Aerosol generating system, control method, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a mechanism that can further reduce the size of a suction device. There is provided an aerosol-generating system including: a power supply unit that stores and supplies power; a receiving portion that receives a substrate containing an aerosol source; a heating unit that uses power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion; and a control unit that controls power supply to the heating unit. The control unit determines a state of the accommodating portion based on a change rate of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, a control method, and a non-transitory recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Inhalation devices (such as electronic cigarettes and vaporizers) that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices employ an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate (including the flavor source, etc.) for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol to produce the flavored aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action of the user inhaling the aerosol will hereinafter be referred to as "puffing" or "the puffing action."

[0003] For the purpose of further improving the quality of user experience when using such an inhalation device, various technical developments are underway. For example, PTL 1 below discloses a technology for sensing the insertion of a substrate into an inhalation device based on a change in capacitance detected by a capacitive sensor mounted in the inhalation device.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2017-510270 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] However, in the technology disclosed in the above PTL 1, the inhalation device is equipped with a capacitive sensor and is therefore proportionally larger.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure takes the above-mentioned problems into account, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an arrangement that enables an inhalation device to be made even more compact.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating system, which includes: a power supply unit, which is used to store and supply electricity; a accommodating portion, which is used to accommodate a substrate containing an aerosol source; a heating unit, which uses the electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion; and a control unit, which is used to control the power supply to the heating unit, wherein the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

[0012] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on a result of determining the state of the accommodating portion.

[0013] If the rate of change of the parameter satisfies a first condition, the control unit may continue heating through the heating unit, and if the rate of change of the parameter does not satisfy the first condition, the control unit may stop heating through the heating unit.

[0014] The control unit may determine the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of the parameter during a period from a first time that has elapsed since the heating unit started heating to generate the aerosol until a second time has elapsed.

[0015] The control unit can maintain the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the parameter satisfies a second condition, and change the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit when the parameter has satisfied the second condition, and the first time and the second time can be set to be reached before the second condition is satisfied.

[0016] The control unit may maintain a duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the second time has passed.

[0017] The first time may be at least 1 second.

[0018] The control unit can determine the state of the accommodating portion based on a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, which time series transition is obtained by repeatedly applying a sensing pulse group including a first sensing pulse to the heating unit, and the control unit can start heating by the heating unit to generate an aerosol based on a result of the determination.

[0019] The aerosol-generating system may further comprise the substrate.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method for controlling an aerosol generating system implemented by means of a computer, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electricity; a accommodating portion for accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit for using the electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion, and wherein the control method includes controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and controlling the power supply to the heating unit includes determining the state of the accommodating portion based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory recording medium, which stores a program for controlling an aerosol generating system implemented by means of a computer, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electricity; a accommodating portion for accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit, which uses the electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion, and wherein the program causes the computer to act as a control unit for controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

[0022] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0023] As described above, the present disclosure provides an arrangement that enables an inhalation device to be made even more compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] [ Figure 1 ] is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device.

[0025] [ Figure 2 ] is a simplified diagram illustrating a first process performed by an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [ Figure 3 ] is a simplified diagram illustrating a first process performed by the inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 4 ] is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating curve.

[0028] [ Figure 5 ] is a simplified diagram showing power supply control based on a heating curve.

[0029] [ Figure 6 ] is a simplified diagram showing experimental results related to the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0030] [ Figure 7 ] is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow performed by the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0031] [ Figure 8 ] is a simplified diagram illustrating a second process performed by the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0032] [ Figure 9 ] is a simplified diagram illustrating a second process performed by the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0033] [ Figure 10] is a simplified diagram showing experimental results related to the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

[0034] [ Figure 11 ] is a flowchart showing an example of a second processing flow implemented by the inhalation device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals in the specification and the drawings to avoid giving repeated descriptions.

[0036] In this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may also be distinguished by using the same reference numeral followed by an index consisting of different letters or numeric characters. For example, as needed, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. However, if there is no need to specifically distinguish between each of the multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, the same reference numeral may be assigned. For example, when there is no need to distinguish between devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, devices 1A, 1B, and 1C may also be referred to simply as device 1.

[0037] <1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device>

[0038] An inhalation device is a device for producing a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance produced by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0039] Figure 1 : is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an inhalation device. Figure 1 As shown, 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 , an accommodating portion 140 , and a heat insulating portion 144 .

[0040] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity and supplies electricity to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to control performed 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.

[0041] 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 condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device (such as a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0042] 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, or the like.

[0043] 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 nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0044] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of usable communication standards 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).

[0045] The control unit 116 functions 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 realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0046] The accommodating portion 140 has an interior space 141 and holds the rod-type matrix 150 while accommodating a portion of the rod-type matrix 150 within the interior space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142, thereby allowing the interior space 141 to communicate with the outside, and the accommodating portion accommodates the rod-type matrix 150 that has been inserted into the interior space 141 through 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 the accommodating portion defines the columnar interior space 141. An air flow channel for supplying air to the interior 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, which serves as an inlet for air to enter the air flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, which serves as an outlet for air from the air flow channel to the interior space 141.

[0047] The stick-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 medication. 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 it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the interior space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when a user places the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the interior space 141 via an air flow channel (not shown in the drawings) and, together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151, reaches the user's mouth.

[0048] The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating aerosol. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the heating unit 121 has a film-like form and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. Thus, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when it is supplied with power by the power supply unit 111. For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be supplied. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, the power supply can be stopped.

[0049] The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured of a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like.

