Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, a contact sensor for detecting a user action on a predetermined portion of a housing surface, a haptic device, and a processor for implementing a function of controlling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit and a function of controlling an output of the haptic device, wherein the processor controls the output of the haptic device by switching the output according to notified content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices used in portable electronic devices include buttons and slide switches. These actuators are displaced by user movements and thus easily generate a sense of motion. Citation List

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] PTL 1: JP 2022-524198 A

[0005] PTL 2: JP 2020-185005 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] Future aerosol generating devices are expected to employ contact sensors. The use of contact sensors will provide users with novel ways to operate aerosol generating devices.

[0008] On the other hand, contact sensors are devices without accompanying mechanical displacement. Therefore, when contact sensors are used in aerosol generating devices, it is difficult for users to actually perceive whether their actions are being detected or whether their actions have been accepted in a normal manner.

[0009] In view of the above problems, this disclosure provides a technology that can provide users with a real sense of input action, even when a contact sensor is used as an input device.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol source; a contact sensor for detecting user actions on a predetermined portion of a housing surface; a tactile device; and a processor for implementing functions of controlling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source and controlling the output of the tactile device, wherein the processor controls the output of the tactile device by switching the output according to a notification.

[0012] Furthermore, the processor can control the output intensity of the haptic device to a first output intensity when a notification is received that a motion has begun.

[0013] Here, the processor can control the output intensity of the haptic device to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity when the notification of completion of the action is accepted.

[0014] Furthermore, when the operating mode is the heating mode of the aerosol source, the processor can control the output intensity of the tactile device to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity.

[0015] Furthermore, when an error is detected, the processor can control the output intensity of the haptic device to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity.

[0016] In addition, when a notification is received to switch related actions, the processor can change the number of outputs according to the content of the notification, while maintaining the output intensity of the haptic device at the third output intensity.

[0017] Furthermore, the processor can change the output intensity when a notification is received to switch related actions, while keeping the number of outputs of the haptic device constant.

[0018] For example, the switching-related action is to modify at least one of the following: heating temperature, aerosol source brand, heating profile, display mode, inhalation detection sensitivity, display color, preheating time, heating time, and output.

[0019] Here, the processor can adjust the output intensity of the tactile device according to the heating temperature of the aerosol source when the processor is notified of the heating temperature.

[0020] Furthermore, when notifying the user of an action related to inspection, the processor can adjust the output intensity or number of outputs of the tactile device according to the amount or quantity of notifications.

[0021] For example, the relevant action for this inspection is to check at least one of the following: the remaining capacity of the battery constituting the power source, the state of charge of the battery, the battery life, the number of inhalations, the remaining number of inhalations, the remaining inhalation time, the remaining number of inhalations, the cumulative number of inhalations, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, and the completion of the replacement of the aerosol source.

[0022] In addition, the processor can control the tactile device to output using a first output mode when it notifies the contact sensor that a motion has started.

[0023] Here, when the processor notifies the contact sensor that the action has been accepted, it can control the tactile device to output using a second output mode different from the first output mode.

[0024] Incidentally, a tactile device can be a single component.

[0025] In addition, the tactile device can be an LRA (linear resonant actuator).

[0026] In addition, the processor can control the output strength, number of outputs, or output mode of the LRA by switching the relevant outputs according to the notification content.

[0027] In addition, the predetermined portion can be at least one shell surface.

[0028] In addition, the processor may include: a first processor for controlling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source; and a second processor for controlling the output of the tactile device.

[0029] Advantages of the present invention

[0030] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide users with a realistic sense of input action, even when a contact sensor is used as an input device. Attached Figure Description

[0031] [ Figure 1 [This is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device conceived in Example 1, viewed from an oblique angle.]

[0032] [ Figure 2 [This is a diagram showing the state in which the opening is exposed by the sliding of the cover.]

[0033] [ Figure 3 [ ] is a diagram that schematically shows the internal configuration of the main body.

[0034] [ Figure 4 [1] is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in Embodiment 1.

[0035] [ Figure 5 [This is a diagram showing the relationship between the installation positions of the touch sensor and the vibration motor.]

[0036] [ Figure 6 [1] is a diagram showing the transitions between operating modes in the aerosol generating apparatus used in Example 1.

[0037] [ Figure 7 [1] is a table that illustrates an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback.

[0038] [ Figure 8 [ ] is a table illustrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback 2.

[0039] [ Figure 9 [ ] is a table that illustrates an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback 3.

[0040] [ Figure 10 [4] is a table that illustrates an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback.

[0041] [ Figure 11 [] is a graph that displays other feedback.

[0042] [ Figure 12 [Image 1] is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the nine touch sensors and the vibration motor in Example 2.

[0043] [ Figure 13 [ ] is a diagram showing the relationship between the touch sensor arrangement and input actions in Embodiment 2.

[0044] [ Figure 14 [This is a diagram showing the enabled and disabled areas for input actions during sleep mode M2.]

[0045] [ Figure 15 [ ] is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in Embodiment 3.

[0046] [ Figure 16 [This is an example of a downward swipe action.]

[0047] [ Figure 17 [This is an image showing an example of an upward swipe action.]

[0048] [ Figure 18 [This is a table illustrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback in Embodiment 3.]

[0049] [ Figure 19 [ ] is a diagram showing another positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in Embodiment 3.

[0050] [ Figure 20 [Image] is a view of the aerosol generating device conceived in Example 4 from an oblique angle.

[0051] [ Figure 21 [ ] is a diagram showing another positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in Embodiment 4.

[0052] [ Figure 22 [Image] is a view from an oblique angle of the aerosol generating apparatus conceived in Example 5.

[0053] [ Figure 23 [Figure 6] is a diagram showing the relationship between the installation positions of the touch sensor and the vibration motor in Embodiment 6.

