Cover

Abstract

A cover attached to a body having a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a notification unit 104 for displaying information; a communication unit for receiving the electromagnetic waves transmitted from a beacon transmitter 40 for transmitting the electromagnetic waves; and a control unit for causing the notification unit 104 to display information included in the electromagnetic waves received by the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover. Background Art

[0002] Propose to display the information relevant with device operation etc. on the shell etc. of suction device, this suction device produces the aerosol used as the inhalation component and provides the aerosol for the user to inhale.The suction device described in PTL 1 comprises a panel that can be disassembled from the housing of main body.This main body has a display window, and this display window is the opening that is aligned with the LED that is arranged on this main body inside, and allows the light from this LED to pass through and arrive at the display unit on this panel.This enables the user to see light from the outer surface of panel.For example, using predetermined light emission mode, LED notifies the information relevant with the operation of suction device, such as the state of power supply (ON) of suction device, the progress state of preheating and the possible remaining time of suction.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 079896 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] From the viewpoint of user convenience, it is desirable to display information other than information related to the operation of the inhalation device on a member configured to be detachable from the device body of the inhalation device.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cover which is able to display information in addition to information relating to the operation of the inhalation device.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cover attached to a main body having a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a display unit for displaying information; a receiving unit for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic waves; and a display control unit for causing the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit.

[0011] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive information related to an advertisement of a sales outlet transmitted from the sales outlet, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the advertisement.

[0012] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive information related to a coupon available in a sales outlet transmitted from the sales outlet, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the coupon.

[0013] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive information that the given area is the smoking area, the information being transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the information that the given area is the smoking area.

[0014] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive the position information of the smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the position information of the smoking area.

[0015] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive information indicating a smoking article promotion, the information being transmitted from a smoking article vending machine, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the information indicating the smoking article promotion.

[0016] In the cover, the receiving unit may receive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and when the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity, the display control unit may cause the display unit to display information contained in these electromagnetic waves.

[0017] In the cover, the receiving unit can receive electromagnetic waves sent by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and when a period in which the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity has passed a predetermined period, the display control unit can cause the display unit to display information contained in these electromagnetic waves.

[0018] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, information other than information related to the operation of the inhalation device may be displayed on a member configured to be detachable from a device body of the inhalation device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device from which a shutter has been removed, viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device from the front with the front panel removed.

[0024] Figure 5 is a view of the back with the front panel removed from the main unit.

[0025] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the power system circuit in the front panel and the main device.

[0027] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-heating operation performed by a control unit in a main device of an aerosol generating device.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a situation where the front panel of an aerosol generating device receives a signal from a beacon transmitter.

[0029] Fig.10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control unit on the front panel when acquiring display information directly from the beacon transmitter.

[0030] Fig.11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit on the front panel when acquiring display information directly from the server.

[0031] Fig.12 is a diagram showing an example of displaying sales outlet related information on a notification unit of a front panel of an aerosol generating device, wherein: Fig.12 (A) shows the aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, Fig.12 (B) shows an example of a display on a notification unit, and Fig.12 (C) shows another example of the display on the notification unit.

[0032] Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information related to a smoking area on a notification unit of a front panel of an aerosol generating device, wherein: Fig.13 (A) shows an aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, and Fig.13 (B) shows an example of a display on the notification unit.

[0033] Fig.14 Another example of displaying smoking area related information on a notification unit of a front panel of an aerosol generating device is shown.

[0034] Fig.15 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information related to a smoking article vending machine on a notification unit of a front panel of an aerosol generating device, wherein: Fig.15(A) shows an aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, and Fig.15 (B) shows an example of a display on the notification unit.

[0035] Fig.16 Another example of displaying smoking article vending machine related information on a notification unit of a front panel of an aerosol-generating device is shown.

[0036] Fig.17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit on the front panel when acquiring display information directly from the server via the relay device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is in the form of an electronic cigarette. The substance generated by the aerosol generating device is an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or another gas. The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols without associated combustion. In addition, the embodiments describe an aerosol generating device that can be equipped with a solid aerosol source.

[0038] <Device Configuration>

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device from which a shutter has been removed, viewed from above. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device from the front with the front panel removed. Figure 5 is a view of the back with the front panel removed from the main unit.

[0040] The size of the aerosol generating device 1 is such that the user can hold the aerosol generating device with one hand. The aerosol generating device 1 includes: a main device 20; a front panel 10 attached to the front of the main device 20; and a shield 30 provided on the upper surface of the main device 20 and slidably operable along the upper surface. The front panel 10 is a member detachable from the main device 20.

[0041] The front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 covers the front portion of the main device 20, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2In other words, even after the front panel 10 has been attached, the front panel 10 does not cover the portion of the main device 20 other than the front portion. Therefore, the following state is maintained: after the front panel 10 is attached, the side, back, top and bottom surfaces of the main device 20 are still visible from the outside. The front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is continuously and steplessly joined to the side, top and bottom surfaces of the main device 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, thus forming an overall appearance.

[0042] The front panel 10 is an example of a cover. In a state where the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, as described above, the front panel 10 has an appearance of being continuously joined to the main device 20, and thus has a decorative effect. In addition, the front panel 10 also has a function of alleviating the spread of heat released from the main device 20, etc. In addition, the front panel 10 has a function of protecting the main device 20 from contamination, scratches, etc.