[0050] The above has described a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. Of course, the inhalation device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0051] As an example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped 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 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 blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0052] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (e.g., a hinge) for opening / closing a portion of the outer shell forming the interior space 141. By opening / closing the outer shell, the receiving portion 140 can receive and hold the rod-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the interior space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 can be provided on the portion of the receiving portion 140 that holds the rod-type substrate 150, and can heat the rod-type substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0053] An example configuration of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the rod-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150) housed in the housing portion 140 using power supplied from the power supply unit 111. The control unit 116 then controls the supply of power to the heating unit 121. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol. The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 can also be considered an aerosol-generating system.

[0054] <2. Technical Features>

[0055] <2.1. Heating Associated with Sensing Insertion>

[0056] Control unit 116 determines the state of accommodation portion 140 based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of heating unit 121. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of heating unit 121 is hereinafter assumed to be the resistance (hereinafter referred to as "resistance") of heating unit 121 (more specifically, the heating resistor element constituting heating unit 121). Control unit 116 obtains the resistance of heating unit 121 by applying a voltage to heating unit 121. It is assumed that the resistance of heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of heating unit 121 increases, and that the resistance of heating unit 121 decreases as the temperature of heating unit 121 decreases. In other words, in the following description, resistance and temperature are considered interchangeable.

[0057] The control unit 116 begins by performing a first process, which includes acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121 and determining the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In the first process, the control unit 116 particularly determines whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0058] If the first process determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the control unit 116 terminates the first process and then implements the second process. The second process includes heating the rod-type substrate 150 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is control information for generating an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating the rod-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. The heating profile will be described in detail later.

[0059] Here, in the first process, even if the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140, it is possible to erroneously determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This erroneous determination may occur when an article other than the rod-shaped substrate 150 (such as a cotton swab for cleaning) is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, or when external air is blown into the accommodating portion 140. This is because, in this case, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may also change in the same manner as when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0060] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating based on the heating curve, and determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination of the insertion of the rod-type substrate 150 into the accommodating portion 140 in the first process is an erroneous determination.

[0061] If it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, that is, if the determination in the first process is judged to be correct, the control unit 116 continues to heat the rod-type substrate 150 based on the heating curve. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140, that is, if the determination in the first process is judged to be incorrect, the control unit 116 stops heating the rod-type substrate 150 based on the heating curve.

[0062] With this configuration, when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, heating of the stick-type substrate 150 can be automatically started and continued. At the same time, heating can be stopped when nothing is inserted into the accommodating portion 140 or when a product other than the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted. Therefore, usability can be improved because once the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, heating can be started without the user having to give a separate instruction to start / stop heating, thereby allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0063] With this configuration, the insertion of the rod-type matrix 150 can also be sensed by utilizing the heating unit 121 that heats the rod-type matrix 150. That is, there is no need to equip another sensor (such as a capacitive sensor) to sense the insertion of the rod-type matrix 150. This allows the inhalation device 100 to be made even more compact.

[0064] It should be noted that in the first process, the heating unit 121 may be heated by applying a voltage to the heating unit 121, so as to obtain the resistance of the heating unit 121. That is, the first process can be understood as a process of heating the rod-shaped substrate 150. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, it will be assumed below that in the second process, heating refers to heating based on a heating curve.

[0065] The first process and the second process will be described in detail below.

[0066] (1) First treatment

[0067] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating a first process performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 The bar graph 30 shown shows an example of a time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the first process. The vertical axis in the bar graph 30 represents voltage in volts, and the horizontal axis in the bar graph 30 represents time in seconds. Figure 3 The graph shown in Figure 35 shows that when applying Figure 2 The voltage shown is an example of a time-series transition in the resistance of the heating unit 121. The vertical axis of graph 35 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 35 represents time in seconds. Graph 35 depicts a situation where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 at the time indicated by arrow 39 (i.e., 5 seconds after the start of the first treatment).

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a sensing pulse group 34 including a first sensing pulse 31 to the heating unit 121. The "pulse" referred to here is a wave having a predetermined voltage. In particular, the first sensing pulse 31 is a pulse for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121. The period of applying one sensing pulse group 34 will also be referred to as a sensing cycle hereinafter. The period of the sensing cycle in which the first sensing pulse 31 is applied will also be referred to as a temperature increase period. At the same time, the period of the sensing cycle in which the first sensing pulse 31 is not applied will also be referred to as a temperature reduction period. Figure 2 In the example shown, the duration of the sensing period is 0.5 seconds, wherein the first 0.1 seconds of the sensing period is a temperature increase period, and the remaining 0.4 seconds is a temperature decrease period.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, during the temperature rising period, voltage is applied to the heating unit 121, so the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 also increases accordingly. Meanwhile, during the temperature falling period, the application of voltage to the heating unit 121 is suspended, so the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 also decreases accordingly. That is, the resistance of the heating unit 121 fluctuates within one sensing cycle. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, during the repeated application of the sensing pulse group 34, the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases while repeatedly moving up and down. Here, the voltage and span of the first sensing pulse 31 are adjusted so that during the repeated application of the sensing pulse group 34, the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases or is maintained at a constant value.

[0070] The control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodation portion 140 based on the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121. More specifically, when the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation portion 140. Meanwhile, when the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodation portion 140.

