Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by means of a power supply from a power source; a detection unit that detects the movement of the device; and a control unit that, in the event of a connection with another aerosol-generating device, controls the aerosol-generating device when the first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device, or when the first movement is detected by the detection unit of the another aerosol-generating device. If so, the control unit performs a control to transmit a control sequence to the other aerosol-generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses an aerosol delivery device having a motion sensor disposed within a housing, the motion sensor being configured to detect a defined motion of the aerosol delivery device caused by a user interacting with the housing to perform a gesture, and the motion sensor being configured to convert the defined motion into an electrical signal, wherein a microprocessor or the motion sensor is configured to: receive the electrical signal; identify a gesture and an operation associated with the gesture based on the electrical signal; and control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device to perform the operation.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Document

[0005] PTL 1 JP 2021-58212 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] In a configuration where a control sequence is not transmitted to another aerosol generating device when movement of the present device is detected, it is not easy to transmit the control sequence to other aerosol generating devices.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to enable easy transmission of a control sequence to other aerosol generating devices.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by means of power supply from a power source; a detection unit that detects movement of the present device; and a control unit that, in a state where a connection has been established between the present device and another aerosol generating device, if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the present device or a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to transmit the control sequence to the other aerosol generating device.

[0011] The heating unit can heat the substrate according to any one of a plurality of control sequences, and if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit can execute control to transmit a specific control sequence among the plurality of control sequences to the other aerosol generating device. In this case, the control unit can execute control to select the specific control sequence according to a predetermined order of the plurality of control sequences. In addition, the control unit can execute control to select the specific control sequence according to the type of the first movement detected by the detection unit of this device or the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device.

[0012] The control unit can be configured such that if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to receive a control sequence from the other aerosol generating device that has transmitted the control sequence. In this case, the control unit can execute control such that after the heating unit has heated the substrate once according to the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device, the heating unit cannot heat the substrate according to the control sequence. In this case, the aerosol generating device can include: a first memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used two or more times by the heating unit for heating; and a second memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used only once by the heating unit for heating, wherein the control unit executes control to store the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device by overwriting the control sequence stored in the second memory unit.

[0013] The aerosol generating device can additionally include an opening and closing part that opens or closes an opening through which the substrate passes for insertion, wherein if the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit executes control such that even if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control sequence is not transmitted to the other aerosol generating device.

[0014] The control unit can be configured such that if a second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to establish a connection with the other aerosol generating device. In this case, the first movement and the second movement can be of the same type. Additionally, the aerosol generating device can further include an opening and closing part that opens or closes an opening through which the matrix passes for insertion, wherein if the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit performs control such that even if a second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, a connection is not established with the other aerosol generating device.

[0015] Advantageous effects of the present invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a control sequence can be easily transmitted to another aerosol generating device. Description of the drawings

[0017] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device as observed obliquely from above.

[0018] Figure 2 is a view of the top surface of the aerosol generating device as observed from above.

[0019] Figure 3 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the main body device.

[0020] Figure 4 is a view showing a method of sensing a double-tap operation by means of a sensor unit.

[0021] Figure 5 is a view showing a method of sensing a shaking operation by means of a sensor unit.

[0022] Figure 6 is a view showing a first method for selecting a heating curve.

[0023] Figure 7 is a view showing a second method for selecting a heating curve.

[0024] Figure 8 is a view showing the transmission and reception of a heating curve.

[0025] Figure 9 is a view showing a method for storing a heating curve.

[0026] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example executed when the aerosol generating device selects a heating curve.

[0027] Figure 11 ​​​​​​​​​​​is a flowchart showing an example of a second operation performed when the aerosol generating device selects a heating curve.

[0028] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device transmits a heating curve.

[0029] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device receives and stores a heating curve.

[0030] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device performs heating according to a heating curve.

[0031] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the establishment of a P2P connection.

[0032] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device establishes a P2P connection with another aerosol generating device. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiments is in the form of an electronic cigarette. The substance generated by the aerosol generating device is an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas with air or another gas. The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol without an associated burning. In addition, the embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that can be equipped with a solid aerosol source.

[0034] <<Embodiment 1>>

[0035] <Example of Appearance>

[0036] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed obliquely from above.

[0038] Figure 2 is a view of the top surface of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed from above.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 1 is configured by a main body device 10 and a sliding cover 20 that can be slidably operated along the top surface of the main body device 10. It should be noted that, for ease of description, Figure 1 a state in which the sliding cover 20 is removed from the top surface of the main body device 10 is shown.

[0040] ​​​​​In this embodiment, the face on which the power button 11 is provided will be referred to as the "front face".

[0041] In addition, the face on which an insertion port (hereinafter referred to as the "rod-shaped substrate insertion port") 13 is provided will be referred to as the "top face", and a rod-shaped substrate is inserted into this insertion port.

[0042] In addition, the face located on the side opposite to the top face will be referred to as the "bottom face", and the other three faces will be referred to as "side faces".

[0043] In addition to the power button 11, an LED lamp 12 is also provided on the front face of the main body device 10.

[0044] In addition to the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13, a USB (= Universal Serial Bus) cable insertion port 14 is also provided on the top face of the main body device 10.

[0045] For example, the power button 11 is used to indicate the start of heating the rod-shaped substrate, for resetting, and for indicating Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing. Reset is performed by pressing the power button 11 for a long time (for example, pressing for 5 seconds or longer). In this embodiment, BLE (= Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0046] For example, the LED lamp 12 is used to notify the operation state of the main body device 10 and the remaining capacity of the secondary battery. In this embodiment, the surface of the LED lamp 12 is covered with a light-transmitting material, which enables the user to observe the lighting state of the LED lamp 12.

[0047] For example, the operation state includes the progress state of the heating cycle, the progress state of charging, and errors.