[0043] A power supply unit 101 capable of charging / discharging; a charging circuit 102 for charging the power supply unit 101 using power supplied from the main device 20; and a power supply circuit 103 for supplying the main device 20 with power stored in the power supply unit 101 are attached to the inner side of the front panel 10. For example, a thin-film type lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor is used for the power supply unit 101. It should be noted that Figure 5 The arrangement of the power supply unit 101, the charging circuit 102, and the power supply circuit 103 in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the arrangement is not limited to the depicted arrangement. In addition, a plurality of power supply units 101 may be mounted on the front panel 10. A notification unit 104 may be further provided on the outer side of the front panel 10, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 It should be noted that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrangement of the notification unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the arrangement is not limited to the depicted arrangement.

[0044] A power supply unit 201 (see FIG. 1 ) built into the main device 20 is provided on the bottom surface side of the main device 20. Figure 6 ) A connector 21 for charging. There is no particular limitation on the form of the connector 21, and a Type-C USB (=Universal Serial Bus) connector can be used to give an example.

[0045] A rod-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 21 ) for inserting and accommodating an aerosol source is provided in the upper portion of the main device 20. Figure 6). The rod-type substrate 210 used in the embodiment contains a solid aerosol source in a paper tube formed substantially in a cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position, and is hidden by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position. The hole 22 has a cylindrical shape that is almost the same as the rod-type substrate 210. The diameter of the opening portion of the hole 22 constitutes the size of the rod-type substrate 210 of cylindrical cross-section that can be inserted.

[0046] For example, a magnet is attached to the back of the shutter 30. At the same time, the Hall IC is attached to the main device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30. The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed by a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage equivalent to the strength of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element. Whether the shutter 30 is in the open position or the closed position is detected based on the change in the voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides.

[0047] The button 20B is provided substantially at the center of the front of the main device 20. When the position corresponding to the button 20B on the front panel 10 is pushed in while the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, the front panel 10 is deformed and the button 20B is pressed. Therefore, the button 20B is operable while the front panel 10 is still in the attached state. The button 20B is used, for example, to turn on and off the power of the main device, to turn on and off the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 ) power supply, and for Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing commands, etc. In addition, when the front panel 10 is removed from the main device 20, a reset function is performed by pressing the button 20B for a long time (for example, pressing for 5 seconds or more). For example, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0048] The magnet 20C for attaching the front panel 10 is arranged on the upper part and the lower part of the front of the main device 20. The magnet 20C is arranged at a position facing the magnet 10C arranged on the inner side of the front panel 10. The magnet 20C on the main device 20 and the magnet 10C on the front panel 10 have an attractive polarity. For example, when the magnet 10C on the front panel 10 is an N pole, the magnet 20C on the main device 20 side is an S pole. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main device 20 by the attraction of the magnet. It should be noted that the magnet 10C or the magnet 20C can be a metal piece made of iron or another magnetic metal. The attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by means of a Hall IC arranged on the main device 20 side.

[0049] Various other types of electronic components required for generating aerosols are built into the main device 20. In this sense, the main device 20 is an example of an electronic device dedicated to generating aerosols. In addition, in a narrow sense, the main device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0050] <Internal Configuration>

[0051] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 . Figure 7 Schematically shows the connection relationship between the power system circuit in the front panel 10 and the main device 20. It should be noted that Figure 6 The state where the rod-type substrate 210 is assembled to the main device 20 is shown. Figure 6 The internal configuration shown is intended to illustrate the components disposed in the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. Figure 6 The appearance of the components and the like shown does not always match the above-described appearance drawings.

[0052] The front panel 10 is provided with: a power supply unit 101 for storing electric power; a charging circuit 102 for charging the power supply unit 101 using electric power supplied from the main device 20 side; a power supply circuit 103 for supplying electric power from the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20, etc.; a notification unit 104 for notifying information; a communication unit 105; and a control unit 106.

[0053] The power supply unit 101 is implemented by a secondary battery 101A, and is further provided with a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B. For example, a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the secondary battery 101A. In the power supply unit 101, the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B generates a 3.3 V power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the secondary battery 101A, and supplies it to the notification unit 104, the communication unit 105, and the control unit 106.

[0054] The charging circuit 102 is configured by a step-up DC / DC circuit, for example. The charging circuit 102 is a circuit for supplying a voltage of 4.2 V to the secondary battery 101A, for example, when the charging circuit 102 is supplied with power from the main device 20. Also, the charging circuit 102 is provided with a circuit for preventing reverse current.

[0055] For example, the power supply circuit 103 is configured by a step-up DC / DC circuit. The power supply circuit 103 is a circuit for supplying a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) to the main device 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. Moreover, the power supply circuit 103 is provided with a circuit for preventing reverse current.

[0056] The power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 102 and the power supply from the power supply circuit 103 to the main device 20 may be a contact power supply or a non-contact power supply. Examples of the contact power supply method that can be used include a method using mechanical electrode contact, a method using mechanical spring-loaded electrode pins (spring pins) contact, and a method using connector coupling. The non-contact power supply can adopt power supply based on an electromagnetic induction system (such as the Qi standard and the NFC (=Near Field Communication) standard) and power supply based on an electric field induction system.

