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

Abstract

A system is provided that enables further reduction of the size of an inhalation device. The aerosol generating system includes: 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, in which, as a first process, the control unit performs a determination of a state of the accommodating portion based on a time-series transition of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit, the time-series transition is obtained by repeatedly applying a set of detection pulses including one first detection pulse to the heating unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system, a control method, and a non-transitory recording medium. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices (such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers) that produce substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a matrix (including a flavor source, etc.) for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol to produce a flavor-imparted aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol produced by the inhalation device. The act of a user inhaling the aerosol will also be referred to below as "inhalation" or "inhalation action."

[0003] Various technologies are being developed to further improve the quality of the user experience when using such an inhalation device. For example, PTL 1 below discloses a technology for sensing the insertion of a matrix into the inhalation device based on a capacitance change detected by a capacitive sensor mounted in the inhalation device.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

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

[0007] Technical issues

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

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure takes into account the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an arrangement that enables the inhalation device to be manufactured in an even more compact manner.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electricity; a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; a heating unit for using electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the matrix contained in the containment portion; and a control unit for controlling the power supply to the heating unit, wherein, as a first process, the control unit performs a determination of the state of the containment 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 group of sensing pulses including a first sensing pulse to the heating unit.

[0012] In this first process, the control unit may determine the state of the receiving portion based on the following: the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is applied; and the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is applied.

[0013] In this first process, the control unit may determine the state of the receiving portion based on: the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is applied and the parameter before the application begins; and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is applied and the parameter before the application begins.

[0014] The sensing pulse group may include one or more second sensing pulses, one or more of the parameters prior to the application of the first sensing pulse may be acquired when one or more of these second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and the duration of the second sensing pulse may be shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

[0015] In this first process, the control unit may determine the state of the receiving portion based on the following: the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated; and the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is terminated.

[0016] In this first process, the control unit may determine the state of the receiving portion based on: the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated and after the termination of application; and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is terminated and after the termination of application.

[0017] The sensing pulse group may include one or more second sensing pulses, one or more of the parameters after the application of the first sensing pulse ends may be acquired when one or more of these second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and the duration of the second sensing pulse may be shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

[0018] The first process may include initially applying a third sensing pulse to the heating unit, and the duration of the third sensing pulse may be longer than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

[0019] The control unit can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit during the first process based on the temperature of the heating unit or the ambient temperature at the start of the first process.

[0020] The control unit can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit during the first process based on the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit is stopped at the start of the first process.

[0021] The control unit can be triggered to start the first process after a predetermined user operation has been detected, and the first process can be terminated if the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit does not meet the predetermined condition before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process.

[0022] The control unit can start a second process when it is determined in the first process that the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit has met a predetermined condition, and can control the operation of the heating unit in the second process based on control information for generating aerosols.

[0023] The aerosol generation system may further include the matrix.

[0024] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned problems, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method implemented by means of a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electricity; a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the matrix contained in the containment 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, as a first process, determining the state of the containment 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

[0025] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned problems, another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory recording medium storing a program implemented by means of a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying power; a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and a heating unit that uses power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the matrix contained in the containment portion, wherein the program causes the computer to act as a control unit for controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and as a first process, the control unit performs a determination of the state of the containment 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

[0026] Advantages of the present invention

[0027] As described above, this disclosure provides an arrangement that allows the inhalation device to be manufactured in an even more compact manner. Attached Figure Description

[0028] [ Figure 1 [This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an inhalation device.]

[0029] [ Figure 2 [Illustration] is a simplified diagram illustrating a first treatment performed by an inhalation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] [ Figure 3 [Illustration] is a simplified diagram illustrating the first treatment performed by the inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0031] [ Figure 4 [ ] is a graph that schematically illustrates an example of a heating curve.

[0032] [ Figure 5 [This is a simplified diagram illustrating power supply control based on the heating curve.]

[0033] [ Figure 6 [ ] is a simplified diagram illustrating experimental results related to the inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0034] [ Figure 7 [ ] is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure implemented by an inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0035] [ Figure 8 [ ] is a simplified diagram illustrating the first determination criteria used to determine the state of the containment portion in the first process.

[0036] [ Figure 9 [ ] is a simplified diagram illustrating the second determination criteria used to determine the state of the containment portion in the first process.

[0037] [ Figure 10 [ ] is a simplified diagram illustrating the second determination criteria used to determine the state of the containment portion in the first process.

[0038] [ Figure 11 [ ] is a simplified diagram showing the experimental results related to the inhalation device. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be assigned to components having substantially the same functional configuration in the specification and drawings to avoid repetitive descriptions.

[0040] In this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration can be distinguished by using the same reference numerals, followed by an index including different alphanumeric characters. For example, if necessary, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. However, if it is not necessary to specifically distinguish each of the multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are assigned. For example, when it is not necessary to distinguish between devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, devices 1A, 1B, and 1C are also simply referred to as device 1.

[0041] <1. Example of an inhalation device configuration>

[0042] An inhalation device is a device used to generate a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following text, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an inhalation device. (For example...) Figure 1As 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, a accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 144.

[0044] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity. The power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to the control executed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0045] Sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100. As an example, sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with user inhalation. As another example, sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device (such as a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0046] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 may be configured with a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

[0047] Memory unit 114 stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100. For example, memory portion 114 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0048] Communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0049] The control unit 116 acts as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) or electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor).

[0050] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds a rod-shaped matrix 150 while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 within the internal space 141. The receiving portion 140 has an opening 142 that allows communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and the receiving portion accommodates the rod-shaped matrix 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 that serves as a bottom surface, and the receiving portion defines a cylindrical internal space 141. An airflow passage for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the receiving portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the suction device 100, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow passage to the internal space 141.