[0054] [ Figure 24 This is a table showing the differences in input actions in an aerosol generating device due to differences in aerosol source type and heating temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0056] Terminology

[0057] According to each embodiment, the aerosol generating device is in the form of an electronic cigarette.

[0058] In the following description, the substance produced by an aerosol generating device will be referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas with air or another gas.

[0059] The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols without associated burning.

[0060] In addition, inhaling aerosols generated by an aerosol generating device will also be referred to as "vacuuming".

[0061] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that can be attached to a solid aerosol source is described. It should be noted that the container used to contain the solid aerosol source will be referred to as both "capsule" and "rod matrix," depending on the form of the product. The capsule and rod matrix are consumables. Therefore, the capsule and rod matrix have fixed replacement standards.

[0062] <Example 1>

[0063] Example 1 describes an aerosol generating apparatus in which a rod-shaped matrix containing a solid aerosol source is heated at a high temperature (e.g., 200°C or above).

[0064] <Example of appearance>

[0065] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Example 1 will be described.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 conceived in Example 1, viewed from an oblique angle.

[0067] The aerosol generating device 1 used in this embodiment is sized so that a user can hold it with one hand. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body 10 and a sliding cover 20.

[0068] The main body 10 is generally a solid object with six faces. Specifically, each face of the main body 10 is connected to another adjacent face by a curved surface. A cylindrical rod-shaped substrate 30 (see [reference]) is provided in the upper face of the main body 10. Figure 3 The attachment / removal opening 10A (not depicted here; see [link]) Figure 2 ).

[0069] The appearance of the main body 10 is defined by the surface of the shell. The main body 10 is divided into an internal space and an external space by the shell.

[0070] In this embodiment, the entire surface of the main body portion 10 will also be referred to as the "shell surface". In addition, a portion of the surface of the main body portion 10 will also be referred to as the "shell surface".

[0071] The sliding cover 20 is a component that can slide along the upper surface of the main body 10. Figure 1 In this case, opening 10A is covered by sliding cover 20. For example... Figure 1 The state in which the opening 10A shown is covered by the sliding cover 20 is referred to as the "closed state". Furthermore, the sliding position of the sliding cover 20 in this state is referred to as the "closed position".

[0072] Figure 2 This diagram shows the state in which opening 10A is exposed by sliding cover 20. Figure 2 China and Figure 1 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the exposed state of opening 10A is referred to as the "open state". Furthermore, the sliding position of the cover 20 in this state is referred to as the "open position".

[0073] The opening 10A forms a generally cylindrical retaining portion 109 (see...). Figure 3 The rod-shaped matrix 30 is held in the holding portion at the open end of the opening. Therefore, the opening 10A has a generally circular shape. Figure 2 The sliding cover 20 shown slides along a guide groove (not depicted) formed on the upper surface or rear side of the main body portion 10.

[0074] When the main body 10 is held in the right hand and the sliding cover 20 is positioned on top, the side on which the thumb rests will be referred to hereinafter as the front. In other words, when the opening 10A is positioned on the left side of the main body 10 from the user's perspective, the face facing the user is the front.

[0075] <Internal Configuration>

[0076] Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates the internal configuration of the main body 10. The rod-shaped substrate 30 is mounted... Figure 3 In the opening 10A of the main body 10 shown.

[0077] Figure 3 The internal configuration shown is intended to illustrate the components arranged within the main body 10 and their positional relationships. Therefore, Figure 3 The appearance of the components shown does not always match the external view described above.

[0078] The main body 10 is configured with a power supply unit 101, a sensor unit 102, a notification unit 103, a memory unit 104, a communication unit 105, a control unit 106, a heating unit 107, a heat insulation part 108, and a holding part 109.

[0079] Figure 3 The rod-shaped matrix 30 shown is held in the holding portion 109. When the rod-shaped matrix 30 is placed in the holding portion 109, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0080] The power supply unit 101 is a unit for supplying power to each component. The power supply unit 101 uses a secondary battery to store the power required by the main body 10. For example, a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as the secondary battery. The secondary battery can be charged from an external power source. In the case of Embodiment 1, the external power source is connected via a USB connector (not depicted). For example, the USB connector is provided on the bottom surface of the main body 10.

[0081] The sensor unit 102 is an electronic component used to detect various types of information related to the main body 10.

[0082] For example, sensor unit 102 is used to detect the sliding cover 20 (see Figure 1 A magnetic sensor is used to determine the sliding position of the slide cover 20. The magnetic sensor is placed within the movable range of the slide cover 20 and detects the magnetic field strength corresponding to the sliding position of the slide cover 20. Incidentally, the magnetic field to be detected is generated by a magnet attached to the slide cover 20. The control unit 106 uses the magnetic field strength information provided by the magnetic sensor to determine whether the sliding position of the slide cover 20 is open or closed.

[0083] For example, sensor unit 102 includes a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or a flow sensor. For example, the flow sensor notifies control unit 106 of information indicating changes in the pressure or flow rate of the air being drawn in.

[0084] For example, sensor unit 102 is a contact sensor for detecting user input. In this embodiment, touch sensor 102A (see...) Figure 4 The touch sensor 102A is used as a contact sensor. It is disposed on a predetermined portion of the housing surface for input actions. In this embodiment, the touch sensor 102A is a sensor used to detect contact by a user's hand or finger based on changes in electrostatic capacitance, and is arranged on the rear side of the housing corresponding to the predetermined portion. The control unit 106 detects user input by means of information about changes in electrostatic capacitance notified from the touch sensor 102A. The information about changes in electrostatic capacitance includes not only the coordinate position of the detected contact, but also its change (or movement trajectory), movement speed, and contact time.

