Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

A control unit (116) of a suction device (100) starts control of a heating unit (121) in a control mode specified by a heating curve in response to an aerosol generation request, and acquires information indicating a suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit (121) is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating curve. The control mode of the heating unit (121) in a second period following the first period is changed from a control mode defined by the heating curve to a control mode based on the acquired suction mode in the first period.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the past, for example, there is known a suction device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted, and a user can inhale the generated aerosol. Typically, such a suction device heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by a heating portion (also referred to as a "heating element") that is a resistive or inductive heating heater, and delivers the generated aerosol to the user. In addition, in such a suction device, there is also a device that controls the temperature of the heating portion according to a pre-prepared control curve (also referred to as a "heating curve" or a "target temperature curve"). (For example, refer to the following patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-524260 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Typically, the heating curve is designed so that the aroma that the user tastes becomes optimal, assuming that standard suction is performed. However, the standard suction that is assumed in the heating curve is not necessarily performed for the suction device. For example, the suction method for the suction device not only varies from user to user, but also may vary even for the same user depending on the mood during suction.

[0008] Assuming that the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is not performed, when the control as in the heating curve is directly performed, for example, the heating by the heating unit may be stopped even though a sufficient aerosol source remains on the substrate, or the heating by the heating unit may be continued uselessly even though the aerosol source of the substrate is exhausted. From the viewpoint of improving the user's satisfaction with the suction device (in other words, the commercial quality of the suction device), it is not preferable to have such a situation occur.

[0009] The present invention provides a suction device, a control method and a program, which can appropriately consume a substrate containing an aerosol source even if a suction method different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is performed, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] The first invention is a suction device, comprising:

[0012] A heating unit heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and

[0013] a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating curve that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit,

[0014] The suction device is a suction device that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein:

[0015] The control unit performs the following processing:

[0016] In response to a request for aerosol generation, starting control of the heating unit in a control manner specified by the heating curve;

[0017] acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and

[0018] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

[0019] The second invention is a control method, wherein a computer executes processing, wherein the computer controls a suction device, the suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein the processing is as follows:

[0020] In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;

[0021] acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and

[0022] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

[0023] The third invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a process, wherein the computer controls a suction device, the suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate including an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein the process is as follows:

[0024] In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;

[0025] acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and

[0026] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, a suction device, a control method and a program can be provided, which can appropriately consume the substrate containing the aerosol source even if a suction method different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is performed, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram which schematically shows the suction device of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a heating curve in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of suction performed by the suction device of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a modification example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (part 1).

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is smaller than the second predetermined value (part 1).

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period is smaller than the fourth predetermined value.

[0036] Figure 8This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit of the suction device according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 This is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value.

[0038] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is smaller than the second predetermined value (part 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, the attraction device, control method and program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following, the same or similar elements are sometimes given the same or similar symbols, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0040] <1. Example of the structure of the suction device>

[0041] The suction device of this embodiment is a device that generates a substance to be sucked by the user, and the user can suck the generated substance. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device of this embodiment is assumed to be an aerosol, but it is not limited to an aerosol, and may be a gas, for example.

[0042] Figure 1 Schematic diagram schematically showing the suction device of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, a rod-shaped substrate 150 having a flavor generating substrate including an aerosol source as a suction component source and a filler including a flavor source is inserted into the suction device 100 of this embodiment. The rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the suction device 100 is heated from its periphery to generate an aerosol containing a flavor component.

[0043] The aerosol source can be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin and propylene glycol or a liquid such as water, but is not limited to a liquid and can also be a solid. The flavor source is a structural element for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol, and includes, for example, flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. As flavor components derived from tobacco, for example, tobacco particles formed into granules by forming tobacco raw materials, tobacco shreds, etc. can be cited. As flavor components derived from non-tobacco, for example, plants other than tobacco (such as mint, Chinese medicine or vanilla, etc.), menthol and other spices can be cited.

[0044] In addition, flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco may also be included in the aerosol source. In addition, when the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a drug.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111 , a sensor unit 112 , a notification unit 113 , a storage unit 114 , a communication unit 115 , a control unit 116 , a heating unit 121 , a holding unit 140 , and a heat insulating unit 144 .

[0046] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 based on the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 can be composed of a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

[0047] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or a voltage sensor, and acquires values ​​accompanying suction performed by the user.

[0048] As an example, the sensor unit 112 may include a pressure sensor (hereinafter also referred to as a "suction sensor") for detecting the pressure in the suction device 100. As described later, the control unit 116 can detect suction of the suction device 100 based on the detection value of the suction sensor.

[0049] As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a flow sensor that detects the flow rate (hereinafter, also referred to as "flow rate") generated by the suction of the suction device 100. Further, as another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a temperature sensor (hereinafter, also referred to as "suction thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 (or a specified portion near the heating unit 121). In addition, as another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a voltage sensor that detects the potential difference (hereinafter, also referred to as "voltage") applied to the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121.

[0050] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include an input device such as an operation button or an operation switch for receiving input of information from a user, and acquire information input from the user.

[0051] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. As a light emitting device, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used. As a display device, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OELD (Organic Electro Luminescence Diode) display can be used. As a sound output device, for example, a speaker that is configured to convert an electrical signal representing sound into a physical sound (i.e., air vibration) can be used. As a vibration device, for example, a vibrator (vibrator) having an eccentric weight and a motor that rotates the eccentric weight can be used.

[0052] The storage unit 114 stores various information (e.g., various data, various programs) used for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 may be composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. As information stored in the storage unit 114, for example, a heating curve can be cited. Here, the heating curve is information that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature (hereinafter, also referred to as "target temperature") as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121. For an example of a heating curve, Figure 2 To be described later.

[0053] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. As the communication standard involved, in the case of wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) (Bluetooth) or near field communication (Near Field Communication) can be adopted. In the case of wired communication, for example, it can be connected through an external connection terminal of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and a data communication cable (cable).

[0054] The control unit 116 functions as a processing unit and a control unit, and controls all actions in the suction device 1 according to various programs. An example of the control performed by the control unit 116 will be described later, so the description here is omitted. The control unit 116 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0055] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines the columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the rod-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole that is an inlet of air to the flow path is arranged, for example, at the bottom 143. On the other hand, the air outlet hole that is an outlet of air from the flow path is the opening 142.

[0056] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece 152. The substrate portion 151 is configured to include, for example, an aerosol source. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Furthermore, if the user holds the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole not shown in the figure, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0057] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. As an example, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 121 is configured as a film and is arranged to cover the periphery of the holding unit 140. The heating unit 121 generates heat by receiving power from the power supply unit 111. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated from the periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0058] For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user starts sucking and / or inputs the prescribed information, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 may be started. And, thereafter, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user ends sucking and / or inputs the prescribed information, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. In addition, as described above, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 may be controlled by the control unit 116.

[0059] The heat insulating part 144 prevents heat conduction from the heating part 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating part 144 can be formed of a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material.

[0060] In the above, a configuration example of the suction device 100 has been described. Of course, the suction device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations as exemplified below may be employed.

[0061] As an example, the heating portion 121 may be configured in a blade shape and may be configured to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140 to the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating portion 121 is inserted into the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 to heat the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 121 may be configured to cover the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140. In addition, the heating portion 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating portion covering the periphery of the holding portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating portion, and a third heating portion covering the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140.

[0062] As another example, the holding part 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. Furthermore, the holding part 140 may clamp the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating part 121 may be provided at the clamping portion of the holding part 140 to heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0063] In addition, the method of atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating by the heating unit 121, and may be, for example, induction heating. In addition, the suction device 100 may also have multiple aerosol sources. Further, multiple aerosols generated by multiple aerosol sources may be mixed and chemically reacted to further generate other types of aerosols.

[0064] <2. Heating curve>

[0065] The heating curve, which is information that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature, can be set, for example, to specify the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of time intervals continuous along the time axis and the information of the target temperature. In addition, in the heating curve, it is also possible to specify the target temperature of the time interval without specifying the time length of the time interval, and end the time interval by reaching the target temperature.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a heating curve in this embodiment. Figure 2 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Figure 2 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)], more specifically, represents the elapsed time from the start of control based on the heating curve.

[0067] like Figure 2As shown, the heating curve of this embodiment specifies the time length and target temperature of each time interval of the first time interval S1, the second time interval S2, the third time interval S3, the fourth time interval S4, the fifth time interval S5 and the sixth time interval S6 which are continuous along the time axis.

[0068] The first time interval S1, the second time interval S2, the third time interval S3, the fourth time interval S4, the fifth time interval S5, and the sixth time interval S6 are arranged in this order from the beginning in the time series. And, with the end of the last time interval, that is, the sixth time interval S6, the heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped. Thus, as Figure 2 As shown by the single-dot chain line in FIG. 1 , after the sixth time period S6 ends, the temperature of the heating unit 121 gradually decreases.