[0057] The notification unit 104 is a display device for notifying various types of information by displaying text or images. The notification unit 104 is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (= electroluminescent) display, a micro LED (= light emitting diode), or other display devices. For example, the notification unit 104 displays information such as the remaining power in the built-in secondary battery, the current operation mode of the main device 20 (large aerosol generation mode, small aerosol generation mode), the aerosol inhalation history, the time of day, and error information. In addition, for example, the notification unit 104 displays various types of information obtained by communicating with another external device. Note that the notification unit 104 is an example of a display unit.

[0058] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for performing communication between the main device 20 and another device. The communication unit 105 acquires status information from the main device 20 and sends the status information to the notification unit 104. In addition, the communication unit 105 is connected to other devices through control performed by the control unit 106, and acquires information to send to the notification unit 104. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices by means of a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standard include wireless LAN (= local area network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth, and the like.

[0059] The communication unit 105 receives a signal transmitted from a beacon transmitter using radio waves. The beacon transmitter is, for example, provided in a facility such as a sales outlet or a smoking area, or provided in a vending machine that sells tobacco products such as cigarettes. When a user who possesses the aerosol generating device 1 approaches a facility where a beacon transmitter is provided and enters an area where the radio waves of the beacon transmitter can be received, the communication unit 105 receives the radio waves transmitted from the beacon transmitter. In this way, the control unit 106 acquires information related to the facility where the beacon transmitter is provided. Note that the communication unit 105 is an example of a receiving unit.

[0060] The control unit 106 is a device for performing various types of arithmetic processing and control related to the front panel 10 by reading and executing programs. The control unit 106 is implemented by means of an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (=CPU), a microprocessing unit (=MPU), a graphics processing unit (=GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (=ASIC), a field programmable gate array (=FPGA) or a digital signal processor (=DSP). The control unit 106 may also include a read-only memory (=ROM) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a random access memory (=RAM) for temporarily storing appropriately changing parameters.

[0061] The control unit 106 controls, for example, communication with the main device 20, communication with another device (such as a smartphone), display provided by the notification unit 104, charging of the secondary battery 101A of the power supply unit 101 through the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103, and power supply to the electronic components, etc. The control unit 106 also performs processing based on information input to the electronic components on the front panel 10 and information output from the electronic components. The control unit 106 also causes the notification unit 104 to display information obtained based on radio waves received by the communication unit 105 from the beacon transmitter. The control unit 106 is an example of a display control unit. Charging from a USB cable is feasible for charging the secondary battery 101A. Charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 will also be possible.

[0062] For the control in the front panel 10, for example, the communication between the control unit 106 and various units adopts a serial communication method such as an inter-integrated circuit (=I2C) communication method, a serial peripheral interface (=SPI) communication method, or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (=UART) communication method. The SPI communication method or the UART communication method is used for the communication between the control unit 106 and the main device 20.

[0063] The main device 20 is provided with a power supply unit 201 , a sensor unit 202 , a notification unit 203 , a memory unit 204 , a communication unit 205 , a control unit 206 , a heating unit 207 , a heat insulating portion 208 , and a holding portion 209 . Figure 6 A state is shown in which the stick-type substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209 and the user inhales the aerosol in this state.

[0064] The power supply unit 201 is a unit for supplying power to the front panel 10 and the main device 20. For example, the power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor. Figure 7The example shown in is configured so that power is stored in the secondary battery 201A. The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. For example, a commercial power source, a mobile battery, and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10, etc. can be used as the external power source.

[0065] In addition, the power supply unit 201 is provided with a power supply unit 201B. The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and performs conversion of the voltage level according to the operation mode. The power supply unit 201B supplies power to the sensor unit 202, the notification unit 203, the memory unit 204, the communication unit 205, and the control unit 206 (see Figure 3 ) outputs, for example, 3.3 V to a power line connected to the heating unit 207. In addition, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to a power line connected to the heating unit 207. When the secondary battery 201A is charged by an external power source, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to a power line connected to the secondary battery 201A. The USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power source or a mobile battery used as an external power source. The power supply terminals corresponding to these external power sources are Figure 7 Indicated by “VUSB” in the diagram.

[0066] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information related to the main device 20. For example, the sensor constituting the sensor unit 202 includes a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or a flow sensor. The sensor unit 202 outputs the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow accompanying inhalation has been detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value representing the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0067] The sensor unit 202 has, for example, an input device for receiving a user input. For example, the input device is implemented by a button or a switch. Figure 4 The button 20B shown in FIG. 20B is an example of an input device. The button 20B is used to turn the commercial power supply on and off, and to switch the start and stop of the power supply to the heating unit 207 (in other words, to start and stop aerosol generation), etc. The content of the user command is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206.

[0068] The sensor unit 202 additionally has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 207. For example, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 207. The detected resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. It should be noted that the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the rod-type substrate 210 held in the holding portion 209.