[0085] For example, sensor unit 102 further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of heating unit 107. For instance, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of heating unit 107 based on changes in the resistance value of the conductive rails of heating unit 107. The temperature sensor outputs a voltage corresponding to the resistance value at the current time. Control unit 106 calculates the temperature of heating unit 107 based on the output voltage from the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used to change the temperature of heating unit 107 according to a heating curve. Other temperature sensors include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature around heating unit 107 and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature near the surface of body portion 10. These two temperature sensors are used from the perspective of detecting unexpected temperature increases. In other words, these temperature sensors are provided from a safety perspective.

[0086] The notification unit 103 is an electronic component used to notify the user of various types of information related to the main body 10. The notification unit 103 may be, for example, a vibration device that causes the main body 10 to vibrate. For example, the vibration device may be a vibration motor 103A (see...). Figure 4 In this embodiment, a linear resonant actuator (LRA) is used as the vibration motor 103A. The LRA is a linear resonant type actuator. The LRA generates a user-perceptible vibration by driving a voice coil at the resonant frequency of a spring. The user perceives this vibration through their skin. In this respect, the vibration motor 103A is an example of a tactile device.

[0087] The sound output device that outputs sound is an example of another notification unit 103. For example, the sound output device may be configured as a speaker and an amplifier.

[0088] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 1. Both the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A are disposed within the internal space of the housing of the main body portion 10. Figure 4 In the diagram, the attachment positions of the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A are therefore depicted by dashed lines.

[0089] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the touch sensor 102A has a generally square shape. Figure 4 The touch sensor 102A shown is placed near the center of the front of the main body 10.

[0090] The touch sensor 102A is positioned within a range that can be tapped or swiped with the thumb when the main body 10 is held in the right hand. Therefore, Figure 4 The touch sensor 102A shown is positioned on the upper side of the center in the height direction of the main body 10. Naturally, fingers other than the thumb can be used for input.

[0091] The size of the touch sensor 102A is set according to the thumb movement envisioned for motion input. For example, the size of the touch sensor 102A required when only a tapping action is envisioned is smaller than the size of the touch sensor 102A required when a swipe action is envisioned.

[0092] Furthermore, when assuming a left-right direction ( Figure 4 When a sliding motion in the X direction is used as the input motion, the X-direction dimension can be longer than the Z-direction dimension, and when assuming a sliding motion along the up and down direction (in the Z direction), the X-direction dimension can be longer than the Z-direction dimension. Figure 4 When performing a sliding motion (in the Z direction), the Z-direction dimension can be longer than the X-direction dimension. In this embodiment, in addition to tapping motions, sliding motions in both the horizontal and vertical directions are also envisioned. Therefore, a generally square touch sensor 102A is used.

[0093] In this embodiment, the vibration motor 103A is arranged close to the touch sensor 102A. Incidentally, Figure 4 The diagram shows the vibration motor 103A positioned close to the center of the touch sensor 102A.

[0094] However, the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A cannot be physically placed in the same space. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the main body 10, the actual vibration motor 103A is arranged behind the touch sensor 102A.

[0095] Figure 5 This diagram shows the relationship between the mounting positions of the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A. Figure 5 The positional relationship is shown when viewed from the right side through the interior of the main body 10.

[0096] exist Figure 5 In this case, the vibration motor 103A is positioned inward from the touch sensor 102A. In other words, the vibration motor 103A is positioned on the rear side of the touch sensor 102A.

[0097] In this embodiment, by reducing the distance between the vibration motor 103A and the touch sensor 102A, the difference in vibration intensity is more easily transmitted to the user.

[0098] Memory cell 104 is an electronic component used to store various types of information related to the operation of the main body 10. For example, memory cell 104 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0099] For example, the information stored in memory unit 104 includes OS (operating system) and FW (firmware) as well as other programs.

[0100] Furthermore, the information stored in memory unit 104 includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components and information related to user inhalation. For example, the control-related information includes a heating profile. The user inhalation-related information includes the number of inhalations, inhalation time, and cumulative inhalation time. This user inhalation-related information is also referred to as an operation log.

[0101] Communication unit 105 is a communication interface for implementing communication between main body 10 and other devices. Communication unit 105 communicates with other devices via a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards mentioned herein include wireless LAN (=local area network), USB, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0102] For example, communication unit 105 sends information related to user inhalation to a smartphone. Furthermore, communication unit 105 downloads from a server an update program and heating curve defining the temperature changes of heating unit 107 in heating modes.

[0103] The control unit 106 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the operation of the components constituting the main body 10 according to various programs.

[0104] Control signals are transmitted via signal lines that are different from the power supply lines. For example, communication in the main body 10 uses serial communication methods, such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication, or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) communication.

[0105] For example, control unit 106 is implemented using electronic circuitry such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MCU (Microcontroller Unit), MPU (Microprocessor Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Control unit 106 is an example of a processor.

[0106] The control unit 106 may also include a ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately.

[0107] The control unit 106 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs.

[0108] The processing and control mentioned herein include, for example: supplying power by power supply unit 101; charging power supply unit 101; detecting information by sensor unit 102; notifying information by notification unit 103; writing information to or reading information from memory unit 104; and sending / receiving information by communication unit 105.

[0109] The control unit 106 further controls the processing based on information input to and output from the electronic components.

[0110] The retaining portion 109 is a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the retaining portion 109, defined by its inner wall and bottom surface, will be referred to as the internal space 109A. The internal space 109A is generally cylindrical. The open end of the retaining portion 109 corresponds to the opening 10A exposed by the sliding operation of the sliding cover 20. A rod-shaped substrate 30 is inserted into the internal space 109A through the opening 10A. It should be noted that the rod-shaped substrate 30 can be inserted until its end contacts the bottom portion 109B.

[0111] The rod-shaped matrix 30 is only partially contained within the internal space 109A. The state in which the rod-shaped matrix 30 is contained within the internal space 109A will be referred to as the rod-shaped matrix 30 being held in the internal space 109A.

[0112] The inner diameter of the generally cylindrical retaining portion 109 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rod-shaped matrix 30. However, at least a portion of the retaining portion 109 has an inner diameter in its axial direction that is smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped matrix 30.

