Suction device and information processing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of a user experience. Provided is a suction device provided with: a housing section having an inner space and an opening through which the inner space communicates with the outside; a first detection unit that detects a state of the internal space; a second detection unit that detects information associated with a state of the suction device; and a control unit that, on the basis of a detection result obtained by the second detection unit, performs control of switching the first detection unit to an operation mode for performing detection of the state of the interior space or a stop mode for stopping detection of the state of the interior space, and when the mode of the first detection unit is in an operation mode, performing a determination of whether to control an operation of the suction device according to a detection value detected by the first detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inhalation device and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] Inhalation devices (such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers) that generate substances to be inhaled by a user are in wide use. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a matrix (including a flavor source, etc.) for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol to produce a flavored aerosol. A user can enjoy a flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action by which the user inhales the aerosol is also referred to hereinafter as "puffing" or "puffing action".

[0003] For the purpose of further improving the quality of the user experience when using such inhalation devices, various technical developments are underway. For example, the following PTL 1 describes such a technique in which light is emitted, the phosphorescence characteristics of the reflected light are detected, and the operation of the inhalation device is controlled based on the detection result.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2019-528710 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] However, depending on the state of the inhalation device, controlling the operation of the inhalation device based on the detection result from a sensor may also conceivably run counter to the user's expectations.

[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure takes into account the above problems, and one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure for solving the above problems provides an inhalation device, the inhalation device comprising: a housing portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside; a first detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space; a second detection unit for detecting information related to the state of the inhalation device; and a control unit for, based on the detection result obtained by means of the second detection unit: performing control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and when the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, making a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device according to the detection value detected by means of the first detection unit.

[0012] The inhalation device may further comprise a heating unit for heating a substrate accommodated in the housing portion, and the operation of the inhalation device may be heating provided by the heating unit, for which operation, the decision on whether to perform control is made by the control unit based on the detection result obtained by means of the second detection unit.

[0013] The inhalation device may further comprise a lid portion capable of opening / closing the opening leading to the internal space of the housing portion, and the second detection unit may detect at least any one of the following: the opening / closing of the opening by the lid portion; the input of a start or stop instruction detected by the first detection unit; or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, which is a state in which an error related to the operation of the inhalation device has occurred and cannot be automatically resolved by the control unit.

[0014] When the second detection unit has detected the closing of the opening, the input of a stop instruction detected by the first detection unit, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit may perform control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the operation mode to the stop mode.

[0015] The inhalation device may comprise a plurality of first detection units, and when the second detection unit has detected the closing of the opening, the input of a stop instruction detected by these first detection units, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit may perform control to switch the mode of all of these plurality of first detection units in the operation mode to the stop mode.

[0016] When the second detection unit has detected the opening of the opening, the input of a start instruction detected by these first detection units, or the clearing of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit may perform control to switch the mode of these first detection units from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0017] When the second detection unit has detected that the opening is open, an instruction to start detection by only one of the plurality of first detection units has been input, or an impossible automatic error resolution state has been cleared, the control unit may perform control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0018] The inhalation device may further include: a heating unit configured to heat a substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; and a power supply unit configured to store electric power, and the second detection unit may detect at least any one of the following: a charging connection to and disconnection from the power supply unit; an input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented or prohibited; a start or termination of a switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, the heating curve indicating a time-series change of heating performed by the heating unit; a start or clearing of an automatic error resolution state, the state being a state where an error related to the operation of the inhalation device has occurred and the error can be automatically resolved by means of the control unit; or an instruction to cause the inhalation device to sleep or cancel sleep.

[0019] A charging connection to the power supply unit, an input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit is prohibited, a start of a switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, a start of an automatic error resolution state, or an instruction to cause the inhalation device to sleep may constitute a first operation; a charging disconnection from the power supply unit, an input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented, a termination of a switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, a clearing of an automatic error resolution state, or an instruction to cancel the sleep of the inhalation device may constitute a second operation; and when the second detection unit has detected the first operation, the control unit may determine that the operation of the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until the second operation is detected.

[0020] The inhalation device may include a plurality of first detection units, and the control unit may control the plurality of first detection units such that when the second detection unit has detected the first operation, the mode of only one of the plurality of first detection units is the operation mode.

[0021] When the second detection unit has detected the first operation during a period from when a detection value exceeding a first threshold for determining substrate insertion is detected by the first detection unit until a detection value falling below a second threshold for determining substrate extraction is detected, the control unit may determine that the operation of the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detection value falling below the second threshold is detected by the first detection unit.

[0022] When a detected value exceeding a first threshold has been detected during a period from when a first operation is detected by a second detection unit until a second operation is detected by the second detection unit, the control unit may determine that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detected value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detected value falling below a second threshold is detected by the first detection unit.

[0023] The first detection unit may detect the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting the received reflected light.

[0024] The inhalation device may further include a substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion.

[0025] Furthermore, another aspect of the present disclosure for solving the above problems provides an information processing method implemented by a computer for controlling an inhalation device, the inhalation device including: an accommodation portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside; a first detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space; and a second detection unit for detecting information related to the situation of the inhalation device, and the information processing method includes, based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit: performing control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and when the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, making a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device according to the detected value detected by the first detection unit.

[0026] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0027] The present disclosure as described above provides a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of the inhalation device.

[0029] Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment, in which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the inhalation device.

[0031] Figure 4 schematically shows the configuration near the accommodation portion 140 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 ​​​​​is a schematic diagram showing a detailed configuration of the light sensor unit 170 near the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram in which the accommodation part 140 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment is seen from the side of the opening 142 (i.e., from the top).

[0034] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the light sensor unit 170 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the light sensor unit 170 on the time axis.

[0036] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram for showing a specific example of the detection control unit 179 that sends an interruption notification.

[0037] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of the cleaning article 190 according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 schematically shows a situation in which the accommodation part 140 has a rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted therein as seen from the side of the opening 142 (i.e., from the top).

[0039] Figure 12 schematically shows a situation in which the accommodation part 140 has a cleaning article 190 inserted therein as seen from the side of the opening 142 (i.e., from the top).

[0040] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing flow for automatic heating, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination processing flow for an inserted article based on multiple replacement control operations, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing flow for automatic heating according to the detection result of the sensor unit 112, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing flow for resetting the automatic heating control flow, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Detailed Description​​​​​​​​​​​

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0045] In the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may also be distinguished by using the same reference numeral followed by different letters of the alphabet. For example, a plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as "light sensor unit 170A" and "light sensor unit 170B". However, if it is not necessary to specifically distinguish between each of such plurality of elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is assigned. For example, if it is not necessary to distinguish between light sensor unit 170A and light sensor unit 170B, these are simply referred to as "(a plurality of) light sensor units 170".

[0046] <1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device>

[0047] (1) Internal Configuration Example

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an internal configuration example of an inhalation device. As Figure 1 shown therein, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a housing portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 144.

[0049] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to the control executed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion secondary battery).

[0050] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc.), and acquires values associated with inhalation performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device (such as a button or a switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0051] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 is configured by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

[0052] The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100. For example, the memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as, flash memory).

[0053] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of communication standards that can be used include standards employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0054] The control unit 116 acts as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit (such as, a microprocessor).

[0055] The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141 and accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the inhalation device 100, and the air inlet hole is an entrance for air to enter the flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, and the air outlet hole serves as an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141.

[0056] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler (e.g., a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), or alternatively may be a solid including tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. In a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is received in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air flow path not shown in the drawings and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0057] The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating an aerosol. In Figure 1 the example shown, the heating unit 121 has a film form and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the receiving portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started to inhale and / or has input a predetermined information. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has completed inhaling and / or has input a predetermined information, the power supply may be stopped.

[0058] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is configured of a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerosol heat insulation material, etc.

[0059] The configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above and may adopt various configurations, such as those shown by way of example below.

[0060] As an example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged so as to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-like heating unit 121 is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heats the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In addition, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a second blade-like heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0061] As another example, the accommodating portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening / closing a part of the housing forming the internal space 141. By opening / closing the housing, the accommodating portion 140 can then receive and hold the rod-shaped matrix 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be provided on the portion of the accommodating portion 140 that holds the rod-shaped matrix 150 and may heat the rod-shaped matrix 150 while pressing it.

[0062] In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0063] It can be understood that the aerosol generating system for generating an aerosol is constructed by the cooperation of the inhalation device 100 and the rod-shaped matrix 150. Alternatively, the inhalation device 100 may be understood to include the rod-shaped matrix 150.

[0064] (2) External configuration example

[0065] Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment, in which the rod-shaped matrix 150 is accommodated in the inhalation device.

[0066] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown in, the inhalation device 100 includes: a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a cover portion 14, a ventilation port 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other, thereby constructing the outermost housing 11 of the inhalation device 100. The housing 11 has a size that can be held in the user's hand. When the user uses the inhalation device 100, the user can inhale the flavor while holding the inhalation device 100 in their hand.

[0067] The top housing 11A has an opening (not depicted), and the cover member 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close this opening. As Figure 3 shown, the cover member 12 includes an opening 142 that enables insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150. The cover portion 14 is configured to open / close the opening 142 in the cover member 12.