[0069] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component for notifying the user of various types of information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 can be configured, for example, by a light emitting device such as an LED (=light emitting diode), a display device for displaying an image, a sound output device for outputting a sound, or a vibration device for vibrating the main device 20. The notification unit 203 can also notify the user of a state in which the aerosol can be inhaled. Such a notification is issued when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 heated by means of the heating unit 207 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0070] The memory unit 204 stores various types of information related to the operation of the main device 20. The memory unit 204 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. For example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 includes an operating system (=OS) and firmware (=FW) and other programs. In addition, for example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 includes information related to the control of the electronic components. The information related to the control includes, for example, information related to the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, the inhalation time, and the cumulative inhalation time.

[0071] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for implementing the communication between the main device 20 and another device. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices by means of a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN, serial signal line, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, etc. For example, the communication unit 205 sends information related to the user's inhalation to a smart phone. In addition, the communication unit 205 downloads an update program and a curve that specifies the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in the heating mode from the server. In addition, the communication unit 205 sends a command to start and stop the power supply to the power supply circuit 103.

[0072] The control unit 206 is used as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, thereby controlling the operation of the main device 20 according to various programs. In addition, the control unit 206 can control the operation of the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103 provided on the front panel 10. The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power supply line. For example, the communication in the main device 20 adopts a serial communication method, such as an I2C communication method, an SPI communication method, or a UART communication method. The SPI communication method or the UART communication method is used for communication between the control unit 206 and the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103 on the front panel 10. It should be noted that, for example, BLE is used for the communication line. The control unit 206 is implemented by an electronic circuit, and the electronic circuit is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a DSP. The control unit 206 may also include a ROM for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM for temporarily storing parameters.

[0073] The control unit 206 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs. Specifically, the control unit 206 implements: supplying power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components; charging the power supply unit 201; detecting information by the sensor unit 202; notifying information by the notification unit 203; storing and reading information by the memory unit 204; and sending / receiving information by the communication unit 205, etc. It should be noted that the communication of the communication unit 205 also includes communication with the front panel 10. The control unit 206 also controls processing, etc. based on information input to and output from the electronic components.

[0074] The holding part 209 is a substantially cylindrical container. The space inside the holding part 209 limited by the inner wall and the bottom surface of the container will be referred to as the inner space 209A. The inner space 209A is substantially columnar. An opening 209B is provided in the holding part 209, and this opening allows the inner space 209A to be communicated with the outside. The rod-type matrix 210 is inserted into the inner space 209A from the opening 209B. The rod-type matrix 210 is inserted until its end contacts the bottom part 209C. The rod-type matrix 210 is only partially contained in the inner space 209A. The state in which the rod-type matrix 210 is contained in the inner space 209A will be referred to as the rod-type matrix 210 being held in the inner space 209A.

[0075] The inner diameter of at least a part of the holding part 209 in the axial direction thereof is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-type matrix 210. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-type matrix 210 inserted into the inner space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding part 209. The rod-type matrix 210 is held in the inner space 209A by means of this pressure. In addition, the holding part 209 also has a function for limiting the flow path of air through the rod-type matrix 210. For example, an air inflow hole as an inlet for air to enter the flow path is provided in the bottom part 209C. In addition, the opening 209B is used as an air outflow hole as an outlet of air.

[0076] Holding part 209 keeps a part of rod-shaped matrix 210, and the remainder of rod-shaped matrix 210 protrudes to the outside from the shell of main device 20.The part that is held in holding part 209 will be referred to as matrix part 210A hereinafter, and the part that protrudes from shell will be referred to as mouthpiece part 210B hereinafter.Aerosol source is contained in at least matrix part 210A.Aerosol source is by heating atomization so that the material of aerosol is produced.Except the tobacco of shredded, aerosol source also contains the processed product that obtains by molding tobacco raw material into particle form, sheet form or powder form or another kind of tobacco-derived substance.In addition, aerosol source can also contain the non-tobacco-derived substance that is produced by plant (such as mint or herbaceous plant) except tobacco.For example, aerosol source can contain flavoring component, such as menthol.When main device 20 was a medical inhaler, aerosol source can contain the medicine that is sucked by the patient. It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may also be a polyol, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or may be a liquid, such as water, for example.

[0077] At least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 210B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. When the user inhales with the mouthpiece portion 210B held in the mouth, air flows into the internal space 209A from the air inflow hole. The air that has flowed in reaches the user's mouth after passing through the internal space 209A and the matrix portion 210A. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains the aerosol generated by the matrix portion 210A.

[0078] The heating unit 207 is formed of a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 207 is formed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is configured in the form of a film, for example, and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 209. The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like, and an aerosol is generated. Figure 6 In the example shown, it is assumed that the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heating range steadily moves toward the center.

[0079] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source starts from the outer circumference area of ​​the rod-type substrate 210 and steadily moves toward the center. The heating unit 207 generates heat by means of power supply from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is allowed. The user input mentioned here includes the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 ) and / or button 20B (see Figure 4 However, assuming that the front panel 10 (see Figure 1) is attached to the main device 20, power is supplied to the heating unit 207. By attaching the front panel 10, the temperature transferred to the user's hand can be reduced compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0080] When the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, inhalation by the user becomes possible. Inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 202, and information related to the detected inhalation is saved in the memory unit 204. When a predetermined user input is subsequently detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. It should be noted that a method may also be adopted in which power is supplied to the heating unit 207 during a period in which the sensor unit 202 detects the user's inhalation, and power is stopped to the heating unit 207 when the sensor unit 202 no longer detects the user's inhalation.