[0113] At this position, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped matrix 30 is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the retaining portion 109. The rod-shaped matrix 30 deforms and is retained in the internal space 109A by means of this pressure.

[0114] The retaining portion 109 also functions to define the flow path of air through the rod-shaped matrix 30. For example, an air inlet is provided in the bottom portion 109B, which serves as an inlet for air to enter the flow path. In addition, the opening 10A serves as an air outlet, which is the outlet for air.

[0115] In this embodiment, only a portion of the rod-shaped matrix 30 is held within the internal space 109A, while the remainder protrudes from the housing to the outside. The portion of the rod-shaped matrix 30 held within the internal space 109A will hereinafter be referred to as matrix portion 30A, and the portion protruding from the housing will hereinafter be referred to as nozzle portion 30B.

[0116] The aerosol source is contained in at least the matrix portion 30A. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol.

[0117] Aerosol sources include tobacco shreds, and also include processed products obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder form, or other tobacco derivatives.

[0118] In addition, aerosol sources can also include non-tobacco derivatives produced from plants other than tobacco (such as mint or herbs). For example, aerosol sources can include flavoring components, such as menthol.

[0119] When the main body 10 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medication to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid and may also be a polyol, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid, such as water.

[0120] At least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 30B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0121] When a user inhales while the mouthpiece portion 30B is held in their mouth, air flows into the internal space 109A from the air inlet hole. The inflowing air then passes through the internal space 109A and the matrix portion 30A before reaching the user's mouth. The air reaching the user's mouth contains aerosols generated by the matrix portion 30A.

[0122] The heating unit 107 is formed by a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 107 is formed of any material, such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 107 is configured, for example, in the form of a thin film, and is fitted to the inner wall surface of the defined internal space 109A of the retaining portion 109.

[0123] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped matrix 30 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 107. The atomized aerosol source mixes with air and the like, and an aerosol is generated.

[0124] exist Figure 3 In the process, the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 30 is initially heated, and the heating range moves steadily toward the center.

[0125] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source begins in the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped matrix 30 and moves steadily toward the center.

[0126] The heating unit 107 generates heat by means of a power supply from the power supply unit 101. For example, power is supplied to the heating unit 107 when a predetermined user action is detected by means of the sensor unit 102. Here, the predetermined user action includes opening / closing the sliding cover 20 (see...). Figure 1 The actions of the sensor and the actions of the contact sensor (e.g., touch sensor 102A).

[0127] Furthermore, when the temperature of the rod-shaped matrix 30 heated by the heating unit 107 reaches a predetermined temperature, inhalation by the user becomes possible. The change of the target temperature over time from the start to the end of heating is stored in the memory unit 104 as a heating curve. The heating curve is an example of a control sequence. The user's inhalation of the aerosol is sensed by means of a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 102, and this information is stored in the memory unit 104.

[0128] The power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed since heating began or when a predetermined user action is sensed. For example, the predetermined action is to remove the rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0129] In addition, Figure 3 In the example, the heating unit 107 is located on the outer circumference of the rod-shaped substrate 30, but the heating unit 107 can also be a blade-shaped metal sheet inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0130] Alternatively, for example, an induction heating method can be used to atomize the aerosol source. In this type of heating method, the heating unit 107 has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field. In this case, a sensor is positioned at a location overlapping the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source. The sensor generates heat associated with the generation of the magnetic field and heats the aerosol source. The sensor may be a metal sheet embedded in the rod-shaped matrix 30. When the metal sheet used as the heating unit 107 is embedded in the rod-shaped matrix 30, a coil for inductively heating the metal sheet is arranged around the holding portion 109. Alternatively, the sensor may be positioned on the outer circumferential portion of the rod-shaped matrix 30 within the main body portion 10, and the coil used as the electromagnetic induction source may be wound around its outer circumferential portion.

[0131] The heat insulation portion 108 is a component used to reduce the spread of heat generated by the heating unit 107 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulation portion 108 is configured to at least cover the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 107.

[0132] For example, the thermal insulation portion 108 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material. Vacuum insulation material is a type of insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created by wrapping glass wool and silica (silica powder) in a resin film, so that the thermal conductivity of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0133] <Operation Mode>

[0134] Figure 6 This demonstrates the aerosol generating device 1 used in Example 1 (see Example 1). Figure 1 A diagram showing the transitions between the operating modes set in ().

[0135] The aerosol generating device 1 used in Example 1 has nine operating modes. These nine modes are: charging mode M1, sleep mode M2, error mode M3, M4, pairing mode M5, active mode M6, initialization mode M7, heating mode M8, and heating end mode M9.

[0136] The operating modes will be described in sequence below.

[0137] • Charging mode M1

[0138] Charging mode M1 is a mode for charging the secondary battery using a USB cable. Charging mode M1 also detects deep discharge and over-discharge of the secondary battery.

[0139] • Sleep Mode M2

[0140] Sleep mode M2 ​​is the mode in which most functions are disabled. In other words, sleep mode M2 ​​consumes less power than other modes.

[0141] However, the sliding cover 20 was tested (see Figure 1 It is possible to monitor the off state of the secondary battery, detect the change of other operating modes, and monitor the status of the secondary battery.

[0142] Incidentally, a dedicated processor (hereinafter referred to as the "remaining capacity meter IC") is used to monitor the state of the secondary battery. The remaining capacity meter IC is a different processor from the MCU.

[0143] For example, when the USB cable is removed during charging, the system switches from charging mode M1 to sleep mode M2. If a function is provided to warn the user of a disconnected USB cable during charging via vibration or sound, it is not necessary to immediately switch to sleep mode M2.

[0144] For example, when the slider 20 has moved from the open position to the closed position, when it has been touched by the touch sensor 102A (see...) Figure 4 When a predetermined action is detected, or when the inactive state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the mode changes from activity mode M6 to sleep mode M2.