[0048] When notifying the progress state of the heating cycle, the length of the illuminated portion of the LED lamp 12 indicates the remaining available time. In addition, when the remaining time is very short, the LED lamp 12 blinks slowly.

[0049] When notifying the progress state of charging, the LED lamp 12 blinks during charging, and as the stored power increases due to charging, the length of the blinking portion of the LED lamp 12 increases. In addition, when charging is completed, the LED lamp 12 turns off or remains in the illuminated state.

[0050] For example, when displaying the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, the remaining battery capacity is displayed by the length of the illuminated portion of the LED lamp 12 at the time point when the slide cover 20 is opened or at the time point when the slide cover 20 is closed.

[0051] In addition, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is low, the LED lamp 12 blinks. In addition, in a state where the remaining capacity of the secondary battery cannot support even one unused rod-shaped substrate for aspiration, the LED lamp 12 blinks rapidly.

[0052] The size of the sliding cover 20 is determined to cover approximately half of the top surface. The sliding cover 20 operated to the open state completely hides the USB cable insertion port 14, and the sliding cover 20 operated to the closed state completely hides the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13. That is, the sliding cover 20 has the function of alternately hiding either the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 or the USB cable insertion port 14. Figure 2 The state where the sliding cover 20 has been operated to the open state is shown. The rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 is an example of an opening through which the substrate passes for insertion, and the sliding cover 20 is an example of an opening and closing part that opens or closes the opening.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the rod-shaped substrate used houses a solid aerosol source in a paper tube generally formed into a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the shape of the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 is depicted by a circular shape in both Figure 1 and Figure 2 which is substantially the same as the shape of the rod-shaped substrate. The diameter of the opening portion of the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 constitutes the size of the rod-shaped substrate that can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate is such that the rod-shaped substrate can be inserted into the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the USB cable insertion port 14 is C-type compatible. However, this does not mean that the shape of the terminal for charging the secondary battery is limited to C-type or limited to USB. The terminal of the power cable for charging the secondary battery can be another type.

[0055] For example, a magnet is attached to the back of the sliding cover 20. On the other hand, a Hall IC is attached to the main body device 10 within the movable range of the sliding cover 20.

[0056] The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed by a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the sliding cover 20 are sensed based on the change in the voltage output from the Hall IC as the sliding cover 20 slides. That is, it is sensed whether the sliding cover 20 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0058] The size of the aerosol generating device 1 of the present embodiment is determined to be such that it can be held by a user with one hand.

[0059] Various types of electronic components required for generating the aerosol are built into the main body device 10. In this sense, the main body device 10 is an example of an electronic device dedicated to generating the aerosol. In addition, in a narrow sense, the main body device 10 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0060] <Internal configuration>

[0061] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the main body device 10. It should be noted that Figure 3 depicts a state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 has been assembled into the main body device 10. In addition, Figure 3 the internal configuration shown is intended to show the components provided in the main body device 10 and their positional relationships. Therefore, Figure 3 the appearance of the components and the like shown does not necessarily match the appearance diagrams discussed above.

[0062] The main body device 10 is configured by a power supply unit 101, a sensor unit 102, a notification unit 103, a memory unit 104, a communication unit 105, a control unit 106, a heating unit 107, a heat insulation part 108, and a holding part 109.

[0063] As discussed above, Figure 3 depicts a state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the holding part 109. In this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0064] The power supply unit 101 is a unit for supplying power to each unit. For example, the power supply unit 101 stores power in a secondary battery. A lithium-ion secondary battery is used in this embodiment.

[0065] The secondary battery can be charged from an external power source. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the external power source is a commercial power source or a mobile battery.

[0066] The sensor unit 102 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information related to the main body device 10.

[0067] For example, the sensor unit 102 includes a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or a flow sensor. The sensor unit 102 outputs the detected information to the control unit 106. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow accompanying inhalation has been detected, the sensor unit 102 outputs a value indicating that the user has inhaled the aerosol to the control unit 106.

[0068] For example, the sensor unit 102 is provided in combination with a button or a switch for receiving a user operation. The button mentioned here includes the power button 11 discussed above (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the switch includes the slide cover 20 discussed above (see Figure 2 ).

[0069] If a user operation is sensed, the sensor 102 outputs the sensing of the operation to the control unit 106.

[0070] The sensor unit 102 further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 107. For example, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on the resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 107. The detected resistance value is output from the sensor unit 102 to the control unit 106. It should be noted that the control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on the resistance value. In other words, the control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 held in the holding portion 109.

[0071] In addition, the sensor unit 102 includes a motion sensor that senses a user operation by detecting the motion of the main body device 10. The motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the main body device 10. An example of the acceleration sensor is shown as a capacitive acceleration sensor including a fixed electrode and a movable electrode formed of silicon, and a sensor element configured by a spring or the like. The acceleration sensor may also be a piezoresistive or thermal detection type acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the motion sensor may include a gyroscope sensor that detects the angular velocity of the main body device 10. In this case, the sensor unit 102 is an example of a detection unit that detects the motion of the present device.

[0072] It should be noted that the moment when the motion sensor is powered on may be the same as the moment when the control unit 106 is powered on. More specifically, since the control unit 106 is powered on when the user releases the factory mode of the aerosol generating device 1 and starts using the aerosol generating device 1, it is preferable that the motion sensor is also powered on at this time. In addition, since the control unit 106 is powered on even during the sleep mode, the motion sensor can sense even during the sleep mode.

[0073] The notification unit 103 is an electronic component for notifying the user of various types of information related to the main body device 10. For example, the notification unit 103 includes an LED lamp 12 (see Figure 1 ). When it is necessary to charge the power supply unit 101, when the power supply unit 101 is in the charging process, or when there is an abnormality in the main body device 10, the LED lamp 12 emits light with different patterns in each case.