[0068] The switch 13 is used to turn on and off the operation of the inhalation device 100. For example, in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted from the opening 142 into the internal space 141 (as Figure 3 shown), the user operates the switch 13, whereby power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be heated without combustion. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150, and the flavor of the flavor source is absorbed by the aerosol. Then, the user sucks the portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 that protrudes from the inhalation device 100 ( Figure 3 the portion depicted in, i.e., the mouthpiece portion 152), and the user can thereby inhale the aerosol containing the flavor.

[0069] The ventilation port 15 is a ventilation port for introducing air into the internal space 141. For example, the air brought into the inhalation device 100 from the ventilation port 15 is introduced into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodation portion 140. The cap member 16 is detachable from the bottom housing 11B. The ventilation port 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap member 16 by attaching the cap member 16 to the bottom housing 11B. For example, the cap member 16 may have a through hole or a cutout (not depicted) or the like.

[0070] <2. Technical Features>

[0071] (1) Detailed configuration near the accommodation portion 140

[0072] Figure 4 Schematically shows the configuration near the accommodation portion 140 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 Shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 140. As Figure 4 shown, the inhalation device 100 includes: a cover portion 14, a lower rod accommodation portion 140A, a guiding portion 140B, an opening 142, a bottom portion 143, a light sensor unit 170, and a circuit board 172. The direction in which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into / withdrawn from the inhalation device 100 will also be referred to as the vertical direction hereinafter. The direction along which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted will also be referred to as "downward" or "bottom" etc., and the direction along which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is withdrawn will also be referred to as "upward" or "top" etc.

[0073] The lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A is a bottomed cylindrical body that forms the bottom portion 143 side portion of the accommodating portion 140. The lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A accommodates the bottom portion 143 side portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142.

[0074] The guiding portion 140B is a cylindrical body that is open at both ends and forms the opening 142 side portion of the accommodating portion 140. The guiding portion 140B accommodates such a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142 that is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140 but not in the lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A. The guiding portion 140B also serves as a guide to facilitate the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A. For example, the guiding portion 140B may be formed with a larger opening diameter than the lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A, or may be formed in the shape of a funnel whose opening diameter gradually decreases from the top towards the bottom.

[0075] The light sensor unit 170 emits light into the internal space 141 and detects the received reflected light. In this embodiment, the light sensor unit 170 is an example of a detection unit and is included in the sensor unit 112. For example, the light sensor unit 170 is an IC (integrated circuit) equipped with an infrared proximity sensor. In this case, the light sensor unit 170 emits infrared radiation into the internal space 141 and detects the infrared radiation reflected by the object to be detected (such as an article accommodated in the internal space 141 or the inner wall of the accommodating portion 140).

[0076] The light sensor unit 170 is disposed at a position where light can be emitted into the internal space 141. For example, the light sensor unit 170 is disposed in the guiding portion 140B. Specifically, the light sensor unit 170 is embedded in the guiding portion 140B. The light sensor unit 170 then detects the light reflected by the object to be detected (such as an article accommodated in the internal space 141 or the inner wall of the guiding portion 140B).

[0077] Here, the heating unit 121 is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A. At the same time, the heating unit 121 is not arranged on the outer circumference of the guiding portion 140B. In addition, the guiding portion 140B may be formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the lower rod portion accommodating portion 140A. Therefore, the light sensor unit 170 can detect light without being affected by the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0078] In addition, the inner wall of the guiding portion 140B may be black. The guiding portion 140B having a black inner wall makes it possible to suppress the reflection of the light emitted by the light sensor unit 170. Considering that the rod-shaped substrate 150 may be formed in a color that relatively easily reflects light (for example, white), it is possible to generate a large difference in the intensity of the reflected light when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and when it is not inserted.

[0079] The circuit board 172 is a board on which the light sensor unit 170 is mounted. For example, the circuit board 172 is an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). For example, the circuit board 172 is connected to the control unit 116 by means of a connector or solder.

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a detailed configuration of the light sensor unit 170 near the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. As Figure 5 shown, the inhalation device 100 further includes a light-transmitting filter 173 and a reinforcing plate 174.

[0081] The light-transmitting filter 173 is a filter for transmitting the light emitted by the light sensor unit 170. For example, when the light sensor unit 170 is an infrared proximity sensor, the light-transmitting filter 173 is an infrared-transmitting filter. There is no particular limitation on the material of the light-transmitting filter 173, and it may be resin or glass, or may be a transparent resin having a light-transmitting coating. The light-transmitting filter 173 may be colored. The colored light-transmitting filter 173 makes it possible to hide the light sensor unit 170 from the outside. A hole 140Bb is provided in the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B, and the light sensor unit 170 is embedded in this hole 140Bb. The light-transmitting filter 173 is arranged so as to close this hole 140Bb and form the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B. This configuration enables the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B to become smoother. In addition, the light-transmitting filter 173 can maintain airtightness so that side-stream smoke or the like flowing in from outside the rod does not contact the light sensor unit 170.

[0082] The gap 175 constitutes a gap provided between the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodating portion 140 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B. The gap 175 may be provided such that the distance between the rod-shaped substrate 150 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B is 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0083] The reinforcing plate 174 is a plate-like member having a predetermined rigidity. The reinforcing plate 174 is arranged so as to cover the rear side of the circuit board 172 (on which the light sensor unit 170 is provided on its front side) and reinforce the light sensor unit 170 and the circuit board 172.

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the accommodation portion 140 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment as seen from the side of the opening 142 (i.e., from the top). As Figure 6 shown, the inhalation device 100 may include two light sensor units 170 (170A and 170B). The light sensor units 170A and 170B are examples of a first detection unit, a first state detection unit, and a second state detection unit. The light sensor units 170A and 170B are arranged at a certain interval, and the distance therebetween is LD. The direction 171A along which the light sensor unit 170A emits light (which will also be referred to as the emission direction 171A hereinafter) and the direction 171B along which the light sensor unit 170B emits light (which will also be referred to as the emission direction 171B hereinafter) form an angle θ in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. The determination related to the article inserted into the accommodation portion 140 can be made more accurate due to the fact that the inhalation device 100 includes a plurality of light sensor units 170, which are also arranged at a suitable distance LD and a suitable angle θ. The determination process using the light sensor unit 170 will be described in detail later.

[0085] (2) Configuration of the light sensor unit 170

[0086] Next, the configuration of the light sensor unit 170 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 7 . Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the light sensor unit 170 of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0087] As Figure 7 shown, the light sensor unit 170 includes a light emitting unit 176, a light receiving unit 177, a detection memory unit 178, and a detection control unit 179. The light sensor unit 170 is then connected to the control unit 116. The light sensor unit 170 operates under the control of the control unit 116.

[0088] The light emitting unit 176 emits light into the internal space 141. The light emitting unit 176 is configured by a light emitting element (such as an LD (laser diode) or an LED (light emitting diode)). In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 176 is an infrared LD that emits infrared radiation. The light receiving unit 177 detects the reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 176. The infrared radiation emitted by the light emitting unit 176 may be a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser). The operation of the light emitting unit 176 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 8 .

[0089] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the light sensor unit 170 on the time axis. Figure 8The horizontal axis therein shows the time passing from left to right. Figure 8 The vertical axis therein shows the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 176. As Figure 8 shown, the light-emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light having a predetermined period. This period is also referred to as the operation period. The light-emitting unit 176 repeats the pulsed light emission three times and then stops the light emission for a processing time and an intermittent operation time. The processing time is the time during which processing based on the reflected light detected by the light-receiving unit 177 is carried out. The intermittent operation time is the time until the next pulsed light emission. The light-emitting unit 176 repeats the series of operations described with reference to Figure 8 including the pulsed light emission and the stop of the light emission.

[0090] The detection control unit 179 controls the operation of the components of the light sensor unit 170. Examples of the processing carried out by the detection control unit 179 will be described below. This processing is basically carried out during the processing time described with reference to Figure 8 as described.

[0091] As an example, the detection control unit 179 calculates a value indicating the intensity of the reflected light detected by the light-receiving unit 177. The calculated value indicating the intensity of the reflected light will also be referred to as the detection value below. The detection value calculated by the detection control unit 179 becomes larger as the intensity of the detected reflected light increases. The intensity of the reflected light and the detection value may have a linear relationship.

[0092] As another example, the detection control unit 179 may calculate the distance to the detected object that reflects the light emitted from the light sensor unit 170, that is, the distance between the detected object and the light sensor unit 170, based on the detection value. More specifically, as the detection value becomes larger, that is, as the intensity of the reflected light increases, the distance calculated by the detection control unit 179 becomes shorter. On the other hand, as the detection value becomes smaller, that is, as the intensity of the reflected light decreases, the distance calculated by the detection control unit 179 becomes longer.

[0093] As another example, the detection control unit 179 controls the operation of the light-emitting unit 176. More specifically, the detection control unit 179 may control Figure 8 at least any one of the number of pulsed light emissions, the operation period, or the intermittent operation time shown. In addition, by controlling the value of the current applied to the light-emitting unit 176 (this value will also be referred to as the LD current value below), the detection control unit 179 can control the intensity of the infrared radiation emitted by the light-emitting unit 176.