[0081] In addition, Figure 6 In the example of the embodiment, the heating unit 207 is provided outside the rod-type matrix 210, but the heating unit 207 may also be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the rod-type matrix 210 for use, or the heating unit 207 may be a metal piece built into the rod-type matrix 210. When the metal piece used as the heating unit 207 is built into the rod-type matrix 210, the induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding portion 209.

[0082] The heat insulating portion 208 is a member for reducing the propagation of heat generated by the heating unit 207 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulating portion 208 is provided to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 207. For example, the heat insulating portion 208 is configured by a vacuum insulation material or an aerogel insulation material or the like. The vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which a high vacuum state is generated by wrapping glass wool and silicon dioxide (silicon powder) or the like in a resin film so that the heat conduction of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0083] <Operation of Aerosol Generating Device 1 (Operation Before Heating)>

[0084] Figure 8 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a pre-heating operation performed by the control unit 206 in the main device 20 of the aerosol generating device 1. The pre-heating operation is performed by the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 ) and continues to be implemented in the background.

[0085] The control unit 206 first determines the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) whether it is connected to the main device 20 (see Figure 1) is attached. Attachment / detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal from the Hall IC. When the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 ("Yes" in S1), the control unit 206 cancels the state in which the heating unit 207 is prohibited from heating the aerosol source (S2). Meanwhile, in the state in which the front panel 10 is not attached to the main device 20 (No in S1), the control unit 206 maintains the state in which the heating unit 207 is prohibited from heating the aerosol source (S3). Once the prohibition of heating is canceled due to the attachment of the front panel 10, the control unit 206 is turned off by operating the button 20B (see Figure 4 ) to start the rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 6 For example, the button 20B is operated by long pressing the button 20B for 1 second or longer from above the front panel 10.

[0086] <Operation of Aerosol Generating Device 1 (Information Display)>

[0087] The following will describe the display of information by the notification unit 104 provided on the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The communication unit 105 on the front panel 10 receives signals transmitted from a beacon transmitter provided in a facility such as a sales outlet or a smoking area (hereinafter referred to as a "smoking facility"). The control unit 106 on the front panel 10 displays various types of information on the notification unit 104 based on these signals.

[0088] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a situation where the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 receives a signal from a beacon transmitter. The beacon transmitter 40 periodically transmits a signal via radio waves (such as BLE). Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the radio wave coverage of the beacon transmitter 40 is represented by region R. When the user who owns the aerosol generating device 1 is outside the region R, the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10 does not receive the radio waves output by the beacon transmitter 40 and does not detect a signal (in Fig. 9 When a user possessing the aerosol generating device 1 enters the region R, the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10 receives the radio waves of the beacon transmitter 40 and thus detects a signal (indicated by “No signal detected” in FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 Detected).

[0089] When the communication unit 105 has received a radio signal stronger than a predetermined first strength, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 acquires information to be displayed on the notification unit 104 based on the received radio signal. In the following, it is assumed that the first strength of the radio signal is the first threshold. In addition, when the communication unit 105 has continuously received a radio signal weaker than the first threshold but stronger than a predetermined second strength within a preset setting period, the control unit 106 acquires information to be displayed on the notification unit 104 based on the received radio signal. In the following, it is assumed that the second strength of the radio signal is the second threshold. The "setting period" used as a reference for continuously receiving a radio signal stronger than the second threshold can be freely set and can be, for example, 5 seconds.

[0090] The method for acquiring information displayed on the notification unit 104 (hereinafter referred to as "display information") may include direct transmission from the beacon transmitter 40 to the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1, or may include the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 acquiring the information by accessing a server using connection information acquired from the beacon transmitter 40. In the case of the former method, for example, data of the display information is stored in a memory device such as a memory built in the beacon transmitter 40 or an external memory device connected to the beacon transmitter 40, and the data of the display information is output from the beacon transmitter 40 together with a radio signal.

[0091] In the case of the latter method, the display information is held on a server (not depicted) provided separately from the beacon transmitter 40. The server may be arranged in a smoking facility or the like, or may be constructed on a network as a cloud server or the like. A connection with the server may be formed by wireless communication using Wi-Fi or the like. The beacon transmitter 40 stores the server connection information in a built-in memory and outputs the information together with a radio signal. For example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like is used as the server connection information. When the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 and the server are connected via a wireless LAN, a wireless LAN reader may be provided in a smoking facility or the like together with the beacon transmitter 40.

[0092] Fig.10is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 when the display information is acquired directly from the beacon transmitter 40. When the user who owns the aerosol generating device 1 enters the area R (S11) and the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, the control unit 106 checks the strength of the received radio signal (indicated by "signal strength" in the drawing). If the signal strength is greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in S12), the control unit 106 determines whether the display information is received together with the radio signal. When the display information has been received ("Yes" in S15), the control unit 106 displays the display information on the notification unit 104 (S16).