[0071] During the period in which the sensing pulse group 34 is applied to the heating unit 121, the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 changes depending on whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation portion 140. Figure 3In the example shown, the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 during a period of 5 seconds from the start of the first treatment. During this period, the resistance at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is on the line 37, and the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is on the line 38. Figure 3 In the example shown, the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140 within a period after 5 seconds have passed since the start of the first process. During this period, the resistance at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is below the line 37, and the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is below the line 38. Therefore, when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 has occurred during the process of repeatedly applying the sensing pulse group 34, Figure 3 When the change is shown, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation portion 140. This simple configuration makes it possible to determine whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation portion 140.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the first process may include initially applying a third sensing pulse 33 to the heating unit 121. The third sensing pulse 33 is a pulse for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the third sensing pulse 33 is longer than that of the first sensing pulse 31. Figure 2 In the example shown, the duration of the first sensing pulse 31 is 0.1 seconds, while the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 is 0.5 seconds. This configuration enables the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be increased to a certain level immediately after the first process begins. If the resistance of the heating unit 121 has not increased to a certain level, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may not decrease to a suitable level during the temperature reduction period of the sensing cycle. This configuration enables the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be appropriately increased and decreased during the sensing cycle, thereby enabling the state of the accommodating portion 140 to be determined with greater accuracy.

[0073] It should be noted that, in addition to the single first sensing pulse 31, the sensing pulse group 34 may also include one or more second sensing pulses. The second sensing pulse is a pulse used to acquire the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the second sensing pulse is shorter than that of the first sensing pulse 31. In particular, the duration of the second sensing pulse is preferably set to an extremely short time so that even when the second sensing pulse is applied to the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not change. This allows the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be acquired while the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases during the temperature reduction period.

[0074] The state of the accommodating portion 140 can be determined using the resistance of the heating unit 121 acquired by the second sensing pulse. This configuration enables determination of the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on a larger number of samples, thereby suppressing a decrease in the accuracy of determination of the state of the accommodating portion 140 due to, for example, interference.

[0075] After detecting predetermined user operation, can trigger control unit 116 to start first processing.Predetermined user operation can be following such user operation: after having carried out this predetermined user operation, big probability can immediately stick type matrix 150 be inserted in accommodating portion 140.The instance of predetermined user operation is to open the lid to open / close opening 142.Another instance of predetermined user operation is to pick up suction device 100.Another instance of predetermined user operation is to stop charging suction device 100.Motion sensor or the sensor that is arranged on the lid etc. can be used for detecting whether to have carried out these predetermined user operations.This configuration makes it possible to implement first processing only at the moment that may insert stick type matrix 150.Therefore, power consumption can be limited.

[0076] If the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the predetermined condition before the predetermined time has passed since the start of the first process, the control unit 116 terminates the first process. In other words, if it is not determined that the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the accommodating portion 140 before the predetermined time has passed since the start of the first process, the control unit 116 stops the first process. For example, the predetermined time should be set based on the time it is generally expected that the user will take to insert the rod-type substrate 150 after performing a predetermined user operation that triggers the start of the first process. Figure 2 In the example shown, the predetermined time is 10 seconds and the sensing cycle is repeated a maximum of 18 times. This configuration makes it possible to limit power consumption without adversely affecting usability.

[0077] At the same time, when it is determined in the first process that the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 has satisfied a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 starts the second process. In other words, when it is determined in the first process that the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the control unit 116 starts the second process. This configuration improves usability because heating can be started without the user having to give a separate instruction.

[0078] (2) Second processing

[0079] In the second process, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile and determines the state of the accommodation portion 140. These process operations will be described in order below.

[0080] – Heating based on heating curves

[0081] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the rod-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0082] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as "target temperature") is an example of the target value of the parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be controlled to change according to the time elapsed from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining a time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile can include a parameter (hereinafter also referred to as a power supply parameter) defining how to supply power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameter includes, for example, a voltage applied to the heating unit 121, on / off of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or a feedback control method to be employed. The on / off of the power supply to the heating unit 121 can be considered as the on / off of the heating unit 121.

[0083] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature") transitions similarly to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor tasted by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150 is optimized. Therefore, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0084] For example, the temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by a known feedback control. The feedback control can be, for example, a PID control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller). The control unit 116 can supply the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in a pulsed form by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 can perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt the heating of the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume the heating of the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0085] For example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, a heating resistance element constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistance element changes with temperature. For example, the resistance value of the heating resistance element can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop at the heating resistance element. The amount of voltage drop at the heating resistance element can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistance element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0086] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-type substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating phase hereinafter. In other words, the heating phase is a period in which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating curve. The start of the heating phase is the timing at which heating based on the heating curve is started. The end of the heating phase is the timing at which an aerosol is no longer generated in a sufficient amount. The heating phase includes a preheating period in the first half and a puffing-available period in the second half. The puffing-available period is a period in which an aerosol is expected to be generated in a sufficient amount. The preheating period is a period from the start of heating until the start of the puffing-available period. The heating performed in the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0087] The notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating the timing at which the preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the preheating period before the preheating period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the preheating has ended at the timing at which the preheating has ended. For example, the notification to the user can be given by lighting an LED or by means of a vibration. By referring to such a notification, the user is able to perform puffing immediately after the preheating ends.

[0088] Similarly, the notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating when the puffing-available period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the puffing-available period before the puffing-available period ends, or notifies the user of information indicating that the puffing-available period has ended at the timing at which the puffing-available period has ended. For example, the notification to the user can be given by lighting an LED or by means of a vibration. By referring to such a notification, the user is able to perform puffing until the puffing-available period ends.

