibrating device (so-called oscillator), the control unit 116B may also notify the user of the progress information (i.e., the progress of the authentication process) according to the vibration mode of the vibration device. In this case, the number of vibrations of the vibration device may be changed or the vibration mode may be changed according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0193] Furthermore, when notification unit 113B includes a sound output device (eg, a speaker) that outputs sound, control unit 116B may notify the user of progress information (ie, the degree of progress of the authentication process) based on the voice output from the sound output device.

[0194] In the above-described examples, the user is notified of the progress of the authentication process by notifying the user of progress information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the progress information, the user may be notified of information indicating the elapsed time since the start of the authentication process.

[0195] However, there are users who smoke continuously by using two or more rod-shaped substrates 150. For such users, if authentication is performed every time a new rod-shaped substrate 150 is used, the trouble of the user in continuous smoking will increase, and the convenience of the suction device 100B will decrease.

[0196] Therefore, when the control unit 116B performs the heating control after the authentication process is completed, the heating control can be performed without completing the authentication process for a certain period after the completion of the heating control (hereinafter, also referred to as the "invalidation period"). As a result, it is possible to suppress the increase of trouble for the user when smoking continuously and to suppress the reduction of the convenience of the suction device 100B. It should be noted that the length of the invalidation period can be predetermined by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0197] Here, the time from the start of this heating control to its completion is X [s] (e.g., 300 [s]). A user who smokes continuously typically restarts this heating control before 2×X [s] have passed after this heating control is completed. That is, if this heating control is not restarted before 2×X [s] have passed after this heating control is completed, it is highly likely that the user does not intend to continue smoking.

[0198] Therefore, the invalidation period can be made twice as long as the time from the start to the completion of the heating control, that is, 2×X [s]. In this way, the length of the invalidation period can be made appropriate, which can not only suppress the increase of troubles for users when smoking continuously, but also suppress the reduction of safety and security of the suction device 100B.

[0199] <<4. Example of Processing Executed by the Control Unit>>

[0200] Next, an example of processing executed by control unit 116B will be described. Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116B. For example, when the power of the suction device 100B is turned on, the control unit 116B executes the processing at a predetermined period. Fig.13 A series of processing is shown.

[0201] like Fig.13 As shown, the control unit 116B determines whether there is a heating start operation (step S1). When it is determined that there is no heating start operation (step S1: No), the control unit 116B repeats the process of step S1 until there is a heating start operation.

[0202] When it is determined that there is a heating start operation (step S1: Yes), the control unit 116B determines whether it is within the invalidation period (step S2). When it is determined that it is within the invalidation period (step S2: Yes), the control unit 116B proceeds to the processing of step S10 described later. When it is determined that it is not within the invalidation period (step S2: No), the control unit 116B starts the authentication process (step S3) and starts the heating control during authentication (step S4). In addition, the control unit 116B derives the progress of the authentication process and notifies the user of the progress information (step S5).

[0203] Next, the control unit 116B determines whether the authentication process is completed (step S6). If it is determined that the authentication process is not completed (step S6: No), the control unit 116B determines whether it has timed out (step S7). In step S7, the control unit 116B determines that it has timed out, for example, if a predetermined time has passed since the start of the authentication process.

[0204] If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (step S7: No), the control unit 116B returns to the process of step S5. If it is determined that the timeout has occurred (step S7: Yes), the control unit 116B interrupts the authentication process (step S8), and ends the heating control during authentication (step S9), and ends. Fig.13 In this case, the heating control is not executed.

[0205] When it is determined that the authentication process is completed (step S6 : Yes), the control unit 116B ends the heating control during authentication (step S10 ), and starts the current heating control (step S11 ).

[0206] Then, the control unit 116B determines whether the heating control is completed (step S12). If it is determined that the heating control is not completed (step S12: No), the control unit 116B waits for the heating control to be completed while executing the process of step S12. If it is determined that the heating control is completed (step S12: Yes), the control unit 116B sets an invalidation period (step S13) and ends. Fig.13 A series of processing is shown.

[0207] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the authentication process related to the usability of the suction device 100 is performed, the heating unit 121 is heated within a range where aerosol is not generated. Thus, since the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised in advance during the authentication process, the time required to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened after the authentication process is completed. Thus, even if the authentication process is required to generate aerosol, the time required to generate aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed. Therefore, for people other than legitimate users such as children, the generation of aerosol can be suppressed, which can improve the safety and security of the suction device 100, and suppress the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement in safety and security, thereby seeking to improve the commercial quality of the suction device 100.

[0208] It should be noted that the control method of the attraction device 100 described in the aforementioned embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program using a computer (processor). This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading from the storage medium. In addition, this program can also be provided in the form of a temporary storage medium such as a flash memory, or can be provided via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the computer executing this program can be, for example, a structure included in the attraction device 100 (for example, a CPU included in the attraction device 100), but is not limited to this, and can also be a structure included in other devices (for example, a smart phone or a server device) that can communicate with the attraction device 100.

