Electronic device and program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electronic device having a control unit and a battery, in which the control unit identifies a function type of a cover member to be attached or attached to a device body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device and a program. Background Art

[0002] Some portable electronic devices can be provided with a replaceable cover member from a design perspective or from a functional perspective. The cover member can form part of the main body (such as a main body cover), or can be optionally attached (such as a protective cover).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] [PTL 1]WO 2019-084161 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] Currently, the cover member is usually set from a design perspective. In the future, there is also a possibility that sensors, memories, etc. will be attached to the cover member. When a cover member equipped with sensors or memories appears, new value can be realized through the cooperation between the electronic device and the cover member. However, if the electronic device cannot recognize the functional type of the attached cover member, it may not be able to cooperate fully with the cover member.

[0008] In view of the above problems, this disclosure provides a technique for promoting cooperation with a cover member attached to an electronic device.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] An embodiment of this disclosure provides an electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit recognizes the functional type of a cover member to be attached or attached to the device main body.

[0011] The control unit can specify electronic components to be set to the cover member based on the recognition result of the functional type.

[0012] The control unit can control the cooperation with the electronic components set to the cover member based on the recognition result of the functional type.

[0013] The control unit can recognize the functional type of the cover member by detecting the structural features set to the cover member.

[0014] The control unit can recognize the functional type of the cover member by reading a magnetic pattern.

[0015] The control unit can recognize the functional type of the cover member from the information read through communication with the cover member.

[0016] The control unit can use an image of the lid member imaged by the camera to identify the functional type of the lid member.

[0017] The control unit can read the character information on the lid member as the image here.

[0018] The control unit can read the graphic code attached to the lid member as the image here.

[0019] If the electronic device further includes a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the control unit can identify the functional type based on information representing a control sequence readable from the lid member.

[0020] The lid member attached to the device body can cover a part of the surface of the device body.

[0021] If the electronic device further includes a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the control unit can detect the attachment of the lid member to the device body, and the attachment is one of the conditions for enabling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source.

[0022] The lid member attached to the device body can allow a switch provided on the device body to be operated by a user's pressing.

[0023] The part of the device body not covered by the lid member can form an overall appearance with the lid member.

[0024] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer provided in an electronic device having a battery to implement a function for identifying the functional type of a lid member to be attached or attached to a device body.

[0025] Advantageous Effects of the Present Invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, features for facilitating cooperation with a lid member attached to an electronic device can be provided. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed obliquely from above.

[0028] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed obliquely from below.

[0029] Figure 3 Figure 3 is a view of the aerosol generating device from which the shutter has been removed as viewed from above.

[0030] ​​​​​​​Figure 4 Figure 4 It is a view of the main body device with the front panel removed as observed from the front.

[0031] Figure 5 Figure 5 It is a rear view of the front panel removed from the main body device.

[0032] Figure 6 Figure 6 It is a rear view of another front panel removed from the main body device.

[0033] Figure 7 Figure 7 It is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] Figure 8 Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the front panel attachment operation implemented by the control unit on the main body device.

[0035] Figure 9 Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing an example of the process for identifying the functional type of the front panel implemented by the control unit of the main body device of Example 1.

[0036] Figure 10 Figure 10 It is a view showing the base panel attached to the main body device and no structure detected.

[0037] Figure 11 Figure 11 It is a view showing the front panel to which the primary battery can be attached attached to the main body device and a structure detected.

[0038] Figure 12 Figure 12 It is a table showing the relationship between the functional type and the presence or absence of the structure in Example 1.

[0039] Figure 13 Figure 13 It is a view showing an example of the difference in the pushing amount of the detection pin distance on the detection sensor side in contact with the structure.

[0040] Figure 14 Figure 14 It is a view showing an example of the communication between the front panel and the main body device in Example 2.

[0041] Figure 15 Figure 15 It is a view showing an example of the correspondence between the functional type and the electronic components attached to the front panel.

[0042] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 16 Figure 16 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the power system circuit in the main body device and the front panel.

[0043] Figure 17 Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a USB charging operation implemented by the control unit.

[0044] Figure 18 Figure 18 is a diagram showing a USB charging operation.

[0045] Figure 19 Figure 19 is a diagram showing a method for reading the functional type of the front panel in Example 3.

[0046] Figure 20 Figure 20 is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel in Example 4.

[0047] Figure 21 Figure 21 is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel in Example 5.

[0048] Figure 22 Figure 22 is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel in Example 6.

[0049] Figure 23 Figure 23 is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel in Example 7. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0050] Embodiments related to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0051] <Term>

[0052] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment is in the form of an electronic cigarette.

[0053] In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas with air or another gas.

[0054] The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol without associated combustion.

[0055] In the following description, the action of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as "inhaling" or "drawing".​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0056] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device is described which can attach a solid aerosol source. It should be noted that the container storing the solid aerosol source is also referred to as a "cartridge" or a "rod substrate", depending on the product format. The cartridge and the rod substrate are consumables. Therefore, the cartridge and the rod substrate have fixed replacement criteria.

[0057] <Example 1>

[0058] <Example of appearance>

[0059] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Example 1 will be described.

[0060] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as observed obliquely from above.

[0061] Figure 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as observed obliquely from below.

[0062] Figure 3 is a view of the aerosol generating device 1 from which the shield 30 has been removed as observed from above.

[0063] Figure 4 is a view of the main body device 20 from which the front panel 10 has been removed as observed from the front.

[0064] Figure 5 is a view of the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main body device 20.

[0065] Figure 6 is a view of the back side of another front panel 10 removed from the main body device 20.

[0066] In this embodiment, the size of the aerosol generating device 1 is such that a user can hold the aerosol generating device with one hand.

[0067] The aerosol generating device 1 includes: a main body device 20; a front panel 10 to be attached to the front of the main body device 20; and a shield 30 provided on the upper surface of the main body device 20 and slidably operable along the upper surface. Here, the main body device 20 is an example of the device main body.

[0068] The front panel 10 is a detachable member from the main body device 20. The front panel 10 is an example of a cover member here. It should be noted that the front panel 10 is attached / detached by the user.

[0069] The front panel 10 attached to the front of the main body device 20 covers the front part of the main body device 20, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. In other words, after the front panel 10 has been attached, parts of the main body device 20 other than the front part can still be seen from the outside. For example, after the front panel 10 has been attached, the sides, back, top, and bottom of the main body device 20 can still be seen from the outside.

[0070] The front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 is continuously and seamlessly joined to the sides, top, and bottom of the main body device 20, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, thus forming an integral appearance.

[0071] Therefore, one function of the front panel 10 is a decorative function. In addition, the sides, top, and bottom of the main body device 20 are examples of components not covered by the front panel 10.

[0072] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided at a position on the side of the main body device 20 facing the light-emitting element. An LED (= light-emitting diode) 20A (see Figure 4 ) is used as the light-emitting element in Embodiment 1.

[0073] The window 10B in Embodiment 1 is made of a light-transmitting material. The window 10B can also be a slit penetrating from the front surface to the back surface. In addition, the illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element indicate the operating state of the aerosol generating device 1, etc. The operating state also includes errors. The illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element are controlled by a control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ), which will be described later.

[0074] In addition to its decorative function, the front panel 10 also has the function of reducing the spread of heat released from the main body device 20, etc. Therefore, in this embodiment, aerosol generation is only allowed when the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 forms an integral appearance with the main body device 20 in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0075] In addition, the front panel 10 is used to protect the main body device 20 against dust, scratches, etc.

[0076] The front panel 10 used in this embodiment is deformed when the user presses the position below the window 10B with the fingertip and returns to its original shape when the user stops pressing.