[0094] As another example, the detection control unit 179 notifies the control unit 116 of information. For example, the detection control unit 179 may cause the detection memory unit 178 to store the calculated detection value. If the detection value exceeds a predetermined threshold or drops below the predetermined threshold, the detection control unit 179 can provide the control unit 116 with a notification of that effect. This notification is also referred to as an interruption notification hereinafter. In this case, the receipt of the interruption notification triggers the control unit 116 to read out the detection value stored in the detection memory unit 178. Additionally, the detection control unit 179 can provide the interruption notification to the control unit 116, where the calculated detection value is included in the notification. For the distance to the detected object, the processing related to such detection values can also be implemented in the same way. That is, the detection control unit 179 can notify the control unit 116 of the calculated distance. Alternatively, the detection control unit 179 can notify the control unit 116 whether the calculated distance exceeds a predetermined threshold or drops below the predetermined threshold, and the calculated distance has also been stored in the detection memory unit 178.

[0095] In addition, the interruption notification can be a notification indicating that a certain type of article has been inserted into the accommodation portion 140 or withdrawn from the accommodation portion. In this case, the receipt of the interruption notification triggers the control unit 116 to perform a predetermined process. Examples of the predetermined process can include determining whether a rod determination condition (to be described later) has been satisfied, and heating control based on the determination result, etc. With this configuration, the predetermined process is only performed when the interruption notification has been received, so it is possible to reduce the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0096] To give a more specific example, if the calculated detection value exceeds the insertion threshold as the predetermined threshold, the detection control unit 179 can send an interruption notification indicating that a certain type of article has been inserted into the accommodation portion 140. The interruption notification (such as this interruption notification) will also be referred to as a detection interruption notification hereinafter. Additionally, if the calculated detection value drops below the extraction threshold as the predetermined threshold, the detection control unit 179 can send an interruption notification. The interruption notification (such as this interruption notification) will also be referred to as a detection deactivation interruption notification hereinafter.

[0097] Here, when a detection value that exceeds the insertion threshold is first calculated after a detection value that drops below the extraction threshold has been calculated by means of the detection control unit 179, a detection interruption notification can be sent. Additionally, when a detection value that drops below the extraction threshold is first calculated after a detection value that exceeds the insertion threshold has been calculated by means of the detection control unit 179, a detection deactivation interruption notification can be sent.

[0098] In addition, the detection control unit 179 can update the insertion state managed (i.e., stored therein) by the detection memory unit 178 while sending an interruption notification. The insertion state indicates the state of whether an article is inserted or not inserted into the accommodation portion 140. The detection control unit 179 can update the insertion state to "article inserted" while sending a detection interruption notification. In addition, the detection control unit 179 can update the insertion state to "article not inserted" while sending a detection deactivation interruption notification. When the insertion state is managed by the detection memory unit 178, the detection control unit 179 can send an interruption notification without distinguishing between a detection interruption notification and a detection deactivation interruption notification. The reception of the interruption notification can then trigger the control unit 116 to read out the insertion state stored in the detection memory unit 178.

[0099] A specific example of the interruption notification sent by the detection control unit 179 will be described herein with reference to Figure 9 to show. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram for showing a specific example of the interruption notification sent by the detection control unit 179. Figure 9 The horizontal axis in shows the time passing from left to right. Figure 9 The vertical axis in shows the detection value calculated by the detection control unit 179. That is, Figure 9 shows the time variation of the detection value. After detecting a detection value that has dropped below the extraction threshold, the detection control unit 179 detects a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold at the detection point P1. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 sends an interruption notification at the detection point P1 and updates the insertion state to "article inserted".

[0100] Then, the detection control unit 179 detects a detection value that has dropped below the extraction threshold at the detection point P2. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 sends an interruption notification at the detection point P2 and updates the insertion state to "article not inserted". After that, the detection control unit 179 again detects a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold at the detection point P3. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 sends an interruption notification at the detection point P3 and updates the insertion state to "article inserted".

[0101] By using two thresholds (an insertion threshold and a withdrawal threshold), it is possible to accurately determine whether an article is inserted. More specifically, due to external interference, noise in the power supply to the light sensor unit 170, changes in the shape of the inserted article, changes in the distance between the inserted article and the light emitting unit 176 and the light receiving unit 177 (caused by contact between the user and the inserted article or the user putting the inserted article into his / her mouth), temperature drift of the detection value of the detection control unit 179 (caused by changes in the ambient temperature), or changes in the rolled diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 150 (the inserted article) (caused by suction during smoking), etc., the detection value may fluctuate up and down. Even in such cases, it is possible to ensure that the insertion state does not change unless there are large fluctuations above or below both the insertion threshold and the withdrawal threshold. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the result of determining insertion or non-insertion changes frequently, and it is possible to accurately determine whether the article is inserted.

[0102] As another example, the detection control unit 179 can perform calibration. Specifically, the detection control unit 179 can adjust the relationship between the intensity of the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 177 and the calculated detection value so that the same detection value is calculated under predetermined conditions. By performing calibration, it is possible to eliminate deviations in the detection value caused by temperature or vibration, etc., and to eliminate effects such as deterioration of the light emitting unit 176 or the light receiving unit 177 over time.

[0103] It should be noted that Figure 8 An example is shown in which the light emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light three times, but there is no particular limitation on the number of pulsed light emissions. In addition, when the light emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light multiple times, the detection control unit 179 can perform processing by using the detection results received multiple times by the light receiving unit 177, or can perform processing by using some of the detection results received multiple times by the light receiving unit 177.

[0104] The detection memory unit 178 stores programs and various types of data, etc., executed by the detection control unit 179. For example, the detection memory unit 178 can be implemented by means of registers. The detection memory unit 178 stores various setting values for control by the detection control unit 179, such as the operation cycle of pulsed infrared radiation emission, the intermittent operation time, the insertion threshold, the withdrawal threshold, and the LD current value.

[0105] The control unit 116 communicates with the detection control unit 179. For example, the control unit 116 and the detection control unit 179 communicate via a serial communication interface (such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication). The control unit 116 controls the operation of the components of the light sensor unit 170 via the detection control unit 179.

[0106] For example, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 to an operation mode for detecting reflected light or a sleep mode for stopping the detection of reflected light. Specifically, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may perform control to prevent the light emitting unit 176 from emitting light, or may perform control to prevent the light receiving unit 177 from detecting reflected light. Further, in the operation mode, the control unit 116 controls the light emitting unit 176 to emit light and controls the light receiving unit 177 to detect reflected light. By controlling the switching of the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 by means of the control unit 116, it is possible to reduce power consumption as compared to when the optical sensor unit 170 continuously detects reflected light.

[0107] In addition, the control unit 116 causes the detection memory unit 178 to store various setting values for the control performed by the detection control unit 179. Further, the control unit 116 receives various types of information (such as an interrupt notification) from the detection control unit 179 and reads out the information stored in the detection control unit 178.

[0108] Here, the detection memory unit 178 may be configured by a volatile storage medium or may be configured by a non-volatile storage medium. When the detection memory unit 178 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium, the various setting values stored in the detection memory unit 178 are initialized when the power supply to the optical sensor unit 170 is interrupted and then powered again. When the various setting values have been initialized, the control unit 116 may cause the detection memory unit 178 to store again the various setting values from before the initialization.

[0109] Note that, instead of the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may control the optical sensor unit 170 to a power-off mode for stopping power supply to the optical sensor unit 170. If such control is performed in this way when the detection memory unit 170 is configured by a volatile storage medium, when the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 is switched from the power-off mode to the operation mode, the control unit 116 causes the detection memory unit 178 to store again various set values from before initialization. In addition, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may perform control to maintain power supply to the detection memory unit 178 provided in the optical sensor unit 170. In this way, when the detection memory unit 178 is configured by a volatile storage medium, whenever there is a switch from the sleep mode to the operation mode, it is no longer necessary to cause the detection memory unit 178 to store again various set values from before initialization. In addition, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may perform control to maintain power supply only to a part of the memory of the detection memory unit 178 provided in the optical sensor unit 170. In the present specification, the sleep mode and the power-off mode may also be referred to as a stop mode (a general term for a mode in which detection is stopped).

[0110] When the optical sensor unit 170 returns from the sleep mode to the operation mode, the insertion state managed by the optical sensor unit 170 does not need to continue from the insertion state before switching to the sleep mode and may always be managed as "article not inserted". In addition, when the optical sensor unit 170 returns from the sleep mode to the operation mode, an exception to the condition for sending an interruption notification may be provided. For example, as described above, when a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold is first calculated after a detection value falling below the extraction threshold is calculated by means of the detection control unit 179, a detection interruption notification is sent. As such an exception, after the optical sensor unit 170 has returned from the sleep mode to the operation mode, a detection interruption notification may be sent when a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold has been detected even if a detection value falling below the extraction threshold has not been detected. Similarly, after the optical sensor unit 170 has returned from the sleep mode to the operation mode, a detection deactivation interruption notification may be sent when a detection value falling below the extraction threshold has been detected even if a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold has not been detected by means of the detection control unit 179.

[0111] When the mode of one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B is the operation mode, the control unit 116 may set the mode of the other to the stop mode. Such a configuration makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of crosstalk. Crosstalk is a phenomenon in which light emitted from one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B is erroneously detected by the other.

[0112] (3) Determination of Inserted Article

[0113] An adhered material (e.g., dirt or foreign matter) may remain in the internal space 141. As an example, the content may overflow from the tip end of the rod-shaped substrate 150 after heating and may remain in the internal space 141 as an adhered material. When the adhered material still exists, it is difficult to appropriately heat the rod-shaped substrate 150, and as a result, it is difficult to provide a good flavor to the user. Therefore, it is preferable to periodically clean the accommodation portion 140. By cleaning, the adhered material is removed, whereby it is possible to appropriately heat the rod-shaped substrate 150, and as a result, it is possible to provide a good flavor to the user. Examples of cleaning articles for cleaning the accommodation portion 140 will be described with reference to Figure 10 FIG.