[0209] The embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments. As a person skilled in the art, various variations or modifications can be thought of within the scope of the claims, which should of course be understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the various components in the aforementioned embodiments may be combined arbitrarily without departing from the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0210] At least the following matters are described in this specification, etc. The components in parentheses correspond to the components in the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0211] (1) A suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates aerosol from a substrate (flavor imparting cartridge 130, rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, characterized by comprising:

[0212] a heating unit (heating unit 121B) for heating the substrate to generate the aerosol;

[0213] A control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) for controlling the operation of the attraction device;

[0214] The control unit is configured to be able to execute a first heating control and a second heating control.

[0215] In the first heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated as a target temperature.

[0216] In the second heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0217] The first heating control is executed when the authentication process related to the usability of the suction device is performed,

[0218] When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended and the second heating control is executed.

[0219] According to (1), when the authentication process related to whether the suction device can be used is performed, the heating part is heated within a range that does not generate aerosol. As a result, the temperature of the heating part is preliminarily increased during the authentication process, so that after the authentication process is completed, the time required for the heating part to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened. As a result, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosol requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required to generate aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed. Therefore, the generation of aerosol can be suppressed for people other than legitimate users such as children, the safety and security of the suction device can be improved, the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement in safety and security can be suppressed, and the commercial quality of the suction device can be improved.

[0220] (2) The suction device according to (1), characterized in that:

[0221] The target temperature in the first heating control is higher than the room temperature.

[0222] According to (2), the first heating control can increase the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature higher than room temperature within a range in which aerosol is not generated.

[0223] (3) The suction device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0224] The target temperature in the first heating control becomes higher according to the elapsed time after the start of the authentication process.

[0225] According to (3), by increasing the target temperature in the first heating control according to the time elapsed after the start of the authentication process, the temperature of the heating unit can be further increased by this amount in advance during the authentication process when the authentication process is prolonged. As a result, the time required for the heating unit to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened by the second heating control performed after the completion of the authentication process. As a result, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the time required for generating aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed.

[0226] (4) The suction device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0227] The target temperature in the first heating control becomes higher according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0228] According to (4), by increasing the target temperature of the first heating control according to the progress of the authentication process, when the authentication process is prolonged, the temperature of the heating unit can be further increased by this amount in advance during the authentication process. As a result, the time required for the heating unit to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened by the second heating control performed after the authentication process is completed. As a result, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the time required to generate aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed.

[0229] (5) The suction device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0230] In the authentication process, a plurality of authentications are performed, and the authentication process is completed by completing all of the plurality of authentications.

[0231] The target temperature in the first heating control is set to be higher when at least one of the plurality of authentications is completed than when any of the plurality of authentications is not completed.

[0232] According to (5), the target temperature in the first heating control is set higher when at least one of the multiple authentications performed by the authentication process is completed than when none of the authentications performed by the authentication process is completed, thereby increasing the target temperature in the first heating control according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0233] (6) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that:

[0234] The control unit notifies the user of information on the progress of the authentication process via a notification unit (notification unit 113 , 113A, 113B) capable of notifying predetermined information.

[0235] According to (6), the user can understand the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of the attraction device.

[0236] (7) The suction device according to (6), characterized in that:

[0237] The notification unit includes a light emitting unit (light emitting device 23a) that emits light.

[0238] The control unit notifies the user of information related to the progress level by making the light emitting unit emit light in a different manner according to the progress level.

[0239] According to (7), the user can be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.

[0240] (8) The suction device according to (7), characterized in that:

[0241] The light emitting unit is configured to emit light in a plurality of light colors.

[0242] The control unit changes the light emission color of the light emitting unit according to the progress degree.

[0243] According to (8), the user can be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.

[0244] (9) The suction device according to (7), characterized in that:

[0245] The light emitting unit is composed of a plurality of light emitting elements (a first light emitting element 23a_1, a second light emitting element 23a_2, and a third light emitting element 23a_3).

[0246] The control unit varies the light emitting elements that emit light or the number of the light emitting elements that emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements according to the degree of progress.

[0247] According to (9), the user can be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.

[0248] (10) The suction device according to (6), characterized in that:

[0249] The notification unit includes a display unit (display device 23b) for displaying an image.

[0250] The control unit notifies the user of information related to the progress level by changing the display mode of the display unit according to the progress level.

[0251] According to (10), the user can be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.

[0252] (11) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10), characterized in that:

[0253] The control unit is configured to be able to execute the second heating control without requiring the authentication process to be completed for a certain period after the second heating control is completed, when the second heating control is executed.

[0254] According to (11), it is possible to suppress the increase in trouble for the user during so-called "continuous smoking", thereby improving the convenience of the inhalation device.

[0255] (12) The suction device according to (11), characterized in that:

[0256] The certain period is twice as long as the time from the start of the second heating control to the completion thereof.

[0257] According to (12), the length of the certain period during which the second heating control can be executed without the need for the authentication process to be completed can be set to an appropriate length.

[0258] (13) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12), characterized in that:

[0259] When the authentication process is interrupted without being completed, the control unit ends the first heating control without executing the second heating control.