[0051] The stick-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler (e.g., a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), or it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the stick-shaped matrix 150 held in the receiving portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is received in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when a user takes the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an airflow channel not shown in the figures and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the matrix portion 151.

[0052] Heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the heating unit 121 has a membrane-like form and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the receiving portion 140. Thus, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer circumference, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when powered by the power supply unit 111. For example, power can be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information. Power supply can then be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information.

[0053] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is configured with vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0054] 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 can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0055] As an example, the heating unit 121 may be in the form of a blade and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving 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 receiving portion 140. Furthermore, 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 receiving portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140.

[0056] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (e.g., a hinge) for opening / closing a portion of the housing forming the internal space 141. By opening / closing the housing, the receiving portion 140 can then receive and hold the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, a heating unit 121 may be disposed on the portion of the receiving portion 140 that holds the rod-shaped substrate 150, and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while it is being pressed.

[0057] An example configuration of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped matrix 150 (more specifically, an aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped matrix 150) housed in the housing portion 140 using electricity supplied from the power supply unit 111. The control unit 116 then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system for generating aerosols. The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the rod-shaped matrix 150 can also be considered an aerosol generation system.

[0058] <2. Technical Features>

[0059] <2.1. Heating associated with sensing insertion>

[0060] The control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 is hereinafter assumed to be the resistance (hereinafter simply referred to as resistance) of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor element constituting the heating unit 121). The control unit 116 obtains the resistance of the heating unit 121 by applying a voltage to the heating unit 121. It is assumed hereinafter that the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, and decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls. That is, in the following description, resistance and temperature can be considered interchangeable.

[0061] Control unit 116 begins by implementing a first process. The first process includes acquiring the resistance of heating unit 121 and determining the state of receiving portion 140 based on the acquired resistance of heating unit 121. In the first process, control unit 116 specifically determines whether rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140.

[0062] If it is determined during the first process that the rod-shaped matrix 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, the control unit 116 terminates the first process and then performs the second process. The second process includes heating the rod-shaped matrix 150 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is control information used to generate an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is capable of generating an aerosol by heating the rod-shaped matrix 150 based on the heating profile. The heating profile will be described in detail later.

[0063] Here, in the first process, even if the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140, it is possible to incorrectly determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. This incorrect determination may occur when an article other than the rod-shaped substrate 150 (such as a cotton swab for cleaning) is inserted into the receiving portion 140, or when external air is blown into the receiving portion 140. This is because, in such cases, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may also change in the same way as when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0064] 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 receiving portion 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination of inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the receiving portion 140 in the first process is an incorrect determination.

[0065] If it has been determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, that is, if the determination in the first process is correct, the control unit 116 continues to heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating curve. Conversely, if it has been determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140, that is, if the determination in the first process is incorrect, the control unit 116 stops heating the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating curve.

[0066] With this configuration, heating of the rod-shaped matrix 150 can be automatically started and continued when it is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Simultaneously, heating can be stopped when nothing is inserted into the receiving portion 140 or when an article other than the rod-shaped matrix 150 is inserted. Therefore, usability is improved because heating can begin without requiring a separate start / stop command from the user if the rod-shaped matrix 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0067] With this configuration, the insertion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 can also be sensed using the heating unit 121 that heats the rod-shaped matrix 150. That is, there is no need to assemble another sensor (such as a capacitive sensor) to sense the insertion of the rod-shaped matrix 150. This allows the suction device 100 to be manufactured even more compactly.

[0068] 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 in order 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.

[0069] The first and second processes will be described in detail below.

[0070] (1) First processing

[0071] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a simplified diagram illustrating the first process performed by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The bar chart 30 shown illustrates an example of the time-series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the first process. The vertical axis of bar chart 30 represents voltage, measured in volts. The horizontal axis of bar chart 30 represents time, measured in seconds. Figure 3 The curve shown in graph 35 illustrates when applied Figure 2The following is an example of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the voltage shown. The vertical axis in graph 35 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis in graph 35 represents time in seconds. Graph 35 depicts the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the receiving portion 140 at the moment indicated by arrow 39 (i.e., 5 seconds after the start of the first process).

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a group 34 of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse 31, to the heating unit 121. Here, "pulse" refers to a wave with a predetermined voltage. Specifically, the first sensing pulse 31 is a pulse used to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 while simultaneously assessing the resistance of the heating unit 121. The period during which a group 34 of sensing pulses is applied will also be referred to hereinafter as the sensing cycle. The period during the sensing cycle during which the first sensing pulse 31 is applied will also be referred to as the temperature rise period. Conversely, the period during the sensing cycle during which the first sensing pulse 31 is not applied will also be referred to as the temperature decrease period. Figure 2 In the example shown, the duration of the sensing cycle is 0.5 seconds, where the first 0.1 seconds of the sensing cycle is the temperature rise period and the remaining 0.4 seconds is the temperature fall period.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, during the temperature rise period, a voltage is applied to the heating unit 121, causing its temperature to rise and its resistance to increase accordingly. Conversely, during the temperature fall period, the voltage application to the heating unit 121 is paused, causing its temperature to fall and its resistance to decrease accordingly. In other words, the resistance of the heating unit 121 fluctuates within one sensing cycle. Figure 3 As shown, 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 the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases or remains at a constant value during the repeated application of the sensing pulse group 34.