[0145] For example, when the slider 20 has moved from the closed position to the open position, or when an activation action has been detected by the touch sensor 102A, the mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6.

[0146] For example, when a USB cable is connected, the mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to charging mode M1.

[0147] • Error Mode M3

[0148] Error mode M3 is a temporary mode that occurs when a recoverable error (such as an abnormal temperature) exists.

[0149] When transitioning to error mode M3, an error notification is output, and sleep mode M2 ​​resumes after a given time has elapsed or after predetermined conditions for resolving the error have been met. For example, a vibration of a given intensity is used for the error notification. Here, the vibration intensity is an example of a second output intensity. Incidentally, the second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity, which will be described later.

[0150] It can also transition from charging mode M1, activity mode M6, initialization mode M7 and heating mode M8 to error mode M3.

[0151] • Error Mode M4

[0152] Error mode M4 is a mode that occurs when there is an unrecoverable error (such as deep discharge, secondary battery life, or short circuit). Transition from error mode M4 to other modes is prohibited.

[0153] • Pairing Mode M5

[0154] For example, pairing mode M5 is a mode used for pairing with external devices. For example, Bluetooth is used for pairing.

[0155] For example, when a pairing action has been detected by the touch sensor 102A, the mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to pairing mode M5.

[0156] •Activity Mode M6

[0157] Activity Mode M6 is a mode in which most functions are available except for heating. Activity Mode M6 enables, for example: sending heating curves to external devices; receiving heating curves from external devices; modifying the heating curve used to heat the rod substrate 30 (heating temperature modification); changing the brand of the rod substrate 30 to be heated; and checking various types of information, etc.

[0158] For example, when the slider 20 has moved from the closed position to the open position, or when an activation action has been detected by the touch sensor 102A, the mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6.

[0159] When the slider 20 has moved from the open position to the closed position, or when it has been inactive for a predetermined time or longer while in active mode M6, it switches from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2.

[0160] When an action indicating the start of heating via touch sensor 102A is detected when the slider 20 is in the open position, the system switches from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7.

[0161] You can also switch from Activity Mode M6 to Charging Mode M1 or Pairing Mode M5.

[0162] • Initialization Mode M7

[0163] Initialization mode M7 is the mode implemented before the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 30 begins.

[0164] Initial setup and preheating are performed in initialization mode M7. Initial setup, for example, involves reading in the heating curve used to heat the rod-shaped matrix 30. Preheating refers to the preheating of the rod-shaped matrix 30 to generate a given amount of aerosol immediately after heating mode M8 begins.

[0165] Note that if an error occurs during initialization, initialization mode M7 transitions to error mode M3. Examples of errors during initialization include failure to read the heating curve and removal of the rod matrix 30.

[0166] • Heating mode M8

[0167] Heating mode M8 is a mode for generating aerosols by heating the rod-shaped matrix 30.

[0168] The rod-shaped substrate 30 is heated based on a heating curve. The heating curve defines the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of heating and the target temperature at each time point. The control unit 106 controls the heating unit 107 to be turned on / off so that the temperature measured at each elapsed time point matches the target temperature. Heat is generated when the heating unit 107 is controlled to be turned on (when the heater is energized), and heat generation stops when the heating unit 107 is controlled to be turned off (when the heater is de-energized).

[0169] The transition from initialization mode M7 to heating mode M8 is achieved by completing the initial setup. Note that if an error occurs during heating, heating mode M8 transitions to error mode M3. Examples of errors during heating include detecting abnormal temperatures exceeding the target temperature and the removal of the rod-shaped substrate 30.

[0170] • Heating End Mode M9

[0171] Heating End Mode M9 is a mode used to perform processing at the end of heating.

[0172] For example, the process at the end of heating could be updating management data. Management data could include, for example, the number of inhalations in this session, the cumulative number of inhalations, and the cumulative number of rod-shaped matrix 30.

[0173] For example, when the predetermined time defined in the heating curve has elapsed, or when the heating termination action has been performed by the touch sensor 102A, the mode changes from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9.

[0174] The transition from heating end mode M9 to active mode M6 occurs when the end-of-heat processing has been completed.

[0175] <Combination of input actions and haptic feedback>

[0176] The following will describe the touch sensor 102A (see Figure 4 The present invention relates to an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback from a vibration motor 103A. Four exemplary combinations are described below for each type of input action. It is self-evident that the exemplary combinations are merely examples and should not be construed as excluding other exemplary combinations.

[0177] In an operating mode, only one command can be assigned to one input action. Accordingly, if multiple commands are presented for one input action in an operating mode, this presentation is limited to the reference example, and only one of the multiple commands is used in an actual device.

[0178] <Example Combination 1: Tap and Swipe>

[0179] Figure 7 This is a table illustrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback.

[0180] Example combination 1 envisions tapping and swiping actions as input actions.

[0181] It should be noted that linear movement for the sliding motion is envisioned in exemplary combination 1. For example, up / down / left / right finger movement is envisioned. Diagonal upward movement and diagonal downward movement can also be naturally combined.

[0182] When assuming up / down / left / right finger movement for swiping actions, only four types of commands can be assigned to one operation mode. However, by combining diagonal up and diagonal down movements, eight types of commands can be assigned to one operation mode.

[0183] Different vibration patterns are used as haptic feedback. Vibration patterns in a broad sense include different vibration frequencies (and different vibration output timings) at the same vibration intensity and different vibration intensities at the same vibration frequency. Users can perceive the acceptance of user actions through differences in vibration patterns.

[0184] Furthermore, the feedback vibration mode allows users to anticipate what the control unit 106 (see...) will do. Figure 3 The control measures implemented by the control unit 106 (see [reference]). Additionally, the user can confirm the control content by using the intensity of the feedback vibration. Figure 3 The control content implemented and the response content of the control unit 106.

[0185] <Swipe up>

[0186] L1 (the first row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "slide up" action.