[0074] The patterns mentioned here include different colors and different lighting / extinguishing times, etc. In addition, the LED lamp 12 includes a plurality of LEDs. It should be noted that the LED lamp 12 is an example of a light emitting device, and the LED is an example of a light emitting element.

[0075] The notification unit 103 may also include another device used in conjunction with or in place of the light-emitting device. This type of device includes a display device for displaying text, images, and other information, a sound output device for outputting sound, and a vibration device for vibrating the main body device 10, etc.

[0076] The light-emitting device, the display device, the sound output device, and the vibration device, etc. are examples of the notification unit for notifying information.

[0077] The notification unit 103 may additionally notify the user that the state where aerosol can be inhaled has been reached. This notification indicates the state where the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 heated by the heating unit 107 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0078] The memory unit 104 stores various types of information related to the operation of the main body device 10. The memory unit 104 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory), for example.

[0079] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 104 includes the OS (= operating system) and FW (= firmware) as well as other programs.

[0080] In addition, for example, the information stored in the memory unit 104 includes information related to the control of electronic components. The information related to control includes information related to the following: the remaining capacity and SOH (= state of health) of the secondary battery; and the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, the time when inhalation occurs, and the cumulative inhalation time.

[0081] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for implementing communication between the main body device 10 and other devices. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices by means of a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standards mentioned here include wireless LAN (= local area network), serial signal lines, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0082] For example, the communication unit 105 sends information related to the user's inhalation to a smartphone. In addition, the communication unit 105 downloads an update program and a heating curve that define the temperature change of the heating unit 107 in the heating mode from a server.

[0083] The control unit 106 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the operation of the main body device 10 according to various programs.

[0084] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, the communication in the main body device 10 adopts a serial communication method, such as the I2C (= inter-integrated circuit) communication method, the SPI (= serial peripheral interface) communication method, or the UART (= universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) communication method.

[0085] For example, the control unit 106 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (= Central Processing Unit), MCU (= Microcontroller Unit), MPU (= Microprocessing Unit), GPU (= Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (= Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (= Field Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (= Digital Signal Processor).

[0086] The control unit 106 may also include a ROM (= Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (= Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing appropriately varying parameters, etc.

[0087] The control unit 106 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs.

[0088] The processing and control mentioned here include, for example: supplying power by the power supply unit 101; charging the power supply unit 101; detecting information by the sensor unit 102; notifying information by the notification unit 103; writing information to or reading information from the memory unit 104; and transmitting / receiving information by the communication unit 105.

[0089] The control unit 106 also controls processing, etc. based on the information input to the electronic components and the information output from the electronic components.

[0090] The holding portion 109 is a generally cylindrical container. In the present embodiment, the space inside the holding portion 109 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface will be referred to as the inner space 109A. The inner space 109A is generally columnar.

[0091] An opening 109B is provided in the holding portion 109, and this opening allows the inner space 109A to communicate with the outside. The rod-shaped substrate 30 is inserted into the inner space 109A from the opening 109B. The opening 109B mentioned here corresponds to Figure 1 the rod-shaped substrate insertion port 13 in

[0092] The rod-shaped substrate 30 is only partially accommodated in the inner space 109A. The state in which the rod-shaped substrate 30 is accommodated in the inner space 109A will be referred to as the rod-shaped substrate 30 being held in the inner space 109A.

[0093] At least a part of the holding portion 109 is formed to have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 30 in its axial direction.

[0094] Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped substrate 30 inserted into the inner space 109A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 109. The rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the inner space 109A by means of this pressure.

[0095] The holding portion 109 also functions to define a flow path for air passing through the rod-shaped substrate 30. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 109C, and this air inlet hole is the entrance for air to enter the flow path. In addition, the opening 109B serves as an air outlet hole, which is the exit for air.

[0096] In the present embodiment, only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 30 is held in the holding portion 109, while the remaining part protrudes from the housing to the outside. The part held in the holding portion 109 will hereinafter be referred to as the substrate portion 30A, and the part protruding from the housing will hereinafter be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 30B.

[0097] The aerosol source is accommodated in at least the substrate portion 30A. The aerosol source is a substance that is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0098] The aerosol source includes shredded tobacco and also includes processed products obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into particulate form, sheet form, or powder form, or other tobacco-derived substances.

[0099] In addition, the aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances produced by plants other than tobacco (such as mint or herbs). For example, the aerosol source may include flavoring components such as menthol.

[0100] When the main body device 10 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to solids and may equally be a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or may be a liquid such as water.

[0101] At least a part of the mouthpiece portion 30B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0102] When the user inhales with the mouthpiece portion 30B held in their mouth, air flows into the internal space 109A from the air inlet hole. The air that has flowed in reaches the user's mouth after passing through the internal space 109A and the substrate portion 30A. The air reaching the user's mouth contains the aerosol generated by the substrate portion 30A.

[0103] The heating unit 107 is formed by a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 107 is formed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 107 is configured in the form of, for example, a thin film and is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 109.

[0104] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 30 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 107. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air and the like, and an aerosol is generated.

[0105] In Figure 3 Figure 3 , the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 30 is initially heated, and the heating range steadily moves towards the center.

[0106] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source starts from the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 30 and steadily moves towards the center.

[0107] The heating unit 107 generates heat by means of the power supply from the power supply unit 101. For example, when a predetermined user operation is sensed by means of the sensor unit 102, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is allowed. The predetermined user operations mentioned here include the operation of the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2 ) and / or the power button 11 (see Figure 1 ).

[0108] The heating unit 107 heats the rod-shaped substrate 30, which is the aerosol source, according to the heating curve stored in the memory unit 104. The heating curve is a data file that defines the change of the target temperature over time after the start of heating. The heating curve is an example of a control sequence that defines heating. Therefore, the heating unit 107 is an example of a heating unit that heats the substrate containing the aerosol source according to the control sequence by means of the power supply from the power source. In addition, multiple heating curves can be stored in the memory unit 104. Therefore, the heating unit 107 is an example of a heating unit that heats the substrate according to any one of the multiple control sequences.