[0069] In the heating curve of the present embodiment, the first time interval S1 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm1 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T1 [°C]. The second time interval S2 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm2 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T1 [°C]. The third time interval S3 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm3 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T2 [°C] (where T2 < T1).

[0070] The fourth time interval S4 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm4 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T2 [°C]. As an example, in this embodiment, the fourth time interval S4 is set to the longest time interval. That is, tm4 is longer than any of the above-mentioned tm1 to tm3 and the later-described tm5 and tm6.

[0071] The fifth time interval S5 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm5 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T3 [°C] (where T3>T2 and T3<T1). The sixth time interval S6 is a time interval in which the time length is set to tm6 [seconds (sec)] and the target temperature is set to T3 [°C]. As described above, the sixth time interval S6 is the last time interval and is a time interval immediately before the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped.

[0072] However, the time period included in the heating curve can be roughly divided into three types: a temperature rising period, a temperature falling period, and a temperature maintaining period.

[0073] Here, the temperature rise interval is a time interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised (in other words, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises). For example, a time interval in which the target temperature is assumed to be higher than the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the beginning (for example, the target temperature of the immediately preceding time interval) becomes a temperature rise interval. In the example of the present embodiment, the first time interval S1 and the fifth time interval S5 become temperature rise intervals. Hereinafter, the first time interval S1 is also referred to as the "first temperature rise interval S1", and the fifth time interval S5 is also referred to as the "second temperature rise interval S5".

[0074] In addition, the cooling interval is a time interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is cooled (in other words, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is reduced). For example, a time interval in which the target temperature is assumed to be lower than the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the beginning (for example, the target temperature of the immediately preceding time interval) becomes a cooling interval. In the example of this embodiment, the third time interval S3 becomes a cooling interval. Hereinafter, the third time interval S3 is also referred to as a "cooling interval S3".

[0075] Moreover, the temperature maintenance interval is a time interval in which the control unit 116 controls so as to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a certain temperature. For example, a time interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the beginning (for example, the target temperature of the immediately preceding time interval) is assumed to be substantially equal to the target temperature becomes the temperature maintenance interval. In the example of the present embodiment, the second time interval S2, the fourth time interval S4, and the sixth time interval S6 become the temperature maintenance intervals. Hereinafter, the second time interval S2 is also referred to as the "first temperature maintenance interval S2", the fourth time interval S4 is also referred to as the "second temperature maintenance interval S4", and the sixth time interval S6 is also referred to as the "third temperature maintenance interval S6".

[0076] In addition, in the temperature maintenance interval, although the temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled to be maintained at a constant temperature, it should be noted that, in fact, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may vary. As a cause of the temperature variation of the heating unit 121 in the temperature maintenance interval, for example, a temperature drop of the heating unit 121 accompanying the suction of the user or hunting in PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller) can be cited.

[0077] As described above, the heating curve of the present embodiment includes the first temperature rising interval S1 which is initially set, the temperature falling interval S3 which is set after the first temperature rising interval S1 and whose target temperature is lower than the first temperature rising interval S1, the third temperature maintaining interval S6 which is set after the temperature falling interval S3 and whose target temperature is higher than the temperature falling interval S3, and the second temperature maintaining interval S4 which is a low temperature interval whose target temperature is lower than the third temperature maintaining interval S6.

[0078] More specifically, in the heating curve of the present embodiment, the first temperature rising interval S1, the first temperature maintaining interval S2, the temperature falling interval S3, the second temperature maintaining interval S4, the second temperature rising interval S5, and the third temperature maintaining interval S6 are arranged in this order from the front in a time series. Furthermore, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 is set to T1 [°C] in the first temperature rising interval S1 and the first temperature maintaining interval S2, is set to T2 [°C] (T2 < T1) in the temperature falling interval S3 and the second temperature maintaining interval S4, and is set to T3 [°C] (T2 < T3 < T1) in the second temperature rising interval S5 and the third temperature maintaining interval S6.

[0079] In addition, in the suction device 100, the period in which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated is also referred to as a "suctionable period (or inhalable period)". In addition, the period from the start of heating to the start of the suctionable period is also referred to as a "preliminary heating period". The heating performed during the preliminary heating period is also referred to as "preliminary heating". In the example of the present embodiment, the first temperature rising interval S1 becomes the preliminary heating period. In addition, the first temperature maintaining interval S2, the temperature dropping interval S3, the second temperature maintaining interval S4, the second temperature rising interval S5 and the third temperature maintaining interval S6 become suctionable periods.

[0080] For example, the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user of the start timing and the end timing of the suction-enabled period. That is, the notification unit 113 notifies the user at the start timing of the first temperature maintenance interval S2 (in other words, the end timing of the first temperature rise interval S1) and the end timing of the third temperature maintenance interval S6. In this way, by notifying the user of the start timing and the end timing of the suction-enabled period, the user can perform suction of the suction device 100 during the suction-enabled period with reference to the relevant notification.

[0081] In addition, the notification method performed at the timing of the start of the suction-enabled period (i.e., the timing of the start of the first temperature maintenance interval S2) and the notification method performed at the timing of the end of the suction-enabled period (i.e., the timing of the end of the third temperature maintenance interval S6) may be different from each other. In this way, by making the notification method performed at each of the timing of the start and the timing of the end of the suction-enabled period different, the start and end of the suction-enabled period can be guided to the user in an easily understandable manner.

[0082] <3. Control Department>

[0083] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve. Thus, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating curve. Typically, the heating curve is designed so that when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150, the flavor that the user tastes becomes optimal. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve, the flavor that the user tastes can be optimized.

[0084] To explain more specifically, the control unit 116 starts controlling the heating unit 121 in a control manner specified by the heating curve according to the request for generating aerosol. Here, the request for generating aerosol can be, for example, an operation for instructing the start of heating. As an example, the operation for instructing the start of heating can be the pressing of a specified operation button provided in the suction device 100. In addition, the operation for instructing the start of heating can also be a suction action of the suction device 100 or the reception of specified information from other devices such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect the request for generating aerosol based on information obtained by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115, for example.

[0085] The control of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve is described in detail. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the control based on the heating curve and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature") . More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes the same as the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating curve.

[0086] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, a known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 supplies the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses based on pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

[0087] In the feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature, for example, by controlling the above-mentioned duty cycle. In addition, the feedback control may also be, for example, PID control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may also perform a simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may also perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 121 again if the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

[0088] The temperature of the heating portion 121 can be obtained (in other words, quantitatively) by, for example, measuring or estimating the resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating portion 121. This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated (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 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor (pumping thermistor) provided near the heating portion 121.

[0089] In addition, the control unit 116 stops the heating by the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the control based on the heating curve. The timing of stopping the heating by the heating unit 121 is, for example, the timing when the last time interval (the third temperature maintenance interval S6 in the example of this embodiment) in the heating curve ends.

[0090] That is, after the heating by the heating unit 121 starts, the aerosol source and the flavor component of the heated rod-shaped substrate 150 gradually decrease as time passes. Typically, the heating by the heating unit 121 stops at a timing when at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor component of the rod-shaped substrate 150 decreases and a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor component cannot be delivered to the user. In other words, the heating curve is designed so that the last time interval ends at a timing when the aerosol source or the flavor component of the rod-shaped substrate 150 decreases to a degree that a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor component cannot be delivered to the user, assuming that standard suction is performed.

[0091] In addition, the aerosol source and flavor components of the rod-shaped substrate 150 are continuously reduced by suctioning the suction device 100. Therefore, even before a predetermined time has passed since the start of the control based on the heating curve, the control unit 116 can stop the heating by the heating unit 121 at that moment when suction is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) since the start of the control based on the heating curve. In such a case, the number of suctions that becomes a condition for stopping the heating by the heating unit 121 is also referred to as the "possible number of suctions".

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may stop the heating by the heating unit 121 at the timing when a predetermined operation button provided in the suction device 100 is pressed, for example. In this way, the user can stop the heating by the heating unit 121 at a desired timing.

[0093] However, the heating curve is designed so that the aroma tasted by the user becomes optimal based on the premise of standard suction. However, the standard suction set as the premise in the heating curve is not necessarily performed for the suction device 100. For example, the suction method for the suction device 100 not only has individual differences for each user, but even for the same user, it may change depending on the mood during suction.