[0074] The control unit 116 determines the state of the receiving portion 140 based on the time-series change 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 change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 meets a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Conversely, when the time-series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not meet the predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0075] During the period when sensing pulse group 34 is applied to heating unit 121, the time-series change in the resistance of heating unit 121 varies depending on whether rod substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140. Figure 3 In the example shown, the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 during a period of 5 seconds elapsed since the start of the first processing. During this period, the resistance at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is located on line 37, while the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is located on line 38. Meanwhile, Figure 3 In the example shown, the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 during a period of 5 seconds after the start of the first processing. During this period, the resistance at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is below line 37, and the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 is below line 38. Therefore, the time-series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the process of repeatedly applying the sensing pulse group 34 has occurred as follows. Figure 3 When the change is shown, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. This simple configuration makes it possible to determine whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0076] 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 used to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 while simultaneously acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the third sensing pulse 33 is longer than the duration 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 allows the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be raised to a certain level immediately after the start of the first processing. If the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not rise to a certain level, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may not drop to an appropriate level during the temperature decrease period of the sensing cycle. This configuration allows the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be appropriately raised and lowered during the sensing cycle, thus enabling the state of the accommodating portion 140 to be determined with greater accuracy.

[0077] Upon detecting a predetermined user action, the control unit 116 can be triggered to initiate the first process. The predetermined user action could be one that, after being performed, would most likely result in the immediate insertion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 into the receiving portion 140. An example of a predetermined user action is opening the cover to open / close the opening 142. Another example is picking up the inhalation device 100. Yet another example is stopping the charging of the inhalation device 100. Motion sensors or sensors mounted on the cover can be used to detect whether these predetermined user actions have been performed. This configuration allows the first process to be performed only when the rod-shaped matrix 150 is likely to be inserted. Therefore, power consumption can be limited.

[0078] If the time-series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not meet a predetermined condition before a predetermined time has elapsed 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-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 before a predetermined time has elapsed 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 typically expected to take for the user to insert the rod-shaped substrate 150 after performing a predetermined user operation that triggers the start of the first process. Figure 2 In the example shown, the preset time is 10 seconds, and the sensing cycle repeats up to 18 times. This configuration allows for power consumption to be limited without adversely affecting availability.

[0079] Simultaneously, when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 is determined in the first process to meet predetermined conditions, the control unit 116 begins the second process. In other words, when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is determined to be inserted into the receiving portion 140 in the first process, the control unit 116 begins the second process. This configuration improves usability because heating can be started without requiring a separate instruction from the user.

[0080] (2) Second processing

[0081] In the second process, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 and determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the heating curve. These processing operations will be described in sequence below.

[0082] Heating based on heating curves

[0083] Control unit 116 controls the operation of heating unit 121 based on the heating curve. The operation of heating unit 121 is controlled by controlling the power supply from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121. Heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from power supply unit 111 to heat rod substrate 150.

[0084] A heating profile is control information used to control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines target values ​​for parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The target value of the temperature of heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "target temperature") is an example of the target value for parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of heating unit 121 can be controlled to change according to the time elapsed since the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters defining how power is supplied to heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). Power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to heating unit 121, the on / off state of power supply to heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be employed. The on / off state of power supply to heating unit 121 can be considered as the on / off state of heating unit 121.

[0085] Control unit 116 controls the operation of heating unit 121 such that the temperature of heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature") changes similarly to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed such that the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated from the rod matrix 150 is optimized. Therefore, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized by controlling the operation of heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0086] For example, temperature control of heating unit 121 can be achieved using known feedback control. Feedback control can be, for example, PID control (proportional-integral-derivative controller). Control unit 116 can supply power from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121 in pulse form using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, control unit 116 can control the temperature of heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, control unit 116 can perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, control unit 116 can perform heating of heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating of heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating of heating unit 121 when the actual temperature drops below the target temperature.

[0087] 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, the heating resistor element constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor element changes with temperature. For example, the resistance value of the heating resistor element can be estimated by measuring the amount of voltage drop at the heating resistor element. The amount of voltage drop at the heating resistor element can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor element. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor mounted near the heating unit 121).

[0088] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosols using the rod-shaped matrix 150 is also referred to hereinafter as the heating phase. In other words, the heating phase is the period during which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating curve. The heating phase begins when heating based on the heating curve begins. The heating phase ends when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating phase includes a preheating phase in the first half and a suction feasible phase in the second half. The suction feasible phase is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating phase is the period from the start of heating until the start of the suction feasible phase. Heating performed during the preheating phase is also referred to as preheating.

[0089] The notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of the end of the preheating period before it ends, or it may notify the user of the end of preheating at the moment it has ended. The notification may be given to the user by illuminating an LED or by means of vibration. By referring to such notification, the user can begin suction immediately after preheating has ended.

[0090] Similarly, notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating when the feasible suction period ends. For example, notification unit 113 may notify the user of the announcement of the end of the feasible suction period before it ends, or notify the user of the end of the feasible suction period. For example, the notification can be given to the user by illuminating an LED or by means of vibration. By referring to such notification, the user can continue suctioning until the feasible suction period ends.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 Examples describing heating curves. Figure 4 This is a schematic graph illustrating an example of a heating curve. The horizontal axis of graph 20 represents time. The vertical axis of graph 20 represents temperature. Line 21 represents the time series transition of the target temperature. Figure 4As shown, the heating phase can sequentially include an initial temperature rise period, an intermediate temperature decrease period, and a temperature re-rise period. The initial temperature rise period is the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly and remains at a high temperature after heating begins. The intermediate temperature decrease period is the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after the initial temperature rise period. The temperature re-rise period is the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the intermediate temperature decrease period. Figure 4 In the example shown, the target temperature rapidly rises to approximately 300°C during the initial temperature rise period, then drops to approximately 230°C during the intermediate temperature decrease period, and subsequently gradually rises to approximately 260°C during the re-rise period. During the intermediate temperature decrease period, the power supply to the heating unit 121 can be interrupted, and heating can be cut off. Figure 4 In the example shown, the period from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature rise period is the preheating period, and the period from the middle of the initial temperature rise period to the end of the temperature rise period is the suction feasible period.

[0092] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 Describes power supply control based on heating curves. Figure 5 It is a simplified diagram illustrating power supply control based on the heating curve. Figure 5 The bar chart 40 shown illustrates an example of the time-series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during power supply control based on the heating curve. The vertical axis of bar chart 40 represents voltage in volts. The horizontal axis of bar chart 40 represents time in milliseconds.