[0109] In addition, when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 30 heated by the heating unit 107 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user's inhalation becomes possible. The user's inhalation of the aerosol is sensed by means of a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 102 and stored in the memory unit 104.

[0110] When a subsequent predetermined user operation is sensed, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped. The predetermined user operation includes the operation of closing the slide cover 20.

[0111] It should be noted that even if no predetermined user operation is sensed, when the heating time defined in the heating curve has expired, the power supply to the heating unit 107 is also stopped.

[0112] Another method that can be adopted is as follows: supply power to the heating unit 107 when the user's inhalation is sensed, and stop the power supply to the heating unit 107 when the user's inhalation is no longer sensed.

[0113] In addition, in Figure 3In the example, the heating unit 107 is provided at the outer circumferential portion of the rod-shaped substrate 30. However, the heating unit 107 can also be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 30, or the heating unit 107 can be a metal piece built into the rod-shaped substrate 30. When the metal piece serving as the heating unit 107 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 30, an induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding portion 109.

[0114] The heat insulation portion 108 is a member for reducing the propagation of heat generated by the heating unit 107 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulation portion 108 is arranged to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 107.

[0115] For example, the heat insulation portion 108 is configured by a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material, etc. A vacuum heat insulation material is a heat insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film so that the heat conduction of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0116] <Sensing of user operations>

[0117] Now, the sensing of user operations by the sensor unit 102 will be described. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1 and a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1 will be described as examples of user operations.

[0118] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method of sensing a double-tap operation by means of the sensor unit 102. The sensor unit 102 senses the double-tap operation by detecting the acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1 and performing subsequent processing based on the acceleration.

[0119] (1) When the acceleration exceeds the upper threshold Th1 or drops below the lower threshold (-Th1), the time period T11 starts.

[0120] (2) If the acceleration exceeds the upper threshold Th1 in (1), the first tap is sensed when the acceleration drops below the upper threshold Th1 within the time period T11, and if the acceleration drops below the lower threshold (-Th1) in (1), the first tap is sensed when the acceleration exceeds the lower threshold (-Th1) within the time period T11. In the drawing, the first tap is sensed at the point P11.

[0121] (3) After the first tap is sensed, the time period T12 starts. In other words, processing similar to that for preventing flutter is performed during the time period when no tap is sensed.

[0122] (4) From the moment when the time period T12 ends, the time period T13 starts.

[0123] (5) If a tap detection in (1) and (2) occurs again within time period T13, a second tap is sensed. In the drawing, the second tap is sensed at point P12. Thereby, a double-tap operation is sensed.

[0124] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram showing a method of sensing a shaking operation by means of the sensor unit 102. The sensor unit 102 senses a shaking operation by detecting the acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1 and performing subsequent processing based on the acceleration.

[0125] (1) When the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th2, the time period T2 starts to be counted.

[0126] (2) If the acceleration drops below the threshold Th2 within the time period T2, the time period T2 starts to be counted again.

[0127] (3) If the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th2 within the time period T2, a shaking operation is sensed.

[0128] It should be noted that the control unit 106 only needs to transfer the acceleration threshold information and the detection time period information to the sensor unit 102, and assumes that Figure 4 and Figure 5 the processing for detecting the user operation shown is completed within the sensor unit 102.

[0129] In addition, if the sensor unit 102 erroneously senses a user operation, the heating curve may be transmitted or received at an unexpected time for the user, and thus a mechanism for preventing erroneous sensing is required.

[0130] As a mechanism for preventing such erroneous sensing, for example, it is conceivable to collect threshold data for double-tap operations and shaking operations, etc. for a certain number of users, and adopt the threshold data in the sensor units 102 of all the aerosol generating devices 1 of a specific model. In addition, it can be configured such that if the models of the aerosol generating devices 1 used are the same, the threshold data is not adjusted for each user, or even if the models of the aerosol generating devices 1 used are the same, the threshold data is adjusted for each user.

[0131] <Operation Overview>

[0132] Now, the transmission and reception of the heating curve between the aerosol generating devices 1 will be described. In the following description, the aerosol generating device 1 that transmits the heating curve will be referred to as the aerosol generating device 1a, and the aerosol generating device 1 that receives the heating curve will be referred to as the aerosol generating device 1b.

[0133] First, a method for selecting the heating curve to be transmitted in the aerosol generating device 1a will be described.

[0134] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a first method for selecting a heating curve. In the first selection method, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the aerosol generating device 1a selects a heating curve stored in the memory unit 104 according to a predetermined order. Here, a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a will be taken as an example to describe the predetermined operation, but it is not limited thereto. The predetermined operation can be a shaking operation of the aerosol generating device 1a or the like. Alternatively, if a P2P (peer-to-peer) connection is established between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b, the predetermined operation can be the same operation performed on the aerosol generating device 1b.

[0135] In the drawing, it is assumed that the heating curve No. 1 is selected as the heating curve to be transmitted in the initial state. In this state, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 2 as the heating curve to be transmitted. If the user then performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 3 as the heating curve to be transmitted. If the user then performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 4 as the heating curve to be transmitted. In addition, if the user then performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns to the heating curve No. 1 as the heating curve to be transmitted.

[0136] In this case, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of a control unit that performs control to select a specific control sequence according to a predetermined order of a plurality of control sequences.