[0187] • Example 1 (L1-A)

[0188] For example, when an "upward swipe action" occurs during sleep mode M2, control unit 106 (see...) Figure 3 It changes from a sleep state to an active state. In other words, the operating mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6.

[0189] In this scenario, the greater the distance the finger moves upward, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is used as an example of the notification content. The LRA used as the vibration motor 103A has a fast response time of approximately 20 ms-30 ms. Therefore, the vibration intensity gradually increases proportionally to the distance the finger moves, making it easier for the user to actually feel that their movement is being received.

[0190] • Example 2 (L1-B)

[0191] For example, when an "upward sliding motion" exists during activity mode M6, a "sending heating curve" is implemented. This is only true when aerosol generating device 1 (see...) Figure 1 This action is only possible when it is compatible with the function of sending heating curves to external devices. Similarly, the greater the distance the finger moves upward, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved also serves as an example of the notification content.

[0192] It should be noted that when an upward sliding motion exists on the aerosol generating device 1, which is incompatible with the function used to transmit the heating curve, the sliding motion is considered invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, and an error vibration (e.g., high-intensity continuous vibration or a unique vibration mode) or an error sound is fed back. The error vibration intensity is an example of the second output intensity. Incidentally, the second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity.

[0193] <Slide down>

[0194] L2 (the second row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "slide down" action.

[0195] • Example 1 (L2-A)

[0196] For example, when a "downward swipe action" occurs during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from an active state to a sleep state. That is, the operating mode changes from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the longer the finger moves downward, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is also an example of the notification content.

[0197] • Example 2 (L2-B)

[0198] For example, when a "downward swipe action" occurs during activity mode M6, a "receive heating curve" is implemented. This action is only possible if the aerosol generating device 1 is compatible with adding or modifying the heating curve. Similarly, the longer the finger moves downward, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance of movement also serves as an example of the notification content.

[0199] It should be noted that when a downward sliding motion occurs on the aerosol generating device 1, which is incompatible with the function used to receive the heating curve, the sliding motion is considered invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, and an error vibration or an error sound is fed back. Here, the error vibration intensity is an example of the second output intensity. The second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity.

[0200] <Slide motion in both the left and right directions>

[0201] L3 (the third row from the top of the table) shows two commands and vibration modes associated with "sliding motion in both the left and right directions".

[0202] • Example 1 (L3-A)

[0203] For example, when a "sliding motion to the right" or "sliding motion to the left" occurs during activity mode M6, the "modify heating temperature" is executed. Figure 7 In this case, a sliding motion to the right is accepted as an increase in heating temperature, and a sliding motion to the left is accepted as a decrease in heating temperature. Whenever a sliding motion is detected, the increase or decrease in heating temperature is implemented in predetermined steps.

[0204] In this embodiment, modifying the heating temperature means modifying the maximum temperature defined in the heating curve. Incidentally, the higher the maximum temperature, the greater the maximum amount of aerosol produced.

[0205] exist Figure 7 In this case, the modified temperature is correlated with the vibration intensity. Accordingly, the higher the modified temperature, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration, and the lower the modified temperature, the smaller the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the modified temperature is an example of the notification content. Furthermore, the number of vibrations is one.

[0206] It should be noted that, Figure 7 The example described only modifies the highest temperature in the heating curve, but left / right sliding actions can also be associated with switching heating curves.

[0207] For example, when the control unit 106 processes five types of heating curves and each heating curve is assigned a management number from "1" to "5", the management number can be updated by the direction of the sliding motion. For example, a sliding motion to the right increases the management number by 1. For example, if the management number before the sliding motion was "3", then a sliding motion to the right changes the management number to "4". Conversely, a sliding motion to the left decreases the management number by 1. For example, if the management number before the sliding motion was "3", then a sliding motion to the left changes the management number to "2".

[0208] Incidentally, once a rightward slide has reached the maximum value in the management number range, the management number can be changed to the minimum value, or the current management number can be maintained. Similarly, once a leftward slide has reached the minimum value in the management number range, the management number can be changed to the maximum value, or the current management number can be maintained.

[0209] It should be noted that when a left or right sliding motion occurs on the aerosol generating device 1, which is incompatible with the function used for temperature modification, the sliding motion is considered invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, and an error vibration or error sound is fed back. Here, the error vibration intensity is an example of the second output intensity. The second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity.

[0210] • Example 2 (L3-B)

[0211] For example, when a "sliding motion to the right or to the left" occurs during activity mode M6, the "brand selection" for the rod matrix 30 is implemented. Figure 7 In this case, the control unit 106 is compatible with three brands of stick substrate 30, namely "Brand A", "Brand B" and "Brand C".

[0212] For example, a swipe action to the right can be associated with "changing from brand A to brand B" or "changing from brand B to brand C", and a swipe action to the left can be associated with "changing from brand C to brand B" or "changing from brand B to brand A".

[0213] The function of changing the brand can be limited to situations where a heating curve corresponding to the brand of the rod matrix 30 is available.

[0214] exist Figure 7In the example, when the changed brand is "Brand A", a vibration of a specific intensity is fed back once; when the changed brand is "Brand B", the vibration of a specific intensity is fed back twice; and when the changed brand is "Brand C", the vibration of a specific intensity is fed back three times. Here, this specific intensity is an example of the third output intensity. The third output intensity is greater than the first output intensity. Furthermore, the third output intensity can have the same magnitude as the second output intensity. Here, the modified brand is an example of the notification content.

[0215] The number of feedback vibrations varies depending on the brand, so users can not only confirm that the brand change has been accepted, but also confirm what the new brand is.

[0216] It should be noted that when a left or right sliding motion occurs on the aerosol generating device 1, which is incompatible with the function used for changing the brand, the sliding motion is considered invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, and an error vibration or error sound is fed back. Here, the error vibration intensity is an example of the second output intensity. The second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity.