[0089] An example of a heating curve will be described with reference to Figure 4 to FIG. 20. Figure 4 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating curve. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 represents time. The vertical axis of the graph 20 represents temperature. The line 21 represents a time-series transition of a target temperature. As shown in the graph 20, the target temperature is increased from the start of the heating phase to the end of the preheating period. The target temperature is then maintained at a constant value in the puffing-available period. The target temperature is then decreased from the end of the puffing-available period to the end of the heating phase. Figure 4As shown, the heating phase may include an initial temperature increase period, an intermediate temperature decrease period, and a temperature re-increase period in sequence. The initial temperature increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly and remains at a high temperature after the start of heating. The intermediate temperature decrease period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops after the initial temperature increase period. The temperature re-increase period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the intermediate temperature decrease period. Figure 4 In the example shown, the target temperature is rapidly increased to about 300° C. during the initial temperature increase period, then decreased to about 230° C. during the intermediate temperature decrease period, and thereafter gradually increased to about 260° C. during the temperature re-increase period. During the intermediate temperature decrease period, power to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted, and heating may be turned off. Figure 4 In the example shown, the period from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature increase period is the preheating period, and the period from the middle of the initial temperature increase period to the end of the temperature re-increase period is the puffing enabled period.

[0090] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 Describes power supply control based on heating curves. Figure 5 is a simplified diagram showing power supply control based on a heating curve. Figure 5 The bar graph 40 shown shows an example of a time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the power supply control based on the heating curve. The vertical axis in the bar graph 40 represents voltage in volts. The horizontal axis in the bar graph 40 represents time in milliseconds.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a heating pulse group 44 including a measuring pulse 41 to the heating unit 121. The measuring pulse 41 is a pulse applied to measure the resistance of the heating unit 121. The heating pulse group 44 may include one or more heating pulses 42. The heating pulse 42 is a pulse applied to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0092] The period during which one heating pulse group 44 is applied will also be referred to as a heating period hereinafter. The period during which the measuring pulse 41 is applied during the heating period will also be referred to as a measuring period. Meanwhile, the period during which the measuring pulse 41 is not applied during the heating period will also be referred to as a non-measuring period. During the non-measuring period, a heating pulse 42 may be applied. Figure 5 In the example shown, the duration of the heating cycle is 50 ms, wherein the first 3 ms of the heating cycle is a measurement period and the remaining 47 ms is a non-measurement period.

[0093] The control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period. The configuration referred to here means whether the heating pulse 42 is applied and the duration of the heating pulse 42. Figure 5 As shown, the duration of the heating pulse 42 can be set to any time of 47 ms or less. In addition, the number and start time of the heating pulse 42 in the non-measurement period can also be freely set.

[0094] Specifically, when applying measurement pulse 41 during the measurement period, control unit 116 acquires the resistance of heating unit 121. Then, based on the heating curve and the resistance of heating unit 121 acquired during this measurement period, control unit 116 controls the configuration of heating pulse 42 during a non-measurement period, which belongs to the same heating cycle as the measurement period. At this point, control unit 116 controls the duty cycle of heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period based on the temperature of heating unit 121 calculated from the resistance of heating unit 121 and the target temperature defined in the heating curve.

[0095] It should be noted that the aforementioned heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121 during the initial temperature increase period and the temperature re-increase period of the heating phase. Meanwhile, the heating pulse group 44 need not be applied to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate temperature reduction period of the heating phase. In this case, a separately provided temperature sensor (such as a thermistor) can be used to determine whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has dropped to the target temperature during the intermediate temperature reduction period, or such determination can be easily made based on the time that has elapsed since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped.

[0096] – Determine the state of the receiving portion 140

[0097] The control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121. More specifically, when the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Meanwhile, when the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0098] During the period in which the heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121, the time-series transition in the resistance of the heating unit 121 varies depending on whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. For example, when no rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 rises more sharply than when the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Therefore, when the time-series transition in the resistance of the heating unit 121 falls within the range expected for the time-series transition in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This simple configuration enables determination of whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0099] It should be noted that it is preferable to determine the state of the receiving portion 140 at the beginning of the preheating period of the heating stage. This is to prevent heating from being performed in vain or heating of products other than the rod-type substrate 150 when the rod-type substrate 150 is mistakenly determined to be inserted into the receiving portion 140 in the first process.

[0100] (3) Experimental results

[0101] Will refer to Figure 6 The experimental results of implementing the first treatment and the second treatment are described.

[0102] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing experimental results related to the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 Shown curve diagram 50 shows the time series transformation of the resistance of heater 121 when suction device 100 is implemented first processing and second processing.The vertical axis in the curve diagram 50 represents resistance, and unit is ohm.The horizontal axis in the curve diagram 50 represents time, and unit is second.On curve diagram 50, have drawn the resistance of heater 121 that each time point is measured, in time, successive plotting points are connected into line.Curve diagram 50 has described the time series transformation of the resistance of heater 121 when inserting rod type matrix 150 at the indicated moment of arrow 59 (that is, the time when having passed 4.5 seconds from first processing beginning).

[0103] Referring to graph 50, during the period leading up to the insertion of rod-shaped substrate 150, the resistance of heating unit 121 gradually increases while repeatedly moving up and down. Shortly after rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, the resistance of heating unit 121 decreases from plotted point 51A to plotted point 51B, and then decreases from plotted point 52A to plotted point 52B. Note that plotted points 51A and 51B correspond to the resistance of heating unit 121 at the start of application of first sensing pulse 31. Plotted points 52A and 52B correspond to the resistance of heating unit 121 at the end of application of first sensing pulse 31. Based on this decrease in resistance of heating unit 121, control unit 116 determines that rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into accommodating portion 140. Consequently, the first process is terminated and the second process is initiated, and the resistance of heating unit 121 increases sharply.

[0104] (4) Processing flow

[0105] Next, we will refer to Figure 7 Describe the processing flow.

[0106] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 116 first determines whether a predetermined user operation has been detected (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether a user operation of opening the lid to open / close the opening 142, a user operation of picking up the inhalation device 100, or a user operation of stopping charging the inhalation device 100 has been detected by the sensor unit 112.