[0093] If the signal strength is lower than the first threshold (No in S12) and greater than the second threshold (Yes in S13), the control unit 106 checks the reception period of the radio signal. If the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold has reached the set period (Yes in S14), the control unit 106 determines whether display information is received together with the radio signal. When the display information has been received (Yes in S15), the control unit 106 displays the display information on the notification unit 104 (S16).

[0094] If the signal strength drops below the second threshold value before the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold value reaches the set period (No in S14, No in S13), the control unit 106 cannot acquire the display information, and thus terminates the processing without any display on the notification unit 104. In addition, if the signal strength is greater than the first threshold value (Yes in S12), and if a radio signal stronger than the second threshold value is continuously received within the set period (Yes in S14), but there is no display information (No in S15), the control unit 106 cannot acquire the display information, and thus terminates the processing without any display on the notification unit 104.

[0095] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 when acquiring display information directly from the server. The operations of S21-S24 related to receiving a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 are similar to those of S21-S24. Fig.10 The operations of S11-S14 described are the same and thus will not be described again.

[0096] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in S22), the control unit 106 determines whether the server connection information is received together with the radio signal. When the connection information has been received ("Yes" in S25), the control unit 106 connects to the server using the received connection information (S26), and acquires the display information (S27). Then, the control unit 106 displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S28).

[0097] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is lower than the first threshold (No in S22) and greater than the second threshold (Yes in S23), and the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold has reached the set period (Yes in S24), the control unit 106 determines whether the server connection information is received together with the radio signal. When the connection information has been received (Yes in S25), the control unit 106 connects to the server using the received connection information (S26), and acquires display information (S27). Then, the control unit 106 displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S28).

[0098] If the signal strength drops below the second threshold value before the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold value reaches the set period (No in S24, No in S23), the control unit 106 cannot connect to the server to obtain the display information and thus terminates the processing without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104. In addition, if the signal strength is greater than the first threshold value (Yes in S22), and if a radio signal stronger than the second threshold value is continuously received within the set period (Yes in S24), but the server connection information is not received (No in S25), the control unit 106 cannot connect to the server and thus terminates the processing without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104.

[0099] <Example of displayed information>

[0100] Several examples of display of the notification unit 104 on the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 will be described below. It should be noted that in the following examples, it does not matter whether the front panel 10 obtains the display information directly from the beacon transmitter 40 or obtains the display information from the server, because the display information is obtained based on the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40, so no distinction is made.

[0101] Fig.12 An example is shown in which the sales point-related information is displayed on the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1 . Fig.12(A) shows the aerosol generating device 1 receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter 40, Fig.12 (B) shows an example of a display on the notification unit 104, and Fig.12 (C) shows another example of the display on the notification unit 104.

[0102] exist Fig.12 In the example shown in (A), the beacon transmitter 40 is installed in the sales outlet 41. When a user who owns the aerosol generating device 1 approaches the sales outlet 41 and enters the area R covered by the radio waves of the beacon transmitter 40, the aerosol generating device 1 receives the radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 through the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10. The aerosol generating device 1 then acquires display information based on the received radio signal through the control unit 106 on the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0103] In this example, it is assumed that the display information is a display of information related to the sales outlet 41 where the beacon transmitter 40 is installed. Examples of information related to the sales outlet 41 that can be cited include advertisements of the sales outlet 41 or products, and coupons that can be used at the sales outlet 41. Fig.12 In the example shown in (B), the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information related to advertisements of the sales outlet 41 as display information, and displays advertisements based on the acquired information on the notification unit 104. Examples of advertisements of the sales outlet 41 that can be displayed include types of goods and services for sale, sales information such as prices, and information including held events such as sales promotions. In the depicted example, the text "Today's Sale" is displayed as an example of an advertisement.

[0104] In addition, Fig.12 In the example shown in (C), the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information related to a coupon that can be used at the sales outlet 41 as display information, and displays the coupon based on the acquired information on the notification unit 104. When the user of the aerosol generating device 1 uses the coupon, when purchasing goods or receiving services at the sales outlet 41, the user presents the coupon displayed on the notification unit 104 to a store assistant or the like.

[0105] Fig.13 and Fig.14 An example is shown in which the smoking area related information is displayed on the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 . Fig.13 (A) shows the situation where the aerosol generating device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, and Fig.13 (B) shows an example of display on the notification unit 104. In addition, Fig.14Another example of the display on the notification unit 104 is shown.

[0106] exist Fig.13 In the example shown in (A), the beacon transmitter 40 is installed in the smoking area 42. When the user who possesses the aerosol generating device 1 approaches the smoking area 42 and enters the area R covered by the radio waves of the beacon transmitter 40, the aerosol generating device 1 receives the radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 through the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10. The aerosol generating device 1 then acquires display information based on the received radio signal through the control unit 106 on the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0107] In this example, it is assumed that the displayed information is a display of information related to the smoking area 42 where the beacon transmitter 40 is installed. Examples of the information related to the smoking area 42 that can be cited include information indicating that the place where the radio signal of the beacon transmitter 40 is received (in other words, the place where the user is located) is the smoking area 42, and information indicating the position of the smoking area 42, etc. Fig.13 In the example shown in (B), the aerosol generating device 1 displays information indicating that the place where the user is located is the smoking area 42 as display information on the notification unit 104. In the depicted example, the text "This is a smoking area" is displayed.