[0260] According to (13), the generation of aerosol can be suppressed for persons other than authorized users such as children, and the safety and security of the suction device can be improved.

[0261] (14) A control method, wherein a computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B), wherein the suction device has a heating unit (heating unit 121B) for heating a substrate (flavor imparting cartridge 130, rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, and the substrate is heated by the heating unit to generate an aerosol, characterized in that the computer is caused to perform the following processing:

[0262] The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used,

[0263] The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0264] According to (14), when performing the authentication process related to whether the suction device can be used, the heating part is heated within a range that does not generate aerosol. As a result, the temperature of the heating part is preliminarily increased during the authentication process, so that after the authentication process is completed, the time required for the heating part to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened. As a result, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosol requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required for generating aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed. Therefore, the generation of aerosol can be suppressed for people other than legitimate users such as children, the safety and security of the suction device can be improved, the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement in safety and security can be suppressed, and the commercial quality of the suction device can be improved.

[0265] (15) A program for controlling the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) by a computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B), wherein the suction device has a heating unit (heating unit 121B) for heating a substrate (flavor imparting cartridge 130, rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, and wherein the heating unit heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, wherein the computer is caused to perform the following processing:

[0266] The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used,

[0267] The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

[0268] According to (15), when the authentication process related to the use of the suction device is performed, the heating part is heated within a range that does not generate aerosol. As a result, the temperature of the heating part is preliminarily increased during the authentication process, so that after the authentication process is completed, the time required for the heating part to be heated to the temperature for generating aerosol can be shortened. As a result, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosol requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required for generating aerosol can be suppressed from being prolonged, and the reduction in convenience caused by the prolonged time can be suppressed. Therefore, the generation of aerosol can be suppressed for people other than legitimate users such as children, the safety and security of the suction device can be improved, the reduction in convenience caused by the improvement in safety and security can be suppressed, and the commercial quality of the suction device can be improved.

[0269] Description of Reference Numerals

[0270] 100, 100A, 100B suction device

[0271] 113, 113A, 113B Notification Department

[0272] 116, 116A, 116B Control unit

[0273] 121B Heating unit

[0274] 23a Light emitting device (light emitting part)

[0275] 23a_1 First light emitting element (light emitting element)

[0276] 23a_2 Second light emitting element (light emitting element)

[0277] 23a_3 Third light emitting element (light emitting element)

[0278] 23b Display device (display unit)

Claims

1. A suction device, which is a suction device for generating aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, characterized in that: have: a heating unit for heating the substrate to generate the aerosol; A control unit for controlling the action of the suction device; The control unit is configured to be able to execute a first heating control and a second heating control. In the first heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated as a target temperature. In the second heating control, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled by setting a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature. The first heating control is executed when the authentication process related to the usability of the suction device is performed, When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended and the second heating control is executed.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The target temperature in the first heating control is higher than the room temperature.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The target temperature in the first heating control becomes higher according to the elapsed time after the start of the authentication process.

4. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The target temperature in the first heating control becomes higher according to the progress of the authentication process.

5. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the authentication process, a plurality of authentications are performed, and the authentication process is completed by completing all of the plurality of authentications. The target temperature in the first heating control is set to be higher when at least one of the plurality of authentications is completed than when any of the plurality of authentications is not completed.

6. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The control unit notifies a user of information related to a progress level of the authentication process via a notification unit capable of notifying predetermined information.

7. The suction device according to claim 6, characterized in that The notification unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light, The control unit notifies the user of information related to the progress level by making the light emitting unit emit light in a different manner according to the progress level.

8. The suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that The light emitting unit is configured to emit light in a plurality of light colors. The control unit changes the light emission color of the light emitting unit according to the progress degree.

9. The suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that The light emitting unit is composed of a plurality of light emitting elements. The control unit varies the light emitting elements that emit light or the number of the light emitting elements that emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements according to the degree of progress.

10. The suction device according to claim 6, characterized in that The notification unit includes a display unit for displaying an image. The control unit notifies the user of information related to the progress level by changing the display mode of the display unit according to the progress level.

11. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The control unit is configured to be able to execute the second heating control without requiring the authentication process to be completed for a certain period after the second heating control is completed, when the second heating control is executed.

12. The suction device according to claim 11, characterized in that The certain period is twice as long as the time from the start of the second heating control to the completion thereof.

13. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that When the authentication process is interrupted without being completed, the control unit ends the first heating control without executing the second heating control.

14. A control method, wherein a computer is used to control the operation of a suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a heating unit for heating a substrate having an aerosol source, wherein the heating unit heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, wherein: Cause the computer to perform the following processing: The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used, The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

15. A program, wherein a computer controls the operation of a suction device, wherein the suction device includes a heating unit for heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and the heating unit heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, wherein: Cause the computer to perform the following processing: The first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit by setting a temperature lower than the minimum temperature for generating the aerosol as a target temperature when performing authentication processing related to whether the suction device can be used, The second heating control is executed, and when the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is ended, and the temperature of the heating portion is controlled with a temperature higher than the minimum temperature as a target temperature.

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