[0077] The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of a cover member. In addition, the main body panel 10A forming Figure 1 and Figure 2 the appearance of the front panel 10 shown is an example of the main body part.

[0078] In this embodiment, two types of front panels 10 are provided: Figure 5The front panel 10 shown and Figure 6 the front panel 10 shown. Both of these front panels 10 can be attached to cover the front portion of the main device 20.

[0079] The difference is that on the reverse side (the side attached to the main device 20) of the Figure 6 front panel 10 shown, a primary battery 101 is attached, and there is a structure 102.

[0080] The structure 102 is a protrusion, bulge, hump, vane, or other structure relative to the back of the front panel 10. The structure 102 can be integrally formed with the front panel 10 or can be attached as a modification. The structure 102 is an example of a structural feature, showing that this structure is the front panel 10 to which the primary battery 101 can be attached.

[0081] It should be noted that the primary battery 101 is an example of an electronic component provided on the front panel 10.

[0082] The primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 serves as an auxiliary power source to compensate for the power shortage in the main device 20. As mentioned above, the primary battery 101 can be attached / detached relative to the back of the front panel 10. In other words, if the primary battery 101 has no remaining capacity or the remaining capacity decreases, it can be replaced with a new primary battery 101.

[0083] On the other hand, on the back of the Figure 5 front panel 10 shown, the primary battery 101 is not attached and the structure 102 also does not exist. Hereinafter, Figure 5 the front panel 10 shown is also referred to as the base panel. It should be noted that even for the base panel, the color, design, etc. can be different.

[0084] In the case of this embodiment, the primary battery 101 is, for example, a thin-film type, coin type, or chip type battery. The primary battery 101 needs to be thin in all cases so as not to interfere with the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20. In addition, the front panel 10 equipped with the primary battery 101 is also provided with electrodes and connectors (not depicted), which are used to supply power to the main device 20. The electrodes for power supply are used for contact power supply to the main device 20, and in the case of non-contact power supply (i.e., wireless power), a coil (not shown) is added as an electronic component.

[0085] The standards for non-contact power supply mentioned here include standards based on the electromagnetic induction system (such as the Qi standard and the NFC (= Near Field Communication) standard) and standards based on the electric field induction system.

[0086] A Type-C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of the main body device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are given by way of example. In other words, the USB connector 21 can be a USB different from Type-C. In Embodiment 1, the USB connector 21 is used to charge the power supply unit 201 (see Figure 7 ) built in the main body device 20.

[0087] In the upper part of the main body device 20, there is provided a hole 22 for inserting and accommodating a rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 7 ) of an aerosol source.

[0088] The rod-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment stores a solid aerosol source in a paper tube generally molded into a cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position and hidden by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position.

[0089] The hole 22 has substantially the same cylindrical shape as the rod-shaped substrate 210 in the case of Embodiment 1. The diameter of the opening portion of the hole 22 constitutes the size of the rod-shaped substrate 210 that can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is the size that can be inserted into the hole 22.

[0090] For example, a magnet is attached to the back of the shutter 30. At the same time, a Hall IC is attached to the main body device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30.

[0091] The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed by a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element.

[0092] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 are detected based on the change in the voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides. That is, it is detected whether the shutter 30 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0093] A button 20B is generally provided at the center of the front of the main body device 20. As described above, when the front panel 10 is in the attached state, the button 20B is operable.

[0094] The button 20B is used, for example, to turn on and off the power of the main body device, to turn on and off the power supply to the heating unit 207 (see Figure 7 ) for heating the aerosol source, and for Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing commands, etc.

[0095] In addition, when the front panel 10 is removed from the main body device 20, a reset function is executed by pressing the button 20B for a long time (for example, pressing for 5 seconds or longer).

[0096] In this embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0097] Magnets 20C for attaching the front panel 10 are provided on the upper and lower parts of the front of the main device 20. The magnets 20C are provided at positions facing the magnets 10C provided on the inner side of the front panel 10. For example, the magnets 10C on the front panel 10 are N poles, and the magnets 20C on the main device 20 side are S poles. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main device 20 by the attraction force of the magnets.

[0098] It should be noted that the magnet 10C or the magnet 20C may be a metal piece made of iron or another magnetic metal. Incidentally, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by means of a Hall IC provided on the main device 20 side.

[0099] 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 specifically used for generating aerosols. In addition, in a narrow sense, the main device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0100] <Internal Configuration>

[0101] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0102] It should be noted that Figure 7 The state where the rod-type substrate 210 is assembled to the main device 20 is shown. Figure 7 The internal configuration shown is intended to illustrate the electronic components and their positional relationships disposed in the main device 20. Figure 7 The appearance of the electronic components and the like shown does not always match the above-described appearance diagrams.

[0103] The main device 20 includes 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 .

[0104] Figure 7 The rod-type substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, and the user inhales the aerosol in this state.

[0105] The power supply unit 201 of this embodiment is a unit for supplying electric power to the main device 20. The power supply unit 201 stores electric power using, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor.

[0106] The power supply unit 201 can be charged from an external power source. For example, in this embodiment, a mains power source or a mobile battery is feasible as the external power source.

[0107] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information related to the main device 20.

[0108] For example, the sensor unit 202 has a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or a flow sensor. The sensor unit 202 as a sensor 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 value indicating the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0109] The sensor unit 202 has an input device for receiving user input, for example. The input device is a button or a switch, for example. In this embodiment, the button 20B (see Figure 4 ) is used as the input device.

[0110] The button 20B is used to switch on and off the main power supply and to switch the start and stop of the power supply to the heating unit 207 (i.e., start and stop aerosol generation), etc.

[0111] The content of the user command is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. It should be noted that the button 20B is not only an example of a button but also an example of a switch.

[0112] The sensor unit 202 further 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-shaped substrate 210 held in the holding part 209.

[0113] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 has a sensor 20D (see Figure 4 ) for detecting the functional type of the front panel 10 attached to the front of the main device 20. In the case of this embodiment, the functional type to be detected is whether the power of the primary battery 101 can be used. It should be noted that the sensor 20D sets the presence or absence of the structure 102 as the detection object. For example, when the presence of the structure 102 is detected, power supply can be received from the attached front panel 10. On the other hand, when the structure 102 is not detected, power supply cannot be received from the attached front panel 10.

[0114] In the case of this embodiment, a contact detection sensor, a displacement sensor, or a push amount detection sensor is used for the sensor 20D, for example.

[0115] For example, the contact detection sensor detects the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102 through a change in pressure or impedance.

[0116] The displacement sensor detects the distance to the opposite surface (the back of the front panel 10 or the surface of the structure 102).

[0117] The push amount detection sensor detects the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102 by measuring the push amount of a movable pin attached with a spring.

[0118] The sensor unit 202 further has a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. for detecting the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 into the holding portion 209 and the distance of an object through a change in capacitance.

[0119] The sensor unit 202 also has an optical color sensor, a radio frequency identification (= RFID) reader, an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader, etc. for distinguishing each rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0120] The sensor unit 202 also has a biosensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., and a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, etc.

[0121] The sensor unit 202 also has an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. for detecting the movement of the user.

[0122] 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 includes an LED 20A (see Figure 4 ).) or another light-emitting device. For example, when it is necessary to charge the power supply unit 201, when the power supply unit 201 is in the charging process, or when there is an abnormality in the main device 20, the LED 20A emits light with different patterns for each case.

[0123] The patterns mentioned here include different colors and different lighting / extinguishing times, etc.