[0094] Assuming that the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is not performed, when the control as in the heating curve is directly performed, the heating by the heating unit 121 may be stopped even though sufficient aerosol sources and flavor components remain on the rod-shaped substrate 150, or the heating by the heating unit 121 may be continued uselessly even though the aerosol source or flavor components of the rod-shaped substrate 150 are about to be exhausted to the extent that a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor components cannot be delivered to the user (in other words, a high-quality smoking experience cannot be provided to the user). From the perspective of improving user satisfaction with the suction device 100 (i.e., the commercial quality of the suction device 100), it is not preferable that such a situation occur.

[0095] That is, from the perspective of improving the commercial value of the suction device 100, even if a suction method different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is performed, it is expected to appropriately consume the rod-type substrate 150 having an aerosol source, etc., to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0096] Therefore, the control unit 116 obtains information indicating the suction method of the suction device 100 during the first period in which the heating unit 121 is controlled by the control method specified by the heating curve (hereinafter, also referred to as the "suction method during the first period"). Here, the suction method during the first period may be, for example, the suction time during the first period, the suction amount during the first period, or the suction intensity during the first period. Furthermore, the suction method during the first period may be a combination of two or more of the suction time during the first period, the suction amount during the first period, and the suction intensity during the first period (for example, a combination of the suction time and the suction intensity). In addition, specific examples of the suction time during the first period, the suction amount during the first period, and the suction intensity during the first period will be described later as the suction time during the acquisition target period, the suction amount during the acquisition target period, and the suction intensity during the acquisition target period, respectively.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 116 changes the control method of the heating unit 121 in the second period after the first period from the control method specified by the heating curve to the control method based on the suction method in the first period obtained. Thus, even if the suction method in the first period is different from the standard suction, in the second period thereafter, the heating unit 121 can be appropriately controlled in consideration of the suction method in the first period (i.e., the suction actually performed in the first period). Therefore, the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be appropriately consumed, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience. The control unit 116 will be described in more detail below.

[0098] <4-1. Period of Acquisition>

[0099] For example, the control unit 116 acquires information indicating the suction method during a predetermined acquisition target period based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112 during the predetermined acquisition target period in which the heating unit 121 is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve.

[0100] The acquisition target period can be set, for example, as the period from when the control of the heating unit 121 is started in the control method specified by the heating curve (i.e., when the control based on the heating curve is started) to when the specified time has passed. In this way, a period of a certain length can be ensured as the acquisition target period. In addition, considering that the control based on the heating curve is started when there is a request for the generation of aerosol, the acquisition target period can also be set as the period from when there is a request for the generation of aerosol to when the specified time has passed.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, in the example of this embodiment, a first acquisition target period A1 and a second acquisition target period A2 are provided as acquisition target periods.

[0102] The first acquisition object period A1 is a period from when the control based on the heating curve is started (i.e., when the elapsed time is 0) to when the first timing ti1 becomes a time after the first prescribed time Tm1, and the first prescribed time is preset by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc. For example, the first prescribed time Tm1 is set to be shorter than half of the period from when the control based on the heating curve is started to when the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped (i.e., tm1+tm2+tm3+tm4+tm5+tm6). In addition, the first prescribed time Tm1 is set to satisfy, for example, (tm1+tm2+tm3)<Tm1<(tm1+tm2+tm3+tm4-Δta). Thus, the first timing ti1 is set to be a timing in the second temperature maintenance interval S4. In addition, Δta will be described later.

[0103] The second acquisition target period A2 is a period from when the control based on the heating curve is started (i.e., when the elapsed time is 0) to when the second timing ti2 at which the second prescribed time Tm2 (where Tm2>Tm1) has elapsed, and the second prescribed time Tm2 is preset by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc. For example, the second prescribed time Tm2 is set to satisfy (tm1+tm2+tm3+tm6+tm5)<Tm2<(tm1+tm2+tm3+tm4+tm5+tm6-Δtc). Thus, the second timing ti2 is set to be the timing in the third temperature maintenance interval S6. In addition, Δtc will be described later.

[0104] In the example described here, the period from when the control based on the heating curve is started to when the first predetermined time Tm1 has passed is set as the first acquisition target period A1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0105] For example, the period from when the control based on the heating curve is started (i.e., the control of the heating unit 121 is started in a control method specified by the heating curve) to when the suction is performed for the first specified number of times (for example, 5 times) as the first acquisition object period A1. Even so, a period of a certain degree of length can be ensured as the first acquisition object period A1. Similarly, the period from when the control based on the heating curve is started to when the suction is performed for a second specified number of times (for example, 10 times) more than the first specified number as the second acquisition object period A2. In addition, in such a case, the first specified number and the second specified number are set to be greater than 0 and less than the aforementioned number of possible suctions.

[0106] In addition, in the example described here, the start time of the first acquisition target period A1 is set to the time when the control based on the heating curve is started, but it is not limited to this, and it can also be set to the time when the suction period starts (for example, the timing when the first temperature maintenance zone S2 starts). Even so, a period of a certain degree of length can be ensured as the first acquisition target period A1. Similarly, the start time of the second acquisition target period A2 is not limited to the time when the control based on the heating curve is started, for example, it can also be set to the time when the suction period starts.

[0107] <4-2. Acquisition of suction time during the target period>

[0108] Next, the "attraction time during the acquisition target period" that can be obtained by the control unit 116 is described. Here, the attraction time during the acquisition target period can be set to, for example, the maximum value of the attraction time based on one attraction during the acquisition target period or the cumulative value of the attraction time based on multiple attractions during the acquisition target period. Thus, the attraction time during the acquisition target period obtained by the control unit 116 can be set to represent the attraction method during the acquisition target period.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of suction performed by the suction device of this embodiment. Figure 3 The horizontal axis in represents the period. Figure 3 (a) shows that Figure 3 The horizontal axis of represents the presence or absence of heating (ON / OFF) in each period. Figure 3 (b) shows that Figure 3 The horizontal axis of represents the presence or absence of attraction (ON / OFF) in each period. Figure 3 (c) shows that Figure 3 The horizontal axis shows the flow rate in each period.

[0110] Figure 3 The example shown is an example of a case where two suctions, namely the first suction Pf1 and the second suction Pf2, are performed in the acquisition target period AX (for example, the first acquisition target period A1) from the time when there is a request to generate aerosol to the time when a specified time (for example, the first specified time Tm1) has passed.

[0111] The first attraction Pf1 is performed from period t11 to period t12 after period t11, and the attraction time is tm10. Here, the attraction time is the length of the period (i.e., time) from the start of attraction (period t11 in the case of the first attraction Pf1) to the end of the attraction (period t12 in the case of the first attraction Pf1). In addition, the second attraction Pf2 is performed from period t21 after period t12 to period t22 after period t21, and the attraction time is tm20 (where tm20>tm10).

[0112] To explain more specifically, the control unit 116 determines that the suction of the suction device 100 has started when the detection value based on the suction sensor changes from a state below a predetermined threshold to a state above the threshold. The above-mentioned "when suction starts" can be set, for example, as when the control unit 116 determines that the suction of the suction device 100 has started. In addition, the control unit 116 determines that the suction of the suction device 100 has ended when the detection value based on the suction sensor changes from a state above the threshold to a state below the threshold. The above-mentioned "when suction ends" can be set, for example, as when the control unit 116 determines that the suction of the suction device 100 has ended. That is, the control unit 116 can obtain the suction time based on the detection result of the suction sensor.

[0113] As another example, the control unit 116 may also determine that the suction of the suction device 100 has started when the detection value based on the aforementioned flow sensor changes from a state below a predetermined threshold to a state above the threshold. In addition, the control unit 116 may also determine that the suction of the suction device 100 has ended when the detection value based on the flow sensor changes from a state above the threshold to a state below the threshold. That is, the control unit 116 may also obtain the suction time based on the detection result of the flow sensor.

[0114] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the maximum value of the suction time based on one suction in the acquisition target period AX is tm20. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the maximum value of the suction time based on one suction in the acquisition target period as the suction time in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 can obtain tm20 as the suction time in the acquisition target period AX.

[0115] In addition, the cumulative value of the attraction time based on multiple attraction in the acquisition target period AX is tm10+tm20. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the cumulative value of the attraction time based on multiple attraction in the acquisition target period as the attraction time in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 can obtain tm10+tm20 as the attraction time in the acquisition target period AX. That is, the control unit 116 can also obtain the cumulative value of the attraction time based on all attraction in the acquisition target period as the attraction time in the acquisition target period.

[0116] In addition, for example, when the sensor unit 112 includes a flow sensor capable of detecting a flow rate generated by suction of the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may obtain the length of a period during which the flow rate is greater than or equal to the threshold value in the acquisition target period based on the detection result of the flow sensor as the suction time in the acquisition target period. Even in this case, the suction time in the acquisition target period obtained by the control unit 116 may be set to represent the suction mode in the acquisition target period.