[0137] Here, it can be configured such that by connecting the aerosol generating device 1a to a smartphone, the order of the heating curves can be changed via an application on the smartphone. However, even if the order of the heating curves can be changed in this way, it is possible to increase the number of double-tap operations required to select the desired heating curve. For example, in Figure 6 if the user wishes to select the heating curve No. 4 in the state where the heating curve No. 1 is set, and if neither the heating curve No. 2 nor the heating curve No. 3 is stored, a single double-tap on the aerosol generating device 1a is sufficient. However, if both the heating curve No. 2 and the heating curve No. 3 are already stored, three double-taps on the aerosol generating device 1a are required. Accordingly, a second method for selecting a heating curve can be considered, which does not require a large number of predetermined operations to select the desired heating curve.

[0138] Figure 7It is a diagram showing a second method for selecting a heating curve. In the second selection method, when the user performs an operation, the aerosol generating device 1a selects a heating curve stored in the memory unit 104 according to the type of the operation. Here, a combined operation of a double-tap operation and a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a will be taken as an example to describe the operation, but it is not limited thereto. The operation may be a single operation including any one of a double-tap operation, a shaking operation, or another operation, or may be a combined operation of any two or more of the above operations. Alternatively, if a P2P connection is established between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b, the operation may be any operation in the same operations performed on the aerosol generating device 1b.

[0139] In the drawing, it is assumed that the heating curve No. 1 is selected as the heating curve to be transmitted in the initial state. In this state, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a and then performs a shaking operation, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 2 as the heating curve to be transmitted. Further, if the user performs a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a and then performs a double-tap operation, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 3 as the heating curve to be transmitted. In addition, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a twice in a row, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve No. 4 as the heating curve to be transmitted. In addition, for example, in order to return from the currently selected heating curve to the heating curve No. 1 again, the operation performed to select the currently selected heating curve should be performed again.

[0140] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of this device, and the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of another aerosol generating device. In addition, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit, which performs control to select a specific control sequence according to the type of the first motion detected by the detection unit of this device or the detection unit of another aerosol generating device.

[0141] It should be noted that in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 may be configured not to switch the heating curve when the sliding cover 20 is opened. This is because if the sliding cover 20 is opened, it is assumed that heating is being performed according to the heating curve.

[0142] In this case, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit, which performs control so that when the opening of the opening and closing unit is opened, even if the first motion is detected by the detection unit of this device or the first motion is detected by the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, the control sequence is not switched.

[0143] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 may be configured not to transmit the heating curve to the aerosol generating device 1b while the BLE communication is in progress. This is because if the aerosol generating device 1a is performing BLE communication, it is assumed that the heating curve is being transmitted or received.

[0144] Next, the transmission and reception of the heating curve between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b will be described.

[0145] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the transmission and reception of the heating curve. In the drawing, it is assumed that a P2P connection has been established between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b. In this state, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a transmits the heating curve to the aerosol generating device 1b. The heating curve to be transmitted may be a heating curve selected from a plurality of heating curves using Figure 6 or Figure 7 the selection method shown. Here, the predetermined operation is exemplified by the user of the aerosol generating device 1a performing a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined operation may equally be, for example, the user of the aerosol generating device 1a performing a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, or the user of the aerosol generating device 1b performing a shaking operation or a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1b.

[0146] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of this device, the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of another aerosol generating device, and the movement of the aerosol generating device 1a or the aerosol generating device 1b due to the user's predetermined operation is an example of the first movement. In addition, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit. In a state where a connection has been established between this device and another aerosol generating device, if the first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or the first movement is detected by the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to transmit the control sequence to another aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit. If the first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or the first movement is detected by the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to transmit a specific control sequence among a plurality of control sequences to another aerosol generating device.

[0147] In addition, when a heating curve is selected, the notification unit 103 may notify information specifying the selected heating curve. For example, if the notification unit 103 is a vibration device, the notification of the information specifying the selected heating curve may be performed by causing the main body device 10 to vibrate a number of times corresponding to the selected heating curve number. Alternatively, if the notification unit 103 is the LED lamp 12, the notification of the information specifying the selected heating curve may be performed by lighting a number of LEDs corresponding to the selected heating curve number.

[0148] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 may be configured not to transmit a heating curve to the aerosol generating device 1b when the sliding cover 20 is open. This is because if the sliding cover 20 is open, it is assumed that heating is being performed according to the heating curve.

[0149] In this case, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of a control unit that performs control so that, when the opening of the opening and closing unit is open, even if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or a first movement is detected by the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, a control sequence is not transmitted to another aerosol generating device.

[0150] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 may be configured not to transmit a heating curve to the aerosol generating device 1b when BLE communication is in progress. This is because if BLE communication is in progress, it is assumed that a heating curve is being transmitted or received.

[0151] On the other hand, when a heating curve is transmitted from the aerosol generating device 1a due to a user performing a predetermined operation, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1b receives the heating curve.

[0152] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of this device, and the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of another aerosol generating device. In addition, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of a control unit that, if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or a first movement is detected by the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, performs control to receive a control sequence from another aerosol generating device that has transmitted the control sequence.

[0153] Next, the storage of the heating curve in the aerosol generating device 1b will be described.

[0154] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a method for storing a heating curve. As shown in the drawings, the memory unit 104 of the aerosol generating device 1b includes a first memory unit 1041 and a second memory unit 1042.

[0155] The first memory unit 1041 stores heating curves other than the heating curves received from another aerosol generating device 1. For example, such heating curves include the heating curves stored when the aerosol generating device 1b leaves the factory, and the heating curves downloaded from a server, a smart phone, etc. after the aerosol generating device 1b leaves the factory. Such heating curves can be used by the heating unit 107 any number of times for heating. In the drawings, heating curves numbered 1 to 4 are shown as the heating curves stored in the first memory unit 1041. The first memory unit 1041 is an example of the first memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used by the heating unit two or more times for heating.