[0124] Instead of or in addition to the above light-emitting device, the notification unit 203 can also be configured by a display device for displaying an image, a sound output device for outputting sound, or a vibration device for vibrating the main device 20, etc. The light-emitting device, the display device, the sound output device, the vibration device, etc. are also examples of the notification unit for notifying information.

[0125] The notification unit 203 can additionally notify the user of the state in which the aerosol can be inhaled. This notification is issued when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0126] The memory unit 204 stores various types of information related to the operation of the main device 20. The memory unit 204 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory), for example.

[0127] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 includes an operating system (= OS) and firmware (= FW) as well as other programs. The memory unit 204 also stores a heating curve for heating the rod-shaped substrate 210 that constitutes the aerosol source. The heating curve is a data file that specifies the change in the target temperature over time after the start of heating.

[0128] In this embodiment, the memory unit 204 stores one heating curve.

[0129] It should be noted that the heating curve will be referred to as both a "control curve" and a "control sequence".

[0130] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 additionally includes information related to the control of electronic components. The information related to control includes information related to the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, inhalation time, and cumulative inhalation time. In other words, the memory unit 204 stores the user's inhalation behavior history and operation history.

[0131] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for implementing communication between the main device 20 and another device. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices via a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, the communication standards mentioned herein include wireless LAN, wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0132] For example, the communication unit 205 sends information related to the user's inhalation to a smartphone.

[0133] In addition, the communication unit 205 downloads an update program and a curve that specify the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in the heating mode from a server.

[0134] The control unit 206 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, thereby controlling the operation of the main device 20 according to various programs.

[0135] Control signals are sent through signal lines different from the power lines. For example, communication in the main device 20 employs 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.

[0136] The control unit 206 is implemented by 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).

[0137] The control unit 206 may also include a read-only memory (=ROM) for storing programs and calculation parameters, etc., and a random access memory (=RAM) for temporarily storing appropriately varying parameters, etc.

[0138] The control unit 206 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs.

[0139] The processing and control mentioned herein include, for example: rewriting the heating curve; 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 transmitting / receiving information by the communication unit 205.

[0140] The control unit 206 additionally controls processing, etc., based on information input to the electronic components and information output from the electronic components.

[0141] In addition, the control unit 206 also has a function of identifying the functional type attached to the front panel 10 of the main body device 20 and a function of correspondingly performing processing and control according to the identified result.

[0142] The holding part 209 is a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface will be referred to as the internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is generally columnar.

[0143] An opening 209B is provided in the holding part 209, and this opening allows the internal space 209A to communicate with the outside. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from the opening 209B. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted until its end contacts the bottom part 209C.

[0144] The rod-shaped substrate 210 is only partially accommodated in the internal space 209A. The state in which the rod-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A will be referred to as the rod-shaped substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

[0145] At least a part of the holding part 209 is formed to have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210 in its axial direction.

[0146] Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 209. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A by means of this pressure.

[0147] The holding portion 209 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to pass through the rod-shaped substrate 210. For example, an air inlet hole serving as an inlet of the air inlet flow path is provided in the bottom portion 209C. In addition, the opening 209B serves as an air outlet hole serving as an outlet of the air.

[0148] In this embodiment, only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, and the remaining part protrudes from the housing to the outside. The part held in the holding portion 209 will be hereinafter referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the part protruding from the housing will be hereinafter referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B.

[0149] The aerosol source is accommodated in at least the substrate portion 210A. The aerosol source is a substance that is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0150] In addition to shredded tobacco, the aerosol source also contains a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into a granular form, a flake form, or a powder form, or another tobacco-derived substance.

[0151] Furthermore, the aerosol source may also contain a non-tobacco-derived substance produced by a plant other than tobacco (such as mint or herbs). For example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0152] When the main body device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may equally be a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or may be a liquid such as water.

[0153] At least a part of the mouthpiece portion 210B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0154] When the user inhales with the mouthpiece portion 210B held in the mouth, air flows into the internal space 209A from the air inlet hole. The air that has flowed in reaches the user's mouth after passing through the internal space 209A and the substrate portion 210A. The air reaching the user's mouth contains the aerosol generated by the substrate portion 210A.

[0155] The heating unit 207 is formed by 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 thin film, for example, and is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 209.

[0156] 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.

[0157] In Figure 7 , the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is initially heated, and the heating range steadily moves toward the center.

[0158] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source starts from the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 210 and steadily moves toward the center.

[0159] The heating unit 207 generates heat by means of the power supply from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected via the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is allowed. The user input mentioned here includes the operation of the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 ) and / or the button 20B (see Figure 4 ). However, it is assumed that the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) is attached to the main body device 20, then power is supplied to the heating unit 207. By attaching the front panel 10, the temperature transmitted to the user's hand can be reduced compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0160] In addition, when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, it becomes possible for the user to inhale. The user's inhalation of the aerosol is detected by a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 202 and stored in the memory unit 204.

[0161] 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 the following method can also be adopted: power is supplied to the heating unit 207 during the period when the sensor unit 202 detects the user's inhalation, and the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when the sensor unit 202 no longer detects the user's inhalation.

[0162] In addition, in the Figure 7 example, the heating unit 207 is provided outside the rod-shaped substrate 210, but the heating unit 207 can also be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 210 for use, or the heating unit 207 can be a metal piece built into the rod-shaped substrate 210. When the metal piece used as the heating unit 207 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 210, the induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding part 209.

[0163] The heat insulation part 208 is a member for reducing the propagation of the heat generated by the heating unit 207 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulation part 208 is arranged to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 207.

[0164] For example, the heat insulation portion 208 is configured by a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material or the like. The vacuum heat insulation material is a heat insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created by wrapping glass wool, silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film so that the heat conduction of gas is made as close to zero as possible.

[0165] <Processing operation example>

[0166] An example of a processing operation performed by the control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ) in the main body device 20 (see Figure 7 ) will be described below.

[0167] <Attaching detection operation>

[0168] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed by the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 for detecting the attachment of the front panel 10. This operation is performed not only before the heating unit 207 starts heating (see Figure 7 ), but also after the heating has started, and is continuously performed in the background. It should be noted that the symbol "S" in the drawings means "step".

[0169] The control unit 206 first determines whether the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) is attached to the main body device 20 (see Figure 1 ) (Step 1).

[0170] When the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, an affirmative result is obtained in Step 1. On the other hand, when the front panel 10 is removed from the front of the main body device 20, a negative result is obtained in Step 1. The attachment / detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal from the Hall IC.

[0171] When an affirmative result is obtained in Step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the state that prohibits the heating unit 207 from heating the aerosol source (Step 2).

[0172] However, canceling the prohibited heating state is different from starting heating. Heating of the rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 4 ) that constitutes the aerosol source is started by pressing the button 20B (see Figure 7 ) for 1 second or longer from above the front panel 10.

[0173] When a negative result is obtained in Step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 to a prohibited state (Step 3). This makes it possible to prevent the aerosol source from being heated when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0174] When performing Step 2 or Step 3, the control unit 206 repeatedly returns to Step 1 to determine whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20.

[0175] This attachment detection operation ensures that the user does not directly touch the main body device 20 during the heating operation.

[0176] <Identifying the functional type of the front panel>

[0177] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for identifying the functional type of the front panel implemented by the control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ) of the main body device 20 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 7 ).

[0178] Figure 9 The processing shown starts at the moment when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected, for example, by means of the output signal of a Hall IC. In addition, Figure 9 the processing shown can also start at the moment when a specific user operation has been received. The specific operations mentioned here include, for example: opening / closing the shutter 30 multiple times in a row (e.g., twice); operating the button 20B multiple times in a row (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by pressing the button 20B for a long time (e.g., 5 seconds or longer).

