Aerosol-generating system and control method

Abstract

Provided is a structure capable of further improving usability relating to communication. This aerosol-generating system is provided with: a generating unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information; a sensor unit that detects a user operation applied to the aerosol-generating system; and a control unit that, on the basis of a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit, controls a procedure of connection to another aerosol-generating system by the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating systems and control methods. Background Art

[0002] Suction devices such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers that generate substances to be sucked by users are becoming widely popular. For example, the suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosols, and generates an aerosol imparted with flavor components. The user can taste the aerosol imparted with flavor components by inhaling the aerosol generated by the suction device. Hereinafter, the action of the user sucking the aerosol is also referred to as puffing or a puffing action.

[0003] In recent years, it has been discussed to install a communication function on an attraction device. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that makes an accessory having a communication function attachable to and detachable from an attraction device.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-121191 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is still young and has room for improvement in various viewpoints.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a configuration capable of further improving usability related to communication.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: a generating unit, which generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; a communication unit, which receives and sends information wirelessly; a sensor unit, which detects a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system; and a control unit, which controls a connection procedure with other aerosol generating systems based on the communication unit, based on a prescribed user operation detected by the sensor unit.

[0012] Alternatively, the aerosol generating system may include a housing portion having an opening into which the substrate can be inserted, and housing the substrate inserted from the opening; and a cover portion for opening and closing the opening, wherein the predetermined user operation includes an operation of opening or closing the cover portion.

[0013] Alternatively, the control unit controls the communication unit to start the connection procedure for setting the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner, triggered by detection of the specified user operation, and the connection procedure includes switching and executing broadcast sending and broadcast reception waiting.

[0014] The control unit may select whether to set the other aerosol generating system as the connection partner based on information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

[0015] The control unit may select to transmit or receive the information of the copy object based on the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

[0016] Alternatively, the control unit selects whether the aerosol generating system acts as a control subject or as a control object that acts based on the control of the control subject, based on information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the aerosol generating system and information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the other aerosol generating system.

[0017] In the connection procedure, the communication unit may transmit information indicating a timing at which a predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receive information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

[0018] The communication unit may transmit information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receive information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system, during the connection established through the connection procedure.

[0019] The control unit may select whether the aerosol generating system operates as a control subject or as a control object that operates based on control of the control subject, based on identification information of the aerosol generating system and identification information of the other aerosol generating systems.

[0020] In the connection protocol, the communication unit may transmit the identification information of the aerosol generating system or receive the identification information of the other aerosol generating system.

[0021] Alternatively, the control unit controls the communication unit to send or receive information on the copy object when a first user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

[0022] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generating system, or receive information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generating system.

[0023] The aerosol generating system may further include a notifying unit for notifying information, and the control unit may control the notifying unit to notify information indicating a start of transmission or reception of the information to be copied or an end of transmission or reception of the information to be copied.

[0024] The control unit may control the notification unit to notify different information between a case where the copy target information is transmitted and a case where the copy target information is received.

[0025] The information on the copy target may include at least one of first control information that specifies an operation of the generating unit and second control information that specifies an operation of the notifying unit.

[0026] The control unit may set the information of the copy object as an upper limit number of times that the copy object can be used when receiving the information of the copy object.

[0027] When the third user operation is detected, the control unit may select a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generating system.

[0028] Alternatively, the aerosol generating system comprises: a first device having the generating unit; and a second device connectable to the first device, and the prescribed user operation comprises: releasing the connection between the first device and the second device, or connecting the first device and the second device.

[0029] Alternatively, the aerosol generating system further includes a button, and the prescribed user operation includes: an operation of pressing the button.

[0030] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method is provided, which is executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises: a generating unit that generates aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; a communication unit that receives and sends information wirelessly; and a sensor unit that detects user operations applied to the aerosol generating system. The control method includes: based on a specified user operation detected by the sensor unit, controlling a connection procedure with other aerosol generating systems performed by the communication unit.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a configuration capable of further improving usability related to communication is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a structural example of a suction device.

[0035] Figure 3 It is an overall perspective view of the suction device involved in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 It is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment in a state where the rod-shaped substrate is held.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the outline of the system involved in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system involved in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system according to the first modification example.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the aerosol generating system according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the present specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional structure are denoted by the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0042] <1. Example of structure>

[0043] (1) System configuration example

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the system 1 includes a plurality of attraction devices 100 (100A and 100B) and a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B).

[0045] The suction device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be sucked by the user. The following description takes the case where the substance generated by the suction device 100 is an aerosol substance as an example. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol. In addition, the substance generated by the suction device 100 may also be a gas. The suction device 100 can accommodate a rod-shaped substrate 150. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using the accommodated rod-shaped substrate 150. The rod-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The rod-shaped substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0046] The terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of the attraction device 100. The terminal device 200 corresponds to the attraction device 100. The attraction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or the fact that the users of the attraction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are the same may be pre-registered in the server as information for managing the attraction device 100 and the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 communicates with the attraction device 100 that has established a correspondence with the terminal device 200, and performs action settings of the attraction device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may also be a charger for charging the attraction device 100.

[0047] The system 1 includes a plurality of attraction devices 100 and a plurality of terminal devices 200 used by a plurality of users. As an example, a user using the attraction device 100A and the terminal device 200A is also referred to as user A. Furthermore, a user using the attraction device 100B and the terminal device 200B is also referred to as user B.

[0048] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, different alphabets are sometimes used after the same symbols to distinguish elements with substantially the same functional structure. For example, multiple elements with substantially the same functional structure are distinguished as suction device 100A and suction device 100B as needed. In the case where it is not necessary to distinguish each of the multiple elements with substantially the same functional structure, only the same symbol is marked. For example, in the case where it is not necessary to distinguish between suction device 100A and suction device 100B, it is only referred to as suction device 100.

[0049] (2) Configuration example of suction device 100

[0050] -Internal structure example

[0051] Figure 2 Schematic diagram schematically showing a structural example of a suction device. Figure 2 As shown, the suction device 100 involved in this structural example 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 storage unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0052] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 based on control by 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.

[0053] The sensor unit 112 obtains various information related to the suction device 100. In particular, the sensor unit 112 detects user operations applied to the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, such as a condenser microphone, and obtains a value accompanying the suction performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may also have an inertial sensor such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and may also obtain a value accompanying a change in the position or posture of the suction device 100. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may also detect actions such as a position change of the cover 14 described later.

[0054] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information and is configured by, 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.

[0055] The storage unit 114 stores various information used for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is composed of a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0056] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, a standard using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark): low-power Bluetooth), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) can be adopted.

[0057] The control unit 116 functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0058] The housing portion 140 has an internal space 141, and a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the internal space 141, and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held. The housing portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and houses the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing portion 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the housing portion 140. An air inlet hole that is an inlet of air to the air flow path is, for example, arranged on the side of the suction device 100. An air outflow hole that is an outlet of air from the air flow path to the internal space 141 is, for example, arranged at the bottom 143.