[0108] If it is determined that the predetermined user operation is not detected (step S102 : NO), the control unit 116 stands by until the predetermined user operation is detected.

[0109] If the predetermined user operation is detected (step S102 : YES), the control unit 116 starts the first process (step S104 ). For example, the control unit 116 initially applies the third sensing pulse 33 to the heating unit 121 and then repeatedly applies the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 .

[0110] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the accommodating portion 140 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the accommodating portion 140 based on whether the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0111] If it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the first process and starts the second process (step S108). For example, the receiving portion 140 repeatedly applies the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0112] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S106: No), the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the start of the first process (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether 10 seconds have passed since the start of the first process.

[0113] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110 : NO), the process returns to step S106 .

[0114] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed since the start of the first process (step S110 : Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the first process (step S112 ). The process ends thereafter.

[0115] After the second process has begun in step S108, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination result of the first process is correct (step S114). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the accommodating portion 140 based on whether the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0116] If the determination result in the first process is correct, that is, if the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S114: Yes), the control unit 116 continues heating based on the heating profile (step S116). When heating based on the heating profile is completed, the process ends.

[0117] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the determination result in the first process is wrong, that is, if it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S114: No), the control unit 116 terminates heating based on the heating curve (step S118). The process ends thereafter.

[0118] The above describes an example of a process flow implemented by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. The notification unit 113 can provide appropriate information notifications indicating the progress of the above-mentioned process. For example, the notification unit 113 can provide the following notifications: the start of the first process, the determination result of the first process, the start of the second process, and the determination result of the second process.

[0119] <2.2. Determination Criteria in Second Process>

[0120] (1) Determine the standards

[0121] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of the determination criterion for determining the state of the accommodating portion 140 in the second process. It is assumed that the determination criterion is set by means of the control unit 116.

[0122] In the second process, the control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. That is, in the second process, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140 based on the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating based on the heating curve. It should be noted that the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 can be understood as the amount of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 within a predetermined time. This simple configuration makes it possible to determine whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0123] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the result of determining the state of the accommodating portion 140. More specifically, when it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the control unit 116 continues to heat the rod-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the control unit 116 stops heating the rod-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. This configuration improves usability because heating can be continued / stopped without a separate instruction.

[0124] If the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the first condition, the control unit 116 may determine that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. In this case, the control unit 116 continues heating through the heating unit 121. Meanwhile, if the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the first condition, the control unit 116 may determine that the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140. In this case, the control unit 116 stops heating through the heating unit 121.

[0125] The first condition may be that the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined threshold value. This is because when the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to be lower than when the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0126] Here, heating by the heating unit 121 is sometimes performed continuously. For example, a user sometimes "smokes one cigarette after another", that is, the rod-type matrix 150 is continuously heated when it is replaced so that the user can inhale the aerosol. The resistance (that is, the temperature) of the heating unit 121 when it starts heating based on the heating curve is higher in the case of such continuous heating than in the case of no such heating. Non-continuous heating (that is, heating that starts in a state where a long time has passed since the end of the previous heating so that the heating unit 121 has sufficiently cooled) will also be referred to as "first heating" hereinafter. At the same time, continuous heating (that is, heating that starts in a state where a long time has not passed since the end of the previous heating so that the heating unit 121 is still warm) will also be referred to as "second heating" hereinafter.

[0127] The following will refer to Figure 8 Describe the first condition.

[0128] Figure 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating a second process performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 8 Graph 60 shows experimental results obtained by observing the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 from the start of heating based on the heating curve. The vertical axis of graph 60 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 60 represents time in seconds. It should be noted that the time shown on the horizontal axis of graph 60 indicates the time that has elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating curve. The time that has elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating curve will also be referred to as the heating time hereinafter.

[0129] Line 61 shows the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with the rod-type substrate 150 inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Line 62 shows the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with nothing inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Comparison of lines 61 and 62 shows that the slope of line 61 is smaller than the slope of line 62 during the heating time period from 0 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Therefore, based on the first condition, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0130] Line 63 shows the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 when the second heating is started with the rod-type substrate 150 inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Line 64 shows the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 when the second heating is started with nothing inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Comparison of lines 63 and 64 shows that the slope of line 63 is smaller than the slope of line 64 during the heating time period from 0 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Therefore, based on the first condition, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0131] Therefore, for both the first heating and the second heating, when the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 is slower than when nothing is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140 based on the above-mentioned first condition, regardless of whether heating is continued.

[0132] Here, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period from a first time elapsed after the heating unit 121 begins heating to generate aerosol until a second time has elapsed. That is, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period from a first time elapsed after the heating unit 121 begins heating to generate aerosol until a second time has elapsed. As an example, the first time may be 1 second, and the second time may be 1.5 seconds. That is, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds of the heating time. This configuration enables more appropriate determination of whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, as will be described in detail below.

[0133] Figure 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating a second process performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 9 Graph 70 shows experimental results obtained by observing the time-series transition of the resistance of heating unit 121 from the start of heating based on the heating curve. The vertical axis of graph 60 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 60 represents time, more specifically, the heating time in seconds.

[0134] Line 71 shows the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Line 72 shows the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with the dry cotton swab inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Line 73 shows the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with the wet cotton swab inserted into the accommodating portion 140. A dry cotton swab is a cotton swab used for cleaning, which has a cleaning member formed of absorbent cotton or the like provided at its end portion, wherein the cleaning member provided at the end portion is in a dry state. A wet cotton swab is a cotton swab used for cleaning, wherein the cleaning member provided at the end portion is in a wet state due to being immersed in a liquid such as alcohol.