[0108] In addition, Fig.14 In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information indicating the position of the smoking area 42 as display information, and displays the position information of the smoking area 42 on the notification unit 104 based on the acquired information. Fig.14 In the example shown, information indicating the position is displayed, a map is displayed on the notification unit 104, and a mark 42a indicating the smoking area 42 is set at a position corresponding to the smoking area 42 on the map. Fig.14 , two marks 42a are displayed on the map on the notification unit 104. One of the smoking areas 42 indicated by the mark 42a is the smoking area 42 in which the beacon transmitter 40 that transmits the radio signal received by the aerosol generating device 1 is installed, but the other is another smoking area 42. Therefore, not only the position information of the smoking area 42 corresponding to the received radio signal but also the position information of the other smoking area 42 is displayed, thereby enabling the user to immediately determine the position of another adjacent smoking area 42 in the case where the smoking area 42 that the user intends to use is crowded.

[0109] Fig.15 and Fig.16 An example is shown in which information related to a smoking article vending machine is displayed on the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol-generating device 1 . Fig.15 (A) shows the situation where the aerosol generating device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, and Fig.15 (B) shows an example of display on the notification unit 104. In addition, Fig.16 Another example of the display on the notification unit 104 is shown.

[0110] exist Fig.15 In the example shown in (A), the beacon transmitter 40 is installed in the vending machine 43. When the user who owns the aerosol generating device 1 approaches the vending machine 43 and enters the area R covered by the radio wave of the beacon transmitter 40, the aerosol generating device 1 receives the radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 through the communication unit 105 on the front panel 10. The aerosol generating device 1 then acquires display information based on the received radio signal through the control unit 106 on the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0111] In this example, it is assumed that the displayed information is a display of information related to the vending machine 43 installed with the beacon transmitter 40. Examples of the information related to the vending machine 43 that can be cited include information indicating that the vending machine 43 exists at the place where the radio signal of the beacon transmitter 40 is received (in other words, information indicating that smoking articles are sold at a place close to the user), and information indicating the location of the vending machine 43, etc. Fig.15 In the example shown in (B), the aerosol generating device 1 displays information indicating that there is a vending machine 43 near the place where the user is located as display information on the notification unit 104. In the depicted example, the text "there is a vending machine" is displayed.

[0112] In addition, Fig.16 In the example shown, the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information indicating the position of the vending machine 43 as display information, and displays the position information of the vending machine 43 on the notification unit 104 based on the acquired information. Fig.14 In the example shown, information indicating a position is displayed, a map is displayed on the notification unit 104, and a mark 43a indicating the vending machine 43 is set at a position corresponding to the vending machine 43 on the map. Fig.16, two marks 43a are displayed on the map on the notification unit 104. One of the vending machines 43 indicated by the mark 43a is the vending machine 43 installed with the beacon transmitter 40 that transmits the radio signal received by the aerosol generating device 1, but the other is another vending machine 43. Therefore, not only the position information of the vending machine 43 corresponding to the received radio signal is displayed, but also the position information of another neighboring vending machine 43 is displayed, thereby enabling the user to use the desired vending machine 43 to purchase smoking articles.

[0113] <Variant Example>

[0114] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The present disclosure includes various modifications and component replacements that do not depart from the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Several variant examples will be described below.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the display information is acquired from the beacon transmitter 40 or the server, but depending on the display content, a configuration may also be adopted in which the display information is stored in a memory provided in the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1, and the display information is read from the memory and displayed on the notification unit 104 under the condition that a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 has been received. For example, in the case of indicating that a given area is Fig.13 (B) Information about smoking areas and Fig.15 In the case of the information indicating the presence of a vending machine shown in (B), the display content does not change depending on the date and time or the place, and there is a small amount of information, so the information can be stored in the memory of the control unit 106.

[0116] In addition, the above embodiment is described assuming that a display device such as a liquid crystal display is adopted as the configuration of the notification unit 104, but it is also possible to present information using a light emitting device such as an LED for display, and the display includes a small amount of information as described above. For example, the following configuration may be adopted: by using an LED that notifies the charge state of the secondary battery built in the aerosol generating device 1, the presence of a smoking area and the presence of a smoking article vending machine, etc. in the vicinity are notified through their own unique light emission patterns.

[0117] In addition, the above embodiment describes an example in which a button 20B provided on the main device 20 is operated by pressing the front panel 10 mounted to the main device 20 to cause deformation, but a method other than deforming the front panel 10 may be used to input instructions to the main device 20. For example, a touch panel may be used as the notification unit 104, and information indicating a user operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 in the main device 20 via the communication unit 105. In addition, a switch or a button may be arranged on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of an operation on the switch or the button may be notified to the control unit 206 in the main device 20 via the communication unit 105. The touch panel and the switch mentioned herein are examples of the operating unit. In addition, a heat insulating structure is used on the surface member and inside the main device 20 of this type.

[0118] In addition, the above embodiment describes an example in which aerosol generation is allowed only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, but when the front panel 10 is not attached, aerosol generation can also be enabled by the main device 20. In this case, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is used to expand the functions that can be implemented by the main device 20. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed uses only the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7 ) to operate, and the main device 20 attached to the front panel 10 equipped with the secondary battery realizes the use of the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 7 )’s electrical function.