[0114] Figure 10 FIG. shows an example of the configuration of a cleaning article 190 according to an embodiment. As Figure 10 shown, the cleaning article 190 includes a shaft portion 191 and a cleaning portion 192.

[0115] The shaft portion 191 is a member formed in a long shape. For example, the shaft portion 191 is formed by rolling a paper sheet material.

[0116] The cleaning portion 192 can be formed by wrapping fibers around one end of the shaft portion 191 and binding the fibers thereto. The cleaning portion 192 can take any shape, such as a teardrop shape, a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, a shape with random unevenness, or a brush shape. Examples of fibers constituting the cleaning portion 192 that can be cited include various types of natural fibers (e.g., cotton, silk, or wool), regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon or cuprammonium fiber), or synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fiber or polypropylene fiber), etc. The cleaning portion 192 can contain a liquid, such as alcohol. It should be noted that the cleaning portion 192 can be provided at one end of the shaft portion 191 (as Figure 10 shown), or can be provided at both ends of the shaft portion 191.

[0117] For example, the cleaning article 190 can be a cotton swab. The user holds the shaft portion 191 and inserts the cleaning portion 192 into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. Then, the user moves the cleaning portion 192 while rubbing the cleaning portion against the accommodation portion 140. When doing so, the adhered material remaining in the accommodation portion 140 adheres to the cleaning portion 192 and is removed. In this way, the accommodation portion 140 is cleaned.

[0118] The cleaning article 190 is formed to be narrower than the rod-shaped substrate 150. In particular, the diameter LC of the cleaning article 190 (more specifically, the diameter of the thickest part constituting the cleaning portion 192) is formed to be shorter than the diameter LS of the rod-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the diameter of the narrowest part). As an example, the diameter LC of the cleaning article 190 may not be greater than half of the diameter LS of the rod-shaped substrate 150, and may preferably not be greater than one-fourth thereof. This configuration ensures a large gap between the cleaning article 190 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B when the cleaning article 190 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. As a result, the cleaning portion 192 can move freely in the internal space 141, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

[0119] The cleaning article 190 is an example of an article other than the rod-shaped substrate 150 that can be feasibly inserted into the receiving portion 140. In addition, the inhalation device 100 and the cleaning article 190 may also be considered to constitute an aerosol generation system. Alternatively, the inhalation device 100 may be understood to include the cleaning article 190.

[0120] The difference between the diameter LC of the cleaning article 190 and the diameter LS of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can also be utilized to identify the article inserted into the receiving portion 140 (which will also be referred to hereinafter as the inserted article). This is because there is a large difference in the detection values detected by the light sensor unit 170A and the light sensor unit 170B when the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 and when the inserted article is the cleaning article 190. This will be explained with reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12 this point.

[0121] Figure 11 Schematically shows a situation where the receiving portion 140 with the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted therein is seen from the opening 142 side (i.e., from the top). As Figure 11 shown, the diameter LS of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is longer than the distance LD between the light sensor unit 170A and the light sensor unit 170B. As described with reference to Figure 5 the gap 175, the distance between the rod-shaped substrate 150 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B is about 1 mm to 2 mm. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, as Figure 11 shown, each part of the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B is thus positioned closely adjacent to the rod-shaped substrate 150. As a result, the light emitted by both the light sensor unit 170A and the light sensor unit 170B will be reflected by the closely adjacent rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the detection value detected by the light sensor unit 170A and the detection value detected by the light sensor unit 170B will be largely equal values.

[0122] Figure 12 Schematically shows a situation where the accommodating portion 140 has a cleaning article 190 inserted therein as seen from the opening 142 side (i.e., from the top). As Figure 12 shown, the diameter LC of the cleaning article 190 is much shorter than the distance LD between the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B. When the cleaning article 190 is inserted into the accommodating portion, as Figure 12 shown, the distance between the inner wall 140Ba of the guiding portion 140B and the cleaning article 190 thus varies greatly depending on the position on the inner wall 140Ba. As a result, the detection value of at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is much smaller than the detection value when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This is because at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is located far from the cleaning article 190, or is a position where the emitted light is not reflected by the cleaning article 190. In Figure 12 the example shown, the detection value of the optical sensor unit 170B has a magnitude similar to that when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, but the detection value of the optical sensor unit 170A is much smaller.

[0123] Here, the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction (i.e., on the same circumference). By arranging the optical sensor unit 170 in this way, even if the vertical length of the guiding portion 140B is designed to be so small that multiple optical sensor units 170 cannot be arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, it is still possible to perform detection with the multiple optical sensor units 170. That is to say, such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the suction device 100 because the vertical length of the guiding portion 140B can be reduced. However, the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are not limited to being arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, and can equally be arranged at different positions in the vertical direction.

[0124] It should be noted that when the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, there is a greater possibility that the light emitted from one of the optical sensor units 170 is erroneously detected by the other optical sensor unit 170. For this reason, only one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is preferably in the operating mode. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of crosstalk.

[0125] Accordingly, the control unit 116 according to the embodiment determines whether the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection values detected by the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B. More specifically, the control unit 116 determines whether the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the interruption notification sent according to the detection values detected by the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B. As an example, when the rod determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0126] The rod determination condition may be, for example, that either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B receives an interruption notification within a predetermined time from the receipt of the detection interruption notification from the other optical sensor unit 170. The insertion threshold value and the extraction threshold value used when sending the interruption notification should be freely set to such values that the rod determination condition is satisfied when the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150, and at these values, at least either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B does not satisfy the rod determination condition when the inserted article is the cleaning article 190. However, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 150 varies according to the brand or manufacturing lot, and it may also have an irregular shape. Therefore, the insertion threshold value is preferably set to a value with a margin (i.e., a value on the lower side). The insertion threshold value is an example of the first threshold value. Now, a description will be mainly given of an example in which the control unit 116 determines whether the optical sensor unit 170B receives an interruption notification within a predetermined time from the receipt of the detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170A.

[0127] As described above, when the cleaning article 190 is inserted into the accommodation part 140, the detection value of at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B tends to be much smaller than the detection value when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation part 140. That is, when the cleaning article 190 is inserted into the accommodation part 140, after the optical sensor unit 170A has sent a detection interruption notification, the optical sensor unit 170B often does not immediately send a detection interruption notification (within a predetermined time). Therefore, such a configuration makes it possible to prevent the cleaning article 190 from being erroneously determined as the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0128] Meanwhile, when the rod determination condition is not satisfied, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the rod-shaped substrate 150. That is, when no detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time from the receipt of the detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the rod-shaped substrate 150. When the rod determination condition is not satisfied, the control unit 116 may determine that the inserted article is the cleaning article 190.

[0129] Here, the control unit 116 can determine whether the rod determination condition is satisfied by comparing the detection value read from the optical sensor unit 170 with the insertion threshold and the extraction threshold. That is, the control unit 116 can determine whether the rod determination condition is satisfied by reading the detection value from the optical sensor unit 170 at any time, without receiving an interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170. In this case, for example, the rod determination condition may be that the optical sensor unit 170B also obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold within a predetermined time from when the optical sensor unit 170A obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold.

[0130] Examples of the rod determination condition have been described so far. If the detection value during the operation of one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B satisfies a predetermined condition (also referred to as the first condition) when determining whether the rod determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 116 interrupts the stop mode of the other optical sensor and switches it to the operation mode. The control unit 116 also interrupts the operation mode of the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B that detected the detection value satisfying the first condition, and switches the optical sensor unit to the stop mode. For example, the first condition is a partial condition of the rod determination condition. Here, it is assumed that the rod determination condition is that either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B also receives a detection interruption notification within a predetermined time from when it receives a detection interruption notification from the other optical sensor unit 170. In this case, the first condition may be that either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B receives a detection interruption notification. That is, it can be said that, in this case, the first condition is that either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B detects a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold.

[0131] By controlling the optical sensor unit 170 so that only one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is in the operation mode, it is possible to determine the inserted item based on the rod determination condition while preventing the occurrence of crosstalk. In addition, compared with when both the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are in the operation mode, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0132] The control unit 116 may determine whether the rod determination condition is satisfied by repeatedly executing replacement control for switching the modes of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B, such that the modes of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are replaced. In the replacement control, for example, the control unit 116 executes control to switch the optical sensor unit 170A in the operation mode to the stop mode and switch the optical sensor unit 170B in the stop mode to the operation mode. The replacement control may be executed each time a detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170. In addition, the replacement control may be executed when no detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time.

[0133] For example, when the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod determination condition may be receiving detection interruption notifications from the two optical sensor units 170 a predetermined number of times in a row. If the condition is based on receiving a detection interruption notification once from each of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B, it is also conceivable that when the user moves the cleaning item 190 in the accommodation portion 140, both optical sensor units 170 will send detection interruption notifications according to the detection timing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cleaning item 190 from being erroneously determined as the rod-shaped substrate 150 by basing the condition on receiving detection interruption notifications from the two optical sensor units 170 multiple times in a row.