[0093] 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 raise the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0094] The period during which a heating pulse group 44 is applied will also be referred to hereinafter as the heating cycle. The period during which the measuring pulse 41 is applied within the heating cycle will also be referred to as the measuring period. Simultaneously, the period during the heating cycle during which the measuring pulse 41 is not applied will also be referred to as the non-measuring period. During the non-measuring period, heating pulse 42 may be applied. Figure 5 In the example shown, the heating cycle lasts for 50 ms, with the first 3 ms of the heating cycle being the measurement period and the remaining 47 ms being the non-measurement period.

[0095] Control unit 116 controls the configuration of heating pulse 42 during non-measuring periods. Configuration here refers to whether heating pulse 42 is applied and the duration of heating pulse 42. Figure 5 As shown, the duration of the heating pulse 42 can be set to any time, such as 47 ms or less. Furthermore, the number and start time of the heating pulse 42 during non-measurement periods can be freely set.

[0096] Specifically, when a measurement pulse 41 is applied during the measurement period, the control unit 116 acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121. Then, the control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during non-measurement periods, which belong to the same heating cycle as the measurement period, based on the heating curve and the resistance of the heating unit 121 acquired during this measurement period. At this time, the control unit 116 controls the duty cycle of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement periods based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated from its resistance and the target temperature defined in the heating curve.

[0097] It should be noted that the aforementioned heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121 during the initial temperature rise period and the temperature re-rise period of the heating phase. Meanwhile, during the intermediate temperature decrease period of the heating phase, it is not necessary to apply the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121. In this case, a separately configured 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 decrease period, or this determination can be easily made based on the time elapsed since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped.

[0098] – Determine the state of the accommodating portion 140

[0099] The control unit 116 determines the state of the receiving portion 140 based on the time-series change 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 change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 meets a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Conversely, when the time-series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not meet the predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0100] During the period when heating pulse group 44 is applied to heating unit 121, the time-series change in the resistance of heating unit 121 varies depending on whether the rod substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140. For example, when the rod substrate 150 is not inserted into receiving portion 140, the resistance (i.e., temperature) of heating unit 121 increases more sharply compared to when the rod substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140. Therefore, when the time-series change in the resistance of heating unit 121 conforms to the range expected for the time-series change in the resistance of heating unit 121 when the rod substrate 150 is inserted, control unit 116 determines that the rod substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140. This simple configuration makes it possible to determine whether the rod substrate 150 is inserted into receiving portion 140.

[0101] It should be noted that the state of the receiving portion 140 is preferably determined at the beginning of the preheating period of the heating phase. This is to prevent empty heating or heating of articles other than the rod-shaped matrix 150 if the rod-shaped matrix 150 has already been incorrectly determined to be inserted into the receiving portion 140 in the first process.

[0102] (3) Experimental Results

[0103] Reference Figure 6 Describe the experimental results of implementing the first and second treatments.

[0104] Figure 6 This is a simplified diagram illustrating experimental results related to the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The graph 50 shown illustrates the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 as the inhalation device 100 performs the first and second processes. The vertical axis of graph 50 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 50 represents time in seconds. The resistance of the heating unit 121 measured at each time point is plotted on graph 50, with successive plotted points connected by a line. Graph 50 depicts the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted at the time indicated by arrow 59 (i.e., 4.5 seconds after the start of the first process).

[0105] Referring to graph 50, during the time until the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150, the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases while repeatedly moving up and down. Shortly after the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted, the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases from plotted point 51A to plotted point 51B, and from plotted point 52A to plotted point 52B. Note that plotted points 51A and 51B correspond to the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the beginning of the application of the first sensing pulse 31. Plotted points 52A and 52B correspond to the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31. The control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 based on this decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the first process is terminated and the second process begins, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 rises sharply.

[0106] (4) Processing flow

[0107] Next, we will refer to Figure 7 Describe the processing flow.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure implemented by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0109] 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 cover to open / close the opening 142, picking up the inhalation device 100, or stopping the charging of the inhalation device 100 has been detected by means of the sensor unit 112.

[0110] If it is determined that no scheduled user operation is detected (step S102: No), the control unit 116 stands by until a scheduled user operation is detected.

[0111] If it is determined that a predetermined user operation has been detected (step S102: Yes), the control unit 116 begins the first process (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 initially applies a third sensing pulse 33 to the heating unit 121, and then repeatedly applies a group of sensing pulses 34 to the heating unit 121.

[0112] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 based on whether the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 meets a predetermined condition.

[0113] If it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the first process and begins the second process (step S108). For example, the receiving portion 140 repeatedly applies heating pulse groups 44 to the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve.

[0114] Simultaneously, if it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S106: No), the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first process.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Meanwhile, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the first process (step S112). The process then ends.

[0117] After the second processing has begun in step S108, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination result in the first processing is correct (step S114). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 based on whether the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121 meets a predetermined condition.

[0118] If the determination result in the first process has been confirmed to be correct, that is, if it has been confirmed that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S114: Yes), then the control unit 116 continues to heat based on the heating curve (step S116). When the heating based on the heating curve ends, the process ends.

[0119] Meanwhile, if it has been determined that the determination result in the first process is incorrect, that is, if it has been determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S114: No), then the control unit 116 terminates the heating based on the heating curve (step S118). The process then ends.

[0120] The foregoing described an example of a processing flow implemented using the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. The notification unit 113 can provide appropriate information notifications indicating the progress of the aforementioned processing. For example, the notification unit 113 can provide notifications such as: first processing started, determination result in the first processing, second processing started, and determination result in the second processing.