[0179] When Figure 9 the processing shown starts, the control unit 206 acquires the detection result of the structure 102 (Step 11).

[0180] The detection result is here for Figure 10 or Figure 11 obtained.

[0181] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the front panel 10 ( Figure 5 shown) attached to the main body device 20 and the structure 102 not detected.

[0182] Figure 10 Three states ST1 to ST3 are shown in

[0183] State ST1 indicates the state where the front panel 10 starts to be attached to the main body device 20, state ST2 indicates the state just before the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, and state ST3 indicates the state where the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20. It should be noted that state ST3 is also the state where the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by the Hall IC.

[0184] For state ST3, no object is in contact with the sensor 20D. Thus, non-contact is detected as the detection result.

[0185] Figure 11shows the front panel 10 to which the primary battery 101 can be attached ( Figure 6 the front panel 10 in) attached to the main body device 20 and a diagram showing the structure 102 detected.

[0186] Figure 11 Three states ST11 to ST13 are shown in.

[0187] State ST11 indicates the state where the front panel 10 starts to be attached to the main body device 20, state ST12 indicates the state just before the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, and state ST13 indicates the state where the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20. State ST13 is also the state where the Hall IC detects the attachment of the front panel 10.

[0188] For state ST13, the sensor 20D and the structure 102 are in contact. Thus, the contact is detected as a detection result.

[0189] The description will return to Figure 9 the description of.

[0190] The control unit 206 having the detection result identifies the function type (step 12). In the case of the present embodiment, based on the detection result of the structure 102, one of two types is identified.

[0191] Figure 12 is a table showing the relationship between the function type and the presence or absence of the structure 102 in the first embodiment. For example, this table is stored in the memory unit 204 (see Figure 7 ). It should be noted that the structure of the table is not limited to Figure 12 the data structure shown.

[0192] In Figure 12 the table shown, for each of type #1 and #2, information on "electronic components etc. mounted on the front panel", "presence or absence of the structure", and "function type" is recorded.

[0193] For example, type #1 corresponds to a so-called base panel. Therefore, "none" is recorded for each item. The function type "none" means that there is "no" additional function for decoration, protecting the main body, etc. outside the basic function.

[0194] On the other hand, type #2 is the front panel 10 on which the primary battery 101 can be mounted. Thus, the primary battery 101 is described as an electronic component mounted on the front panel 10, and the structure 102 is recorded as "present". In addition, "having an auxiliary power supply" is recorded as the function type. In Figure 12 the case of, each piece of information is represented in text, but it can also be represented by numbers and symbols recognizable by the control unit 206.

[0195] The description will return to Figure 9 the description.

[0196] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether the function type can be specified (step 13). In the case of this embodiment, the identification of the function type is based only on the presence or absence of the structure 102. However, when the function type is identified by the combination of multiple elements, there may be a situation where multiple combinations are satisfied simultaneously or none of these combinations are satisfied. Therefore, step 13 is provided in the processing example shown in Figure 9 shown.

[0197] If the function type is specified, an affirmative result is obtained in step 13. In this case, the control unit 206 changes the setting according to the specified function type (step 14).

[0198] If the function type is "having an auxiliary power supply", when the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 201 (for example, a mains power supply) drops below the threshold, the control unit 206 changes the setting to switch to power supply from the primary battery 101 of the front panel 10.

[0199] In addition, if the function type is "having an auxiliary power supply", the control unit 206 changes the setting so that a heating curve (also referred to as an "increasing amount curve" hereinafter) in which the aerosol generation amount increases during inhalation can be selected, for example.

[0200] When the function type is "having an auxiliary power supply", the control unit 206 can automatically change the heating curve to an increasing amount curve, and if the function type is "none", the control unit can automatically change the heating curve to a heating curve in which the aerosol generation amount during inhalation is a reference value (also referred to as a "standard curve" hereinafter).

[0201] When the function type is "having an auxiliary power supply", in addition to the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 201 as a mains power supply, the control unit 206 can also enable the setting to measure and display the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101 as an auxiliary power supply. The measurement and display can be separate here, or the indication can be the total value of the remaining capacity.

[0202] It should be noted that if the function type is "none", the control unit 206 is set to a state where only basic functions are performed, for example. That is, the heating curve is basically set to a standard curve. However, if an increasing amount curve is set, it can be switched from the standard curve to the increasing amount curve by the user's selection.

[0203] On the contrary, if the function type is not specified, a negative result is obtained in step 13. In this case, the control unit 206 notifies the user that the function type cannot be specified (step 15). The notification to the user can use, for example, the LED 20A (see Figure 4) or other light-emitting devices, display devices, sound output devices, vibration devices, etc.

[0204] <Overview>

[0205] In this embodiment, the control unit 206 automatically identifies which one of the front panel 10 that can be installed with a battery and the base front panel 10 without a battery installed on the main device 20. Then, the control unit 206 automatically changes the settings in the main device 20 according to the identified functional type.

[0206] In this way, the user can simply attach the front panel 10 to the main device 20 to complete the settings according to the functional type of the front panel 10. That is to say, by attaching the front panel 10, a change in the processing operation implemented by the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) can be achieved. In other words, it is easy to realize the cooperative operation between the front panel 10 and the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20).

[0207] It should be noted that although this embodiment has described the case where a structure 102 is provided on the back of the front panel 10, there may also be multiple detection positions for detecting the presence or absence of the structure 102. For example, multiple sensors 20D can be arranged to detect the presence or absence of the structure 102 in the main device 20. In this case, for example, if the number of sensors 20D is N, 2 to the power of N kinds of function identifications may be achieved.

[0208] In this embodiment, the sensor 20D identifies the functional type of the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 by the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102, but the functional type can also be identified by the thickness difference of the structure 102 or the height difference of the contact surface. The sensor 20D can use a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an optical color sensor, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, etc. to identify the functional type of the front panel 10 in a non-contact manner.

[0209] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of detecting the difference in the pushing amount of the detection pin on the sensor 20D side in contact with the structure 102. In Figure 13 this case, there are three types of pushing amounts: 0, Δ1, and Δ2. In this way, it is possible to identify three functional types.

[0210] It should be noted that a displacement sensor can be used as the sensor 20D to measure the distance to the structure 102, and the functional type can be identified by measuring the distance difference.

[0211] Alternatively, a magnetic material can be provided behind the front panel 10 in place of the structure 102, and the presence or absence of the magnetic material can be detected by the output of a Hall IC provided at a corresponding position. In this case, the presence or absence of the magnetic material is associated with the function type. In addition, the pattern (arrangement and number) of the arrangement of the magnetic material can allow identification of multiple function types. The arrangement pattern of the magnetic material is also an example of a structural feature.

[0212] In any case, a simple mechanism allows the main unit device 20 to identify the function type of the front panel 10.

[0213] <Example 2>

[0214] In this embodiment, a case where the function type of the front panel 10 can be notified by communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit device 20 will be described.

[0215] In this embodiment, the front panel 10 is provided with necessary wiring and electronic components for communication with the main unit device 20. Thus, the front panel 10 does not need to install the structure 102 for the purpose of indicating the function type.

[0216] Furthermore, in the case of this embodiment, the main unit device 20 also does not need to install the sensor 20D for detecting the presence or absence of the structure 102 on the front panel 10 side.

[0217] Other hardware and functional configurations are basically similar to those of Embodiment 1.

[0218] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit device 20 in Embodiment 2. In Figure 14 corresponding reference numerals for the components corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 4 those are given.