[0059] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco. When the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water containing flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco, or a solid containing flavor components derived from tobacco or not derived from tobacco. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held in the housing 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 and sucks the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path not shown, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0060] The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate aerosol. Figure 2 In the example shown, the heating portion 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage portion 140. Furthermore, when the heating portion 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. When the heating portion 121 is powered by the power supply portion 111, the heating portion 121 generates heat. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor portion 112 detects that the user has started suction and / or that specified information has been input. Furthermore, power supply may be stopped when the sensor portion 112 detects that the user has ended suction and / or that specified information has been input.

[0061] The heat insulating part 144 prevents heat conduction from the heating part 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating part 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material.

[0062] The above is a description of a configuration example of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations as exemplified below can be adopted.

[0063] As an example, the heating portion 121 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the receiving 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, and heats the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the receiving 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 outer periphery of the receiving portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating portion, and a third heating portion covering the bottom 143 of the receiving portion 140.

[0064] As another example, the housing 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 housing 140 may clamp and accommodate the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping portion of the housing 140 to press and heat the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0065] In addition, the method of atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating based on the heating unit 121. For example, the method of atomizing the aerosol source may also be induction heating. In this case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field instead of the heating unit 121. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating can be provided in the suction device 100 or included in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0066] The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates aerosol using the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodating unit 140. Another example of the generating unit is the above-mentioned electromagnetic induction source and / or susceptor.

[0067] The suction device 100 generates aerosol to be inhaled by the user by cooperating with the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 can also be understood as an aerosol generating system.

[0068] -External structure example

[0069] Figure 3 It is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 It is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment in a state where the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the suction device 100 has a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid 14, a vent 15 and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other, thereby forming the outermost housing 11 of the suction device 100. The housing 11 is a size that fits in the hand of the user. When the user uses the suction device 100, the suction device 100 can be held by hand to absorb the fragrance.

[0071] The top case 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is combined with the top case 11A in a manner to close the opening. Figure 4 As shown, the cover 12 has an opening 142 into which the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted. The cover 14 is configured to open or close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the cover 14 is configured to be mounted on the cover 12 and to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 142 and a second position that opens the opening 142. Thus, the cover 14 can allow or restrict the rod-shaped substrate 150 from entering the interior of the suction device 100 (e.g., Figure 1 Hereinafter, opening the opening 142 by the cover 14 is also referred to as opening the cover 14. In addition, closing the opening 142 by the cover 14 is also referred to as closing the cover 14.

[0072] The switch 13 is used to switch the action of the suction device 100 on and off. Figure 4As shown in the figure, the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted from the opening 142 into the internal space 141, and the switch 13 is operated, so that the power supply unit 111 can supply power to the heating unit 121, and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated without burning. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated, an aerosol with a fragrance is generated from the aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150. The user sucks the protruding portion ( Figure 4 The portion shown in the figure, namely the mouthpiece 152), can attract an aerosol containing a fragrance.

[0073] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air entering the interior of the suction device 100 from the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141 from, for example, the bottom 143 of the storage portion 140. The cap 16 is configured to be removable relative to the bottom shell 11B. By attaching the cap 16 to the bottom shell 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom shell 11B and the cap 16. The cover 16 can have, for example, a through hole or a notch, which is not shown.

[0074] <2. BLE>

[0075] The attraction device 100 transmits and receives information wirelessly. In particular, the attraction device 100 performs wireless communication in accordance with BLE. Hereinafter, BLE will be described in detail.

[0076] In BLE, the communication procedures between devices are defined as protocols. Furthermore, the procedures for standardizing the use of the protocols are defined as profiles. There are two types of profiles: profiles that are standardized for each characteristic of a device and profiles that are independent of the characteristics of the device. The latter profile is also called a general profile. The general profile acts as a lower layer of the profile for each characteristic of the device. The following describes an example of a profile and a protocol defined in BLE.

[0077] -GAP (Generic Access Profile)

[0078] GAP is a common profile that specifies the procedures for communication between devices. In GAP, there are two types of devices: central and peripheral. The central device controls the communication. Based on the central device control, the device connects to the central device and communicates with the central device.

[0079] The peripheral device first broadcasts an advertising packet (hereinafter referred to as a broadcast). Then, after sending the broadcast, the peripheral device waits for a connection request from the central device. Before receiving a connection request, the peripheral device repeats sending and waiting for a broadcast. A broadcast is a signal used to inform the receiving destination of the broadcast of the existence of the source of the broadcast. The broadcast may include various information such as information about the peripheral device, information specifying the presence or absence of a scan, and information specifying the other party to be connected.

[0080] The central device discovers the peripheral device by receiving the broadcast. Based on the received broadcast, the central device determines whether to allow the connection with the peripheral device. The central device sometimes sends a scan request to request the transmission of further additional information for determining whether the connection is permitted. When receiving the scan request, the peripheral device sends the requested additional information. The central device sends a connection request to the peripheral device that has permitted the connection, thereby establishing the connection. In addition, the method of waiting for the reception of a broadcast and receiving broadcasts from the surrounding is also called passive scanning. On the other hand, the method of requesting the transmission source of the broadcast to send further additional information after waiting for the reception and receiving a broadcast from the surrounding is also called active scanning.

[0081] -GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)

[0082] GATT is a general profile that specifies the sending and receiving of data and the data structure. In GATT, there are two types of devices: client and server. The client sends a request to the server and receives a response from the server. The server receives a request from the client and sends a response. Sometimes, either the server or the client notifies the other of information. Typically, the peripheral device becomes the server and the central device becomes the client, but the opposite is also possible.

[0083] -SM (Security Manager)

[0084] SM is a protocol for establishing security. In GAP, there are two roles of devices: initiator and responder. The initiator corresponds to the central device of GAP. The responder corresponds to the peripheral device of GAP.

[0085] Paring is defined in SM. Pairing is the process of generating and exchanging temporary keys. Pairing is performed in a connection established by the process defined in GAP.

[0086] In SM, binding is defined. Binding is a step performed after pairing, and is a step to generate and exchange permanent keys. The permanent keys are stored in each other's devices. In subsequent connections, the stored permanent keys are used for communication, so there is no need to bind again.

[0087] Encryption Re-establishment is defined in SM. Encryption re-establishment is a step of re-establishing a secure connection using a permanent key stored by binding.

[0088] Typically, pairing with bonding is performed. On the other hand, non-bondable pairing may also be performed. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, pairing refers to pairing with bonding, which is a concept that includes the above-mentioned steps of pairing and bonding. In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, connection refers to a secure connection using a permanent key that is generated, changed, and stored in the binding.