[0121] <2.2. Criteria for determining the accommodating portion 140 in the first processing>

[0122] The following describes an example of the determination criteria used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 in the first process.

[0123] Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram illustrating the first determining criteria used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 in the first process. Figure 8 The graph 60 shown illustrates an example of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the first process. The vertical axis of graph 60 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 60 represents time in seconds.

[0124] The resistances at plotted points 61A and 61B in graph 60 represent the resistance of heating unit 121 at the start of applying the first sensing pulse 31. The resistances at plotted points 62A and 62B represent the resistance of heating unit 121 at the end of applying the first sensing pulse 31.

[0125] The control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when two sets of sensing pulses 34 are applied to the heating unit 121. The two sets of sensing pulses 34 used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 are two consecutive sets of sensing pulses 34. Specifically, the two sets of sensing pulses 34 used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 are the two most recently applied consecutive sets of sensing pulses 34 to the heating unit 121. Each time a set of sensing pulses 34 is applied, the control unit 116 repeats the determination of the state of the accommodating portion 140 while switching between the two sets of sensing pulses 34 used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140. The first of the two consecutive sets of sensing pulses 34 will also be referred to as the first set of sensing pulses 34, and the set of sensing pulses 34 following the first set of sensing pulses 34 will also be referred to as the second set of sensing pulses 34.

[0126] – First condition

[0127] As an example, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on: the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 is first applied; and the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 is first applied. More specifically, when the resistance when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 is first applied is less than the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 is first applied, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted. This condition will also be referred to below as the first condition.

[0128] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the resistance at plotting point 61A corresponds to the resistance at the beginning of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34. In this case, the resistance at plotting point 61B corresponds to the resistance at the beginning of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34. When the resistance at plotting point 61B is less than the resistance at plotting point 61A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Conversely, when the resistance at plotting point 61B is equal to or greater than the resistance at plotting point 61A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0129] – Second condition

[0130] As another example, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on: the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 ends; and the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 ends. More specifically, when the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 ends is less than the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 ends, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted. This condition will also be referred to hereinafter as the second condition.

[0131] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the resistance at plotting point 62A corresponds to the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34. In this case, the resistance at plotting point 62B corresponds to the resistance at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34. When the resistance at plotting point 62B is less than the resistance at plotting point 62A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Conversely, when the resistance at plotting point 62B is equal to or greater than the resistance at plotting point 62A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0132] – Additional Information

[0133] If either the first condition or the second condition is met, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Alternatively, if both the first and second conditions are met, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0134] <3. Variant Examples>

[0135] (1) Second determination criteria

[0136] The criteria for determining the accommodating portion 140 in the first process are not limited to the first determination criteria described in the above embodiments. Reference will be made below. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another example of the criteria for determining the accommodating portion 140 in the first process.

[0137] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a simplified diagram illustrating the second determination criteria used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 in the first process. Figure 9 The bar chart 70 shown illustrates an example of the time-series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the first process. The vertical axis of bar chart 70 represents voltage, measured in volts. The horizontal axis of bar chart 70 represents time, measured in seconds. Figure 10 The curve shown in graph 80 illustrates when applied Figure 9 The diagram shows an example of the time-series change in the resistance of heating unit 121 at voltage. The vertical axis of graph 80 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 80 represents time in seconds.

[0138] like Figure 9 As shown, the control unit 116 can repeatedly apply a group 34 of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse 31 and one or more second sensing pulses 32, to the heating unit 121. The second sensing pulse 32 is a pulse used to obtain the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the second sensing pulse 32 is shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse 31. In particular, the duration of the second sensing pulse 32 is preferably set to an extremely short time, such that even if the second sensing pulse 32 is applied to the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 will not change. This allows the resistance of the heating unit 121 to be obtained when the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases during a temperature reduction period.

[0139] The resistances at plotted points 81A, 81B, and 81C in graph 80 represent the resistance of heating unit 121 at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31. The resistances at plotted points 82A and 82B represent the resistance of heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31. The resistances at plotted points 83A to 86A and 83B to 86B are obtained when the second sensing pulse 32 is applied.

[0140] When a continuous first sensing pulse group 34 and a second sensing pulse group 34 are applied to the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodating portion 140 based on the time-series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 in the same manner as the first determination criterion.

[0141] – Third condition

[0142] As an example, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on: a first statistical value related to the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 is applied; and a second statistical value related to the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 is applied. The first statistical value is a statistical value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 is applied and one or more resistances of the heating unit 121 before the application. The second statistical value is a statistical value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 is applied and one or more resistances of the heating unit 121 before the application. One or more of the parameters prior to the application of the first sensing pulse 31 are obtained when one or more second sensing pulses 32 are applied to the heating unit 121 shortly before the first sensing pulse 31 is applied to the heating unit 121. Any statistical value (such as average, median, or total) may be used as the statistical value here. When the second statistical value is less than the first statistical value, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. This condition will also be referred to as the third condition below.

[0143] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, if we assume that the resistance at plotting point 81B is the resistance at the start of applying the first sensing pulse 31, then at least the resistance at plotting point 86A is the resistance before the start of applying the first sensing pulse 31. Furthermore, if we assume that the resistance at plotting point 81C is the resistance at the start of applying the first sensing pulse 31, then at least the resistance at plotting point 86B is the resistance before the start of applying the first sensing pulse 31. When the second statistical value of the resistances at plotting point 81C and plotting point 86B is less than the first statistical value of the resistances at plotting point 81B and plotting point 86A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Simultaneously, when the second statistical value of the resistances at plotting point 81C and plotting point 86B is equal to or greater than the first statistical value of the resistances at plotting point 81B and plotting point 86A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0144] – Fourth condition

[0145] As another example, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on: a third statistical value related to the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34; and a fourth statistical value related to the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34. The third statistical value is a statistical value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the first sensing pulse group 34 and one or more resistances of the heating unit 121 after the application ends. The fourth statistical value is a statistical value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 included in the second sensing pulse group 34 and one or more resistances of the heating unit 121 after the application ends. One or more of the parameters after the application of the first sensing pulse 31 are obtained when one or more second sensing pulses 32 are applied to the heating unit 121 shortly after the first sensing pulse 31 is applied to the heating unit 121. Any statistical value (such as average, median, or total) may be used as the statistical value here. When the fourth statistical value is less than the third statistical value, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. This condition will also be referred to as the fourth condition below.