[0117] More specifically, in Figure 3 In the example shown, in the suction time tm10 of the first suction Pf1, the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is above the predetermined threshold value ThX is set to tm11. In addition, in the suction time tm20 of the second suction Pf2, the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is above the threshold value ThX is set to tm21 (where tm21>tm11).

[0118] In this case, the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is greater than the threshold value ThX in the acquisition target period AX is tm11+tm21. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the length of the period during which the flow rate is greater than the threshold value in the acquisition target period as the suction time in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may obtain tm11+tm21 as the suction time in the acquisition target period AX. In addition, the threshold value ThX is pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0119] <4-3. Obtaining the suction amount during the target period>

[0120] Next, the "suction amount during the acquisition target period" that the control unit 116 can obtain is described. When the control unit 116 obtains the suction amount during the acquisition target period described below, the sensor unit 112 can be configured to include, for example, the aforementioned flow sensor. And, the control unit 116 obtains the suction amount during the acquisition target period described below based on the detection result of the flow sensor.

[0121] Here, the suction amount during the acquisition object period can be set to, for example, the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction during the acquisition object period, the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition object period, or the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time during the acquisition object period. Thus, the suction amount during the acquisition object period obtained by the control unit 116 can be set to represent the suction method during the acquisition object period.

[0122] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the flow rate generated by the first suction Pf1, more specifically, the cumulative value of the flow rate in each period in the first suction Pf1 is set to Fw10. In addition, the flow rate generated by the second suction Pf2, more specifically, the cumulative value of the flow rate in each period in the second suction Pf2 is set to Fw20 (where Fw20>Fw10). Furthermore, the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period AX is set to Fw21 in period t23 in the second suction Pf2.

[0123] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction during the acquisition target period AX is Fw20. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 can obtain Fw20 as the suction amount during the acquisition target period AX.

[0124] In addition, the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period AX is Fw10+Fw20. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 can obtain Fw10+Fw20 as the suction amount during the acquisition target period AX. That is, the control unit 116 can also obtain the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by all suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period.

[0125] In addition, the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period AX is Fw21. Therefore, when the control unit 116 obtains the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period as the suction amount in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 can obtain Fw21 as the suction amount in the acquisition target period AX.

[0126] In addition, the control unit 116 may also obtain the suction amount during the acquisition target period based on the suction time during the acquisition target period and the suction amount FwX as a standard per unit time. For example, if the estimated value of the flow rate generated by the first suction Pf1 is set to Fw10', the estimated value Fw10' can be expressed as Fw10'=tm10×FwX using the suction time tm10 of the first suction Pf1 and the suction amount FwX as a standard per unit time. Similarly, if the estimated value of the flow rate generated by the second suction Pf2 is set to Fw20', the estimated value Fw20' can be expressed as Fw20'=tm20×FwX using the suction time tm20 of the second suction Pf2 and the suction amount FwX as a standard per unit time.

[0127] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned estimated value Fw10' and estimated value Fw20' are used, the cumulative value (estimated value) of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition object period AX can be represented by Fw10'+Fw20'. Therefore, in the case where the control unit 116 obtains the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition object period as the suction amount during the acquisition object period, the control unit 116 can also obtain Fw10'+Fw20' as the suction amount during the acquisition object period AX. In this way, even if the sensor unit 112 does not have a flow sensor, the suction amount during the acquisition object period can be obtained. That is, the acquisition of the suction amount during the acquisition object period can be achieved with a simpler structure.

[0128] <4-4. Attraction strength during acquisition target period>

[0129] Next, the “suction strength during the acquisition target period” that can be acquired by the control unit 116 will be described. Here, the suction strength can be, for example, an evaluation value indicating the strength of suction performed on the suction device 100 (in other words, “depth”).

[0130] For example, the stronger (in other words, "deeper") the suction of the suction device 100 is, the greater the flow rate generated by the suction, and thus the greater the decrease (i.e., the change) in the temperature of the heating portion 121. Therefore, the change in the temperature of the heating portion 121 may also be used as the suction strength. In such a case, the more rapidly the temperature of the heating portion 121 drops, the more the control unit 116 determines that the flow rate is greater and the suction strength is higher.

[0131] Furthermore, considering that the resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the change in the resistance value of the heating resistor may be used as the attraction strength. In such a case, if the resistance value of the heating resistor changes to indicate a sharp drop in the temperature of the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 also determines that the greater the flow rate, the higher the attraction strength.

[0132] In addition, the stronger the suction of the suction device 100, the greater the flow rate generated by the suction, and thus the greater the change in the pressure in the suction device 100. Therefore, the change in the pressure in the suction device 100 can also be used as the suction strength. In such a case, the more rapidly the pressure in the suction device 100 rises, the control unit 116 determines that the greater the flow rate, the higher the suction strength.

[0133] In addition, the stronger the suction of the suction device 100, the greater the flow rate generated by the suction, so the flow rate (for example, the flow rate per unit time) itself can also be used as the suction intensity. In this case, the larger the flow rate, the higher the control unit 116 determines that the suction intensity is higher.

[0134] To explain more specifically, for example, the sensor unit 112 is configured to include a suction thermistor. In this case, the control unit 116 obtains the amount of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 (or a predetermined portion near the heating unit 121) per unit time as the suction intensity per unit time based on the detection result of the suction thermistor during the acquisition target period. In addition, the control unit 116 obtains the maximum value of the suction intensities per unit time obtained (here, for example, the amount of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121) or the cumulative value of the suction intensities per unit time obtained as the suction intensity during the acquisition target period.

[0135] As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured to include the aforementioned voltage sensor. In this case, the control unit 116 may also obtain the change in the resistance value of the heating resistor per unit time as the attraction intensity per unit time based on the detection result of the voltage sensor during the acquisition target period. In addition, the control unit 116 may also obtain the maximum value of the obtained attraction intensity per unit time (here, the change in the resistance value of the heating resistor) or the cumulative value of the obtained attraction intensity per unit time as the attraction intensity during the acquisition target period.

[0136] As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured to include a suction sensor. In this case, the control unit 116 may also obtain the amount of change in the pressure in the suction device 100 per unit time as the suction intensity per unit time based on the detection result of the suction sensor during the acquisition target period. In addition, the control unit 116 may also obtain the maximum value of the obtained suction intensities per unit time (here, the amount of change in the pressure in the suction device 100) or the cumulative value of the obtained suction intensities per unit time as the suction intensity during the acquisition target period.

[0137] In addition, the control unit 116 may also obtain the attraction intensity of each attraction performed during the acquisition object period, and obtain the maximum value of the attraction intensity of each attraction obtained as the attraction intensity during the acquisition object period. Further, the control unit 116 may also obtain the attraction intensity obtained by accumulating the attraction intensity in each of the predetermined number of attractions performed during the acquisition object period as the attraction intensity during the acquisition object period. In addition, when obtaining the attraction intensity of each attraction, the control unit 116 may obtain the value calculated by multiplying the maximum value of the attraction intensity in the attraction by the attraction time of the attraction as the attraction intensity of the attraction.

[0138] Furthermore, as another example, when the sensor unit 112 is configured to include a flow rate sensor, the control unit 116 may acquire, for example, the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period as the suction intensity in the acquisition target period.

[0139] In addition, which of the suction time, suction amount, and suction strength during the acquisition target period is acquired by the control unit 116 can be appropriately determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc. In addition, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction time during the acquisition target period, which of the aforementioned values ​​is acquired as the suction time during the acquisition target period can also be appropriately determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc. Similarly, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction amount during the acquisition target period, which of the aforementioned values ​​is acquired as the suction amount during the acquisition target period can also be appropriately determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc. In addition, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction strength during the acquisition target period, which of the aforementioned values ​​is acquired as the suction strength during the acquisition target period can also be appropriately determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc.

[0140] <5. Changes in the control method based on the suction method during the acquisition target period>

[0141] Next, a description is given of a change in the control method of the heating unit 121 based on the suction method during the acquisition target period by the control unit 116. As described above, in the example of this embodiment, two acquisition target periods are provided, namely, the first acquisition target period A1 until the first timing ti1 and the second acquisition target period A2 until the second timing ti2. First, a description is given of a change in the control method of the heating unit 121 based on the suction method during the first acquisition target period A1.

[0142] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a modification example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (part 1). Figure 4 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Figure 4 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)].

[0143] like Figure 4 As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 changes (shortens) the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (i.e., the fourth time interval S4) from the initial tm4 [seconds (sec)] to tm4a [seconds (sec)] shorter than tm4 [seconds (sec)]. Here, tm4a, for example, can be set to a value obtained by subtracting a fixed value Δta (wherein Δta>0) from tm4 (i.e., tm4a=tm4-Δta). In addition, the first specified value Th1 and the fixed value Δta are pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0144] That is, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first predetermined value Th1, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than that assumed when the heating curve is designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is reduced at a faster rate than that assumed when the heating curve is designed.