[0089] <3. Technical Features>

[0090] (1) Summary

[0091] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the system 1 involved in this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown in the upper section of FIG. 1 , as a trigger, user A and user B open the cover 14A of the suction device 100A and the cover 14B of the suction device 100B at about the same time, and the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B execute the connection procedure to establish a wireless connection. Here, about the same time means that the time difference is less than a specified threshold. The specified threshold can be about several seconds, that is, about the same time means that a time difference of about several seconds is allowed.

[0092] And, if Figure 5 As shown in the middle section of FIG. 1 , when the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B swing up and down respectively, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B send and receive information of the copy object. Figure 5 In the example shown, the attraction device 100A transmits information of a duplicate object to the attraction device 100B.

[0093] Afterwards, if Figure 5As shown in the lower part of FIG. 1 , the suction device 100B performs an action based on the information of the copy object received from the suction device 100A, such as heating the rod-shaped base material 150. An example of the information of the copy object is control information that specifies the action of the suction device 100. In this case, the suction device 100B can copy (i.e., reproduce) the action of the suction device 100A.

[0094] As described above, the attraction device 100 detects a prescribed user operation applied to the attraction device 100. And, the attraction device 100 controls the communication with other devices based on the detected prescribed user operation. The prescribed user operation may also be an operation of opening or closing the cover 14. That is, the attraction device 100 may control the connection procedure with other attraction devices 100 based on the action of opening or closing the cover 14. And, the attraction device 100 controls the sending and receiving of information with other attraction devices 100 based on the change of the position or posture of the attraction device 100. According to this structure, the connection between the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B and the sending and receiving of information can be performed by simple operation and without going through the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B. Therefore, the usability in the use case such as wanting to reproduce the action desired by the user A through the attraction device 100B can be greatly improved. In the following, it is assumed that the prescribed user operation is an operation of opening the cover 14.

[0095] (2) Connection procedures

[0096] The attraction device 100 may also use the detection of a prescribed user operation as a trigger, i.e., the opening of the cover 14 as a trigger, to start a connection procedure with other attraction devices 100 as the connecting party. The connection procedure includes switching between executing the sending of broadcasts and waiting for receiving broadcasts. That is, the attraction device 100 switches between the actions as a central device and the actions as a peripheral device while executing. Thus, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B can discover each other's existence and can send and receive information to each other before connecting. In addition, the waiting for receiving broadcasts can be either passive scanning or active scanning. In addition, the connection procedure includes a series of procedures for establishing a connection, such as sending a connection request, pairing, and binding. According to this structure, the user can start the connection procedure between the attraction device 100 and other attraction devices 100 simply by opening the cover 14.

[0097] - Choice of connecting to the other party

[0098] The attraction device 100 selects a connection partner. The connection partner is a device that becomes the other party to establish a connection and communicate. Here, selecting a connection partner may also refer to selecting a connection partner based on information obtained before the connection. That is, the attraction device 100 may also select a connection partner based on information obtained in a passive scan or an active scan. In addition, selecting a connection partner may also refer to repeatedly continuing or disconnecting the connection according to the information obtained in the established connection after the connection is experimentally established until the connection partner that continues the connection is reached.

[0099] The attraction device 100 may also select a connection partner based on the reception strength of the broadcast. An example of the reception strength is RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). As an example, the attraction device 100 may also select a transmission source whose reception strength of the broadcast exceeds a predetermined threshold as the connection partner. However, in the case where there are multiple transmission sources whose reception strength of the broadcast exceeds the predetermined threshold, the attraction device 100 may also select the transmission source with the highest reception strength of the broadcast as the connection partner in turn to try to connect.

[0100] The suction device 100A may also select whether to set the suction device 100B as the connection partner based on information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the suction device 100A and information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the suction device 100B. That is, the suction device 100A may also select whether to set the suction device 100B as the connection partner based on information indicating the timing of opening of the cover 14A of the suction device 100A and information indicating the timing of opening of the cover 14B of the suction device 100B. An example of the information indicating the timing of opening of the cover 14 of the suction device 100 is the moment when the cover 14 of the suction device 100 is opened, or the time elapsed from the opening of the cover 14 of the suction device 100. For example, in the case where the time difference between the timing of opening of the cover 14A of the suction device 100A and the timing of opening of the cover 14B of the suction device 100B is less than a prescribed threshold value, the suction device 100A may also select the suction device 100B as the connection partner. On the other hand, when the time difference between the timing of opening the cover 14A of the suction device 100A and the timing of opening the cover 14B of the suction device 100B is greater than a predetermined threshold, the suction device 100A may exclude the suction device 100B from the connection partner. According to this configuration, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B can be connected only when the user A and the user B open the cover 14A and the cover 14B at approximately the same time to send and receive copy object information.

[0101] The suction device 100A may also send information indicating the timing of detecting a prescribed user operation in the suction device 100A, or receive information indicating the timing of detecting a prescribed user operation in the suction device 100B in the connection protocol. That is, the suction device 100A may also send information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14A of the suction device 100A, or receive information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B of the suction device 100B in the connection protocol. As an example, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B may also send and receive information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14A and information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B in the passive scanning or active scanning. According to such a structure, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B can confirm whether they are suitable as the connection partner before connecting.

[0102] The attraction device 100A may also send information indicating the timing of detecting a prescribed user operation in the attraction device 100A, or receive information indicating the timing of detecting a prescribed user operation in the attraction device 100B, in the connection established through the connection protocol. That is, the attraction device 100A may also send information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14A of the attraction device 100A, or receive information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B of the attraction device 100B, in the connection established through the connection protocol. As an example, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B may also send and receive information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14A and information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B after establishing a test connection. According to such a structure, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B can confirm whether they are suitable as the connection partner after being experimentally connected to each other.

[0103] -Central device / peripheral device selection

[0104] The attraction device 100 selects whether the attraction device 100 acts as a control subject or as a control object that acts based on the control of the control subject. That is, the attraction device 100 selects which device of the central device and the peripheral device to act as. In more detail, the attraction device 100 chooses in the connection procedure to send a connection request as a central device or to wait for the reception of a connection request as a peripheral device. Here, selecting an action may also indicate selecting an action based on information obtained before the connection. That is, the attraction device 100 may also select an action based on information obtained in a passive scan or an active scan. In addition, selecting an action may also refer to continuing or changing the action selected experimentally based on the information obtained in the established connection after the action is experimentally selected and the connection is established. In addition, changing the action selected experimentally refers to temporarily disconnecting the connection and reconnecting through the changed action.

[0105] The attraction device 100A may also select whether to act as a central device or as a peripheral device based on information indicating the timing at which a prescribed user operation is detected in the attraction device 100A and information indicating the timing at which a prescribed user operation is detected in the attraction device 100B. That is, the attraction device 100A may also select whether to act as a central device or as a peripheral device based on information indicating the timing at which the cover 14A of the attraction device 100A is opened and information indicating the timing at which the cover 14B of the attraction device 100B is opened. As an example, the attraction device 100A may also be selected to act as a central device when the timing at which the cover 14A is opened is earlier than the timing at which the cover 14B is opened, and otherwise be selected to act as a peripheral device. According to this structure, user A and user B can select the attraction device 100 to act as a central device or a peripheral device by intentionally staggering the timing at which the cover 14A and the cover 14B are opened. Therefore, it is easy to devise a method to make the suction device 100A or the suction device 100B, for example, whichever has a larger remaining battery level or a higher processing function, function as the central device.