[0219] In Figure 14 communication using Bluetooth is envisaged. Accordingly, the front panel 10 has been removed from the main unit device 20. The front panel 10 here is an example of the front panel 10 to be attached to the main unit device 20.

[0220] Communication with the front panel 10 attached to the main unit device 20 can equally be envisaged. The communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit device 20 at the time of attachment can be wired communication by contacting or connecting communication terminals, or can be near field communication (NFC).

[0221] In Figure 14 the case, the information required to specify the function type is recorded in the IC chip 103. The IC chip 103 can be of a contact type or a non-contact type.

[0222] The information recorded in the IC chip 103 is read out from the main unit 20. The information required to specify the function type includes, for example, the model number, serial number, and model name of the front panel 10, the types and names of the installed electronic components, and the number indicating the function type.

[0223] Incidentally, the types and quantities of the electronic components 104 installed on the front panel 10 vary.

[0224] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the function type and the electronic components installed on the front panel 10.

[0225] In Figure 15 cases, the function type is represented by 4 digits, but it can also be represented by 5 digits or more.

[0226] In the case of this embodiment, any one of #1 to #16 indicating the function type is recorded on the previously described IC chip 103 (see Figure 14 ).

[0227] Type #1 corresponds to the base panel. Therefore, the electronic component 104 is "none".

[0228] Type #2 represents the front panel 10 equipped with the primary battery 101, and type #3 represents the front panel 10 equipped with the high-capacity primary battery 101. For example, the front panel 10 with one button cell is type #2, and the front panel 10 with two button cells is type #3.

[0229] Similarly, type #4 represents the front panel 10 equipped with the secondary battery, and type #5 represents the front panel 10 equipped with the high-capacity secondary battery.

[0230] Type #6 represents the front panel 10 equipped with the ROM storing the heating curve. It should be noted that if the content of the heating curve is different, the front panel can also be regarded as a different type of front panel 10. Here, the heating curve can be an increase curve or a heating curve in which the aerosol generation amount is less than the reference value during inhalation (hereinafter also referred to as "decrease curve"). In addition, the type of heating curve stored in the front panel 10 may not be limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, the front panel 10 can store an increase curve and a decrease curve.

[0231] If the front panel 10 is equipped with the ROM storing the heating curve, the control unit 206 changes to a setting that allows selection of the heating curve, for example.

[0232] The control unit 206 can change the settings to preferably apply the heating curve stored in the attached front panel 10. If the heating curve stored in the front panel 10 is prioritized, the user can change the heating curve for heating the aerosol source only by replacing the front panel 10.

[0233] The control unit 206 can also rewrite or otherwise record the heating curve stored in the front panel 10 in the memory unit 204 of the main device 20 (see Figure 7 ). However, additional recording is limited to the case where the memory unit 204 supports recording multiple heating curves. In this case, even after the front panel 10 has been removed, the main device 20 can continue inhalation according to the heating curve read from the removed front panel 10.

[0234] The heating curve stored in the front panel 10 can also be read-only and is a setting used for heating the aerosol only when selected by the user.

[0235] Type #7 indicates the front panel 10 equipped with a non-volatile RAM. The data stored in the non-volatile RAM is optional, but can be limited to the heating curve. For example, the non-volatile RAM can be used as a backup area for the memory unit 204 of the main device 20. In addition, if the number of heating curves that can be written to the memory unit 204 of the main device 20 is two, the third or later heating curve can be written to the non-volatile RAM. The control unit 206 detects the attachment of the front panel 10 equipped with a non-volatile RAM to the main device 20 and sets the non-volatile RAM as an extended memory of the memory unit 204.

[0236] Type #8 indicates the front panel 10 equipped with an atmospheric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In Figure 15 this case, three types of sensors are installed, but only one of these sensors can also be installed, or other sensors can be installed. When the heating curve can be changed, such as according to the usage environment, the control unit 206 can switch the heating curve to be applied based on the atmospheric pressure and other information obtained from the front panel 10.

[0237] Type #9 indicates the front panel 10 equipped with a display. It should be noted that when the size and shape of the display are different, the front panel can also be regarded as a different type of front panel 10. When the front panel 10 equipped with a display is attached to the main device 20, the control unit 206 changes the display to the output destination of information instead of the LED 20A. Depending on the size and arrangement of the display, the LED 20A and the display can be used simultaneously to notify information.

[0238] Type #10 represents the front panel 10 equipped with a camera. When the front panel 10 equipped with a camera is attached to the main body device 20, the control unit 206 can identify the brand, etc. from the appearance of the container accommodating the rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 7 ) imaged by the camera mounted on the front panel 10, and select a heating curve suitable for the identified brand, etc.

[0239] Type #11 represents the front panel 10 equipped with a GPS (= Global Positioning System) sensor. When the front panel 10 equipped with a GPS sensor is attached, the control unit 206 uses the position information received from the GPS sensor to implement a processing function. For example, the heating curve corresponding to the region or country corresponding to the detected position information is selected as the heating curve of the aerosol source. In addition, for example, if the position detected by the GPS sensor falls into a prohibited inhalation space or a prohibited inhalation area, the control unit 206 performs a process such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source.

[0240] Type #12 represents the front panel 10 equipped with a biometric sensor. The sensors include, for example, a heart rate sensor, a pulse sensor, a blood oxygen saturation sensor, and a blood flow sensor. The front panel 10 may be equipped with all the sensors shown, equipped with only one sensor, or may be equipped with sensors not described. When the front panel 10 equipped with a biometric sensor is attached, if a poor physical condition is estimated from the measured biometric information (for example, if an abnormal value is measured), the control unit 206 performs a process such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source.

[0241] Type #13 represents the front panel 10 equipped with a communication module. The communication module undertakes the communication function with an external network (such as WiFi or a mobile communication system (for example, 5G)) here. When the front panel 10 equipped with a communication module is attached, the control unit 206 communicates with a server operated by, for example, the supplier of the aerosol source or the supplier of the main body device 20, and implements a process to request the provision of advertisements, guidance, contact, warnings, or other services to the user of the main body device 20.

[0242] Incidentally, in the case of Figure 15 , #14 to #16 are reserved areas.

[0243] In addition, although typical electronic components 104 are shown in Figure 15 , a plurality of these electronic components 104 can be installed on one front panel 10. For example, a secondary battery of type #4, a ROM of type #6, and a display of type #9 can be installed on one front panel 10.

[0244] <Specific Example>

[0245] In the following, a specific example of a cooperative operation implemented when the front panel 10 equipped with a ROM and a secondary battery as the electronic component 104 is attached to the main device 20 is described.

[0246] Figure 16 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the power supply system circuit in the front panel 10 and the main device 20.

[0247] In Figure 16 this case, the front panel 10 is provided with a recording function type IC chip 103, an electronic component 104 (secondary battery and ROM), a remaining battery meter 105 for measuring the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, a boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106, and a communication unit 107 for notifying the measured remaining capacity to the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0248] The secondary battery as the electronic component 104 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0249] The remaining battery meter 105 is a circuit that calculates the remaining amount of the secondary battery based on the power supply current IBAT and the power supply voltage VBAT that appear in the power supply line of the secondary battery. It should be noted that the calculation of the remaining amount by the remaining battery meter 105 can be implemented, for example, at a predetermined cycle or timing, or can be implemented only when directed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The calculated remaining amount is notified to the control unit 206.

[0250] The boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106 is a circuit for generating a system power supply Vsys of 3.3V from the output voltage of the secondary battery. The generated system power supply Vsys is supplied to the IC chip 103, the ROM as the electronic component 104, the remaining battery meter 105, and the communication unit 107. In this embodiment, the heating curve is recorded in the ROM.