[0134] When the replacement control is executed multiple times, if the rod determination condition includes a condition related to the interruption notification, an exception to the condition for sending the interruption notification may be provided when the sensor unit 170 returns from the sleep mode to the operation mode. More specifically, after the optical sensor unit 170 has returned from the sleep mode to the operation mode, a detection interruption notification may be sent when a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold has been detected, even if a detection value falling below the extraction threshold has not been detected. By providing an exception in this way, if the rod-shaped substrate 150 is continuously inserted before and after the replacement control is executed, the control unit 116 also receives a detection interruption notification after the replacement control has been executed. When the replacement control is executed multiple times, the control unit 116 can thus also determine the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the presence or absence of a detection interruption notification.

[0135] In addition, when the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod determination condition may be determined by the control unit 116 reading the detection value from the optical sensor unit 170 each time after receiving a detection interruption notification once and then executing the replacement control. For example, when a detection interruption notification is received once, the control unit 116 may determine that the rod determination condition has been satisfied, execute the replacement control thereafter, and the detection value read from the optical sensor unit 170 after the replacement control is equal to or greater than the insertion threshold a predetermined number of times in a row.

[0136] When the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod determination condition may include receiving a detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time from the execution of the replacement control. The predetermined time when the detection interruption notification has been received at least once from each of the two optical sensor units 170 may be set shorter than the predetermined time when determining whether the detection interruption notification has been received after the first execution of the replacement control. When the replacement control is executed for the first time, it is possible that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is in the process of being inserted into the accommodation portion 140. If a short predetermined time is set in this case, it is also conceivable that, depending on the insertion orientation of the rod-shaped substrate 150 or the detection timing, one of the optical sensor units 170 will not obtain a detection value equal to or greater than the rod determination threshold. However, it can be considered that when the detection interruption notification has been received at least once from each of the two optical sensor units 170, the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been sufficiently inserted into the accommodation portion 140. Therefore, it is possible to more quickly determine whether the rod determination condition is satisfied by setting the predetermined time in this case shorter than the predetermined time when determining whether the detection interruption notification has been received after the first execution of the replacement control.

[0137] In addition, for example, when the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod determination condition may be a condition based on the detection results detected by the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B by executing the replacement control a predetermined number of times. For example, the rod determination condition may be that the replacement control is executed a first predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), and the cumulative total number of detection interruption notifications received from the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times). As a different example, the rod determination condition may be that the replacement control is executed a first predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), and after the replacement control has been executed a third predetermined number of times (e.g., the last five times) (counting from the last replacement control), a detection interruption notification is received each time from the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B.

[0138] It should be noted that when the control unit 116 makes a determination as to whether the rod determination condition is satisfied by comparing the detection value read from the optical sensor unit 170 with the insertion threshold and the extraction threshold, the rod determination condition may also include a condition related to the number of detections performed by the optical sensor 170 rather than time. For example, the rod determination condition may include that the detection by the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined number of times from the execution of the replacement control obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold. Here, when each of the two optical sensor units 170 detects a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold at least once, the rod determination condition may also include that a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold is detected by the detection immediately performed by the optical sensor unit 170 after the replacement control.

[0139] Meanwhile, when no detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time from the execution of the replacement control, that is, when the detection interruption notification is not received a predetermined consecutive number of times, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0140] The control unit 116 according to the embodiment further determines whether the inserted rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn based on the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170. As an example, after the rod determination condition is satisfied, when the rod withdrawal determination condition (also referred to as the second condition) is satisfied, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn. The rod withdrawal determination condition may be, for example, that a detection deactivation interruption notification has been received from either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B. That is to say, in this case, it can be said that the rod withdrawal determination condition is also that the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B obtains a detection value equal to or less than the withdrawal threshold.

[0141] In addition, the control unit 116 may determine whether the rod withdrawal determination condition is satisfied by executing the replacement control multiple times. For example, when the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod withdrawal determination condition may be that detection deactivation interruption notifications are received from the two optical sensor units 170 a predetermined consecutive number of times.

[0142] As a more specific example, the control unit 116 first receives a detection deactivation interruption notification from one of the optical sensor units 170, and then executes the replacement control. If a detection deactivation interruption notification is also received from the other optical sensor unit 170 after the replacement control, the control unit 116 may then determine that the rod withdrawal determination condition is satisfied. Meanwhile, if a detection deactivation interruption notification is not received from the other optical sensor unit 170 after the replacement control has been executed, the control unit may determine that the rod withdrawal determination condition is not satisfied. That is to say, in this case, the control unit 116 may determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is still inserted.

[0143] Depending on the situation in which the inhalation device 100 is placed, it is also conceivable that, due to fluctuations in the detection value (caused by the influence of external interference, etc.), although the rod-shaped substrate 150 has not been withdrawn, the optical sensor unit 170 still sends a detection deactivation interruption notification. In such cases, it is also conceivable that if the determination of the rod withdrawal determination condition is made due to the receipt of a detection deactivation interruption notification from either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B, the withdrawal of the rod-shaped substrate 150 will be erroneously determined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such erroneous determination by determining the rod withdrawal determination condition based on the detection values obtained by executing the replacement control multiple times, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the withdrawal of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0144] When the replacement control is executed multiple times, if the rod extraction determination condition includes a condition related to an interruption notification, an exception to the condition for sending the interruption notification can be provided when the sensor unit 170 returns from the sleep mode to the operation mode. In addition, when the replacement control is executed multiple times, the rod extraction determination condition can be determined by the control unit 116 reading the detection value from the optical sensor unit 170 each time the replacement control is executed after a detection interruption notification has been received once.

[0145] In addition, after receiving the sent interruption notification, the control unit 116 can determine whether the rod determination condition and the rod extraction determination condition have been satisfied by reading the insertion state stored in the detection memory unit 178, without distinguishing between the detection interruption notification and the detection deactivation interruption notification. For example, when an interruption notification is sent from the optical sensor unit 170 and the insertion state is read as "article not inserted", the control unit 116 can determine that the rod extraction determination condition has been satisfied.

[0146] An overview of the switching of the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 by the control unit 116 for determining the inserted article and determining the extraction of the inserted article will be given here. As an example, the control unit 116 performs control such that the optical sensor unit 170A is in the operation mode and the optical sensor unit 170B is in the stop mode, and then waits for article insertion. When a detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 then interrupts the operation mode of the optical sensor unit 170A and switches it to the stop mode. The control unit 116 also interrupts the stop mode of the optical sensor unit 170B and switches it to the operation mode. Here, if a detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150, and maintains the detection state performed only by the optical sensor unit 170B without switching the mode of any of the optical sensor units 170.

[0147] If the control unit 116 receives a detection deactivation interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170B, then the control unit 116 can then determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn, and can switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B from the operation mode to the stop mode. The control unit 116 can also perform control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A to the operation mode. In addition, if it is determined that the inserted item is the cleaning item 190, the control unit 116 can similarly perform control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B in the operation mode to the stop mode and switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A in the stop mode to the operation mode. By performing control in this way, the optical sensor unit 170 operating during standby for the inserted item and the optical sensor unit 170 operating during standby for withdrawing the rod-shaped substrate 150 will always be the same optical sensor unit 170. Here, during standby for the inserted item, the optical sensor unit 170A is always in the operation mode. In addition, during standby for withdrawing the rod-shaped substrate 150, the optical sensor unit 170B is always in the operation mode. By controlling the mode of each of the optical sensor units 170 in this way, it is possible to simplify the control of each of the optical sensor units 170 because each optical sensor unit 170 has a limited function.

[0148] (4) Perform heating control corresponding to the determination result of the inserted item

[0149] The control unit 116 can control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the detection value obtained by the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B. For example, the control unit 116 can control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the result of determining whether the inserted item is the rod-shaped substrate 150. More specifically, when the inserted item is the rod-shaped substrate 150 and when it is not, the control unit 116 changes the operation of the heating unit 121. This configuration makes it possible to further improve usability.

[0150] As an example, when it has been determined that the inserted item is the rod-shaped substrate 150, the control unit 116 can start heating by the heating unit 121. For example, this determination result can be achieved based on whether the rod determination condition (including the first condition) has been satisfied. The heating provided by the heating unit 121 (which is started according to the inserted item determination result) will also be referred to as automatic heating here. On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted item is not the rod-shaped substrate 150, the control unit 116 does not cause the heating unit 121 to automatically heat. That is, only when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, the control unit 116 can perform automatic heating. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability because automatic heating is simply performed by inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the accommodation portion 140 even without performing a separate user operation to indicate the start of heating (such as pressing a button).

[0151] As another example, the control unit 116 may stop the heating by the heating unit 121 based on the result of determining whether the inserted rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn. For example, during the heating by the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 controls the mode of either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B to the operation mode, and controls the mode of the other optical sensor unit to the stop mode. If the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B during the heating by the heating unit 121 satisfies the rod withdrawal determination condition, the control unit 116 then executes control to stop the heating by the heating unit 121. The higher accuracy of determining the withdrawal of the rod-shaped substrate 150 by the control unit 116 makes it possible to better prevent the automatic heating from stopping at a timing contrary to the user's expectation.

[0152] As another example, when it is determined that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150, the control unit 116 may permit the heating by the heating unit 121, and when it is determined that the inserted article is not the rod-shaped substrate 150, the control unit may prohibit the heating by the heating unit 121. If the heating is permitted, the inhalation device 100 starts heating when a user operation indicating the start of heating (such as pressing a button) has been performed. On the other hand, if the heating is prohibited, the inhalation device 100 does not start heating even if a user operation indicating the start of heating (such as pressing a button) has been performed. This configuration makes it possible to improve user safety because the heating does not start even if the button is erroneously operated during cleaning.