[0156] The second memory unit 1042 stores the heating curves received from another aerosol generating device 1. Such heating curves can only be used by the heating unit 107 once for heating. That is, in the aerosol generating device 1b, the control unit 106 is configured such that after the heating rod-shaped substrate 30 has been heated once using the heating curve stored in the second memory unit 1042, the heating curve cannot be used again to heat the heating rod-shaped substrate 30. In this case, the control unit 106 can store the heating curve received from the aerosol generating device 1a by overwriting the heating curve stored in the second memory unit 1042. In the drawings, heating curve number 5 is shown as the heating curve stored in the second memory unit 1042. The second memory unit 1042 is an example of the second memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used by the heating unit only once for heating. Additionally, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of the control unit that executes control such that after the heating unit has heated the substrate once according to the control sequence received from another aerosol generating device, the heating unit cannot heat the substrate according to the control sequence. Furthermore, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of the control unit that executes control to store the control sequence received from another aerosol generating device by overwriting the control sequence stored in the second memory unit.

[0157] <Operating details>

[0158] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device 1a selects a heating curve. Here, the case of selecting a heating curve as in the example Figure 6 shown will be described by way of example.

[0159] As shown in the drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 first determines whether an interruption notification has been received (step 301).

[0160] If it is determined in step 301 that no interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 repeats step 301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 301 that an interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines whether the user has performed a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a based on that value (step 302).

[0161] If it is determined in step 302 that the user has not performed a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 302 that the user has performed a double-tap operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 determines whether the sliding cover 20 is closed (step 303).

[0162] If it is determined in step 303 that the sliding cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 303 that the sliding cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether BLE communication is in progress (step 304).

[0163] If it is determined in step 304 that BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 304 that BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 designates the heating curve to be selected (step 305). For example, if the heating curve immediately following the currently selected heating curve is stored, the control unit 106 may designate the heating curve immediately following it as the heating curve to be selected. In addition, if the heating curve placed immediately following the currently selected heating curve is not stored, the control unit 106 may designate the currently selected heating curve as the heating curve to be selected.

[0164] Then, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve designated in step 305 instead of the currently selected heating curve (step 306). At this time, the notification unit 103 may cause the main body device 10 to vibrate the number of times corresponding to the selected heating curve number, or light up the number of LEDs corresponding to the selected heating curve number.

[0165] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example performed when the aerosol generating device 1a selects a heating curve. Here, the case of selecting a heating curve as in the Figure 7 example shown will be described by way of example.

[0166] As shown in the drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 first determines whether an interruption notification has been received (step 321).

[0167] If it is determined in step 321 that no interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 repeats step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 321 that an interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines based on this value whether the user has performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a (step 322).

[0168] If it is determined in step 322 that the user has not performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 322 that the user has performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is closed (step 323).

[0169] If it is determined in step 323 that the slide cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 323 that the slide cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether BLE communication is in progress (step 324).

[0170] If it is determined in step 324 that BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 324 that BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 determines whether an interruption notification has been received again within the period T31 since it was determined in step 321 that an interruption notification had been received (step 325).

[0171] If it is determined in step 325 that no interruption notification has been received within the period T31, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 325 that an interruption notification has been received within the period T31, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines based on this value whether the user has performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a (step 326).

[0172] If it is determined in step 326 that the user has not performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 325. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 326 that the user has performed a double-tap operation or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is closed (step 327).

[0173] If it is determined in step 327 that the slide cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 327 that the slide cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether BLE communication is in progress (step 328).

[0174] If it is determined in step 328 that the BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 328 that the BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 designates a heating curve to be selected (step 329). For example, the control unit 106 can designate a heating curve to be selected based on the combination of the operation determined in step 322 and the operation determined in step 326. In addition, in Figure 7 the example of, if there is no heating curve corresponding to the combination of operations, such as when both the operation determined in step 322 and the operation determined in step 326 are shaking operations, the control unit 106 can return the process to step 325.

[0175] Then, the control unit 106 selects the heating curve designated in step 329 instead of the currently selected heating curve (step 330). At this time, the notification unit 103 can cause the main body device 10 to vibrate a number of times corresponding to the selected heating curve number, or light up a number of LEDs corresponding to the selected heating curve number.

[0176] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed when the aerosol generating device 1a transmits a heating curve. Here, the case of transmitting a heating curve as in Figure 8 the example shown will be described by way of example.

[0177] As shown in the attached drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 first establishes a P2P connection with the aerosol generating device 1b (step 341). In this embodiment, the P2P connection can be established by any method. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time and lights up the LED lamp 12 in blue.

[0178] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is open (step 342).

[0179] If it is determined in step 342 that the slide cover 20 is open, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 341. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to flash three times in white. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 342 that the slide cover 20 is not open, the control unit 106 determines whether an interruption notification has been received within the time period T32 since the P2P connection was established (step 343).

[0180] If it is determined in step 343 that no interruption notification has been received within the time period T32, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 341. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to flash white three times. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 343 that an interruption notification has been received within the time period T32, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines based on this value whether the user has performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a (step 344).

[0181] If it is determined in step 344 that the user has not performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 343. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 344 that the user has performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 starts transmitting the heating curve selected from Figure 10 or Figure 11 (step 345). At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time and causes the LED lamp 12 to flash blue.

[0182] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is open (step 346).

[0183] If it is determined in step 346 that the slide cover 20 is open, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 341. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to flash white three times. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 346 that the slide cover 20 is not open, the control unit 106 determines whether the transmission of the heating curve has been completed within the time period T32 (step 347).

[0184] If it is determined in step 347 that the transmission of the heating curve has not been completed within the time period T32, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 341. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to flash white three times. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 347 that the transmission of the heating curve has been completed within the time period T32, the control unit 106 ends the transmission of the heating curve (step 348). At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time and turns off the LED lamp 12 that is lit blue.

[0185] Then, the control unit 106 ends the P2P communication (step 349).