[0135] Comparison of lines 71 and 72 shows that during the period from 0 seconds to 1.5 seconds of the heating time, the inclination of line 71 is smaller than the inclination of line 72. Therefore, based on the first condition, whether the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 can be appropriately determined.

[0136] Meanwhile, in the portion of reference line 73 encompassed by range 79, the resistance of heating unit 121 rises for a period of time and then decreases. This is because the heat of heating unit 121 is lost as the moist portion of the wet cotton swab dries. Therefore, the insertion of a wet cotton swab into accommodating portion 140 causes a temporary decrease in the resistance of heating unit 121. A comparison of lines 71 and 73 shows that the period between 0 and 1 second of the heating time includes a section where the slope of line 73 is even less than that of line 71. This means that if the determination is based on the rate of change of the resistance of heating unit 121 during the period from 0 to 1 second of the heating time, there is a risk of erroneously determining that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into accommodating portion 140, even if a wet cotton swab is inserted.

[0137] Tables 1 and 2 show detailed experimental results obtained by observing the rate of change in the resistance of heating unit 121. Specifically, Table 1 shows the rate of change in the resistance of heating unit 121 during the period from 0 to 1 second after the start of heating, when a stick-shaped substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Table 2 shows the rate of change in the resistance of heating unit 121 during the period from 1 to 1.5 seconds after the start of heating, when a stick-shaped substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, "1st" indicates the first heating cycle. "2nd (4 minutes)" indicates the case where the second heating cycle started 4 minutes after the previous heating cycle ended. "2nd (2 minutes)" indicates the case where the second heating cycle started 2 minutes after the previous heating cycle ended. "2nd (1 minute)" indicates the case where the second heating cycle started 1 minute after the previous heating cycle ended. “2nd (30 seconds)” indicates a case where the second heating is started after 30 seconds have passed since the end of the previous heating.

[0138] [Table 1]

[0139]

[0140] [Table 2]

[0141]

[0142] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that when the inserted article is the stick-type substrate 150, the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 is lower in all cases compared to when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab. That is, within the period of 0 seconds to 1 second from the start of heating, determination based on the first condition enables appropriate determination that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted when the dry cotton swab is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0143] Meanwhile, referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 is faster when the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150 than when the inserted article is a wet cotton swab. That is, if determination is made based on the first condition within a period of 0 seconds to 1 second from the start of heating, there is a risk of erroneously determining that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted, even if a wet cotton swab is actually inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0144] Referring to Table 2, it can be seen that when the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150, the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 is lower in all cases compared to when the inserted article is a dry or wet cotton swab. That is, making a determination based on the first condition within a period of 1 to 1.5 seconds from the start of heating enables appropriate determination that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted, regardless of whether a wet or dry cotton swab is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. In this way, even if the inserted article contains liquid (such as alcohol or moisture from the atmosphere), the accuracy of the determination can be improved by making a determination based on the first condition within a period after a predetermined time (preferably 1 second or longer) has elapsed from the start of heating, thereby taking into account the period of time during which the liquid evaporates.

[0145] For example, if the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds of the heating time is less than 50 [mΩ / s], the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-type matrix 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This allows determination that the rod-type matrix 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140 in all cases shown in Table 2 when the inserted article is the rod-type matrix 150. Meanwhile, if the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds of the heating time is equal to or greater than 50 [mΩ / s], the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-type matrix 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This allows determination that the rod-type matrix 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140 in all cases shown in Table 2 when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab or a wet cotton swab.

[0146] Here, during the period from when heating unit 121 begins heating to generate aerosol until the resistance of heating unit 121 satisfies the second condition, control unit 116 maintains the duty cycle of the voltage applied to heating unit 121 at a predetermined value. For example, during the period from when heating begins according to the heating curve until the resistance of heating unit 121 reaches 99.8% of the resistance corresponding to the maximum target temperature, control unit 116 maintains the duty cycle of the voltage applied to heating unit 121 at 100%. This is because, shortly after heating begins, there is a large temperature difference between the actual temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature (e.g., 300°C). This minimizes the duration of the preheating period. The maximum target temperature referred to herein may be the maximum target temperature among the target temperatures defined in the heating curve, and in particular, may be the maximum target temperature within the preheating period.

[0147] When the resistance of the heating unit 121 has satisfied the second condition, the control unit 116 then changes the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121. For example, when the resistance of the heating unit 121 has reached 99.8% of the resistance corresponding to the maximum target temperature, the control unit 116 reduces the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 to less than 100%. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from exceeding the maximum target temperature.

[0148] The first and second times are preferably set to be satisfied before the second condition is satisfied. With this configuration, whether the first condition is satisfied is determined during a period where the duty cycle is fixed at 100%. Therefore, the influence of changes in the duty cycle on the determination of whether the first condition is satisfied can be eliminated, and the state of the accommodating portion 140 can be determined with higher accuracy. It should be noted that the second condition can be specified using coefficients in PID control.

[0149] More simply, the control unit 116 can maintain the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value from the time the heating unit 121 begins heating to generate aerosol until the second time has elapsed. For example, the control unit 116 can maintain the duty cycle at 100% until the second heating time has elapsed and the resistance of the heating unit 121 subsequently satisfies the second condition, and then reduce the duty cycle to less than 100%. This configuration enables the state of the accommodating portion 140 to be determined with greater accuracy, as described above.

[0150] (2) Comparison with comparative examples

[0151] Hereinafter, the determination criteria according to the above-described embodiment will be described, and a comparative example related to the determination criteria according to the embodiment will also be described.