[0145] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 shortens the second temperature maintenance interval S4 to accordingly advance the timing of stopping the heating by the heating unit 121. This can avoid a situation where the heating by the heating unit 121 continues uselessly even though the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is about to be exhausted. Furthermore, by suppressing useless heating by the heating unit 121, waste of power of the power supply unit 111 can also be suppressed.

[0146] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a modification example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is smaller than the second predetermined value (part 1). Figure 5 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Figure 5 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)].

[0147] like Figure 5 As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition object period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2 (for example, the second specified value Th2<the first specified value Th1), the control unit 116, for example, changes (i.e., extends) the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 from the initial tm4 [seconds (sec)] to tm4b [seconds (sec)] which is longer than tm4 [seconds (sec)]. Here, tm4b, for example, can be set to a value obtained by adding a fixed value Δtb (wherein Δta>0) to tm4 (i.e., tm4b=tm4+Δtb). In addition, the second specified value Th2 and the fixed value Δtb are pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100. In addition, the absolute value of the fixed value Δtb may also be equal to the absolute value of the aforementioned fixed value Δta.

[0148] That is, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than that assumed when the heating curve is designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 remains in the rod-shaped substrate 150 longer than that assumed when the heating curve was designed.

[0149] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 extends the second temperature maintenance interval S4 to correspondingly extend the period during which the heating by the heating unit 121 is continued (in other words, the period during which the aerosol is generated). This can avoid the situation in which the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped despite the presence of sufficient aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0150] In addition, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than or equal to the second specified value Th2 and less than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116, for example, maintains the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (i.e., the fourth time interval S4) as the initial tm4 [seconds (sec)]. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the first acquisition target period A1 has not changed significantly from the assumption when the heating curve was designed, the aerosol can continue to be generated as planned by the heating curve.

[0151] Next, a description will be given of a modification example of the control method based on the suction method in the second acquisition target period A2. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a modification example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value. Figure 6 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Figure 6 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)].

[0152] like Figure 6 As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the second acquisition object period A2 is greater than the third specified value Th3, the control unit 116, for example, changes (shortens) the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial tm6 [seconds (sec)] to tm6a [seconds (sec)] shorter than tm6 [seconds (sec)]. Here, tm6a, for example, can be set to a value obtained by subtracting a fixed value Δtc (wherein Δtc>0) from tm6 (i.e., tm6a=tm6-Δtc). In addition, the third specified value Th3 and the fixed value Δtc are pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100. In addition, the fixed value Δtc may also be equal to the aforementioned fixed value Δta.

[0153] That is, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than the third predetermined value Th3, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than that assumed when the heating curve is designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is reduced at a faster rate than that assumed when the heating curve is designed.

[0154] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than or equal to the third predetermined value Th3, the control unit 116 shortens the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to accordingly advance the timing of stopping the heating by the heating unit 121. This can avoid a situation where the heating by the heating unit 121 continues uselessly even though the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is about to be exhausted. Furthermore, by suppressing useless heating by the heating unit 121, waste of power of the power supply unit 111 can also be suppressed.

[0155] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period is smaller than the fourth predetermined value. Figure 7 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Figure 7 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)].

[0156] like Figure 7 As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the second acquisition object period A2 is less than the fourth specified value Th4 (for example, the fourth specified value Th4<the third specified value Th3), the control unit 116, for example, changes (i.e., extends) the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 from the initial tm6 [seconds (sec)] to tm6b [seconds (sec)] which is longer than tm6 [seconds (sec)]. Here, tm6b, for example, can be set to a value obtained by adding a fixed value Δtd (wherein Δtd>0) to tm6 (i.e., tm6b=tm6+Δtd). In addition, the fourth specified value Th4 and the fixed value Δtd are pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100. In addition, the fixed value Δtd may also be equal to the aforementioned fixed value Δtb.

[0157] That is, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than that assumed when the heating curve is designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 remains in the rod-shaped substrate 150 longer than that assumed when the heating curve is designed.

[0158] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4, the control unit 116 extends the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to correspondingly extend the period during which the heating by the heating unit 121 is continued (in other words, the period during which the aerosol is generated). This can avoid a situation in which the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though sufficient aerosol sources and flavor components remain in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0159] Furthermore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than or equal to the fourth predetermined value Th4 and less than the third predetermined value, the control unit 116, for example, maintains the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) as the initial tm6 [seconds (sec)]. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the second acquisition target period A2 has not changed significantly from the assumption when the heating curve was designed, the aerosol can continue to be generated as planned by the heating curve.

[0160] <6. Processing performed by the control unit>

[0161] Next, an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 to change the control method of the heating unit 121 will be described. Figure 8 116 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the control unit of the suction device of this embodiment. Figure 8 The program of the series of processes shown is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 114 .

[0162] like Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 116 waits until there is a request for aerosol generation (step Sp10: No loop), and if there is a request for aerosol generation (step Sp10: Yes), the control unit 116 starts controlling the heating unit 121 in the control method specified by the heating curve (step Sp11). In addition, the control unit 116 starts a process of acquiring information indicating the suction method (that is, the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity) in the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 (hereinafter also referred to as "suction method acquisition process") (step Sp12).

[0163] For example, when the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 start from the start of the control based on the heating curve, step Sp12 (i.e., the suction method acquisition process starts) is executed as the control based on the heating curve starts. In addition, when the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 start from the start of the suction-enabled period, step Sp12 (i.e., the suction method acquisition process starts) is executed as the suction-enabled period starts.

[0164] The suction method acquisition process is, for example, at least one of the suction time described in <4-2. Suction time during acquisition target period>, the suction amount described in <4-3. Suction amount during acquisition target period>, and the suction strength described in <4-4. Suction strength during acquisition target period>. The parameters to be acquired by the suction method acquisition process are pre-set by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc.

[0165] More specifically, in the suction mode acquisition process, for example, the control unit 116 monitors the presence or absence of suction of the suction device 100, and acquires the suction time based on the suction, the flow rate generated by the suction, or the suction strength of the suction whenever the suction of the suction device 100 is detected. Moreover, in the case of acquiring the maximum value of the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength based on one suction as the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 compares the maximum value of the values ​​based on the suction performed so far during the acquisition target period with the value based on this suction, and stores the larger one in the storage unit 114. In addition, in the case of acquiring the cumulative value of the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength based on multiple suctions as the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 also accumulates the value based on this suction to the cumulative value based on the values ​​of the suction performed so far during the acquisition target period, and stores the cumulative result in the storage unit 114. Thus, the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 can be stored in the storage unit 114 .

[0166] In addition, the control unit 116 may also store the history of the suction time, flow rate or suction intensity of each suction performed on the suction device 100 in the storage unit 114, and when it is determined that the first timing ti1 or the second timing ti2 has arrived (refer to steps Sp13 and Sp18), the suction time, flow rate or suction intensity during the acquisition object period is obtained by referring to the above history.

[0167] Then, the control unit 116 executes the suction mode acquisition processing while waiting for the first timing ti1 to be reached (step Sp13: No loop). If the first timing ti1 is reached (step Sp13: Yes), it determines whether the suction time, suction amount or suction intensity in the first acquisition object period A1 is above the first specified value Th1 (step Sp14).

[0168] Then, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first predetermined value Th1 (step Sp14: Yes), the control unit 116 shortens the second temperature maintaining interval S4 (step Sp15) and proceeds to the process of step Sp18.

[0169] In addition, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the first acquisition object period A1 is not above the first specified value Th1 (step Sp14: No), the control unit 116 determines whether the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the first acquisition object period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2 (step Sp16).

[0170] Then, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2 (step Sp16: Yes), the control unit 116 extends the second temperature maintenance zone S4 (step Sp17) and proceeds to the process of step Sp18.

[0171] In addition, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is not less than the second predetermined value Th2 (step Sp16: No), the control unit 116 directly enters the process of step Sp18. In this case, the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 is maintained as the initial tm4 [seconds (sec)].

[0172] Then, the control unit 116 continues to execute the suction mode acquisition processing while waiting for the second timing ti2 to be reached (step Sp18: No loop). If the second timing ti2 is reached (step Sp18: Yes), the suction mode acquisition processing started in step Sp12 is ended, and it is determined whether the suction time, suction amount or suction intensity in the second acquisition object period A2 is above the third specified value Th3 (step Sp19).

[0173] Then, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than the third predetermined value Th3 (step Sp19: Yes), the control unit 116 shortens the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (step Sp20), and ends the process. Figure 8 A series of processing shown.