[0153] (5) Control processing flow for implanted article determination and automatic heating

[0154] Next, the control processing for automatic heating performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing flow for automatic heating, which is performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 13 FIG. 15

[0155] As shown in Figure 13As shown in [figure], the control unit 116 first determines whether a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (first optical sensor) (S104). Until a detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 continues to control the optical sensor unit 170 such that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A is the operation mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B (second optical sensor) is the stop mode (S104 / No). When a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S104 / Yes), the control unit 116 performs replacement control regarding the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 (S108). That is, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A to the stop mode and switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B to the operation mode.

[0156] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time (S112). If the control unit 116 has received a detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170B within the predetermined time (S112 / Yes), the control unit determines that the inserted item is the rod-shaped substrate 150, and the process proceeds to S116. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 has not received a detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170B within the predetermined time (S112 / No), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted item is not the rod-shaped substrate 150, and the process proceeds to S136.

[0157] If it has been determined that the inserted item is the rod-shaped substrate 150, the control unit 116 determines whether heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 (S116). If the heating unit 121 is performing heating (S116 / Yes), the control unit 116 advances the process to S124. If the heating unit 121 is not performing heating (S116 / No), the control unit 116 starts automatic heating by the heating unit 121 (S120).

[0158] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection deactivation interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170B (S124). If a detection deactivation interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170B, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, and the process proceeds to S128 (S124 / Yes). The control unit 116 continues to control the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B to the operation mode until a detection deactivation interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170B (S124 / No).

[0159] If it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been extracted, the control unit 116 determines whether heating by the heating unit 121 is being performed (S128). If the heating unit 121 is not performing heating (S128 / No), the control unit 116 advances the process to S136. If the heating unit 121 is performing heating (S128 / Yes), the control unit 116 stops the heating by the heating unit 121 (S132). Then, the control unit 116 performs replacement control regarding the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 and terminates the process (S136). That is, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A to the operation mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B to the stop mode. Up to this point, the process described by Figure 13 will be referred to as the automatic heating control flow, in which automatic heating and stopping of heating are performed after an inserted item determination has been made based on the detection values detected by the optical sensor unit 170.

[0160] (6) Flow of the inserted item determination process based on multiple replacement control operations

[0161] Next, the inserted item determination process based on multiple replacement control operations, which is performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment, will be described with reference to Figure 14 . This determination process can be applied in place of S104 - S112 in the automatic heating control flow described by Figure 13 . When this process is applied in this way, the process advances to Figure 14 S136 after S216 in Figure 13 . In addition, the process advances to Figure 14 S116 after S224 in Figure 13 .

[0162] Figure 14is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process for an inserted article based on multiple replacement control operations, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. First, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S204). Until a detection interruption notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 continues to control the optical sensor unit 170 such that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A is the operation mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B is the stop mode (S204 / No). When a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S204 / Yes), the control unit 116 performs replacement control regarding the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 (S208). That is, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A to the stop mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B to the operation mode.

[0163] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interruption notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time (S212). If the control unit 116 does not receive a detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within the predetermined time (S212 / No), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the cleaning article 190 and terminates the process (S216). Here, if the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A is the stop mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B is the operation mode, the control unit 116 may perform replacement control such that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A becomes the operation mode and the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B becomes the stop mode. In this way, the mode of each of the optical sensor units 170 is restored to the initial state.

[0164] Meanwhile, if the control unit 116 has received a detection interruption notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within the predetermined time (S212 / Yes), the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interruption notification has been received a predetermined number of consecutive times (S220). If a detection interruption notification has not been received a predetermined number of consecutive times (S220 / No), the control unit 116 repeats the processes of S208 to S212. If a detection interruption notification has been received a predetermined number of consecutive times (S220 / Yes), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 and terminates the process (S224).

[0165] (7) Control according to the detection result from the sensor unit 112

[0166] A description will be given next of the control by the control unit 116 based on the detection results obtained by the sensor unit 112. The sensor unit 112 is an example of the second detection unit in this embodiment, and it detects information related to the state of the inhalation device 100.

[0167] User instructions related to the operation of the inhalation device 100 are examples of information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112. For example, the sensor unit 112 can detect instructions to start and stop heating by the heating unit 121. In addition, the sensor unit 112 can detect instructions to start prohibiting the use of various functions and instructions to cancel such prohibition. In addition, the sensor unit 112 can detect instructions to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit 121 is prohibited or instructions to cancel the prohibited heating state. The input of the instruction to switch to the state where heating by the heating unit 121 is prohibited can be, for example, the input of an instruction to switch to a locked state where a predetermined control associated with an input other than a predetermined operation input is not executed (even if such an input exists). The locked state is a state where heating control is not executed even if an instruction to start heating the heating unit 121 (an input other than a predetermined operation input) is input. For example, even in the locked state, the inhalation device 100 receives a predetermined operation input, such as an operation to cancel the locked state or an operation to set an operation mode for switching to the locked state, and implements corresponding control.

[0168] In addition, the sensor unit 112 can detect instructions to start prohibiting detection by the optical sensor unit 170 and instructions to cancel such detection prohibition. It should be noted that the instructions to start prohibiting detection by the optical sensor unit 170 and instructions to cancel such detection prohibition can be received only when the opening 142 is closed by means of the lid portion 14. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the user from accidentally implementing automatic heating when an instruction to cancel the prohibition of detection by the optical sensor unit 170 has been given. In addition, if the optical sensor unit 170 is calibrated when the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 is switched from the stop mode to the operation mode, it is possible to perform calibration while eliminating the deviation of the detection value caused by the influence of external light.

[0169] In addition, the sensor unit 112 can detect instructions to cause the inhalation device 100 to sleep or to cancel sleep. When the inhalation device 100 is caused to sleep, the inhalation device 100 stops some functions of the inhalation device 100 (such as heating by the heating unit 121) until the sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to cancel sleep. It should be noted that the instructions related to the sleep of the inhalation device 100 do not need to be input by the user and can be input, for example, by the control unit 116 based on the time elapsed since the last operation of the inhalation device 100.

[0170] Instructions detected by the sensor unit 112 can also be detected by pressing a button included in the sensor unit 112. The sensor unit 112 can detect instructions based on the length of time the button is pressed or the number of times the button is pressed, etc. For example, the sensor unit 112 can detect a short press of the button as an instruction to cause the inhalation device 100 to sleep or cancel sleep. In addition, the sensor unit 112 can detect a long press of the button as an instruction to start or stop heating by the heating unit 121.

[0171] In addition, the sensor unit 112 can include a motion sensor. Detection of movement by the motion sensor can allow the sensor unit 112 to detect an instruction to reset the operation based on the movement detected by the motion sensor. In addition, instructions detected by the sensor unit 112 can be received from a communication terminal (such as a smart phone used by the user) via the communication unit 115.

[0172] The state of an error that has occurred in the inhalation device 100 is another example of information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112. As an example, the sensor unit 112 can detect the start and clearing of a potentially automatically resolvable error state, which is a state in which an error has occurred and the error can be automatically resolved by control performed by the control unit 116. A potentially automatically resolvable error is, for example, an error indicating that the temperature inside or outside the inhalation device 100 (such as the temperature of the power supply unit 111) has an abnormal value. To resolve a state in which such an error has occurred, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to stop heating or controls the power supply unit 111 to stop charging until this temperature reaches a normal temperature within a predetermined temperature range. When a potentially automatically resolvable error has occurred, the control unit 116 can thus automatically resolve the potentially automatically resolvable error state without an accompanying user operation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 can detect the start and clearing of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, which cannot be automatically resolved by the control unit 116. For example, an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error can be an error that requires resetting the hardware to resolve the error.

[0173] The user's charging connection and disconnection of the power supply unit 111 is another example of information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112. In addition, information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 can be the opening / closing of the opening 142 by the lid portion 14.

[0174] Starting or terminating the switching of the heating curve by means of the control unit 116 is another example of information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112. The heating curve indicates the time-series transition of the heating performed by the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 performs heating according to the heating curve. The heating curve can be switched by a user operation of a button included in the sensor unit 112, or can be switched based on setting information received by the communication unit 115 from a communication terminal (such as a smart phone used by the user).

[0175] So far, information related to the state of the inhalation device 100 detected by means of the sensor unit 112 has been described. The control unit 116 controls the switching of the mode of the light sensor unit 170 based on the detection result obtained by means of the sensor unit 112. Here, when there are a plurality of light sensor units 170, the control unit 116 controls the mode switching for each of the plurality of light sensor units 170.

[0176] When the mode of the light sensor unit 170 is switched to the operation mode, the control unit 116 also determines whether to control the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the detection value detected by means of the light sensor unit 170. For example, controlling the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the detection value detected by means of the light sensor unit 170 can be controlling the heating according to the inserted article determination result described above. In addition, as another example, controlling the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the detection value detected by means of the light sensor unit 170 can also be controlling the transmission of a notification prompting the user to clean the accommodation part 140, which is notified based on the detection value detected by means of the light sensor unit 170. The description hereafter will mainly be an exemplary case where controlling the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the detection value detected by means of the light sensor unit 170 is controlling the heating according to the inserted article determination result (automatic heating control).