[0119] The above-mentioned embodiment describes the case where the display information is directly acquired from the beacon transmitter 40 and the case where the display information is acquired by accessing the server using the connection information acquired from the beacon transmitter 40 as the path for the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 to acquire the display information, but the display information can also be acquired via another path. For example, the following configuration can also be adopted: the display information is acquired from the server using a portable communication terminal (such as a smart phone) as a relay device. In this case, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 pre-registers the relay device as a target communication device. For example, the relay device is registered using Bluetooth pairing, etc., and the registration information is stored in the memory of the control unit 106, for example. The control unit 106 connects to the registered relay device by controlling the communication unit 105, and sends the server connection information and receives the display information from the server.

[0120] Fig.17 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 when acquiring display information directly from the server via the relay device. The operations of S31-S34 related to receiving a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 are similar to those of S31-S34. Fig.10The operations of S11-S14 described are the same and thus will not be described again.

[0121] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in S32), the control unit 106 determines whether the server connection information is received together with the radio signal. When the connection information has been received ("Yes" in S35), the control unit 106 sends the received connection information to the registered relay device (S36). The relay device connects to the server using the received connection information and acquires the display information. Then, the relay device sends the acquired display information to the control unit 106 on the front panel 10. When the control unit 106 acquires the display information from the relay device (S37), the control unit 106 displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S38). If the connection information is not received ("No" in S35), the display information cannot be acquired by connecting to the server, so the processing is terminated without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104. If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is lower than the first threshold (“No” in S32) and greater than the second threshold (“Yes” in S33), and the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold has reached the set period (“Yes” in S34), the operations in S35 and thereafter are the same.

[0122] In the above example, the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 receives the signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 40 and acquires the display information from the server via the relay device (such as a smartphone), but the operations up to receiving the signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 40 and acquiring the display information from the server can also be performed by using a portable communication terminal (such as a smartphone). The portable communication terminal transmits the acquired display information to the control unit 106 on the front panel 10, and the control unit 106 displays the display information received from the portable communication terminal on the notification unit 104. In this case as well, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 pre-registers the portable communication terminal as a target communication device to enable communication with the portable communication terminal.

[0123] <Overview>

[0124] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features. (1)

[0126] A cover is attached to a main body having a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a display unit for displaying information; a receiving unit for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic waves; and a display control unit for causing the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit. (2)

[0128] The cover member as described in (1), wherein the receiving unit receives information related to an advertisement of a sales outlet transmitted from the sales outlet, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the advertisement. (3)

[0130] The cover member according to (1) or (2), wherein the receiving unit receives information related to a coupon available in a sales outlet transmitted from the sales outlet, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the coupon. (4)

[0132] The cover member as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the receiving unit receives information that the given area is a smoking area, the information being transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the information that the given area is a smoking area. (5)

[0134] The cover member as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the receiving unit receives the position information of the smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the position information of the smoking area. (6)

[0136] The cover member as described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the receiving unit receives information indicating a smoking article promotion, the information being transmitted from a smoking article vending machine, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the information indicating a smoking article promotion. (7)

[0138] The cover member as described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and when the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity, the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in these electromagnetic waves. (8)

[0140] The cover member as described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and when a period in which the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity has passed for a predetermined period, the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in these electromagnetic waves.

[0141] List of Reference Numerals

[0142] 1…aerosol generating device; 10…front panel; 10C, 20C…magnet; 20…main device; 101A, 201A…secondary battery; 20B…button; 21…connector; 22…hole; 30…shutter; 40…beacon transmitter; 101, 201…power supply unit; 101B…boost / buck DC / DC circuit; 102…charging circuit; 103…power supply circuit; 104…notification unit; 105…communication unit; 106…control unit; 201B…power supply unit; 202…sensor unit; 203…notification unit; 204…memory unit; 205…communication unit; 206…control unit; 207…heating unit; 208…heat insulating portion; 209…holding portion; 210…rod-type matrix.

Claims

1. A cover member attached to a main body having a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover member include: A display unit, used for displaying information; a receiving unit for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic waves; as well as The display control unit is used to make the display unit display the information contained in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit.

2. The cover member according to claim 1, in, The receiving unit receives information related to an advertisement of a sales outlet sent from the sales outlet, and The display control unit causes the display unit to display the advertisement.

3. The cover member according to claim 1 or 2, in, The receiving unit receives information related to coupons available in the sales outlet sent from the sales outlet, and The display control unit causes the display unit to display the coupon.

4. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The receiving unit receives information that a given area is a smoking area, the information being sent from the smoking area, and The display control unit causes the display unit to display the information that the given area is a smoking area.

5. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The receiving unit receives the location information of the smoking area sent from the smoking area, and The display control unit enables the display unit to display the position information of the smoking area.

6. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The receiving unit receives information indicating a smoking article promotion, the information being sent from a smoking article vending machine, and The display control unit causes the display unit to display the information indicative of a smoking article promotion.

7. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and When the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity, the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves.

8. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at fixed time intervals, and When a period during which the intensity of the signal received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity has passed for a predetermined period, the display control unit causes the display unit to display information included in the electromagnetic waves.

Images