[0106] The attraction device 100A can also select whether to act as a central device or as a peripheral device based on the identification information of the attraction device 100A and the identification information of the attraction device 100B. An example of identification information is a serial number inherently assigned to each attraction device 100. The serial number can also include information on the manufacturing period, such as the number increases the more newly manufactured the attraction device 100 is. In addition, the serial number can also include information on the functions of the attraction device 100, such as an alphabet corresponding to the functions of the attraction device 100. As an example, the attraction device 100A can also be determined to act as a central device when the manufacturing period is earlier than that of the attraction device 100B, otherwise it is selected to act as a peripheral device. Hereinafter, the manufacturing period early or new is also referred to as the serial number early or new. As another example, the attraction device 100A can also act as a central device when it has a communication function that is more excellent than that of the attraction device 100B, otherwise it is selected to act as a peripheral device. According to this structure, it is easier to select which one of the central device and the peripheral device to act.

[0107] The attraction device 100A may also send the identification information of the attraction device 100A or receive the identification information of the attraction device 100B in the connection procedure. As an example, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B may also send and receive each other's serial numbers in passive scanning or active scanning. According to this structure, it is possible to easily select which one of the central device and the peripheral device should act before the connection. Of course, the attraction device 100A may also send the identification information of the attraction device 100A or receive the identification information of the attraction device 100B in the connection established through the connection procedure.

[0108] (3) Sending and receiving copy object information

[0109] The suction device 100A can also send or receive information about the copy object by detecting a first user operation in the suction device 100A and detecting a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation in the suction device 100B as a trigger. The first user operation and the second user operation can also be the same user operation or different user operations. As an example of the first user operation or the second user operation, an operation that changes the position or posture of the suction device 100, such as swinging the suction device 100 up and down or left and right, can be cited. According to this structure, user A and user B can perform corresponding user operations respectively, thereby performing the sending and receiving of information about the copy object. In other words, it is limited to the case where a clear intention such as the desire to send and receive the copy object information is expressed, and the copy object information can be sent and received. Therefore, in the case where user A and user B open the cover 14 almost at the same time, the sending and receiving of the copy object information can be prevented.

[0110] The attraction device 100A sends information indicating a first user operation detected in the attraction device 100A, or receives information indicating a second user operation detected in the attraction device 100B. As an example of information indicating the first user operation, information indicating the time-series change of the acceleration and angular velocity of the attraction device 100 can be cited. The same is true for the information about the second user operation. In the case of receiving information indicating the second user operation from the attraction device 100B, the attraction device 100A determines whether the first user operation and the second user operation are detected, which can trigger the sending and receiving of information of the copied object. Similarly, in the case of receiving information indicating the first user operation from the attraction device 100A, the attraction device 100B determines whether the first user operation and the second user operation are detected, which can trigger the sending and receiving of information of the copied object.

[0111] In addition, the attraction device 100A may send information indicating the first user operation when operating as a peripheral device, and receive information indicating the second user operation when operating as a central device. That is, the central device may also determine whether the first user operation and the second user operation are detected based on the information received from the peripheral device, and trigger the transmission and reception of the copied information.

[0112] The suction device 100A may also select whether to send or receive the information of the copy object based on the information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the suction device 100A and the information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the suction device 100B. That is, the suction device 100A may also select whether to send or receive the information of the copy object based on the information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14A of the suction device 100A and the information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B of the suction device 100B. As an example, the suction device 100A may also send the copy object information when the timing of opening the cover 14A is earlier than the timing of opening the cover 14B, and otherwise receive the copy object information. According to this structure, the user A and the user B can select the sending direction of the copy object information by intentionally staggering the timing of opening the cover 14A and the cover 14B.

[0113] Furthermore, the suction device 100A may select whether to send or receive the information of the copy object when operating as a central device. On the other hand, when operating as a peripheral device, the suction device 100A may send or receive the information of the copy object based on the selection result of the central device.

[0114] The information of the copy object may also include at least one of the first control information that specifies the action of the heating unit 121 or the second control information that specifies the action of the notification unit 113. The first control information may also be a heating profile. The so-called heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature of the heated aerosol source. For example, the heating profile may also be information that specifies the time-series transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121. In this case, the suction device 100 causes the temperature of the heating unit 121 to transition as specified by the heating profile. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated directly affects the aroma that the user tastes. In this regard, the heating profile can be easily copied between users, so that the user can easily enjoy the favorite aroma of other users. In addition, the second control information may also be a notification setting. The notification setting is a combination of a condition and information notified when the condition is met. The notification setting has a direct impact on the user experience of the suction device 100. In this regard, by easily copying the notification setting between users, the user can easily enjoy the user experience that other users like.

[0115] The attraction device 100 may also set an upper limit number of times that the information of the copied object can be used when the information of the copied object is received. That is, the attraction device 100 may also limit the number of times that the action can be performed according to the received control information. An example of the upper limit number is once. For example, when the attraction device 100B receives the heating profile A from the attraction device 100A, it performs heating based on the heating profile A on the basis of backing up the heating profile B used previously. Then, when the number of times the attraction device 100B heats based on the heating profile A reaches the upper limit number, the heating profile A is deleted and the heating based on the heating profile B is performed next time. In addition, when the user B is satisfied with the heating profile A, he can operate the terminal device 200B to install the heating profile A on the attraction device 100B, or withdraw the upper limit number of times. According to this structure, it is possible to easily restore to the state before sending and receiving the information of the copied object. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the psychological burden of changing the heating profile or notification settings between users, so that users can easily enjoy a new experience.

[0116] (4) Cancellation of communication

[0117] When a specified condition is met, the suction device 100 may also cancel the communication. Canceling the communication includes interrupting the connection procedure, cutting off the established connection, and interrupting the sending and receiving of the information of the copy object. More simply, canceling the communication may include turning off the communication function based on the communication unit 115.

[0118] An example of the predetermined condition is heating the rod-shaped substrate 150. That is, the suction device 100 may cancel the communication when heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is started or is being heated. According to this configuration, the connection with other suction devices 100 and the transmission and reception of information of the copy object can be prevented from being erroneously performed by opening the cover 14 to insert the rod-shaped substrate 150 and heat it as a trigger by the user.

[0119] Another example of the predetermined condition is to detect a cancel operation. An example of a cancel operation is an operation to close the cover 14. When the cover 14 is opened next, the suction device 100 can also restart from the connection protocol. According to this structure, when the direction of sending information of the connection partner or the copy object is different from the user's intention, it is possible to restart from the connection protocol.