[0251] The communication unit 107 is a Bluetooth module.

[0252] On the other hand, the power supply unit 201 of the main device 20 is composed of a secondary battery 201A and a power supply unit 201B.

[0253] The secondary battery 201A is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0254] The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and performs voltage level conversion according to the operation mode.

[0255] The power supply unit 201B generates a system power supply Vsys for the electronic components in the main device 20. In addition, the power supply unit 201B supplies power to the LED 20A (see Figure 4) The power line output, for example, is 5V, and the power line output connected to the heating unit 207 is, for example, 4.2V.

[0256] In addition, when the secondary battery 201B is charged by an external power source, the power supply unit 201A outputs, for example, 4.2V to the power line connected to the secondary battery 201A.

[0257] The external power source mentioned herein includes a mains power source and a mobile battery, and further includes the secondary battery on the front panel 10.

[0258] The USB cable is used to supply power from the mains power source or the mobile battery, so the corresponding power supply terminal is Figure 16 represented by VUSB.

[0259] The power supply unit 201B is also connected to the power line for charging the secondary battery on the front panel 10 and the power line for receiving power from the secondary battery on the front panel 10.

[0260] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the USB charging operation implemented by the control unit 206.

[0261] The control unit 206 first determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 21).

[0262] When a USB connection is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21.

[0263] Meanwhile, when a USB connection is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether a secondary battery is installed on the front panel 10 (step 22).

[0264] When a secondary battery is installed on the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 22. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 23A). It should be noted that the actual charging can be carried out as follows: either the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 or the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is first charged to full capacity, and then the other secondary battery is charged to full capacity. The charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 can also be performed in parallel.

[0265] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether both secondary batteries are fully charged (step 24A).

[0266] If either of the two secondary batteries is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 24A. Meanwhile, when both of the two secondary batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 24A.

[0267] If a negative result is obtained in step 24A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been detached (step 25A).

[0268] If the USB cable is still attached, a negative result is obtained in step 25A. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 24A.

[0269] Meanwhile, if the USB cable has been detached during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 25A.

[0270] If a positive result is obtained in step 24A or if a positive result is obtained in step 25A, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 26A).

[0271] Thereafter, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

[0272] The description will return to the determination in step 22.

[0273] When the secondary battery is not installed on the front panel 10, a negative result is obtained in step 22 (including not only the case where no battery is installed but also the case where the installed battery is a primary battery). In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 (step 23B).

[0274] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery in the main unit 20 is fully charged (step 24B).

[0275] If the secondary battery is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 24B. Meanwhile, if the secondary battery is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 24B.

[0276] If a negative result is obtained in step 24B, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been detached (step 25B).

[0277] If the USB cable is still attached, a negative result is obtained in step 25B. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 24B.

[0278] Meanwhile, if the USB cable has been detached during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 25B.

[0279] If an affirmative result is obtained in step 24B or if an affirmative result is obtained in step 25B, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 (step 26B).

[0280] Thereafter, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

[0281] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the USB charging operation.

[0282] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining power in the secondary battery in the main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining power in the secondary battery in the front panel 10.

[0283] In Figure 18 In the initial state T1, the secondary batteries on the front panel 10 and in the main unit 20 are both fully charged.

[0284] At time point T2, the remaining power in the secondary batteries on the front panel 10 and in the main unit 20 has dropped below full charge in both cases. When the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging starts.

[0285] At T3 when the USB charging ends, the secondary batteries on the front panel 10 and in the main unit 20 both return to being fully charged.

[0286] <Overview>

[0287] In the case of this embodiment, the information of the electronic component 104 installed on the front panel 10 is read out through communication with the main unit 20. Therefore, the number of combinations of the types of electronic components and the front panel 10 that can be recognized by the main unit 20 can be more easily increased than in Embodiment 1. For example, by updating the firmware or updating Figure 15 the shown correspondence relationship, it is possible to easily adapt to the adoption of new electronic components or the release of a new front panel 10.

[0288] In the case of this embodiment, the main unit 20 can read or specify the functional type of the front panel 10 through communication, and thus more detailed information can be obtained than in Embodiment 1.

[0289] <Embodiment 3>

[0290] In this embodiment, the case of recording a magnetic pattern indicating the functional type of the front panel 10 will be described.

[0291] In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the special structure 102 on the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 as in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 6), and there is no need to provide a communication unit 107 on the front panel 10 as in Embodiment 2 (see Figure 16 ).

[0292] Therefore, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are thus the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0293] Figure 19 is a diagram showing a method for reading the functional type of the front panel in Embodiment 3. In Figure 19 are given the corresponding reference numerals of the components corresponding to Figure 4 and Figure 5 those.

[0294] In the case of this embodiment, information on the functional type specified by the electronic components or combination of electronic components mounted on the front panel 10 is recorded as a magnetic pattern.

[0295] The magnetic stripe 110 on which the magnetic pattern is recorded can be attached to the front panel 10 or to a magnetic card 120 that is an accessory of the front panel 10.

[0296] When the magnetic stripe 110 is attached to the front panel 10, the magnetic stripe 110 is attached to the peripheral edge at the back of the front panel 10 or the like.

[0297] In Figure 19 case, the magnetic reader 40 and the main body device 20 are connected by a USB cable, and the magnetic pattern recorded in the magnetic stripe of the front panel 10 or in the magnetic card 120 is read. However, the magnetic reader 40 can be attached to a part of the main body device 20.

[0298] It should be noted that if the shape of the front panel 10 is not suitable for reading the magnetic stripe, the magnetic card 120 is adopted.

[0299] <Overview>

[0300] In the case of this embodiment, the main body device 20 can obtain information on the electronic components 104 mounted on the front panel 10 by reading the magnetic pattern. In addition, the magnetic reader 40 for reading the magnetic pattern can be used by connecting to the USB connector 21, and thus there is no need to change the design of the main body device 20 or the like. In this way, a simple mechanism allows the main body device 20 to identify the functional type of the front panel 10.

[0301] In addition, as in Embodiment 2, the above configuration allows obtaining more detailed information than in Embodiment 1.

[0302] It should be noted that an IC chip 103 can be installed (see Figure 14) Instead of a magnetic stripe that records a magnetic pattern. In this case, instead of the magnetic reader 40, an IC chip reader can be connected to the main body device 20, and the information recorded in the IC chip 103 can be read by the IC chip reader.

[0303] <Embodiment 4>

[0304] In this embodiment, a case where the functional type of the front panel 10 is identified using an image obtained by imaging the appearance of the front panel 10 will be described.

[0305] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the appearance of the front panel 10 is imaged by a camera (see Figure 7 ) that serves as the sensor unit 202 of the main body device 20 or by a camera of a smartphone or tablet terminal capable of communicating with the main body device 20.

[0306] It should be noted that the appearance of the front panel 10 needs to have unique features so that the functional type can be specified. It is also necessary to provide in the main body device 20 a table and other information associated with the functional type and the unique features extracted from the captured image.

[0307] Other hardware and functional configurations are basically similar to those of Embodiment 1.

[0308] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in Embodiment 4. In Figure 20 are given the corresponding reference numerals of the components corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 4 those.

[0309] In Figure 20 shown on the surface of the front panel 10, diagonal lines are drawn as a pattern indicating the functional type. The information for identification can be represented not only by the pattern, but also by the color of the lines constituting the pattern, the thickness of the lines constituting the pattern, the color difference (for example, in Figure 20 the example of, the combination of the color of the surface above the diagonal line and the color of the surface below the diagonal line). The pattern can also be formed as an uneven pattern on the surface of the front panel 10, or can be represented by the number or size of the cuts or holes or a pattern combining these.