[0174] In addition, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the second acquisition object period A2 is not above the third specified value Th3 (step Sp19: No), the control unit 116 determines whether the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the second acquisition object period A2 is less than the fourth specified value Th4 (step Sp21).

[0175] Then, if it is determined that the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4 (step Sp21: Yes), the control unit 116 extends the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (step Sp22) and ends. Figure 8 A series of processing shown.

[0176] If it is determined that the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2 is not less than the fourth predetermined value Th4 (step Sp21: No), the control unit 116 directly ends the operation. Figure 8 In this case, the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 is maintained at the initial tm6 [seconds (sec)].

[0177] As described above, the control unit 116 acquires information indicating the suction method in the first acquisition target period A1 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112 in the first acquisition target period A1 in which the heating unit 121 is controlled in the control method specified by the heating curve. In addition, the control unit 116 changes the control method of the heating unit 121 in the period after the first acquisition target period A1 from the control method specified by the heating curve to the control method based on the suction method in the first acquisition target period A1.

[0178] Specifically, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 makes the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 shorter than tm4 [seconds (sec)] specified in the heating curve. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source or the flavor component in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than that assumed when the heating curve is designed, the second temperature maintenance interval S4 is shortened, and the timing of the heating by the heating unit 121 can be stopped earlier than when the control is performed according to the heating curve. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the heating by the heating unit 121 continues to be useless even though the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is about to be exhausted.

[0179] Similarly, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than the third specified value Th3, the control unit 116 makes the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 shorter than tm6 [seconds (sec)] specified in the heating curve. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source or the flavor component in the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than that assumed when the heating curve is designed, the third temperature maintenance interval S6 is shortened, and the timing of the heating by the heating unit 121 can be stopped earlier than when the control is performed according to the heating curve. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the heating by the heating unit 121 continues to be useless even though the aerosol source or the flavor component contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is about to be exhausted.

[0180] Furthermore, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2, the control unit 116 makes the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 longer than tm4 [seconds (sec)] specified in the heating curve. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than that assumed when the heating curve is designed, the second temperature maintenance interval S4 is extended, and the period of heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, the period of aerosol generation) can be made longer than when the control is performed according to the heating curve. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the heating by the heating unit 121 stops heating even though sufficient aerosol sources and flavor components remain in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0181] Similarly, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth specified value Th4, the control unit 116 makes the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 longer than tm6 [seconds (sec)] specified in the heating curve. Thus, when it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor component in the second acquisition target period A2 is less than that assumed when the heating curve is designed, the third temperature maintenance interval S6 is extended, and the period of continuous heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, the period of generating aerosol) can be made longer than when the control is performed according to the heating curve. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the heating by the heating unit 121 stops heating even though sufficient aerosol sources and flavor components remain in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0182] In addition, in the example described above, the first acquisition object period A1 and the second acquisition object period A2 are set as the acquisition object periods, and the control unit 116 can change the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 based on the attraction time, attraction amount or attraction intensity in the first acquisition object period A1, and change the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the attraction time, attraction amount or attraction intensity in the second acquisition object period A2, but is not limited to this.

[0183] For example, it is also possible that only the first acquisition target period A1 is set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 can change only the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 based on the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1. Alternatively, it is also possible that only the first acquisition target period A1 is set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 can change only the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1. Alternatively, it is also possible that only the first acquisition target period A1 is set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 can change the time lengths of the second temperature maintenance interval S2 and the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1. As another example, it is also possible that only the second acquisition target period A2 is set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 can change only the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction amount or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2.

[0184] By shortening the acquisition target period as much as possible, such as setting only the first acquisition target period A1, the burden on the control unit 116 required for processing to acquire information indicating the suction method (suction time, suction amount, or suction strength) during the acquisition target period can be reduced.

[0185] For example, as described above, by setting the first acquisition target period A1 to be shorter than half of the period from when the control based on the heating curve is started to when the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, the control unit 116 only needs to execute the process of acquiring the information indicating the suction method during the acquisition target period in the first half of the period in which the control based on the heating curve is performed. Therefore, in the second half of the period in which the control based on the heating curve is performed, the control unit 116 does not need to execute the process of acquiring the information indicating the suction method during the acquisition target period, thereby reducing the processing load of the control unit 116.

[0186] In addition, for example, other acquisition target periods may be provided in addition to the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2, so that the acquisition target periods may be provided in three or more. By providing the acquisition target periods in detail, the control method of the heating unit 121 may be changed in more detail according to the suction method in each acquisition target period.

[0187] In addition, the control unit 116 changes the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6, which is the time interval just before the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, according to the suction method during the second acquisition target period A2 or other acquisition target periods. Thus, before the third temperature maintenance interval S6, which is the time interval just before the heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, aerosol can be generated as planned by the heating curve regardless of the user's suction method (that is, even if the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 or other acquisition target periods is greater than or less than a prescribed value).

[0188] In addition, in the example described above, the temperature maintenance interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 and the third temperature maintenance interval S6 is kept substantially constant is set as the time interval of the object of changing the time length. It is also considered that instead of the temperature maintenance interval, the time interval of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 such as the heating interval or the cooling interval (for example, the second heating interval S5) is set as the time interval of the object of changing the time length. However, in this way, when the time interval of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 is shortened, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may not reach the target temperature due to insufficient time, or the temperature of the heating unit 121 may change drastically in order to reach the target temperature. From the perspective of providing a high-quality smoking experience to the user, it is not preferred that such a situation occurs.

[0189] In contrast, when the temperature maintenance intervals such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 and the third temperature maintenance interval S6, in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is kept substantially constant, are set as the time intervals to be changed in time length, even if the time intervals are shortened, it is difficult for the temperature of the heating unit 121 to not reach the target temperature or for the temperature of the heating unit 121 to change drastically. Therefore, by setting the temperature maintenance interval as the time interval to be changed in time length, even if the time length of the time interval is changed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the quality of the user's smoking experience may be reduced.

[0190] Furthermore, in the example described above, the low temperature interval in which the target temperature is relatively low, i.e., the second temperature maintenance interval S4, is set as the time interval to be the object of changing the time length. In a low temperature interval such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4, the power supplied to the heating unit 121 per unit time becomes less than that in a time interval in which the target temperature is relatively high. Therefore, by setting a low temperature interval such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 as the time interval to be the object of changing the time length, the time interval can be extended while suppressing the increase in the power consumed by the heating unit 121. Furthermore, typically, the time length of a low temperature interval such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 is set to be long to a certain extent, which fully ensures the room for changing the time length, and thus it is easy to change the time length.

[0191] In the example described above, the time length of the subsequent time interval is changed based on the suction method in the first acquisition target period A1 or other acquisition target period, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 116 may also change the target temperature of the subsequent time interval based on the suction method in the first acquisition target period A1 or other acquisition target period.

[0192] Hereinafter, an example of a case where the control unit 116 changes the target temperature of the subsequent time interval based on the suction method in the acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1 is specifically described. In addition, in the following description, only the parts different from the example described above are described as the center, and the description of the parts that are the same as the example described above is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0193] Fig. 9 This is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control method when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period is smaller than the second predetermined value (part 2). Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 The vertical axis in represents the target temperature [°C]. Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 The vertical axis in represents time [seconds (sec)]. Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 In the example shown, it is assumed that only the first acquisition target period A1 is set as the acquisition target period.

[0194] like Fig. 9As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., increases) the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial T3 [°C] to T3a [°C] higher than T3 [°C]. Here, T3a can be, for example, a value obtained by adding a fixed value ΔTa (where ΔTa>0) to T3 (i.e., T3a=T3+ΔTa). In addition, the fixed value ΔTa is pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0195] The aerosol generated when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated and the flavor components imparted to the aerosol depend on the heating temperature and the amount of the aerosol source and the flavor components remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 150 during heating. More specifically, the higher the heating temperature, the more aerosol is generated when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated and the more flavor components are imparted to the aerosol. In addition, the more the amount of the aerosol source and the flavor components remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 150 during heating, the more aerosol is generated when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated and the more flavor components are imparted to the aerosol.

[0196] When the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, it is considered that the amount of aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is less than that assumed when the heating curve was designed. Therefore, in such a case, even if heating is performed at the target temperature specified in the heating curve, the aerosol or the flavor components imparted to the aerosol are insufficient, and there is a concern that a high-quality smoking experience cannot be provided to the user.

[0197] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 makes the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 higher than the target temperature specified in the heating curve. As a result, compared with the case of controlling according to the heating curve, the aerosol generated in the third temperature maintenance interval S6 and the flavor component given to the aerosol can be increased. Therefore, a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user in the third temperature maintenance interval S6.