[0186] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed when the aerosol generating device 1b receives and stores a heating curve. Here, an example will be used to describe howFigure 8 and Figure 9 receive and store the heating curve as shown in the example

[0187] As shown in the attached drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1b, the control unit 106 first establishes a P2P connection with the aerosol generating device 1a (step 361). In this embodiment, the P2P connection can be established by any method. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time, and lights up the LED lamp 12 in blue.

[0188] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is open (step 362).

[0189] If it is determined in step 362 that the slide cover 20 is open, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 361. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times, and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink three times in white. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 362 that the slide cover 20 is not open, the control unit 106 starts receiving the heating curve transmitted by the aerosol generating device 1a (step 363). At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time, and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink in blue.

[0190] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is open (step 364).

[0191] If it is determined in step 364 that the slide cover 20 is open, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 361. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times, and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink three times in white. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 364 that the slide cover 20 is not open, the control unit 106 ends the reception of the heating curve (step 365). At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time, and turns off the LED lamp 12 that is lit in blue.

[0192] Next, the control unit 106 stores the heating curve received in steps 363 to 365 in the second memory unit 1042 (step 366).

[0193] Then, the control unit 106 ends the P2P communication (step 367).

[0194] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operations performed when the aerosol generating device 1b performs heating according to the heating curve.

[0195] As shown in the accompanying drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1b, the control unit 106 first determines whether the slide cover 20 is open (step 381).

[0196] If it is determined in step 381 that the slide cover 20 is not open, the control unit 106 repeats step 381. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 381 that the slide cover 20 is open, the control unit 106 determines whether the power button 11 is pressed (step 382).

[0197] If it is determined in step 382 that the power button 11 is not pressed, the control unit 106 repeats step 382. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 382 that the power button 11 is pressed, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the power unit 101 to the heating unit 107 (step 383). Then, the control unit 106 causes the heating unit 107 to heat according to the heating curve stored in the memory unit 104 (step 384).

[0198] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the heating curve used for heating in step 384 is the heating curve received from the aerosol generating device 1a (step 385).

[0199] If it is determined in step 385 that the heating curve used for heating in step 384 is the heating curve received from the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 sets the setting so that the received heating curve cannot be used by the heating unit 107 for heating again (step 386). Then, the control unit 106 switches the heating curve to be used by the heating unit 107 for heating to a heating curve other than the received heating curve (step 387). For example, in Figure 9 the example, if the control unit 106 receives and uses the 5th heating curve from the aerosol generating device 1a in the state where the 1st heating curve has already been selected, it is preferable to reselect the 1st heating curve as the heating curve to be used for heating.

[0200] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 385 that the heating curve used for heating in step 384 is not the heating curve received from the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 ends the process without performing steps 386 and 387.

[0201] <Advantageous effects>

[0202] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to transmit to and receive from other aerosol generating devices 1 a control sequence defining heating in response to a user operation. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily transmit to and receive a control sequence from other aerosol generating devices 1.

[0203] <<Example 2>>

[0204] In this embodiment, the P2P connection between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b is also established in response to a user operation.

[0205] It should be noted that the appearance, internal configuration, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0206] In addition, in this embodiment, the selection of the heating curve, the transmission of the heating curve, the reception and storage of the heating curve, and the heating operation using the heating curve are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0207] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing the establishment of a P2P connection. When the user performs a predetermined operation, the control units 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b establish a P2P connection between the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b. Here, the predetermined operation is exemplified by a shaking operation of the aerosol generating device 1a performed by the user of the aerosol generating device 1a and a shaking operation of the aerosol generating device 1b performed by the user of the aerosol generating device 1b, but is not limited thereto. The predetermined operation may be, for example, a double-tap operation of the aerosol generating device 1a by the user of the aerosol generating device 1a and, for example, a double-tap operation of the aerosol generating device 1b by the user of the aerosol generating device 1b.

[0208] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of this device, the aerosol generating device 1b is an example of another aerosol generating device, and the movement of the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b caused by the predetermined operation performed by the user is an example of the second movement. In addition, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit. If the second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of another aerosol generating device, this control unit executes control to establish a connection with the other aerosol generating device.

[0209] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b, the control unit 106 should be configured not to establish a P2P connection when the sliding cover 20 is open. This is because if the sliding cover 20 is open, it is assumed that heating is being performed according to the heating curve.

[0210] In this case, the control unit 106 of the aerosol generating device 1a is an example of the following control unit. If the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, this control unit executes control so as not to establish a connection with the other aerosol generating device even if the second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of another aerosol generating device.

[0211] In addition, in the aerosol generating device 1a and the aerosol generating device 1b, the control unit 106 should be configured not to establish a P2P connection when connected to a smartphone. This is because when connected to a smartphone, a P2P connection has already been established with the smartphone.

[0212] In addition, although the user operation for establishing a P2P connection is defined herein as the same as the user operation for transmitting a heating curve, it can also be different from the user operation for transmitting a heating curve. That is, the first movement and the second movement can be the same type of movement or different types of movement.

[0213] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when the aerosol generating device 1a establishes a P2P connection with the aerosol generating device 1b. Herein, the case of establishing a P2P connection as in the example Figure 15 shown will be described by way of example.

[0214] As shown in the drawings, in the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 first determines whether an interruption notification has been received (step 401).

[0215] If it is determined in step 401 that no interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 repeats step 401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 401 that an interruption notification has been received, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines based on this value whether the user has performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a (step 402).

[0216] If it is determined in step 402 that the user has not performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 402 that the user has performed a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 1a, the control unit 106 determines whether the sliding cover 20 is closed (step 403).

[0217] If it is determined in step 403 that the sliding cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 403 that the sliding cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether the connection with the smartphone is in progress (step 404).