[0310] The appearance indicating the functional type is solely for cooperation with the main body device 20 and thus does not necessarily match the user's preference. To solve this problem, the appearance indicating the functional type of the front panel 10 can be provided on the rear side of the front panel 10. In this case, the user can select a front panel 10 having a surface texture or design suitable for their preference.

[0311] Furthermore, in Figure 20In the case where the appearance of the front panel 10 to be attached is imaged by a camera provided in the main body device 20, the front panel 10 is removed, but the appearance of another front panel 10 to be newly attached can be imaged through the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20.

[0312] In addition, a smartphone or tablet terminal can be used instead of Figure 20 the main body device 20 in to image the appearance of the front panel 10, and the captured image can be provided to the main body device 20 from the smartphone or the like via Bluetooth communication. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main body device 20 processes the received image to specify the functional type of the front panel 10.

[0313] It should be noted that the process of specifying the functional type from the captured image can be implemented on a server or the like operated by the supplier of the front panel 10, or can be implemented on a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like used by the user. In this case, only the information of the specified result is set from the server or the like to the main body device 20. It should be noted that uploading the image to the server can be directly implemented by the main body device 20 that has captured the image, can be implemented by the smartphone or the like that has received the image from the main body device 20, or can be directly implemented by the smartphone or the like that has captured the image.

[0314] <Overview>

[0315] In this embodiment, a camera installed in the main body device 20 or a camera installed in a smartphone or the like can be used to image the appearance of the front panel 10, and the functional type of the front panel 10 can be specified only by processing the captured image. That is, the functional type can be specified using the image. This requires that the appearance of the front panel 10 has unique features capable of specifying the functional type, but does not require the structure 102 as in Embodiment 1 or the installation of a communication function in the front panel 10 as in Embodiment 2.

[0316] <Embodiment 5>

[0317] This embodiment also uses image information. However, in this embodiment, the case of using the image obtained by imaging the characters printed or engraved on the front panel 10 to identify the functional type of the front panel 10 will be described.

[0318] In this embodiment, the main body device 20 or the like needs to be provided with a function for recognizing a character string from the captured image and a table or other information associating the recognized character string with the functional type.

[0319] Other hardware and functional configurations are basically similar to those of Embodiment 1.

[0320] Figure 21This is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in Example 5. In Figure 21 the corresponding reference numerals for the components corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 4 are given.

[0321] In the case of Figure 21 ″N10001″ is formed as a printed or uneven pattern on the back of the front panel 10.

[0322] Similarly, in the case of Figure 21 the string of the attached front panel 10 is imaged by a camera provided in the main body device 20, where the front panel 10 is removed, but the string of another front panel 10 to be newly attached can be imaged through the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20.

[0323] In addition, a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be used instead of Figure 21 the main body device 20 in

[0324] to image the string etc. printed on the front panel 10, and the captured image can be provided to the main body device 20 through Bluetooth communication, such as provided from a smartphone.

[0325] <Overview>

[0326] In this embodiment, a camera installed in the main body device 20 or a camera installed in a smartphone etc. can be used to image the string etc. printed on the front panel 10, and the functional type of the front panel 10 can be specified only by performing OCR (= optical character recognition) on the imaged string. That is, the functional type can be specified using an image. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need for a structure 102 as in Example 1 or a communication function installed in the front panel 10 as in Example 2.

[0327] <Example 6>

[0328] This embodiment also uses image information. However, in this embodiment, the case of using an image obtained by imaging a QR code or a barcode (hereinafter referred to as a "graphic code") printed on the front panel 10 to identify the functional type will be described.

[0329] In this embodiment, the main body device 20 etc. need to be provided with a function for decoding the imaged graphic code to read the functional type.

[0330] Other hardware and functional configurations are basically similar to those in Example 1.

[0331] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing a method for specifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in Embodiment 6. In Figure 22 corresponding reference numerals for the components corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 4 those are given.

[0332] In the case of Figure 22 a QR code is printed on the back of the front panel 10.

[0333] Also in the case of Figure 22 the QR code of the attached front panel 10 is imaged by a camera provided in the main body device 20, where the front panel 10 is removed, but the QR code of another front panel 10 to be newly attached can be imaged through the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20.

[0334] In addition, a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be used instead of Figure 22 the main body device 20 in to image the QR code printed on the front panel 10, and the image of the captured QR code can be set to the main body device 20 from a smartphone or the like through Bluetooth communication, so as to specify the functional type by processing the image captured by the main body device 20.

[0335] It should be noted that the process for specifying the functional type from the captured QR code can be implemented on a server or the like operated by the supplier of the front panel 10, or can be implemented on a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. used by the user.

[0336] <Overview>

[0337] In this embodiment, a camera installed in the main body device 20 or a camera installed in a smartphone or the like can be used to image the QR code or the like printed on the front panel 10, and the functional type of the front panel 10 can be specified only by processing the captured image. That is, the functional type can be specified using an image. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need for the structure 102 as in Embodiment 1 or the communication function installed in the front panel 10 as in Embodiment 2.

[0338] <Embodiment 7>

[0339] In this embodiment, paying attention to the heating curve that can be read from the front panel 10, a situation will be described in which the functional characteristics of the front panel 10 to be attached or attached are recognized and reflected in the processing operation of the main body device 20. That is, instead of recognizing the functional characteristics from the combination of the installed electronic components 104, the functional characteristics are recognized from the heating curve.

[0340] It should be noted that the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are thus the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0341] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing a method for specifying the function type of the front panel 10 in Embodiment 7. In Figure 23 corresponding Figure 1 and Figure 4 the corresponding reference numerals of the components are given.

[0342] In Figure 23 case, the front panel 10 is at least equipped with a ROM as the electronic component 104, and a heating curve is recorded in the ROM. In Figure 23 an example is shown in which the main body device 20 reads the information of the heating curve recorded in the front panel 10.

[0343] The heating curve includes, for example, a standard curve, an increment curve, a decrement curve, a temperature adaptation curve, a humidity adaptation curve, a curve with preheating, and a physical condition monitoring curve.

[0344] The temperature adaptation curve herein refers to a heating curve including functions such as switching or adjusting the heating curve according to temperature during use. For example, in the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) using the front panel 10 storing the heating curve, the following cooperative operations are performed.

[0345] ■ For example, when the temperature before the start of inhalation is outside the use ambient temperature (-10°C to +45°C), the mains power supply is forcibly controlled to be turned off.

[0346] ■ For example, when the temperature before the start of inhalation is outside the use ambient temperature (-10°C to +45°C), the heating of the aerosol source does not start or the ongoing heating stops.

[0347] ■ For example, when the temperature before the start of inhalation is outside the use ambient temperature (-10°C to +45°C), the cooling fan is activated or the Peltier type cooling unit is actuated to lower the temperature in the device.

[0348] ■ When the temperature before the start of inhalation drops below 5°C, the aerosol source is preheated (i.e., preheated) to a temperature lower than the main heating temperature (the temperature at which aerosol is generated from the aerosol source) before the start of the main heating, in order to increase the aerosol generated during the main heating.

[0349] The temperature adaptation curve refers to a heating curve including functions such as switching or adjusting the heating curve according to humidity during use. For example, in the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) using the front panel 10 storing the heating curve, when the humidity at the start of inhalation is 80% or higher, the aerosol source is preheated before the start of the main heating.