[0146] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, if we assume that the resistance at plotting point 82A is the resistance at the end of applying the first sensing pulse 31, then at least the resistance at plotting point 83A is the resistance after the end of applying the first sensing pulse 31. Furthermore, if we assume that the resistance at plotting point 82B is the resistance at the end of applying the first sensing pulse 31, then at least the resistance at plotting point 83B is the resistance after the end of applying the first sensing pulse 31. When the fourth statistical value of the resistances at plotting points 82B and 83B is less than the third statistical value of the resistances at plotting points 82A and 83A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Simultaneously, when the fourth statistical value of the resistances at plotting points 82B and 83B is equal to or greater than the third statistical value of the resistances at plotting points 82A and 83A, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0147] – Additional Information

[0148] If either the third or fourth condition is met, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Alternatively, if both the third and fourth conditions are met, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140.

[0149] The first and second determination criteria can be appropriately combined. For example, a third condition can be used to determine the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31. Furthermore, a second condition can be used to determine the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of the application of the first sensing pulse 31.

[0150] Compared to using the first determination criterion, using the second determination criterion to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 references a larger number of resistors of the heating units 121. Therefore, compared to the first determination criterion, the second determination criterion enables the suppression of a decrease in the accuracy of determining the state of the accommodating portion 140 due to interference.

[0151] Specifically, the longer the time elapsed since the application of the first sensing pulse 31 ended, the greater the likelihood that the resistance of the heating unit 121 will decrease for reasons other than the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 (such as the introduction of external air). That is, the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31 (e.g., the resistance at each of plotted points 81A, 81B, and 81C) may decrease for reasons other than the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, when determining the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of the application of the first sensing pulse 31, a second determination criterion is preferably used, and the determination is preferably based on a third condition.

[0152] (2) Configuration of control sensing pulse group 34

[0153] The control unit 116 can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit 121 in the first process. As an example, the control unit 116 can control whether a second sensing pulse 32 is applied. As another example, the control unit 116 can control whether a third sensing pulse 33 is applied. As yet another example, the control unit 116 can control the voltage and / or duration of each of the first sensing pulse 31, the second sensing pulse 32, and the third sensing pulse 33.

[0154] The control unit 116 can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit 121 during the first processing based on the temperature (i.e., resistance) of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing. Here, the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing is significantly affected by whether aerosols are inhaled while heating is being continuously applied during the replacement of the rod matrix 150 (i.e., whether the user is "smoking one cigarette after another"). When the user is not smoking one cigarette after another, the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing is lower than when the user is smoking one cigarette after another. In this respect, this configuration allows for optimization of the pulse configuration applied to the heating unit 121 during the first processing based on whether the user is smoking one cigarette after another.

[0155] As an example, the control unit 116 can control whether to apply the third sensing pulse 33 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process. More specifically, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 116 can repeatedly apply the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 up to 20 times without applying the third sensing pulse 33. Conversely, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process is less than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 116 can repeatedly apply the sensing pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 up to 18 times and apply the third sensing pulse 33. This is because if the resistance of the heating unit 121 is already high at the start of the first process, there is no need to apply the third sensing pulse 33. This configuration allows power consumption to be limited by omitting the application of the third sensing pulse 33 when a user smokes cigarettes one after another.

[0156] As another example, the control unit 116 can control the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing. More specifically, the higher the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing, the shorter the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 can be; conversely, the lower the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first processing, the longer the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 can be. This configuration allows the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 to be set at the correct level, thereby enabling power consumption limitation.

[0157] It is assumed that as the duration of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process (i.e., the time elapsed since the end of heating) increases, the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process will decrease. Therefore, the control unit 116 can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit 121 during the first process based on the duration of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process. This configuration allows for the same advantages as when the configuration of controlling the pulses applied to the heating unit 121 during the first process is based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process.

[0158] As an example, the control unit 116 can control whether to apply the third sensing pulse 33 based on the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process. More specifically, if the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process is less than a predetermined time, the control unit 116 does not need to apply the third sensing pulse 33 to the heating unit 121; however, if the period during which power supply is stopped is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the third sensing pulse 33 can be applied to the heating unit 121. This configuration allows power consumption to be limited by omitting the application of the third sensing pulse 33 when the user smokes one cigarette after another.

[0159] As another example, the control unit 116 can control the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 based on the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first processing. More specifically, the control unit 116 can shorten the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 as the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first processing becomes shorter, and can extend the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 as the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first processing becomes longer. This configuration allows the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 to be set at the correct level, thereby enabling power consumption to be limited.

[0160] Furthermore, the control unit 116 can control the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit 121 during the first process based on the ambient temperature at the start of the first process. For example, the ambient temperature can be the outside air temperature and can be detected by means of a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor). As an example, the control unit 116 can control the duration of the third sensing pulse 33 based on the outside air temperature at the start of the first process. More specifically, as the outside air temperature decreases, the control unit 116 can extend the duration of the third sensing pulse 33. When the outside air temperature is low and the heating unit 121 is not easy to heat up, this configuration allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to be sufficiently increased by extending the duration of the third sensing pulse 33. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the state of the accommodating portion 140 can be improved. It should be noted that the actual outside air temperature does not necessarily have to be used as the ambient temperature; the temperature of the suction device 100 (e.g., the temperature of a portion of the suction device 100 at a certain distance from the heating unit 121) can also be used as the ambient temperature.