[0152] As a determination criterion according to the comparative example, the state of the accommodating portion 140 can be determined based on the heating time at the moment when the resistance of the heating unit 121 has satisfied a predetermined condition. For example, if the heating time at the moment when the resistance of the heating unit 121 has reached 99.5% of the resistance corresponding to the maximum target temperature is longer than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140. This is because when the rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodating portion 140, the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to be lower than when the rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the accommodating portion 140, that is, the heating time required until the resistance of the heating unit 121 rises tends to be longer.

[0153] However, using the determination criteria according to this comparative example, there is a risk that the determination accuracy may decrease during the second heating period compared to the determination criteria according to the above-described embodiment. In other words, the determination criteria according to the embodiment can maintain higher detection accuracy even during the second heating period compared to the determination criteria according to the comparative example. This will be described in detail with reference to Table 3.

[0154] Table 3 below shows detailed experimental results obtained by observing the heating time when the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches 99.5% of the resistance corresponding to the maximum target temperature. Specifically, Table 3 shows the experimental results under the same conditions as those in Tables 1 and 2 when the stick-shaped substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the accommodating portion 140.

[0155] [Table 3]

[0156]

[0157] Referring to Table 3, for the first heating and for the second heating started when the time elapsed from the end of the previous heating was 4 minutes, 2 minutes, or 1 minute, there was a difference of 1.1 seconds or more between when the inserted article was a stick-type substrate 150 and when the inserted article was a dry cotton swab or a wet cotton swab. Meanwhile, for the second heating started when the time elapsed from the end of the previous heating was 30 seconds, there was a slight difference of 0.3 seconds between when the inserted article was a stick-type substrate 150 and when the inserted article was a wet cotton swab. Considering that there may be only such a slight difference, there is a possibility that an erroneous determination may be made using the determination criteria according to the comparative example.

[0158] As described above, using the determination criteria according to the comparative example, there is a risk that the determination accuracy will decrease for the second heating that starts when the time elapsed from the end of the previous heating is 30 seconds. In contrast, as described with reference to Tables 1 and 2, determination based on the first condition enables appropriate determination of whether to insert the rod-type substrate 150 in all cases.

[0159] (3) Experimental results

[0160] Will refer to Figure 10 The results of experiments using the inhalation device 100 using the above-identified criteria are described.

[0161] Figure 10 is a simplified diagram showing experimental results related to the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 Graph 80 shows the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the inhalation device 100 implements the first and second treatments. The vertical axis of graph 80 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 80 represents time in seconds. In this experiment, the state of the accommodating portion 140 was determined based on the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a heating time period (the time elapsed from the start of heating according to the heating curve) ranging from 1 to 1.5 seconds.

[0162] Line 81 depicts the time-series transition in the resistance of heating unit 121 when rod-type substrate 150 is inserted at the time indicated by arrow 88 (i.e., 3.7 seconds after the start of the first treatment) and the first heating according to the heating profile has begun. On line 81, the span of the increase in resistance of heating unit 121 during the period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating according to the heating profile is less than 25 mΩ (i.e., the rate of change is less than 50 mΩ / s). Therefore, it is determined that rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into accommodating portion 140 and that heating according to the heating profile is continuing.

[0163] Line 82 depicts the time-series transition in the resistance of heating unit 121 when, at the moment indicated by arrow 89 (i.e., 3.2 seconds after the start of the first process), it is erroneously determined that rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted (even though nothing is inserted into accommodating portion 140) and the first heating based on the heating profile has begun. On line 82, the span of the increase in resistance of heating unit 121 during the period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating profile is equal to or greater than 25 mΩ (i.e., the rate of change is equal to or greater than 50 mΩ / s). Therefore, it is determined that rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into accommodating portion 140, and heating based on the heating profile is discontinued.

[0164] Line 83 depicts the time-series transition in the resistance of heating unit 121 when rod-type substrate 150 is inserted at the time indicated by arrow 88 (i.e., 3.7 seconds after the start of the first treatment) and second heating based on the heating curve has begun. On line 83, the span of the increase in resistance of heating unit 121 during the period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating curve is less than 25 mΩ (i.e., the rate of change is less than 50 mΩ / s). Therefore, it is determined that rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted into accommodating portion 140 and that heating based on the heating curve is continuing.

[0165] Line 84 depicts the time-series transition in the resistance of heating unit 121 when, at the moment indicated by arrow 89 (i.e., 3.2 seconds after the start of the first process), it is erroneously determined that rod-type substrate 150 has been inserted (even though nothing is inserted into accommodating portion 140) and second heating based on the heating profile has begun. On line 84, the span of the increase in resistance of heating unit 121 during the period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating profile is equal to or greater than 25 mΩ (i.e., the rate of change is equal to or greater than 50 mΩ / s). Therefore, it is determined that rod-type substrate 150 is not inserted into accommodating portion 140, and heating based on the heating profile is discontinued.

[0166] (4) Processing flow

[0167] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 Describe the processing flow.

[0168] Figure 11 : is a flowchart showing an example of a second processing flow performed by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0169] like Figure 11 As shown, the control unit 116 first starts heating based on the heating curve (step S202 ).

[0170] The control unit 116 then determines whether the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating curve is less than 50 [mΩ / s].

[0171] If it is determined that the rate of change in the resistance of heating unit 121 during the period between 1 second and 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating curve is less than 50 [mΩ / s] (step S104: Yes), control unit 116 continues heating based on the heating curve (step S208). When heating based on the heating curve has ended, the process ends thereafter.

[0172] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period of 1 second to 1.5 seconds from the start of heating based on the heating curve is equal to or greater than 50 [mΩ / s] (Step S104: No), the control unit 116 stops heating based on the heating curve (Step S208). The processing ends thereafter.