[0120] (5) Information Notification

[0121] The attraction device 100 notifies the user of various information. For example, the attraction device 100 may cause the light emitting device to emit light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the notified information, or cause the vibration device to vibrate in a vibration pattern corresponding to the notified information. Alternatively, the attraction device 100 may also notify the user of information via the terminal device 200.

[0122] As an example, the attraction device 100 may also notify the start of sending or receiving information of the copy object, or the end of sending or receiving information of the copy object. In addition, the attraction device 100A may also notify the start of the connection procedure and the establishment of the connection. According to this structure, the user can easily grasp the communication status based on the attraction device 100.

[0123] In particular, the attraction device 100 may also notify different information when sending information about the duplicate object and when receiving information about the duplicate object. For example, the attraction device 100 may cause the light emitting device to emit light in different light emitting modes and / or cause the vibration device to vibrate in different vibration modes when sending information about the duplicate object and when receiving information about the duplicate object. According to this structure, the user can easily grasp the sending direction of the information about the duplicate object.

[0124] (6) Processing flow

[0125] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. The suction device 100A and the suction device 100B are related to this sequence.

[0126] like Figure 6 As shown, first, the suction device 100A detects the movement of the cover 14 (step S102A). Similarly, the suction device 100B detects the movement of the cover 14B (step S102B). Here, it is assumed that the cover 14A and the cover 14B are opened about 1 second apart.

[0127] Next, the attraction device 100A starts the transmission and reception waiting of the broadcast when the cover 14A is opened (step S104A). Similarly, the attraction device 100B starts the transmission and reception waiting of the broadcast when the cover 14B is opened (step S104B). The attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B respectively send a broadcast including their own serial number. In addition, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B respectively measure the RSSI of the received broadcast.

[0128] Next, the attraction device 100A selects a connection partner (step S106A). For example, the attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100B, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. Similarly, the attraction device 100B selects a connection partner (step S106B). For example, the attraction device 100B selects the attraction device 100A, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner.

[0129] Next, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B select which of the central device and the peripheral device to act as (steps S108A and S108B). For example, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B each select to act as the central device when their own sequence number is earlier than the sequence number included in the received broadcast, and otherwise select to act as the peripheral device.

[0130] Next, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B establish a connection (step S110). For example, the side of the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B that acts as a central device sends a connection request, and the side that acts as a peripheral device receives the connection request. Then, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B perform a series of procedures such as pairing and binding. In addition, if the pairing fails and the connection is not established, the process returns to steps S106A and S106B.

[0131] In addition, in this sequence, an example is described in which the attraction device 100A is a central device and the attraction device 100B is a peripheral device. Based on a request from the central device, an operation based on the peripheral device can be performed. However, the description of the request from the central device is omitted below.

[0132] Next, the suction device 100B as the peripheral device sends information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B to the suction device 100A as the central device (step S112). As an example, the suction device 100B may send the time when the cover 14B is opened, or the time elapsed from the opening of the cover 14 to the establishment of the connection (for example, until the pairing is completed) as the information indicating the timing of opening the cover 14B.

[0133] Next, the suction device 100A as the central device determines whether the time difference between the timing when the cover 14A is opened and the timing when the cover 14B is opened is less than a prescribed threshold value (step S114). If it is determined that the time difference is less than the prescribed threshold value, the process is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time difference is greater than the prescribed threshold value, the process returns to steps S106A and S106B. Here, the prescribed threshold value is 5 seconds, and it is determined that the time difference is less than the prescribed threshold value.

[0134] Next, the suction device 100A as the central device selects the direction in which the information of the duplicate object is sent (step S116). As an example, when the timing at which the cover 14A is opened is earlier than the timing at which the cover 14B is opened, the suction device 100A determines that the duplicate object information is sent from the suction device 100A to the suction device 100B. As another example, when the timing at which the cover 14A is opened is later than the timing at which the cover 14B is opened, the suction device 100A determines that the duplicate object information is sent from the suction device 100B to the suction device 100A. Here, it is assumed that the information of the duplicate object is sent from the suction device 100A to the suction device 100B.

[0135] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the source of the information to be copied, notifies that the sending is ready (step S118A). On the other hand, the suction device 100B, which is the destination of the information to be copied, notifies that the receiving is ready (step S118B). The notification of the sending and receiving is ready preferably has different light patterns or vibration patterns.

[0136] Next, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B detect user operations (steps S120A, S120B) respectively. For example, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B detect the sequential changes of acceleration and angular velocity respectively. In addition, when a cancellation operation is detected in any one of the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B, the communication is cancelled. In this case, the process returns to steps S102A and S102B.

[0137] Next, the attraction device 100B as a peripheral device transmits information indicating the detected user operation to the attraction device 100A (step S122). As an example, the attraction device 100B transmits information indicating the time-series changes in the detected acceleration and angular velocity.

[0138] Next, the attraction device 100A as the central device determines the consistency of the user operation (step S124). Determining the consistency of the user operation means: determining whether a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation detected in the attraction device 100A is detected in the terminal device 200B. The attraction device 100A determines the consistency of the user operation based on the time series changes of the acceleration and angular velocity detected in the attraction device 100A and the time series changes of the acceleration and angular velocity detected in the attraction device 100B. In the case where it is determined that the user operation is consistent (that is, in the case where it is determined that the second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected), the processing continues. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the user operation is inconsistent, the processing returns to steps S118A and S118B.

[0139] Next, the attraction apparatus 100A, which is the source of the information to be copied, transmits the information to be copied to the attraction apparatus 100B (step S126). For example, the attraction apparatus 100A transmits the heating profile currently used by the attraction apparatus 100A to the attraction apparatus 100B.

[0140] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the source of the information to be copied, notifies that the transmission is complete (step S128A). On the other hand, the suction device 100B, which is the destination of the information to be copied, notifies that the reception is complete (step S128B). The notification of the completion of transmission and the notification of the completion of reception preferably have different light emission patterns or vibration patterns.

[0141] An example of the processing flow in the system 1 is described above. In addition, in the above, the suction device 100A as a central device is described as the transmission source of the copy object information, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The suction device 100B as a peripheral device can also be the transmission source of the copy object information.

[0142] In addition, when the process returns to steps S106A and S106B, the attraction device 100 may also notify the user of an error, prompting the user to move the location or reopen the cover 14. Similarly, when the process returns to steps S118A and 118B, the attraction device 100 may also notify the user of an error, prompting the user to perform the first user operation and the second user operation again.

[0143] (7) Specific example of selecting a connection partner

[0144] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which suction device 100 and suction device 100B select each other as the connection partner in an environment where four suction devices 100, 100A to 100D, exist. Furthermore, if the serial numbers are arranged in order from old to new, suction device 100A, suction device 100B, suction device 100C, and suction device 100D are provided.