[0177] First, the sensor unit 112 detecting the opening / closing of the opening 142 by means of the lid part 14 will be described. When the opening 142 has been opened by the lid part 14, the user is likely to use the inhalation device 100. When the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 is opened by the lid part 14, the control unit 116 thus controls the mode of the light sensor unit 170 from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, when there are a plurality of light sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of one of the plurality of light sensor units 170 is the operation mode.

[0178] Meanwhile, when the opening 142 has been closed by the cap portion 14, the user will not be using the inhalation device 100. When the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 is closed by the cap portion 14, the control unit 116 thus performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the operation mode to the stop mode. Here, when there are a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of all of the plurality of optical sensor units 170 is the stop mode. This configuration makes it possible to effectively reduce power consumption because detection by the optical sensor unit 170 is performed only when the user is using the inhalation device 100.

[0179] When the sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to start prohibiting detection by the optical sensor unit 170 and an instruction to cancel the detection prohibition, the control unit 116 controls the switching of the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 according to the instructions. Specifically, when the sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to start prohibiting detection by the optical sensor unit 170, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the operation mode to the stop mode. Here, when there are a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of one of the plurality of optical sensor units 170 is the operation mode.

[0180] In addition, when the sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to cancel the prohibition of detection by the optical sensor unit 170, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, when there are a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of all of the plurality of optical sensor units 170 is the stop mode.

[0181] If the sensor unit 112 detects that the inhalation device 100 is in an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state when performing detection of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state of the inhalation device 100, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the operation mode to the stop mode. Here, when there are a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of one of the plurality of optical sensor units 170 is the operation mode.

[0182] In addition, when detection of the clearance of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state of the inhalation device 100 is detected, the control unit 116 performs control to switch the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, when there are a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the mode switching such that the mode of all of the plurality of optical sensor units 170 is the stop mode.

[0183] When the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 is opened by the lid portion 14, starts an instruction prohibiting detection by the light sensor unit 170, or clears an impossible automatic resolution error state, the control unit 116 determines that automatic heating control should be executed. For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 is opened by the lid portion 14, the control unit 116 controls automatic heating after the light sensor unit 170 has switched to the operation mode.

[0184] Next, a case where the sensor unit 112 detects the first operation or the second operation will be described. The first operation includes: a charging connection to the power supply unit 111; an input of an instruction to turn to a state where heating by the heating unit 121 is prohibited; a start of switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit 116; a start of a possible automatic resolution error state; or an instruction to cause the inhalation device 100 to sleep. In addition, the second operation includes: a charging disconnection from the power supply unit 111; an input of an instruction to turn to a state where heating by the heating unit 121 can be implemented; a termination of switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit 116; a clearing of a possible automatic resolution error state; or an instruction to cancel the sleep of the inhalation device 100.

[0185] When the first operation has been detected, the control unit 116 controls the light sensor unit 170 such that the mode of the light sensor unit 170 is the operation mode. It should be noted that when the light sensor unit 170 is in the operation mode before the first operation is detected, the operation mode can be maintained. Here, when there are a plurality of light sensor units 170, the control unit 116 can control the plurality of light sensor units 170 such that the mode of only one of the plurality of light sensor units 170 is the operation mode.

[0186] In addition, when the sensor unit 112 has detected the first operation, the control unit 116 determines that automatic heating should not be controlled until the second operation corresponding to the first operation is detected. The time period until the second operation corresponding to the detected first operation is detected will be referred to as the second operation standby period. For example, when a charging connection to the power supply unit 111 has been detected, the control unit 116 determines that automatic heating control should not be executed until a charging disconnection from the power supply unit 111 is detected. The control unit 116 executes control such that the state of the inhalation device 100 during the second operation standby period is an automatic heating prohibited state in which automatic heating control is not executed. This configuration makes it possible to improve the safety or convenience of the user because it prevents the automatic heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 at a timing when the user does not desire inhalation. In addition, if heating by the heating unit 121 is being executed when the first operation is detected by means of the sensor unit 112, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to stop heating.

[0187] Here, it will be assumed that the sensor unit 112 detects a first operation during the period from when it is determined that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 until it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn. In this case, the control unit 116 continues the automatic heating prohibition state until it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn. That is, the control unit 116 decides that the automatic heating control should not be executed until it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn. This makes it possible to prevent the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the accommodation portion 140 before the first operation is detected from being suddenly heated after the second operation is detected, which is contrary to the user's expectation.

[0188] Furthermore, it will be assumed that the inserted article is determined to be the rod-shaped substrate 150 during the period from when the sensor unit 112 detects the first operation until the sensor unit 112 detects the second operation (i.e., during the automatic heating prohibition state). In this case, the control unit 116 continues the automatic heating prohibition state until it is determined that the inserted article has been withdrawn. That is, the control unit 116 decides that the automatic heating control should not be executed until it is determined that the inserted article has been withdrawn. This makes it possible to prevent the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted during the automatic heating prohibition state from being suddenly heated after the second operation is detected, which is contrary to the user's expectation.

[0189] To prevent heating that is contrary to the user's expectation, when the first operation is detected, or when it is determined that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 or the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been withdrawn during the standby period for the second operation, the control unit 116 can reset the automatic heating control flow. That is, when the first operation is detected during the standby period for the second operation or when an interruption notification is received, the control unit 116 can reset the automatic heating control flow. Resetting the automatic heating control flow includes terminating the automatic heating control flow being processed and restarting the automatic heating control flow. In addition, if heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 when the automatic heating control flow is terminated, the control unit 116 executes control to stop the heating. Resetting the automatic heating control flow makes it possible to prevent heating that is contrary to the user's expectation when it is determined that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 before the first operation is detected or when it is determined that the inserted article is the rod-shaped substrate 150 during the automatic heating prohibition state.

[0190] (8) Control process for automatic heating according to the detection result of the sensor unit 112

[0191] Next, a control process for automatic heating according to the detection result of the sensor unit 112, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 15It is a flowchart showing an example of a control process for automatic heating based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112, and this control process is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0192] As Figure 15 shown, the control unit 116 first determines whether the state of the inhalation device 100 determined according to the detection result of the sensor unit 112 is an automatic heating prohibited state (S304). If the state of the inhalation device 100 is an automatic heating prohibited state (S304 / Yes), the control unit 116 prohibits automatic heating by the heating unit 121 and terminates the process (S308). At the same time, if the state of the inhalation device 100 is not an automatic heating prohibited state (S304 / No), the control unit 116 permits automatic heating by the heating unit 121 and terminates the process (S312).

[0193] (9) Control process for resetting the automatic heating control flow

[0194] Next, the control process for resetting the automatic heating control flow, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 16 It is a flowchart showing an example of a control process flow for resetting the automatic heating control flow, and this control process flow is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0195] As Figure 16 shown, the control unit 116 first determines whether the first operation has been detected or an interruption notification has been received during the second operation standby period (S404). The control unit 116 continues to cause detections by the sensor unit 112 and the optical sensor unit 170 until the first operation is detected during the second operation standby period or until an interruption notification is received (S404 / No). At the same time, if the first operation is detected or an interruption notification is received during the second operation standby period (S404 / Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the ongoing automatic heating control flow (S412). Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the heating by the heating unit 121 is in progress (S416).

[0196] If the heating unit 121 is not performing heating (S416 / No), the control unit 116 advances the process to S424. If the heating unit 121 is performing heating (S416 / Yes), the heating unit 121 stops heating (S420). Then, the control unit 116 controls the light sensor unit 170B such that the mode of the light sensor unit 170B is the stop mode (S424). In addition, the control unit 116 controls the light sensor unit 170A such that the mode of the light sensor unit 170A is the operation mode (S428). Then, the control unit 116 restarts the automatic heating control flow (S432).

[0197] <3. Supplementary>

[0198] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Obviously, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified examples or variations within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, and these modified examples and variations will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0199] The above embodiments describe an example in which the inhalation device 100 includes two light sensor units 170, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the inhalation device 100 may equally include three or more light sensor units 170. In this case, the control unit 116 controls only one of the three or more light sensor units 170 to the operation mode and then waits for an article to be inserted. When a detection interruption notification is received from the light sensor unit 170 in the operation mode, the control unit 116 performs control such that any one of the other light sensor units 170 is in the operation mode. The control unit 116 repeats this control until detection interruption notifications are received from all the light sensor units 170.

[0200] In addition, the above embodiments describe an example in which the state of the internal space 141 is detected by the light sensor unit 170, but the example of the state detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space 141 is not limited to this. For example, the internal space 141 can equally be detected by means of a capacitive sensor instead of the light sensor unit 170.