[0161] In the above example, the configuration of the third sensing pulse 33 is controlled, but the configuration of the first sensing pulse 31 or the second sensing pulse 32 can also be controlled. As an example, the control unit 116 can control the duration of the first sensing pulse 31 based on at least one of the following: the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process, the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process, and the ambient temperature. In this case, the span of the first sensing pulse 31 is preferably set to a value such that the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases or remains constant during the repeated application of the sensing pulse group 34. Of course, the span of the first sensing pulse 31 can be set to a fixed value independently of the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process, the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped at the start of the first process, and the ambient temperature.

[0162] Here, the control unit 116 does not need to apply both the first sensing pulse 31 and the second sensing pulse 32 in the first process. That is, in the first process, the control unit 116 can apply a group of sensing pulses 34, which includes only the second sensing pulse 32 and does not include the first sensing pulse 31 or the third sensing pulse 33, to the heating unit 121. For example, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature at the start of the first process, the control unit 116 can apply a group of sensing pulses 34, which includes only the second sensing pulse 32, to the heating unit 121. In this case, the heating unit 121 does not provide heating, and although the temperature and resistance of the heating unit 121 continue to decrease, the manner in which this decrease occurs varies depending on the state of the receiving portion 140. Therefore, the control unit 116 can determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on the manner in which the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The experimental results describe the manner in which the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases.

[0163] Figure 11This is a simplified diagram illustrating the experimental results related to the inhalation device 100. Graph 90 shows the experimental results of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 shortly after heating through the heating unit 121 has been sufficiently heated and heating through the heating unit 121 has ceased. The vertical axis of graph 90 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 90 represents time in seconds, showing the elapsed time since heating ended. Line 91 shows the experimental results when the stick-shaped matrix 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. Line 92 shows the experimental results when air is continuously blown into the receiving portion 140 without anything inserted. Line 93 shows the experimental results when a cotton swab for cleaning is inserted into the receiving portion 140. As shown by lines 91 to 93, when the stick-shaped matrix 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140, the resistance of the heating unit 121 sometimes drops more sharply than in other cases. Therefore, when a group of sensing pulses 34, consisting only of the second sensing pulse 32, is applied to the heating unit 121 in the first process, if the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. More simply, for example, if the difference between the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the current time and the resistance R of the heating unit 121 one second ago exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 can determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. It should be noted that as the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases, the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to accelerate. Therefore, as the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases, the control unit 116 can increase the predetermined threshold. This allows for improved accuracy in the determination.

[0164] <4. Supplementary Information>

[0165] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations or modifications within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims will be conceived, and it should be understood that any such variations or modifications fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0166] In the above example, the state of the receiving portion 140 is determined based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when two sets of sensing pulses 34 are applied to the heating unit 121; however, this disclosure is not limited to this example. The control unit 116 may determine the state of the receiving portion 140 based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when three or more sets of sensing pulses 34 are applied to the heating unit 121. For example, in the case of three sets of sensing pulses 34, the control unit 116 may determine that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 when the first condition or the third condition and / or the third condition or the fourth condition are continuously met.

[0167] In the above example, the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, and decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls; however, this disclosure is not limited to this example. Similarly, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may decrease as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 may increase as the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls.

[0168] In the above example, the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 is the resistance of the heating unit 121; however, this disclosure is not limited to this example. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 used to determine the state of the accommodating portion 140 can be the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on its resistance.

[0169] The above embodiments describe an example in which parameters related to the temperature of the aerosol source when heated (such as those defined in the heating curve) are target values ​​for the temperature of the heating unit 121, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The heating curve may also define a target value for the resistance of the heating unit 121.

[0170] The means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source can be induction heating. More specifically, instead of the heating unit 121, the inhalation device 100 may include an electromagnetic induction source (such as a coil for generating a magnetic field) and a sensor that generates heat by means of induction heating. For example, the electromagnetic induction source may be arranged to cover the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140. Thus, the receiving portion 140 may be configured as a sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may have a leaf-like form and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140 into the internal space 141.

[0171] 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 program constituting the software is pre-stored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) located inside or outside each device. When these programs are subsequently executed, for example by a computer used to control each device described in this specification, they are read into RAM and executed by means of processing circuitry (e.g., a CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. Furthermore, the computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. Additionally, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (e.g., an ASIC), a general-purpose processor that performs functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0172] Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily need to be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps can be implemented in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps can be used, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0173] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1)

[0175] An aerosol generation system includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electricity;

[0176] The accommodating portion is used to accommodate a matrix containing an aerosol source;

[0177] A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion; and

[0178] The control unit is used to control the power supply to the heating unit.

[0179] in,

[0180] As a first process, 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit. (2)

[0182] As disclosed in (1) above, in the aerosol generation system, in the first process, the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on the following: the parameters mentioned above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is applied; and the parameters mentioned above when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is applied. (3)

[0184] As disclosed in (1) above, in the aerosol generation system, in the first process, the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on: the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is applied and the parameter before the application is applied; and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is applied and the parameter before the application is applied. (4)

[0186] As disclosed in (3) above, the aerosol generation system includes one or more second sensing pulses.