[0217] <Tap action (long press)>

[0218] L4 (the fourth row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration patterns associated with the "tap action (long press)". In this embodiment, a tap detection time exceeding a threshold is considered a "long press action", and a tap detection time not exceeding a threshold is considered a "short press action".

[0219] It should be noted that "tapping action" refers to an action in which the position of the finger detected by the touch sensor 102A is static or largely unchanged, while "sliding action" refers to an action in which the position of the finger detected by the touch sensor 102A moves or changes.

[0220] Incidentally, you can also use double taps or other actions instead of taps (long press).

[0221] • Example 1 (L4-A)

[0222] For example, when a "tapping action (long press)" occurs during activity mode M6, this is received by control unit 106 as an action to "start heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from activity mode M6 to initialization mode M7. It should be noted that control unit 106 maintains a vibration of a given intensity for a given time. Here, the vibration intensity is an example of a second output intensity. Note that the second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity. Here, feedback is used to notify the completion of acceptance of the action. Accordingly, the completion of acceptance of the action is an example of the notification content.

[0223] It should be noted that the feedback vibration lasts for a fixed period of time, but the vibration output begins after a period of time equal to or greater than the threshold has elapsed since the tapping action was completed, or after the tapping action has ended.

[0224] • Example 2 (L4-B)

[0225] For example, when a "tapping action (long press)" occurs during heating mode M8, this is received by control unit 106 as an action to "stop heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. Similarly, control unit 106 maintains vibration of a given intensity for a given time. Here, the vibration intensity is an example of a second output intensity. Note that the second output intensity is greater than the first output intensity. Here, feedback is used to notify the completion of acceptance of the action. Accordingly, the completion of acceptance of the action is an example of the notification content.

[0226] <Tap action (short press)>

[0227] L5 (the fifth row from the top of the table) shows the commands and vibration patterns associated with the "tap action (short press)".

[0228] • Example 1 (L5-A)

[0229] For example, when a "tapping action (short press)" occurs during activity mode M6, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as an action to "check remaining battery capacity." In this case, control unit 106 provides feedback with a vibration pattern corresponding to the remaining battery capacity obtained from the remaining battery capacity meter IC. Here, the vibration pattern remains at a fixed vibration intensity, with only the number of vibrations differing. The vibration intensity is an example of a second vibration intensity. The remaining battery capacity is an example of the notification content.

[0230] For example, if the remaining battery capacity is 10% or less, vibration feedback is not implemented.

[0231] For example, if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 10% but not greater than 60%, the vibration is fed back once.

[0232] For example, if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 60% but not greater than 90%, the vibration is fed back twice.

[0233] For example, if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 90%, the vibration is fed back three times.

[0234] It should be noted that the remaining battery capacity can be fed back through differences in vibration intensity rather than the number of vibrations. For example, if the remaining battery capacity is 10% or less, no vibration feedback is implemented. For example, if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 10% but not greater than 60%, vibration at a first output intensity can be fed back; if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 60% but not greater than 90%, vibration at a second output intensity (> the first output intensity) can be fed back; and if the remaining battery capacity is greater than 90%, vibration at a third output intensity (> the second output intensity) can be fed back.

[0235] <Example Combination 2: Rotational Sliding Motion>

[0236] Figure 8 This is a table illustrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback.

[0237] Unlike Exemplary Combination 1, Exemplary Combination 2 envisions only a sliding motion as the input motion. However, the sliding motion in Exemplary Combination 2 is a generally circular movement rather than a linear movement. An exemplary scenario is envisioned where the finger moves clockwise or counterclockwise from the initial tapping position (origin) to trace a circle.

[0238] exist Figure 8 In the case of a movement and rotation direction that is roughly a semicircle (180°) or larger, this is considered a rotational sliding motion.

[0239] Note that tapping can also be included in input actions, although this is in... Figure 8 Not shown in the image.

[0240] <Clockwise sliding motion>

[0241] L1 (the first row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "clockwise sliding motion".

[0242] • Example 1 (L1-A)

[0243] For example, when a "clockwise sliding motion" exists during sleep mode M2, control unit 106 (see Figure 3 The system transitions from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the greater the distance the finger moves clockwise, the stronger the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0244] • Example 2 (L1-B)

[0245] For example, when a "clockwise sliding motion" occurs during activity mode M6, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as an action to "start heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from activity mode M6 to initialization mode M7. Similarly, the longer the finger moves clockwise, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0246] <Counter-clockwise sliding motion>

[0247] L2 (the second row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "counterclockwise sliding motion".

[0248] • Example 1 (L2-A)

[0249] For example, when a "counter-clockwise swipe action" occurs during activity mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from an active state to a sleep state. That is, the operating mode changes from activity mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the longer the finger moves counter-clockwise, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0250] • Example 2 (L2-B)

[0251] For example, when a "counter-clockwise sliding motion" occurs during heating mode M8, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as a "stop heating" action. In this case, control unit 106 switches from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. Similarly, the longer the finger moves counter-clockwise, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content. It should be noted that the vibration intensity at the start of the feedback is an example of the second output intensity.

[0252] <Clockwise or counter-clockwise sliding motion>

[0253] L3 (the third row from the top of the table) displays the commands and vibration patterns associated with the "clockwise sliding motion" and "counter-clockwise sliding motion." This sliding motion corresponds to... Figure 7 The "sliding motion along both the left and right directions" in the text.

[0254] • Example 1 (L3-A)

[0255] For example, when a "sliding motion to the right" or "sliding motion to the left" occurs during activity mode M6, the "modify heating temperature" is executed. Figure 8 In the case of a clockwise sliding action, the control unit 106 accepts a clockwise sliding action to increase the heating temperature, and accepts a counterclockwise sliding action to decrease the heating temperature.