[0350] The physical condition monitoring curve refers to a heating curve used to monitor the user's physical condition before starting use or during use (including during inhalation) and to control the heating operation of the aerosol source. For example, in the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) using the front panel 10 storing the heating curve, if an abnormal value is detected in the user's biometric information by comparison with a reference value, the control unit 206 performs a process such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source or stopping the heating operation.

[0351] It should be noted that the information representing the heating curve includes, for example, the name and type of the curve, the presence or absence of specific parameter values, the magnitude of the numerical values, and the like.

[0352] When the heating curve of the front panel 10 is recorded in the ROM, other electronic components 104 installed on the front panel 10 can also be inferred. It should be understood that, for example, when the temperature adaptation curve is recorded in the ROM, a temperature sensor is installed on the front panel 10, and the measured temperature can be obtained by communicating with the main body device 20. Similarly, it should be understood that, for example, when the humidity adaptation curve is recorded in the ROM, a humidity sensor is installed on the front panel 10, and the measured humidity can be obtained by communicating with the main body device 20.

[0353] <Overview>

[0354] This embodiment is limited to the case where the heating curve is recorded on the front panel 10, but it is not necessary to provide the front panel 10 with the structure 102 or the appearance features indicating the function type as in other embodiments.

[0355] In addition, in this embodiment, by the user simply attaching the used front panel 10 to the main body device 20, the cooperative operation corresponding to the heating curve of the front panel 10 is automatically achieved.

[0356] <Other Embodiments>

[0357] (1) The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes various modifications or improvements made to the above embodiments.

[0358] (2) The above embodiments describe a case where the joint between the front panel 10 and the main body device 20 forms a continuous and step-free connection with an integral appearance, but the joint may also include steps or cuts, etc., as long as it has an integral appearance with the main body device 20.

[0359] (3) The above embodiments describe a situation where the aerosol source is solid, but the aerosol source can equally be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a system is employed in which the aerosol source is guided to a narrow tube called a wick by using capillary action, and a coil wound around the wick is heated, thereby vaporizing the aerosol source.

[0360] (4) The above embodiments describe an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source, but the aerosol generating device can equally generate aerosol by heating each of a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source separately. This type of aerosol generating device is also referred to as a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0361] (5) The above embodiments describe an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) with the front panel 10 attached as an electronic device, but the electronic device can equally be an electronic device that is available in a state where a cover member (including a main body cover or a protective cover) or a panel member is attached, the cover member or the panel member being detachable from the device main body, and examples of such electronic devices include a remote controller, a game device, a music player, a video camera, a digital camera, an electronic dictionary, and an electronic calculator.

[0362] (6) The above embodiments describe an example where aerosol generation is permitted only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, but aerosol can also be generated when the front panel 10 is not attached to the main body device 20.

[0363] In this case, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20 is used to expand the functions that can be implemented by the main body device 20. For example, the main body device 20 with the front panel 10 removed operates only using the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Figure 16 ), and the main body device 20 with the front panel 10 attached and equipped with a secondary battery realizes the function of using the power from the battery (primary battery, secondary battery 104) on the front panel 10.

[0364] (7) The above embodiments describe a state where aerosol may be generated when an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is in an operable state, but this is not restrictive. For example, as long as another function is running, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is in an operable state even if aerosol cannot be generated due to a lack of power. Another function mentioned here includes, for example, a function for checking and presenting the remaining power in the secondary battery 201A, a function for acquiring and presenting the inhalation history, and a function for communicating with an external terminal.

[0365] (8) The above-described embodiments describe an example in which the operation of the button 20B provided on the main body device 20 causes deformation by pressing the front panel 10 assembled to the main body device 20, but an instruction may be input to the main body device 20 by a method different from deforming the front panel 10.

[0366] For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10 as a notification unit, and information indicating a user operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ) in the main body device 20 via a communication unit (not shown).

[0367] 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 (see Figure 7 ) in the main body device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). The touch panel and the switch mentioned herein are examples of operation units.

[0368] In addition, a heat insulation structure is used on the surface member and inside this type of main body device 20.

[0369] <Overview>

[0370] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features.

[0371] (1) An electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit identifies a functional type of a lid member to be attached or attached to a device main body.

[0372] (2) The electronic device according to (1), wherein the control unit controls cooperation with an electronic component provided on the lid member based on an identification result of the functional type.

[0373] (3) The electronic device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit controls cooperation with an electronic component provided on the lid member based on an identification result of the functional type.

[0374] (4) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit identifies the functional type of the lid member by detecting a structural feature provided on the lid member.

[0375] (5) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit identifies the functional type of the lid member by reading a magnetic pattern.

[0376] (6) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit identifies the functional type of the lid member from information read by communication with the lid member.

[0377] (7) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit uses an image of the lid member imaged by the camera to identify the functional type of the lid member.

[0378] (8) The electronic device according to (7), wherein the control unit reads character information on the lid member as the image.

[0379] (9) The electronic device according to (7), wherein the control unit reads a graphic code attached to the lid member as the image.

[0380] (10) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit identifies the functional type based on information representing a control sequence readable from the lid member.

[0381] (11) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein attachment of the lid member to the device body covers a part of the surface of the device body with the lid member.

[0382] (12) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit detects attachment of the lid member to the device body, and the attachment is one of the conditions enabling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source.

[0383] (13) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the lid member attached to the device body allows a switch provided on the device body to be operated by pressing by a user.

[0384] (14) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein a part of the device body not covered by the lid member forms an integral appearance with the lid member.

[0385] (15) A program for causing a computer provided in an electronic device having a battery to implement a function of identifying the functional type of a lid member to be attached or attached to a device body.

[0386] List of reference numerals

[0387] 1…Aerosol generating device, 10…Front panel, 10A…Main body panel, 10B…Window, 10C, 20C…Magnet, 20…Main body device, 20A…LED, 20B…Button, 20D…Sensor, 21…USB connector, 22…Hole, 30…Shield, 101…Primary battery, 102…Structure, 103…IC chip, 104…Electronic component, 105…Remaining battery level meter, 106…Boost / buck DC / DC circuit,…201…Power supply unit, 201A…Secondary battery, 201B…Power supply unit, 202…Sensor unit, 203…Notification unit, 204…Memory unit, 205…Communication unit, 206…Control unit, 207…Heating unit, 208…Heat insulation part, 209…Holding part, 210…Rod-shaped substrate.

Claims

1. An electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein, the control unit identifies a functional type of a cover member to be attached or attached to the device body.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit designates an electronic component provided to the cover member based on the identification result of the functional type.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the control unit controls the cooperation with the electronic component provided to the cover member based on the identification result of the functional type.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control unit identifies the functional type of the cover member by detecting a structural feature provided to the cover member.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control unit identifies the functional type of the cover member by reading a magnetic pattern.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control unit identifies the functional type of the cover member from information read by communicating with the cover member.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control unit uses an image of the cover member imaged by a camera to identify the functional type of the cover member.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, the control unit reads character information on the cover member as the image.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, the control unit reads a graphic code attached to the cover member as the image.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein, the control unit identifies the functional type based on information representing a control sequence readable from the cover member.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, attachment of the cover member to the device body covers a part of the surface of the device body with the cover member.

12. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein, the control unit detects attachment of the cover member to the device body, and the attachment is one of the conditions that enables the aerosol source to be heated by the heating unit.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, the cover member attached to the device body allows a switch provided on the device body to be operated by a user's pressing.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, a part of the device body not covered by the cover member forms an integral appearance with the cover member.

15. A program for causing a computer provided in an electronic device having a battery to implement: a function for identifying a functional type of a cover member to be attached or attached to a device body.

Images