[0218] If it is determined in step 404 that the connection with the smartphone is in progress, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 404 that the connection with the smartphone is not in progress, the control unit 106 starts to transition to the P2P mode (step 405). That is, the control unit 106 starts to search for the aerosol generating device 1 that is being shaken nearby as a peer for P2P connection. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate once for an extended period of time and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink in blue.

[0219] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the transition to the P2P mode has been cancelled (step 406).

[0220] If it is determined in step 406 that the transition to the P2P mode has been cancelled, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 401. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink three times in white. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 406 that the transition to the P2P mode has not been cancelled, the control unit 106 determines whether a timeout has occurred (step 407).

[0221] If it is determined in step 407 that a timeout has occurred, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 401. At this time, for example, the notification unit 103 causes the main body device 10 to vibrate three times and causes the LED lamp 12 to blink three times in white. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 407 that a timeout has not occurred, the control unit 106 determines whether the peer for the P2P connection is a smartphone application (step 408).

[0222] If it is determined in step 408 that the peer for the P2P connection is not a smartphone application, the control unit 106 completes the P2P connection with the aerosol generating device 1b (step 409).

[0223] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 408 that the peer for the P2P connection is a smartphone application, the control unit 106 completes the P2P connection with the application (step 410).

[0224] <Advantageous Effects>

[0225] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to establish a connection with another aerosol generating device 1 in response to a user operation. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily establish a connection with another aerosol generating device 1.

[0226] <<Other Embodiments>>

[0227] (1) The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of the present invention also includes various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments.

[0228] (2) The embodiments discussed above describe the case where the aerosol source is solid, but the aerosol source can equally well be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a system is employed in which the aerosol source is guided to a narrow tube called a wick by using capillary action, and a coil wound around the wick is heated, thereby vaporizing the aerosol source.

[0229] (3) The embodiments discussed above describe an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source, but the aerosol generating device can equally well generate aerosol by heating each of a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source separately. This type of aerosol generating device is also referred to as a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0230] ≪Overview≫

[0231] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features.

[0232] (1) An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by means of power supply from a power source; a detection unit that detects the movement of the device; and a control unit that, in a state where a connection has been established between the device and another aerosol generating device, if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to transmit the control sequence to the other aerosol generating device.

[0233] (2) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein the heating unit heats the substrate according to any one of a plurality of control sequences, and if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to transmit a specific control sequence among the plurality of control sequences to the other aerosol generating device.

[0234] (3) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (2), wherein the control unit executes control to select the specific control sequence according to a predetermined order of the plurality of control sequences.

[0235] (4) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (2), wherein the control unit performs control to select the specific control sequence according to the type of the first movement detected by the detection unit of this device or the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device.

[0236] (5) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein if the first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to receive the control sequence from the other aerosol generating device that has transmitted the control sequence.

[0237] (6) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (5), wherein the control unit performs control such that after the heating unit has heated the substrate once according to the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device, the heating unit cannot heat the substrate according to the said control sequence.

[0238] (7) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (6), comprising: a first memory unit that stores the control sequence to be used twice or more times by the heating unit for heating; and a second memory unit that stores the control sequence to be used only once by the heating unit for heating, wherein the control unit performs control to store the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device by overwriting the control sequence stored in the second memory unit.

[0239] (8) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), further comprising an opening and closing part that opens or closes the opening through which the substrate passes for insertion, wherein if the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit performs control such that even if the first movement is detected by the detection unit of this device or the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control sequence is not transmitted to the other aerosol generating device.

[0240] (9) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein if a second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit performs control to establish a connection with the other aerosol generating device.

[0241] (10) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (9), wherein the first movement and the second movement are of the same type.

[0242] (11) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (9) further includes an opening and closing part that opens or closes an opening through which the substrate is inserted. If the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit performs control such that even if the second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, a connection is not established with the other aerosol generating device.

[0243] List of reference numerals

[0244] 1…Aerosol generating device; 10…Main body device; 11…Power button; 12…LED lamp; 13…Rod-shaped substrate insertion port; 14…USB cable insertion port; 20…Slider; 101…Power supply unit; 102…Sensor unit; 103…Notification unit; 104…Memory unit; 105…Communication unit; 106…Control unit; 107…Heating unit; 108…Heat insulation part; 109…Holding part; 30…Rod-shaped substrate.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by means of power supply from a power source; A detection unit that detects the movement of the device; And A control unit that, in a state where a connection has been established between the device and another aerosol generating device, if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to transmit the control sequence to the other aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating unit heats the substrate according to any one of a plurality of control sequences, and If a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to transmit a specific control sequence among the plurality of control sequences to the other aerosol generating device.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit executes control to select the specific control sequence according to a predetermined order of the plurality of control sequences.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit executes control to select the specific control sequence according to the type of the first movement detected by the detection unit of the device or the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, If a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to receive the control sequence from the other aerosol generating device that has transmitted the control sequence.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit executes control such that after the heating unit has heated the substrate once according to the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device, the heating unit cannot heat the substrate according to the control sequence.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, comprising: A first memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used by the heating unit two or more times for heating; And A second memory unit that stores a control sequence to be used by the heating unit only once for heating, Wherein The control unit executes control to store the control sequence received from the other aerosol generating device by overwriting the control sequence stored in the second memory unit.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an opening and closing part that opens or closes an opening through which the substrate passes for insertion, wherein, If the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit executes control such that even if a first movement is detected by the detection unit of the device or by the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control sequence is not transmitted to the other aerosol generating device.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, If a second movement is detected by the detection unit of the device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, the control unit executes control to establish a connection with the other aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein, The first movement and the second movement are of the same type.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, further comprising an opening and closing part that opens or closes an opening through which the substrate passes for insertion, wherein, If the opening is opened by the opening and closing part, the control unit performs control so that even if the second movement is detected by the detection unit of this device and the detection unit of the other aerosol generating device, a connection is not established with the other aerosol generating device.

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