[0145] -First specific example

[0146] This specific example is an example of a case where suction device 100A and suction device 100B are located at a close distance and lid 14A and lid 14B are opened at substantially the same time. The following Table 1 shows the reception strength of the broadcasts of each of suction devices 100A to 100D. The numbers in the table are RSSIs in [dBm].

[0147] [Table 1]

[0148] Table 1. An example of the reception strength of the broadcast for each transmission source and reception destination (RSSI [dBm])

[0149]

[0150] According to the above Table 1, the attraction device 100A selects the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the specified threshold, that is, the attraction device 100B, as the connection partner. On the other hand, the attraction device 100B selects the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the specified threshold, that is, the attraction device 100A, as the connection partner. Based on the serial number, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B determine that the attraction device 100A is a central device and the attraction device 100B is a peripheral device. Then, the attraction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with the attraction device 100B. After that, the attraction device 100A receives information indicating the timing when the cover 14B of the attraction device 100B is opened, and based on the time difference between the opening of the cover 14A and the cover 14B, it is confirmed that the attraction device 100B is suitable as the connection partner.

[0151] -The second specific example

[0152] This specific example is an example in which the suction device 100A, the suction device 100B, and the suction device 100D are located at a close distance. However, in this specific example, although the cover 14A and the cover 14B are opened at approximately the same time, the cover 14D of the suction device 100D is opened at a timing that is greatly different from the cover 14A and the cover 14B. The following Table 2 shows the reception strength of the broadcasts of each of the suction devices 100A to 100D. The numbers in the table are RSSIs with the unit set to [dBm].

[0153] [Table 2]

[0154] Table 2. Example of broadcast reception strength for each transmission source and reception destination (RSSI [dBm])

[0155]

[0156] According to the above Table 1, the attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100D, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. The attraction device 100B selects the attraction device 100A, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. The attraction device 100D selects the attraction device 100A, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner.

[0157] Therefore, first, the suction device 100A is tried to connect to the suction device 100D. That is, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100D determine that the suction device 100A is a central device and the suction device 100D is a peripheral device based on the serial number. Then, the suction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with the suction device 100D. After that, the suction device 100A receives information indicating the timing of the cover 14D of the suction device 100D being opened, and based on the time difference between the cover 14A and the cover 14D being opened, it is confirmed that the suction device 100D is not suitable as the connection partner. As a result, the suction device 100A cuts off the connection with the suction device 100D.

[0158] Then, the attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100B, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the predetermined threshold and is the second highest, as the connection partner. Then, the attraction device 100A attempts to connect to the attraction device 100B. The subsequent processing is as described in the first specific example.

[0159] - Third specific example

[0160] This specific example is an example in which the environment is the same as that of the second specific example, but the broadcast reception intensity is different from that of the second specific example. The following Table 3 shows the broadcast reception intensity of each of attraction apparatuses 100A to 100D. The numbers in the table are RSSIs in [dBm].

[0161] [Table 3]

[0162] Table 3. Example of broadcast reception strength for each transmission source and reception destination (RSSI [dBm])

[0163]

[0164] According to the above Table 1, the attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100D, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. The attraction device 100B selects the attraction device 100D, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. The attraction device 100D selects the attraction device 100A, which is the source of the broadcast whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner.

[0165] Therefore, first, the suction device 100A is tried to connect to the suction device 100D. That is, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100D determine that the suction device 100A is a central device and the suction device 100D is a peripheral device based on the serial number. Then, the suction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with the suction device 100D. After that, the suction device 100A receives information indicating the timing of the cover 14D of the suction device 100D being opened, and based on the time difference between the cover 14A and the cover 14D being opened, it is confirmed that the suction device 100D is not suitable as the connection partner. As a result, the suction device 100A cuts off the connection with the suction device 100D.

[0166] After that, the attraction device 100D selects the attraction device 100B, which is the second highest broadcast source with an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold, as the connection partner. Then, the attraction device 100D attempts to connect to the attraction device 100B. The connection attempt between the attraction device 100B and the attraction device 100D ends irregularly in the same process as the connection attempt between the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100D.

[0167] Through the above-described processing, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B remove the attraction device 100D from the connection partner. The attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100B, which is the second highest broadcast source with an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold, as the connection partner. Similarly, the attraction device 100B selects the attraction device 100A, which is the second highest broadcast source with an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold, as the connection partner. After that, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B try to connect. The subsequent processing is as described in the first specific example.

[0168] <4.Supplement>

[0169] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. A technician with common knowledge in the technical field described in the art should understand that various changes or modifications can be thought of within the scope of the technical ideas recorded in the claims, which of course also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0170] (1) First Modification

[0171] The suction device 100 can start communicating not only with other suction devices 100 but also with the terminal device 200 by opening the cover 14 as a trigger. Therefore, it is desirable to control which of the other suction devices 100 and the terminal device 200 should be prioritized as the connection partner when the cover 14 is opened.

[0172] Therefore, when the attraction device 100 operates in the first action mode (corresponding to the prescribed action mode), it is limited to other attraction devices 100 and selects the connection partner. That is, when the attraction device 100 operates in the first action mode, the terminal device 200 is removed from the connection partner. On the other hand, the attraction device 100 may also be limited to the terminal device 200 and select the connection partner when operating in the second action mode. That is, the attraction device 100 may also exclude other attraction devices 100 from the connection partner when operating in the second action mode. In addition, the attraction device 100 determines whether the transmission source of the broadcast is other attraction devices 100 or the terminal device 200 based on the serial number included in the broadcast, and can determine whether it is suitable as the connection partner. According to this structure, the attraction device 100 can appropriately select the connection partner.

[0173] The attraction device 100 may also operate in the first action mode when a third user operation is detected. That is, when the attraction device 100 detects a third user operation, it is limited to other attraction devices 100 and chooses to connect to the other party. On the other hand, the attraction device 100 may also operate in the second action mode when no third user operation is detected. That is, when the attraction device 100 does not detect a third user operation, it is limited to the terminal device 200 and chooses to connect to the other party. The attraction device 100 may also detect a third user operation within a specified time after the cover 14 is opened. As an example of a third user operation, an operation that changes the position or posture of the attraction device 100, such as swinging the attraction device 100 up and down or left and right, can be listed. According to such a structure, the user can easily select which of the other attraction devices 100 and the terminal device 200 to set as the connection partner according to whether the third user operation is performed.

[0174] The suction device 100 may also notify information indicating the operation mode. According to this configuration, the user can easily understand the operation mode of the suction device 100.

[0175] In addition, the detection of the first user operation and the second user operation may be omitted when the first operation mode is used. That is, after the connection between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B is established, the information of the copy object may be sent and received even if the first user operation and the second user operation are not performed. This is because the third user operation can replace the clear meaning that the information of the copy object is to be sent and received by the first user operation and the second user operation. According to this structure, the operation load of the user can be reduced.