[0198] In addition, if Fig.10As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., lowers) the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial T3 [°C] to T3b [°C] which is lower than T3 [°C]. Here, T3b can be, for example, a value obtained by subtracting a fixed value ΔTb (where ΔTa>0) from T3 (i.e., T3b=T3-ΔTb). In addition, the fixed value ΔTb is pre-set in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0199] When the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2, it is considered that the amount of aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is greater than that assumed when the heating curve was designed. Therefore, in such a case, if heating is performed at the target temperature specified in the heating curve, the aerosol or the flavor components imparted to the aerosol become excessive, and there is a concern that a high-quality smoking experience cannot be provided to the user.

[0200] Therefore, when the suction time, suction amount or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2, the control unit 116 makes the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 lower than the target temperature specified in the heating curve. As a result, compared with the case of controlling according to the heating curve, the aerosol generated in the third temperature maintenance interval S6 and the flavor component given to the aerosol can be reduced. Therefore, a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user in the third temperature maintenance interval S6.

[0201] As described above, the control unit 116 may change the target temperature in the subsequent time period based on the suction pattern in the acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0202] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may change both the time length of the subsequent time interval and the target temperature based on the suction mode in the acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0203] As an example, when the suction time, suction amount or suction intensity in the first acquisition object period A1 is above the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 may shorten the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned tm6a [seconds (sec)], and at the same time increase the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned T3a [°C].

[0204] As another example, when the suction time, suction amount or suction intensity in the first acquisition object period A1 is less than the second specified value Th2, the control unit 116 may extend the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned tm6b [seconds (sec)], and at the same time lower the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned T3b [°C].

[0205] In this way, even if the control unit 116 changes both the time length and the target temperature of the subsequent time interval based on the suction method in the first acquisition object period A1 and other acquisition object periods, the rod-shaped substrate 150 containing the aerosol source can be appropriately consumed to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0206] In addition, the suction device 100 may also have a plurality of heating curves. For example, as the stick-shaped substrate 150, when there are two types of "menthol type" containing menthol in the flavor component and "normal type" not containing menthol in the flavor component, it is conceivable to set a heating curve for the menthol type and a heating curve for the normal type.

[0207] In this case, the control unit 116 is configured to be able to determine the type (i.e., menthol type or normal type) of the stick-shaped substrate 150. As an example, the control unit 116 receives information indicating the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the user via the input device of the sensor unit 112, and can determine the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the received information.

[0208] As another example, the sensor unit 112 may detect a predetermined physical quantity (e.g., light transmittance, reflectance, or resistance value) in the rod-shaped substrate 150 that varies depending on the type. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may determine the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor unit 112.

[0209] Then, the control unit 116 selects a heating curve used in the current control of the heating unit 121 from a plurality of heating curves included in the suction device 100 based on the result of the determination of the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150, and controls the heating unit 121 based on the selected heating curve. For example, the control unit 116 selects a heating curve for the menthol type when the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is determined to be the menthol type, and selects a heating curve for the ordinary type when the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is determined to be the ordinary type.

[0210] In this way, the control unit 116 determines the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150 and selects a heating curve based on the determination result, thereby controlling the heating unit 121 with an appropriate heating curve corresponding to the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, regardless of the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150, the flavor that the user enjoys can be optimized, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0211] In addition, the heating curve described in the present embodiment may be a heating curve selected by the control unit 116 based on the result of determination of the type of the rod-shaped substrate 150 in this way.

[0212] In addition, when there are multiple heating curves, the acquisition target period may be different for each heating curve. Similarly, the time interval that becomes the target of changing the time length or the target temperature may be different for each heating curve. Furthermore, the change amount of the time length (for example, the aforementioned Δta to Δtd) or the change amount of the target temperature (for example, the aforementioned ΔTa, ΔTb) may be different for each heating curve.

[0213] Furthermore, the control unit 116 changes the time length or target temperature (ie, control method) specified by the heating curve based on the suction method in the acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0214] As an example, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 sets the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 to tm4a [seconds (sec)] obtained by subtracting the fixed value Δta [seconds (sec)] from tm4 [seconds (sec)] specified by the heating curve. As another example, Fig. 9 As shown, when the suction time, suction amount or suction intensity in the first acquisition object period A1 is greater than the first specified value Th1, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to T3a[°C] obtained by adding a fixed value ΔTa[°C] to T3[°C] specified by the heating curve.

[0215] In this way, based on the time length or target temperature specified by the heating curve, by changing the time length or target temperature based on the suction method in the acquisition object period such as the first acquisition object period A1, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure of the suction device 100 while appropriately consuming the rod-type substrate 150, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0216] In this regard, for example, a method can be considered in which a plurality of heating curves corresponding to different suction methods are prepared in advance in the suction device 100, and the control unit 116 appropriately selects a heating curve corresponding to the suction method of the user. However, in such a case, a plurality of heating curves are required, and in order to store these plurality of heating curves, a large capacity of the storage unit 114 is required. Therefore, in such a case, there is a concern that the structure of the suction device 100 will be complicated.

[0217] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if a suction method different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve is performed, a suction device 100 can be provided that can appropriately consume the rod-shaped substrate 150 containing the aerosol source and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0218] In addition, the control method of the attraction device 100 described in the aforementioned embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program by 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 be provided in the form of being stored in a non-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 set to, for example, a device 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 device included in other devices (for example, a smart phone or a server device) that can communicate with the attraction device 100.

[0219] The above is a description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is certainly not limited to the embodiments involved. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or amendments can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the various structural elements in the aforementioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0220] In this specification, at least the following matters are described. In addition, the corresponding components in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown in brackets as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0221] (1) The suction device has:

[0222] A heating unit (heating unit 121) heats a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and

[0223] a control unit (control unit 116) for controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating curve of a time series transition of a target temperature that defines a target value of the temperature of the heating unit,

[0224] The suction device is a suction device (suction device 100) that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit.

[0225] The control unit performs the following processing:

[0226] In response to a request for aerosol generation, starting control of the heating unit in a control manner specified by the heating curve;

[0227] acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and

[0228] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

[0229] According to (1), the control method of the heating unit in the second period after the first period in which the heating unit is controlled by the control method specified by the heating curve can be changed to a control method based on the suction method in the first period. Thus, even if the suction method in the first period is different from the standard suction assumed in the heating curve, in the second period thereafter, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled in consideration of the suction actually performed in the first period. Therefore, the substrate can be appropriately consumed, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0230] (2) The suction device according to (1), wherein:

[0231] The heating curve is information that specifies the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of time intervals (first time interval S1 to sixth time interval S6) continuous along the time axis and the target temperature.

[0232] The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of any one of the time sections included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

[0233] According to (2), the time length of any time interval included in the second period after the first period can be changed according to the suction method in the first period. Thus, according to the suction method in the first period, the timing of stopping the heating by the heating unit can be advanced, or the period of time during which the heating by the heating unit continues can be lengthened. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the heating by the heating unit stops even though there is sufficient aerosol source remaining in the substrate, or the heating by the heating unit continues uselessly even though the aerosol source contained in the substrate is about to be exhausted.

[0234] (3) The suction device according to (2), wherein:

[0235] The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the time interval (6th time interval S6) before stopping the heating by the heating part in the time interval included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

[0236] According to (3), since the time interval that is the object of changing the time length is the time interval before the heating by the heating unit is about to stop, before the time interval before the heating by the heating unit is about to stop, aerosol can be generated as planned by the heating curve regardless of the user's inhalation method.

[0237] (4) The suction device according to (2), wherein:

[0238] The multiple time intervals include: a first temperature rising interval (first time interval S1) that is initially set; a temperature falling interval (third time interval S3) that is set after the first temperature rising interval and in which the target temperature is lower than that of the first temperature rising interval; a second temperature rising interval (fifth time interval S5) that is set after the temperature falling interval and in which the target temperature is higher than that of the temperature falling interval; and a low temperature interval (fourth time interval S4) in which the target temperature is lower than that of the second temperature rising interval.

[0239] The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the low temperature zone in the time interval included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

[0240] According to (4), since the time period to be changed in time length is a low temperature period in which the target temperature is relatively low, the time period can be extended while suppressing an increase in power consumed by the heating unit.

[0241] (5) The suction device according to (2), wherein:

[0242] The plurality of time intervals include a temperature maintaining interval (a fourth time interval S4 and a sixth time interval S6) in which the control unit performs control so as to maintain the temperature of the heating unit at a constant temperature.

[0243] The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the temperature maintenance section in the time section included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

[0244] According to (5), since the time interval for which the time length is changed is the temperature maintenance interval in which the temperature of the heating unit is kept substantially constant, even if the time length of the time interval is changed, it is possible to prevent the quality of the user's smoking experience from being reduced.