[0201] It should be noted that a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented by using software, hardware, and any combination of software and hardware. For example, a program constituting the software is pre-stored on a readable medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and this recording medium is provided inside or outside each device. Of course, when these programs are executed by a computer for controlling each device described in this specification, these programs are read into the RAM and executed by means of a processing circuit (such as a CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. In addition, the computer program can be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. In addition, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (such as an ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server for cloud computing, etc. In addition, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0202] In addition, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily need to be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps can be implemented in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps can be adopted, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0203] It should be noted that configurations such as the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1)

[0205] An inhalation device, comprising:

[0206] A housing portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside;

[0207] A first detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space; and

[0208] A second detection unit for detecting information related to the state of the inhalation device; and

[0209] A control unit for, based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit: performing control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and,

[0210] When the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, making a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device according to the detection value detected by the first detection unit. (2)

[0212] The inhalation device disclosed in (1) above further includes a heating unit for heating the substrate accommodated in the accommodation part, wherein,

[0213] The operation of the inhalation device is heating provided by the heating unit, and for this operation, the decision on whether to perform control is made by the control unit based on the detection result obtained by means of the second detection unit. (3)

[0215] The inhalation device disclosed in (1) or (2) above,

[0216] further includes a lid part capable of opening / closing an opening leading to the inner space of the accommodation part, wherein,

[0217] The second detection unit detects at least any one of the following: the opening / closing of the opening by the lid part; the input of a start or stop instruction detected by the first detection unit; or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, which is a state in which an error related to the operation of the inhalation device has occurred and cannot be automatically resolved by the control unit. (4)

[0219] The inhalation device disclosed in (3) above, wherein when the second detection unit has detected the closing of the opening, the input of a stop instruction detected by the first detection unit, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the operation mode to the stop mode. (5)

[0221] The inhalation device disclosed in (4) above includes a plurality of first detection units, wherein,

[0222] When the second detection unit has detected the closing of the opening, the input of a stop instruction detected by these first detection units, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the modes of all of these plurality of first detection units in the operation mode to the stop mode. (6)

[0224] The inhalation device disclosed in (5) above, wherein when the second detection unit has detected the opening of the opening, the input of a start instruction detected by these first detection units, or the clearing of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the modes of these first detection units from the stop mode to the operation mode. (7)

[0226] An inhalation device as disclosed in (6) above, wherein when the second detection unit has detected that the opening is opened, an instruction for starting detection by only one of the plurality of first detection units is input, or an impossible automatic error resolution state is cleared, the control unit performs control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode. (8)

[0228] An inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (7) above, further comprising:

[0229] A heating unit for heating the substrate accommodated in the accommodation part; and

[0230] A power supply unit for storing electric power,

[0231] wherein,

[0232] The second detection unit detects at least any one of the following: charging connection and disconnection of the power supply unit; an instruction for inputting a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented or prohibited; starting or terminating switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, the heating curve indicating a time-series change of heating performed by the heating unit; starting or clearing an automatic error resolution state, the state being a state where an error related to the operation of the inhalation device has occurred and the error can be automatically resolved by means of the control unit; or an instruction for causing the inhalation device to sleep or cancel sleep. (9)

[0234] An inhalation device as disclosed in (8) above, wherein a charging connection of the power supply unit, an instruction for inputting a state where heating by the heating unit is prohibited, starting switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, starting an automatic error resolution state, or an instruction for causing the inhalation device to sleep constitutes a first operation;

[0235] A charging disconnection of the power supply unit, an instruction for inputting a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented, terminating switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, clearing an automatic error resolution state, or an instruction for canceling sleep of the inhalation device constitutes a second operation; and

[0236] When the second detection unit has detected the first operation, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit should not be performed until the second operation is detected. (10)

[0238] An inhalation device as disclosed in (9) above, including a plurality of first detection units, wherein,

[0239] The control unit controls the plurality of first detection units such that when the second detection unit has detected a first operation, the mode of only one of the plurality of first detection units is the operation mode. (11)

[0241] An inhalation device as disclosed in (9) or (10) above, wherein when a first operation has been detected by the second detection unit during a period from when a detection value exceeding a first threshold for determining matrix insertion is detected by the first detection unit until a detection value falling below a second threshold for determining matrix extraction is detected, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detection value falling below the second threshold is detected by the first detection unit. (12)

[0243] An inhalation device as disclosed in (11) above, wherein when a detection value exceeding the first threshold has been detected during a period from when a first operation is detected by the second detection unit until a second operation is detected by the second detection unit, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detection value falling below the second threshold is detected by the first detection unit. (13)

[0245] An inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the first detection unit detects the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting the received reflected light. (14)

[0247] An inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (13) above, further comprising a matrix accommodated in the accommodation portion. (15)

[0249] An information processing method implemented by a computer for controlling an inhalation device, the inhalation device comprising:

[0250] An accommodation portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside;

[0251] A first detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space; and

[0252] A second detection unit for detecting information related to the situation of the inhalation device,

[0253] wherein,

[0254] the information processing method includes, based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit:

[0255] Perform control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and,

[0256] When the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, make a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit.

[0257] List of reference numerals

[0258] 100 Inhalation device

[0259] 111 Power supply unit

[0260] 112 Sensor unit

[0261] 113 Notification unit

[0262] 114 Memory unit

[0263] 115 Communication unit

[0264] 116 Control unit

[0265] 121 Heating unit

[0266] 140 Accommodating part

[0267] 140A Lower part of the rod accommodating part

[0268] 140B Guide part

[0269] 141 Internal space

[0270] 142 Opening

[0271] 143 Bottom part

[0272] 144 Heat insulation part

[0273] 150 Rod-shaped substrate

[0274] 170 Optical sensor unit

[0275] 172 Circuit board

[0276] 173 Light transmission filter

[0277] 174 Reinforcing plate

[0278] 175 Gap

[0279] 176 Light emitting unit

[0280] 177 Light receiving unit

[0281] 178 Detection memory unit

[0282] 179 Detection and Control Unit

[0283] 190 Cleaning Article

[0284] 191 Shaft Portion

[0285] 192 Cleaning Portion

Claims

1. An inhalation device, comprising: a housing portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside; a first detection unit configured to detect the state of the internal space; a second detection unit configured to detect information related to the state of the inhalation device; and a control unit configured to, based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit: perform control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and, when the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, make a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device according to the detection value detected by the first detection unit.

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, further comprising a heating unit configured to heat the substrate accommodated in the housing portion, wherein, the operation of the inhalation device is heating provided by the heating unit, and for this operation, the decision on whether to perform control is made by the control unit based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a lid portion capable of opening / closing the opening leading to the internal space of the housing portion, wherein, the second detection unit detects at least any one of the following: the opening / closing of the opening by the lid portion; an instruction to start or stop detection by the first detection unit; or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, which is a state in which an error related to the operation of the inhalation device has occurred and cannot be automatically resolved by the control unit.

4. The inhalation device according to claim 3, wherein, When the second detection unit has detected that the opening is closed, an instruction to stop detection by the first detection unit, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the operation mode to the stop mode.

5. The inhalation device according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of first detection units, wherein, when the second detection unit has detected that the opening is closed, an instruction to stop detection by these first detection units, or an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the modes of all of these plurality of first detection units in the operation mode to the stop mode.

6. The inhalation device according to claim 5, wherein When the second detection unit has detected that the opening is open, an instruction to start detection by these first detection units, or the clearing of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the modes of these first detection units from the stop mode to the operation mode.

7. The inhalation device according to claim 6, wherein, When the second detection unit has detected that the opening is open, an instruction to start detection by only one of the plurality of first detection units, or the clearing of an impossible-to-automatically-resolve error state, the control unit performs control to switch the mode of the first detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode.

8. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A heating unit configured to heat a substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; and a power supply unit configured to store electric power, wherein the second detection unit detects at least any one of the following: charging connection to and disconnection from the power supply unit; input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented or prohibited; start or termination of switching of a heating curve by means of the control unit, the heating curve indicating a temporal sequence change of heating performed by the heating unit; start or clearing of an automatic error resolution state, the state being an error related to the operation of the inhalation device that has occurred and can be automatically resolved by the control unit; or an instruction to cause the inhalation device to sleep or cancel sleep.

9. The inhalation device according to claim 8, wherein, The charging connection to the power supply unit, the input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit is prohibited, the start of switching of the heating curve by means of the control unit, the start of automatic error resolution, or an instruction to cause the inhalation device to sleep constitutes a first operation; The charging disconnection from the power supply unit, the input of an instruction to switch to a state where heating by the heating unit can be implemented, the termination of switching of the heating curve by means of the control unit, the clearing of automatic error resolution, or an instruction to cancel the sleep of the inhalation device constitutes a second operation; and when the second detection unit has detected the first operation, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until the second operation is detected.

10. The inhalation device according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of first detection units, wherein the control unit controls the plurality of first detection units such that when the second detection unit has detected the first operation, only one of the plurality of first detection units is in the operation mode.

11. The inhalation device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, When the first operation is detected by the second detection unit during a period from when a detection value exceeding a first threshold for determining substrate insertion is detected by the first detection unit until a detection value falling below a second threshold for determining substrate extraction is detected, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detection value falling below the second threshold is detected by the first detection unit.

12. The inhalation device according to claim 11, wherein, When a detection value exceeding the first threshold is detected during a period from when the first operation is detected by the second detection unit until the second operation is detected by the second detection unit, the control unit determines that the operation of controlling the inhalation device based on the detection value detected by the first detection unit shall not be performed until a detection value falling below the second threshold is detected by the first detection unit.

13. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first detection unit detects the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting the received reflected light.

14. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion.

15. An information processing method implemented by a computer for controlling an inhalation device, the inhalation device comprising: A housing portion having an internal space and an opening enabling the internal space to communicate with the outside; A first detection unit for detecting the state of the internal space; And A second detection unit for detecting information related to the situation of the inhalation device, Wherein, The information processing method includes, based on the detection result obtained by means of the second detection unit, to: Execute control to switch the mode of the first detection unit to an operation mode for detecting the state of the internal space or a stop mode for stopping the detection of the state of the internal space; and, When the mode of the first detection unit is the operation mode, make a decision on whether to control the operation of the inhalation device according to the detection value detected by means of the first detection unit.

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