[0176] Below, refer to Figure 7 The processing flow in this modification example will be described. Figure 71 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the system 1 of this modification. The suction device 100A and the suction device 100B are related to this sequence.

[0177] Processing and References Related to Steps S202A and S202B to Steps S204A and S204B Figure 6 The processes related to steps S102A and S102B to steps S104A and S104B described above are the same.

[0178] Next, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B detect the third user operation (steps S206A and S206B). For example, the attraction device 100A detects the operation of swinging the attraction device 100A up and down or left and right three times as the third user operation. The attraction device 100B also detects the operation of swinging the attraction device 100B up and down or left and right three times as the third user operation.

[0179] Then, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B select the first operation mode (steps S208A and S208B).

[0180] Next, the suction apparatus 100A and the suction apparatus 100B notify information indicating that they are operating in the first operation mode (steps S210A and S210B).

[0181] Next, the attraction device 100A selects a connection partner (step S212A). For example, the attraction device 100A selects the attraction device 100B, which is the transmission source of the broadcast including the serial number of the attraction device 100 and whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner. Similarly, the attraction device 100B selects a connection partner (step S212B). For example, the attraction device 100B selects the attraction device 100A, which is the transmission source of the broadcast including the serial number of the attraction device 100 and whose RSSI exceeds the prescribed threshold and is the highest, as the connection partner.

[0182] Processing and References Related to Steps S214A and S214B to Steps S224A and S224B Figure 6 The processing involved in steps S108A and S108B to steps S118A and S118B described above is the same. Among them, the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B can also set a delay period of about 10 seconds for accepting the cancellation operation in steps S224A and S224B. During this delay period, when the cancellation operation is detected in any one of the attraction device 100A and the attraction device 100B, the communication is canceled. In this case, the processing returns to steps S202A and S202B.

[0183] Processing and References Related to Steps S226 to S228A and S228B Figure 6 The processes related to steps S126 to S128A and S128B described above are the same.

[0184] (2) Second Modification

[0185] Figure 8 2 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the aerosol generating system 2 according to the second modification. Figure 8 As shown, the aerosol generating system 2 according to this modification includes a suction device 100 (an example of a first device) and a charging device 300 (an example of a second device). The internal structure of the suction device 100 is similar to that of the reference Figure 2 The suction device 100 is the same as the above-described structure. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The appearance structure example shown is different, and the cover portion 14 may not be provided. The charging device 300 is a device for charging the attraction device 100. The charging device 300 can be connected to the attraction device 100, and charges the attraction device 100 when the attraction device 100 is connected, and stops charging the attraction device 100 when the connection with the attraction device 100 is released. For example, the charging device 300 has: a power supply unit that stores electric power; a charging terminal that can be connected to the attraction device 100; and a control unit that executes power supply from the power supply unit to the attraction device 100 when the charging terminal is connected to the attraction device 100. The charger 300 can also be configured to accommodate the attraction device 100 in a state connected to the attraction device 100.

[0186] The charging device 300 may also have a communication unit that sends and receives information wirelessly. Moreover, the charging device 300 may also be wirelessly connected to other aerosol generating systems 2 (i.e., other suction devices 100 or other charging devices 300). In this case, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may also control the connection procedure of the charging device 300 with other aerosol generating systems 2 based on the communication unit. Alternatively, the control unit of the charger 300 may also control the connection procedure of the charging device 300 with other aerosol generating systems 2 based on the communication unit.

[0187] In addition, the suction device 100 may also be wirelessly connected to other aerosol generating systems 2 (i.e., other suction devices 100 or other charging devices 300). As described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may also control the connection procedure of the suction device 100 with other aerosol generating systems 2 based on the communication unit 115. Alternatively, the control unit of the charger 300 may also control the connection procedure of the suction device 100 with other aerosol generating systems 2 based on the communication unit 115.

[0188] (3) Third Modification

[0189] As described in the above embodiment, the suction device 100 controls the connection protocol with other suction devices 100 based on the detected predetermined user operation. In the above embodiment, the predetermined user operation is described as an example of opening or closing the lid 14, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0190] As an example, the predetermined operation may be an operation of pressing a button provided in the suction device 100. An example of a button is Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switch 13 shown in FIG. 13A and a button may also be provided on the charger 300 .

[0191] As another example, the predetermined operation may be an operation of disconnecting the attraction device 100 from the charger 300 or connecting the attraction device 100 to the charger 300. In other words, the predetermined operation may be an operation of starting charging of the attraction device 100 or stopping charging of the attraction device 100.

[0192] The prescribed user operation may also include one or more of the operations exemplified above. That is, the suction device 100 may also control the connection procedure with other suction devices 100 based on the operation of opening the cover 14, the operation of closing the cover 14, the operation of pressing the switch 13, the operation of disconnecting the suction device 100 from the charger 300, or the operation of connecting the suction device 100 to the charger 300.

[0193] (3) Others

[0194] In the above embodiment, an example in which the attraction device 100 performs communication in accordance with BLE is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The attraction device 100 can perform communication in accordance with any wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi.

[0195] In the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 heats the rod-shaped substrate 150 to generate an aerosol is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The suction device 100 may also be configured as a so-called liquid atomization type aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source that is a liquid to atomize it. The technology involved in the present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid atomization type aerosol generating device.

[0196] Each device described in this specification may be implemented as a single device, or part or all of it may be implemented as a single device. For example, the suction device 100 as an aerosol generating system may be implemented as multiple devices. Figure 2Part of the functions of the communication unit 115 and the control unit 116 in the attraction device 100 described above may be provided in a device other than the attraction device 100. More specifically, the function of performing communication based on BLE and the function of controlling communication based on BLE may also be provided in a charger that charges the attraction device 100.

[0197] In addition, the series of processing performed by each device described in this specification can also be implemented using any one of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The program constituting the software is, for example, pre-stored in a recording medium (in detail, a non-temporary storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. In addition, each program is read into RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU when it is executed based on a computer that controls each device described in this specification. The above-mentioned recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. In addition, the above-mentioned computer program can also be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. In addition, the above-mentioned computer can also be a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that performs functions by reading in a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing, etc. In addition, the series of processing performed by each device described in this specification can also be distributed by multiple computers.

[0198] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and timing diagrams may not necessarily be executed in the order shown in the diagrams. Several process steps may also be executed in parallel. In addition, additional process steps may be used, or some process steps may be omitted.

[0199] In addition, the following structures also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1)

[0201] An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0202] A generating unit, which generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0203] The communications department sends and receives information wirelessly;

[0204] a sensor section that detects a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system; and

[0205] The control unit controls a connection procedure with another aerosol generating system performed by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit. (2)

[0207] The aerosol generating system as described in (1) above, comprising:

[0208] a receiving portion having an opening into which the substrate can be inserted, and receiving the substrate inserted from the opening; and

[0209] a cover portion for opening and closing the opening,

[0210] The predetermined user operation includes an operation of opening or closing the cover. (3)

[0212] The aerosol generating system as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein:

[0213] The control unit controls the communication unit to start the connection procedure for setting the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner, triggered by detection of the predetermined user operation.