[0173] <3. Supplementary information>

[0174] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that a variety of variant examples or modified examples within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims can be conceived, and it should be naturally understood that any such variant examples or modified examples fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0175] In the above example, the state of the accommodation portion 140 is determined based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 in the first processing, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the state of the accommodation portion 140 (i.e., whether the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the accommodation portion 140) can be sensed in the first processing by means of a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor, or the like. Alternatively, the first processing can be omitted, and the second processing can be started based on a user operation such as pressing a button.

[0176] In the above example, the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. Likewise, the resistance of the heating unit 121 can decrease as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 can increase as the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases.

[0177] In the above example, the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 for determining the state of the accommodation portion 140 is the resistance of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 for determining the state of the accommodation portion 140 can be the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on the resistance of the heating unit 121.

[0178] The above embodiment describes an example in which the parameter related to the temperature of the aerosol source when heated (as defined in the heating curve) is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The heating curve can also define a target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121.

[0179] It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. For example, the programs constituting the software are pre-stored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) that is provided inside or outside each device. When these programs are then executed, for example, by a computer used to control each device described in this specification, they are read into RAM and executed with the aid of a processing circuit (e.g., a CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. In addition, the computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer can be a dedicated 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. In addition, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be processed by multiple computers in a distributed manner.

[0180] Furthermore, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily need to be performed in the order depicted. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0181] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1)

[0183] An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising: a power supply unit, the power supply unit being configured to store and supply power;

[0184] a receiving portion, the receiving portion being used to receive a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0185] a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; and

[0186] a control unit for controlling power supply to the heating unit,

[0187] in,

[0188] The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit. (2)

[0190] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in (1) above, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a result of determining the state of the accommodating portion. (3)

[0192] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in (2) above, wherein if the rate of change of the parameter satisfies a first condition, the control unit continues heating through the heating unit, and if the rate of change of the parameter does not satisfy the first condition, the control unit stops heating through the heating unit. (4)

[0194] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on the rate of change of the parameter during a period from a first time that has elapsed since the heating unit started heating to generate aerosol until a second time has elapsed. (5)

[0196] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in (4) above, wherein the control unit maintains the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the parameter satisfies a second condition, and changes the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit when the parameter has satisfied the second condition, and

[0197] The first time and the second time are set to be reached before the second condition is satisfied. (6)

[0199] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in (5) above, wherein the control unit maintains the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the second time has passed. (7)

[0201] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (4) to (6) above, wherein the first time is at least 1 second. (8)

[0203] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, the time series transition being obtained by repeatedly applying a sensing pulse group including a first sensing pulse to the heating unit, and the control unit starts heating by the heating unit to generate an aerosol based on a result of the determination. (9)

[0205] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8) above further comprises the substrate. (10)

[0207] A computer-implemented control method for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein:

[0208] The aerosol generating system comprises:

[0209] a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power;

[0210] a receiving portion for receiving a substrate containing an aerosol source; and

[0211] a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion,

[0212] And among them,

[0213] The control method includes

[0214] controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and

[0215] Controlling power to the heating unit includes determining a state of the receiving portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit. (11)

[0217] A non-transitory recording medium storing a program for controlling an aerosol generating system executed by means of a computer, wherein:

[0218] The aerosol generating system comprises:

[0219] a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power;

[0220] a receiving portion for receiving a substrate containing an aerosol source; and

[0221] a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion,

[0222] And among them,

[0223] The program causes the computer to function as a control unit for controlling power supply to the heating unit, and

[0224] The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

[0225] List of Reference Numerals

[0226] 100 Inhalation Device

[0227] 111 Power supply unit

[0228] 112 sensor unit

[0229] 113 Notification Unit

[0230] 114 memory cells

[0231] 115 Communication Unit

[0232] 116 control unit

[0233] 121 Heating Unit

[0234] 140 accommodating part

[0235] 141 Interior Space

[0236] 142 Opening

[0237] 143 bottom part

[0238] 150 rod matrix

[0239] 151 matrix part

[0240] 152 nozzle part

[0241] 31 First sensing pulse

[0242] 33 Third sensing pulse

[0243] 34 sensor pulse groups

[0244] 41 Measuring Pulse

[0245] 42 Heating Pulse

[0246] 44 Heating Pulse Group

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system, comprising: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; a receiving portion, the receiving portion being used to receive a substrate containing an aerosol source; a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; as well as a control unit for controlling power supply to the heating unit, in, The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a result of determining the state of the accommodating portion.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein: If the rate of change of the parameter satisfies a first condition, the control unit continues heating through the heating unit, and if the rate of change of the parameter does not satisfy the first condition, the control unit stops heating through the heating unit.

4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of the parameter during a period from a first time that has elapsed since the heating unit started heating to generate aerosol until a second time has elapsed.

5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein The control unit maintains a duty cycle of a voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the parameter satisfies a second condition, and changes the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit when the parameter has satisfied the second condition, and The first time and the second time are set to be reached before the second condition is satisfied.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein The control unit maintains a duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate aerosol until the second time has passed.

7. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The first time is at least 1 second.

8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, the time series transition being obtained by repeatedly applying a sensing pulse group including a first sensing pulse to the heating unit, and the control unit starts heating by the heating unit to generate aerosol based on a result of the determination.

9. The aerosol-generating system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the substrate.

10. A computer-implemented method for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein: The aerosol generating system comprises: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; a receiving portion for receiving a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion, And among them, The control method includes controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and Controlling power to the heating unit includes determining a state of the receiving portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit.

11. A non-transitory recording medium storing a program for controlling an aerosol generating system executed by means of a computer, wherein: The aerosol generating system comprises: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; a receiving portion for receiving a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion, And among them, The program causes the computer to function as a control unit for controlling power supply to the heating unit, and The control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

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