[0245] (6) The suction device according to (1), wherein:

[0246] The heating curve is information that specifies the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of time intervals (first time interval S1 to sixth time interval S6) continuous along the time axis and the target temperature.

[0247] The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the target temperature in any time section included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

[0248] According to (6), the target temperature of any time interval included in the second period after the first period can be changed according to the suction method in the first period. Therefore, even if the suction method in the first period is different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve, an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated in the second period, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0249] (7) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein:

[0250] The first period is a period from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction period starts, until a specified time (first specified time Tm1, second specified time Tm2) has passed or until a specified number of suctions are performed.

[0251] According to (7), a period of a certain length can be ensured as the first period.

[0252] (8) The suction device according to (7), wherein:

[0253] The first period is a period from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction-enabled period starts to when the specified time has passed.

[0254] The specified time is shorter than half of the period (tm1+tm2+tm3+tm4+tm5+tm6) from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction period starts to when the heating by the heating unit stops.

[0255] According to (8), in the second half of the period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control method specified by the heating curve, the control unit does not need to execute the process of acquiring the suction method in the first period, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit.

[0256] (9) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0257] The heating curve is a heating curve selected from a plurality of heating curves prepared in advance,

[0258] The control unit is configured to be able to determine the type of the substrate.

[0259] The one heating curve is a heating curve selected by the control unit based on the determination result of the type of the substrate.

[0260] According to (9), the heating unit can be controlled by an appropriate heating curve according to the type of the substrate.

[0261] (10) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein:

[0262] The suction mode in the first period is any one of the suction time in the first period, the suction amount in the first period, and the suction intensity in the first period, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0263] According to (10), the control method of the heating unit in the second period can be changed according to the suction time in the first period, the suction amount in the first period, or the suction intensity in the first period.

[0264] (11) The suction device according to (10), wherein:

[0265] The suction method in the first period at least includes the suction amount in the first period.

[0266] The suction amount in the first period is any one of the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction in the first period (Fw20), the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions in the first period (Fw10+Fw20), or the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the first period (Fw21).

[0267] According to (11), the control method of the heating unit in the second period can be changed based on the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction in the first period, the cumulative value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions in the first period, or the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the first period.

[0268] (12) The suction device according to (10), wherein:

[0269] The suction method in the first period at least includes the suction time in the first period.

[0270] The attraction time in the first period is the length of the period during which the flow rate generated by attraction in the first period is above a threshold value (threshold value ThX) (tm11+tm21), the maximum value of the attraction time based on one attraction in the first period (tm20), or the cumulative value of the attraction time based on multiple attractions in the first period (tm10+tm20).

[0271] According to (12), the control method of the heating unit in the second period can be changed based on the length of the period during which the flow rate generated by suction is above the threshold in the first period, the maximum value of the suction time based on one suction in the first period, or the cumulative value of the suction time based on multiple suctions in the first period.

[0272] (13) The suction device according to (10), wherein:

[0273] The attraction mode in the first period at least includes the attraction intensity in the first period.

[0274] The attraction force in the first period is a maximum value among the attraction forces per unit time in the first period or a cumulative value of the attraction forces per unit time in the first period.

[0275] According to (13), the control method of the heating unit in the second period can be changed based on the maximum value of the suction strength per unit time in the first period or the integrated value of the suction strength per unit time in the first period.

[0276] A control method, wherein a computer (control unit 116) executes processing, wherein the computer controls a suction device (suction device 100), the suction device having a heating unit (heating unit 121) that heats a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, and the processing is as follows:

[0277] In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit (step Sp11);

[0278] acquiring information indicating the suction mode in the first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating curve (step Sp12); and

[0279] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from the control method defined by the heating curve to the control method based on the suction method in the first period (steps Sp14 to Sp17, steps Sp19 to Sp22).

[0280] According to (14), the control method of the heating unit in the second period after the first period in which the heating unit is controlled by the control method specified by the heating curve can be changed to a control method based on the suction method in the first period. Thus, even if the suction method in the first period is different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve, in the subsequent second period, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled in consideration of the suction actually performed in the first period. Therefore, the substrate can be appropriately consumed, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0281] (15) A program for causing a computer (control unit 116) to execute a process, wherein the computer controls a suction device (suction device 100) having a heating unit (heating unit 121) for heating a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein the process is as follows:

[0282] In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit (step Sp11);

[0283] acquiring information indicating the suction mode in the first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating curve (step Sp12); and

[0284] The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from the control method defined by the heating curve to the control method based on the suction method in the first period (steps Sp14 to Sp17, steps Sp19 to Sp22).

[0285] According to (15), the control method of the heating unit in the second period after the first period in which the heating unit is controlled by the control method specified by the heating curve can be changed to a control method based on the suction method in the first period. Thus, even if the suction method in the first period is different from the standard suction set as a premise in the heating curve, in the subsequent second period, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled in consideration of the suction actually performed in the first period. Therefore, the substrate can be appropriately consumed, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0286] Description of Reference Numerals

[0287] 100 suction device; 112 sensor unit (detection unit); 116 control unit; 121 heating unit; 150 rod-type substrate (substrate); S1 first time interval (time interval, first heating interval); S2 second time interval (time interval); S3 third time interval (time interval, cooling interval); S4 fourth time interval (time interval, low temperature interval, temperature maintaining interval); S5 fifth time interval (time interval, second heating interval); S6 sixth time interval (time interval, temperature maintaining interval).

Claims

1. A suction device, comprising: A heating unit heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating curve that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, The suction device is a suction device that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein: The control unit performs the following processing: In response to a request for aerosol generation, starting control of the heating unit in a control manner specified by the heating curve; acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating curve is information that specifies the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of time intervals continuous along the time axis and the target temperature. The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of any one of the time sections included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

3. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein: The control method based on the suction mode in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the time section immediately before stopping heating by the heating unit among the time sections included in the second period according to the suction mode in the first period.

4. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein: The multiple time intervals include: a first temperature increase interval that is initially set; a temperature decrease interval that is set after the first temperature increase interval and in which the target temperature is lower than that of the first temperature increase interval; a second temperature increase interval that is set after the temperature decrease interval and in which the target temperature is higher than that of the temperature decrease interval; and a low temperature interval in which the target temperature is lower than that of the second temperature increase interval. The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the low temperature zone in the time interval included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

5. The attraction device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of time intervals include a temperature maintaining interval in which the control unit performs control so as to maintain the temperature of the heating unit at a certain temperature. The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the time length of the temperature maintenance section in the time section included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

6. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating curve is information that specifies the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of time intervals continuous along the time axis and the target temperature. The control method based on the suction method in the first period is a control method for changing the target temperature in any time section included in the second period according to the suction method in the first period.

7. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first period is a period from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction-enabled period starts until a predetermined time has passed or a predetermined number of suctions are performed.

8. The suction device according to claim 7, wherein: The first period is a period from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction-enabled period starts to when the specified time has passed. The predetermined time is shorter than half of a period from when the control of the heating unit starts in the control method specified by the heating curve or when the suction enabled period starts to when the heating by the heating unit stops.

9. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The heating curve is a heating curve selected from a plurality of heating curves prepared in advance, The control unit is configured to be able to determine the type of the substrate. The one heating curve is a heating curve selected by the control unit based on the determination result of the type of the substrate.

10. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The suction mode in the first period is any one of the suction time in the first period, the suction amount in the first period, and the suction intensity in the first period, or a combination of two or more thereof.

11. The suction device according to claim 10, wherein: The suction method in the first period at least includes the suction amount in the first period. The suction amount in the first period is any one of a maximum value of a flow rate generated by one suction in the first period, a cumulative value of a flow rate generated by a plurality of suctions in the first period, or a maximum value of a flow rate per unit time in the first period.

12. The suction device according to claim 10, wherein: The suction method in the first period at least includes the suction time in the first period. The suction time in the first period is the length of a period in which the flow rate generated by suction is greater than a threshold value in the first period, the maximum value of the suction time based on one suction in the first period, or the cumulative value of the suction time based on multiple suctions in the first period.

13. The suction device according to claim 10, wherein: The attraction mode in the first period at least includes the attraction intensity in the first period. The attraction force in the first period is a maximum value among the attraction forces per unit time in the first period or a cumulative value of the attraction forces per unit time in the first period.

14. A control method, wherein the processing is performed by a computer, The computer controls a suction device, which includes a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit. The process is as follows: In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute a process, wherein: The computer controls a suction device, which includes a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit. The process is as follows: In response to a request for generating aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner specified by a heating curve, wherein the heating curve specifies a time series transition of a target temperature as a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; acquiring information indicating a suction method in a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control method specified by the heating curve; and The control method of the heating unit in a second period after the first period is changed from a control method defined by the heating curve to a control method based on the suction method in the first period.

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