[0214] The connection procedure includes switching and executing broadcast transmission and broadcast reception waiting. (4)

[0216] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein:

[0217] The control unit selects whether to set the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner based on information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system. (5)

[0219] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein:

[0220] The control unit selects to transmit or receive the information of the copy object based on the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system. (6)

[0222] The aerosol generating system as described in (1) to 5 above, wherein:

[0223] The control unit selects whether the aerosol generating system acts as a control subject or as a control object that acts based on the control of the control subject, based on information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the aerosol generating system and information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the other aerosol generating system. (7)

[0225] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein:

[0226] In the connection protocol, the communication unit transmits information indicating a timing at which a predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system. (8)

[0228] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein:

[0229] The communication unit transmits information indicating timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system, during the connection established through the connection protocol. (9)

[0231] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein:

[0232] The control unit selects whether the aerosol generating system operates as a control subject or operates as a control target that operates based on control of the control subject, based on identification information of the aerosol generating system and identification information of the other aerosol generating system. (10)

[0234] An aerosol generating system as described in (9) above, wherein:

[0235] In the connection protocol, the communication unit transmits the identification information of the aerosol generating system or receives the identification information of the other aerosol generating system. (11)

[0237] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein:

[0238] The control unit controls the communication unit to send or receive information of the copy object when a first user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system as a trigger. (12)

[0240] An aerosol generating system as described in (11) above, wherein:

[0241] The communication unit transmits information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generating system. (13)

[0243] The aerosol generating system as described in (11) or (12) above, wherein:

[0244] The aerosol generating system further comprises: a notification unit for notifying information;

[0245] The control unit controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the start of transmission or reception of the information to be copied or the end of transmission or reception of the information to be copied. (14)

[0247] An aerosol generating system as described in (13) above, wherein:

[0248] The control unit controls the notification unit to notify different information between a case where the copy target information is transmitted and a case where the copy target information is received. (15)

[0250] The aerosol generating system as described in (13) or (14) above, wherein:

[0251] The information of the copy target includes at least one of first control information that specifies an operation of the generating unit and second control information that specifies an operation of the notifying unit. (16)

[0253] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (11) to (15) above, wherein:

[0254] When receiving the information of the copy object, the control unit sets the information of the copy object as an upper limit number of times that can be used. (17)

[0256] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein:

[0257] When the third user operation is detected, the control unit selects a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generating system. (18)

[0259] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (17) above, wherein:

[0260] The aerosol generating system comprises:

[0261] A first device including the generating unit; and

[0262] a second device, capable of connecting to said first device,

[0263] The predetermined user operation includes: an operation of releasing a connection between the first device and the second device, or an operation of connecting the first device and the second device. (19)

[0265] An aerosol generating system as described in any one of (1) to (18) above, wherein:

[0266] The aerosol generating system further comprises a button,

[0267] The prescribed user operation includes: an operation of pressing the button. (20)

[0269] A control method, which is performed by a computer controlling an aerosol generating system,

[0270] The aerosol generating system has:

[0271] A generating unit, which generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0272] Communications, which sends and receives information wirelessly; and

[0273] a sensor unit for detecting a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system,

[0274] The control method includes controlling a connection procedure with another aerosol generating system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit.

[0275] Description of Reference Numerals

[0276] 1 system; 100 suction device; 111 power supply unit; 112 sensor unit; 113 notification unit; 114 storage unit; 115 communication unit; 116 control unit; 121 heating unit; 140 storage unit; 141 internal space; 142 opening; 143 bottom; 144 insulation unit; 150 rod-shaped base material; 151 base material unit; 152 suction mouth; 11 shell; 12 cover; 13 switch; 14 cover; 15 vent; 16 cap; 200 terminal device; 210 input unit; 220 output unit; 230 detection unit; 240 communication unit; 250 storage unit; 260 control unit; 300 charging device.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A generating unit, which generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; The communications department sends and receives information wirelessly; a sensor section that detects a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system; and The control unit controls a connection procedure with another aerosol generating system performed by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein: have: a receiving portion having an opening into which the substrate can be inserted, and receiving the substrate inserted from the opening; as well as a cover portion for opening and closing the opening, The predetermined user operation includes an operation of opening or closing the cover.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit controls the communication unit to start the connection procedure for setting the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner, triggered by detection of the predetermined user operation. The connection procedure includes switching and executing broadcast transmission and broadcast reception waiting.

4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control unit selects whether to set the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner based on information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control unit selects to transmit or receive the information of the copy object based on the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and the information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claims 1 to 5, wherein: The control unit selects whether the aerosol generating system acts as a control subject or as a control object that acts based on the control of the control subject, based on information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the aerosol generating system and information indicating the timing of detecting the prescribed user operation in the other aerosol generating system.

7. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: In the connection protocol, the communication unit transmits information indicating a timing at which a predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system.

8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The communication unit transmits information indicating timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system, during the connection established through the connection protocol.

9. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The control unit selects whether the aerosol generating system operates as a control subject or operates as a control target that operates based on control of the control subject, based on identification information of the aerosol generating system and identification information of the other aerosol generating system.

10. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein: In the connection protocol, the communication unit transmits the identification information of the aerosol generating system or receives the identification information of the other aerosol generating system.

11. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The control unit controls the communication unit to send or receive information of the copy object when a first user operation is detected in the aerosol generating system and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the other aerosol generating system as a trigger.

12. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein The communication unit transmits information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generating system, or receives information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generating system.

13. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The aerosol generating system further comprises: a notification unit for notifying information; The control unit controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the start of transmission or reception of the information to be copied or the end of transmission or reception of the information to be copied.

14. An aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit controls the notification unit to notify different information between a case where the copy target information is transmitted and a case where the copy target information is received.

15. An aerosol generating system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The information of the copy target includes at least one of first control information that specifies an operation of the generating unit and second control information that specifies an operation of the notifying unit.

16. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: When receiving the information of the copy object, the control unit sets the information of the copy object as an upper limit number of times that can be used.

17. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: When the third user operation is detected, the control unit selects a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generating system.

18. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The aerosol generating system comprises: A first device comprising the generating unit; as well as a second device, capable of connecting to said first device, The predetermined user operation includes: an operation of releasing a connection between the first device and the second device, or an operation of connecting the first device and the second device.

19. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The aerosol generating system further comprises a button, The prescribed user operation includes: an operation of pressing the button.

20. A control method, executed by a computer controlling an aerosol generating system, The aerosol generating system has: A generating unit, which generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; The communications department sends and receives information wirelessly; as well as a sensor unit for detecting a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system, The control method includes controlling a connection procedure with another aerosol generating system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit.

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