[0187] One or more of the parameters prior to the application of the first sensing pulse are acquired when one or more of these second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and

[0188] The duration of the second sensing pulse is shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse. (5)

[0190] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (4) above, in the first process, the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on the following parameters: the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated; and the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is terminated. (6)

[0192] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (4) above, in the first process, the control unit determines the state of the accommodating portion based on: the statistical value of one or more of the parameter at the time when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated and after the termination of the application; and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter at the time when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is terminated and after the termination of the application. (7)

[0194] As disclosed in (6) above, the aerosol generation system, wherein the sensing pulse group includes one or more second sensing pulses,

[0195] One or more of the parameters obtained after the application of the first sensing pulse ends are acquired when one or more of the second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and

[0196] The duration of the second sensing pulse is shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse. (8)

[0198] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (7) above, the aerosol generation system, wherein the first process includes initially applying a third sensing pulse to the heating unit, and

[0199] The duration of the third sensing pulse is longer than the duration of the first sensing pulse. (9)

[0201] As disclosed in any of (1) to (8) above, the aerosol generation system wherein the control unit controls the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit in the first process based on the temperature of the heating unit or the ambient temperature at the start of the first process. (10)

[0203] As disclosed in any of (1) to (8) above, the aerosol generation system wherein the control unit controls the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit in the first process based on the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit is stopped at the start of the first process. (11)

[0205] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (10) above, the aerosol generation system, wherein the control unit:

[0206] This is triggered after a pre-defined user action has been detected to begin the first process, and

[0207] If the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit does not meet the predetermined condition before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process, the first process is terminated. (12)

[0209] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (11) above, the aerosol generation system, wherein the control unit:

[0210] When the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit is determined to meet predetermined conditions in the first process, the second process begins, and

[0211] In this second process, the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on control information used to generate aerosols. (13)

[0213] The aerosol generation system disclosed in any of (1) to (12) above further includes the matrix. (14)

[0215] A computer-based control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein,

[0216] The aerosol generation system includes:

[0217] A power supply unit that stores and supplies electricity;

[0218] A containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and

[0219] A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion.

[0220] And among them,

[0221] The control method includes

[0222] Control the power supply to the heating unit, and

[0223] Controlling the power supply to the heating unit includes, as a first process, determining 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit. (15)

[0225] A non-transitory recording medium stores a program executed by means of a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein...

[0226] The aerosol generation system includes:

[0227] A power supply unit that stores and supplies electricity;

[0228] A containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and

[0229] A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion.

[0230] And among them,

[0231] The program makes the computer act as a control unit for controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and,

[0232] As a first process, 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

[0233] List of reference numerals

[0234] 100 Inhalation Device

[0235] 111 Power Supply Unit

[0236] 112 Sensor Unit

[0237] 113 Notification Unit

[0238] 114 memory cells

[0239] 115 Communication Unit

[0240] 116 Control Unit

[0241] 121 Heating Unit

[0242] 140 Accommodation Section

[0243] 141 Interior Space

[0244] 142 Opening

[0245] 143 Bottom section

[0246] 150 rod-shaped substrate

[0247] 151 Matrix Part

[0248] 152 Suction nozzle section

[0249] 31 First sensing pulse

[0250] 32 Second sensing pulse

[0251] 33 Third sensing pulse

[0252] 34 Sensing Pulse Group

[0253] 41 Measurement Pulse

[0254] 42 Heating Pulse

[0255] 44 Heating Pulse Group

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: A power supply unit that stores and supplies electricity; The accommodating portion is used to accommodate a matrix containing an aerosol source; A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion; as well as The control unit is used to control the power supply to the heating unit. in, As a first process, 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

2. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 1, wherein, In this first process, the control unit determines the state of the receiving portion based on the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is first applied; The parameters mentioned above, and when the first sensing pulse is included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group is applied.

3. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 1, wherein, In this first process, the control unit determines the state of the receiving portion based on the following: the parameter at the time when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is applied and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter before the application begins; The parameter and the statistical values ​​of one or more of the parameters at the time the first sensing pulse is applied in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group begins to be applied, and the parameters before the application begins.

4. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 3, wherein, The sensing pulse group includes one or more second sensing pulses. One or more of the parameters prior to the application of the first sensing pulse are acquired when one or more of these second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and The duration of the second sensing pulse is shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

5. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In this first process, the control unit determines the state of the receiving portion based on the parameters described above when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated; The parameters mentioned above, and when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group following the first sensing pulse group ends.

6. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In this first process, the control unit determines the state of the receiving portion based on the following: the parameter at the time when the first sensing pulse included in the first sensing pulse group is terminated, and the statistical value of one or more of the parameter after the termination of application; And the statistical values ​​of one or more of the parameters at the time when the first sensing pulse included in the second sensing pulse group after the first sensing pulse group ends, and the parameters after the end of application.

7. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 6, wherein, The sensing pulse group includes one or more second sensing pulses. One or more of the parameters obtained after the application of the first sensing pulse ends are acquired when one or more of the second sensing pulses are applied to the heating unit, and The duration of the second sensing pulse is shorter than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

8. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first process includes initially applying a third sensing pulse to the heating unit, and The duration of the third sensing pulse is longer than the duration of the first sensing pulse.

9. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control unit controls the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit during the first process based on the temperature of the heating unit or the ambient temperature at the start of the first process.

10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control unit controls the configuration of the pulses applied to the heating unit during the first process based on the length of the period during which power supply to the heating unit is stopped at the start of the first process.

11. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The control unit: This is triggered after a pre-defined user action has been detected to begin the first process, and If the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit does not meet the predetermined condition before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process, the first process is terminated.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The control unit: When the time series transition of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit is determined to meet predetermined conditions in the first process, the second process begins, and In this second process, the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on control information used to generate aerosols.

13. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the matrix.

14. A control method implemented by means of a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein, The aerosol generation system includes: A power supply unit that stores and supplies electricity; A containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion. And among them, The control method includes Control the power supply to the heating unit, and Controlling the power supply to the heating unit includes, as a first process, determining 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

15. A non-transitory recording medium storing a program executable by a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein, The aerosol generation system includes: A power supply unit that stores and supplies electricity; A containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source; and A heating unit that uses electricity supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate housed in the housing portion. And among them, The program makes the computer act as a control unit for controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and, As a first process, 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 group of sensing pulses, including a first sensing pulse, to the heating unit.

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