[0256] The sliding motions along the two rotational directions are indistinguishable from the "sliding motions along the right" and "sliding motions along the left" described above. Therefore, when using sliding motions along the two rotational directions here, they can therefore no longer be used for the aforementioned activity patterns or sleep.

[0257] Similarly, the higher the modified temperature, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration, and the lower the modified temperature, the smaller the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the modified temperature is an example of the notification content.

[0258] <Example Combination 3: Arc-shaped Sliding Motion>

[0259] Figure 9 This is a table demonstrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback 3.

[0260] Exemplary combination 3 also envisions a sliding motion as the input action. However, the sliding motion in Exemplary combination 3 is a generally arcuate movement rather than a linear or generally circular movement. An exemplary case is envisioned where the finger moves approximately half a circle or approximately a quarter circle clockwise or counterclockwise from the initial tapping position (origin).

[0261] exist Figure 9 In the case of a movement and rotation direction of an arc shape that is approximately smaller than half a circle (180°), this is considered an arc sliding motion.

[0262] Note that tapping can also be included in input actions, although this is in... Figure 9 Not shown in the image.

[0263] <Lower semi-circular sliding motion>

[0264] L1 (the first row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration patterns associated with the "lower semi-circular slide motion". The lower semi-circular slide motion refers to a counter-clockwise movement that roughly traces a semi-circle from the initial tapping position (origin). In this case, the end position of the slide motion (end point) is at approximately the same height as the origin.

[0265] • Example 1 (L1-A)

[0266] For example, when a "counterclockwise semi-circular sliding motion" exists during sleep mode M2, control unit 106 (see Figure 3 The system transitions from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the greater the counter-clockwise movement of the finger, the stronger the feedback vibration. Here, the movement distance is an example of the notification content.

[0267] • Example 2 (L1-B)

[0268] For example, when a "counter-clockwise semi-circular sliding motion" occurs during activity mode M6, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as an action to "start heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from activity mode M6 to initialization mode M7. Similarly, the longer the finger moves counter-clockwise, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0269] It should be noted that both Example 1 and Example 2 describe the semicircle as being drawn in a counterclockwise direction, but the lower semicircle can also be drawn in a clockwise direction.

[0270] <Upper semi-circular sliding motion>

[0271] L2 (the second row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration patterns associated with the "Upper Semicircular Slide Action". The Upper Semicircular Slide Action refers to a clockwise movement that roughly traces a semicircle from the initial tapping position (origin). In this case, the end position of the slide action (end point) is at approximately the same height as the origin.

[0272] • Example 1 (L2-A)

[0273] For example, when a "clockwise semi-circular sliding motion" occurs during activity mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from an active state to a sleep state. That is, the operation mode changes from activity mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the longer the finger moves clockwise, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0274] • Example 2 (L2-B)

[0275] For example, when a "clockwise semi-circular sliding motion" occurs during heating mode M8, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as a "stop heating" action. In this case, control unit 106 switches from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. Similarly, the longer the finger moves clockwise, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content. It should be noted that the vibration intensity at the start of feedback is an example of the second output intensity.

[0276] It should be noted that both Example 1 and Example 2 describe the semicircle as being drawn in a clockwise direction, but the upper semicircle can also be drawn in a counterclockwise direction.

[0277] <Clockwise or counterclockwise quarter-circle sliding motion>

[0278] L3 (the third row from the top of the table) shows commands and vibration patterns associated with "clockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc" and "counterclockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc". This sliding motion also corresponds to Figure 7 the "sliding motion in both left / right directions" in

[0279] • Example 1 (L3-A)

[0280] For example, when there is a "counterclockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc" or "clockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc" during active mode M6, "modify the heating temperature" is implemented. In Figure 9 this case, the counterclockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc is accepted as increasing the heating temperature, and the clockwise sliding motion depicting a quarter circle arc is accepted as decreasing the heating temperature.

[0281] Similarly, the higher the modified temperature, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration, and the lower the modified temperature, the smaller the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the modified temperature is an example of the notification content.

[0282] <Exemplary Combination 4: Other Sliding Motions>

[0283] Figure 10 is a table showing Exemplary Combination 4 of input actions and haptic feedback.

[0284] Exemplary Combination 4 also contemplates only sliding motion as the input action. However, the sliding motion in Exemplary Combination 4 contemplates linear movement to draw characters, graphics, and other patterns with a single stroke.

[0285] Note that a tapping action can also be included in the input action, although this is not shown in Figure 10 .

[0286] <Z-shaped Sliding Motion>

[0287] L1 (the first row from the top of the table) shows two commands and vibration patterns associated with the "Z-shaped sliding motion". The Z-shaped sliding motion is effective for ensuring that the distance of finger movement is within a limited size. In addition, other possible characters also include: including "C", "J", "L", "M", "N", "S", "U", "V", "W", "2", "3", "6", "7", "8", and "9", etc.

[0288] • Example 1 (L1-A)

[0289] For example, when there is a "Z-shaped sliding motion" during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see Figure 3The system transitions from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the greater the distance the finger moves in a Z-shape, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0290] • Example 2 (L1-B)

[0291] For example, when a "Z-shaped sliding motion" occurs during activity mode M6, this is received by control unit 106 as an action to "start heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from activity mode M6 to initialization mode M7. Similarly, the longer the distance the finger moves in the Z-shape, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0292] <Slide down>

[0293] L2 (the second row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "slide down" action.

[0294] • Example 1 (L2-A)

[0295] For example, when a "downward swipe action" occurs during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from an active state to a sleep state. That is, the operating mode changes from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the greater the distance the finger moves downward, the less intense the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0296] • Example 2 (L2-B)

[0297] For example, when a "downward sliding motion" occurs during heating mode M8, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as a "stop heating" action. In this case, control unit 106 switches from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. Similarly, the longer the finger moves downward, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content. It should be noted that the vibration intensity at the start of feedback is an example of the second output intensity.

[0298] <Diagonal slide motion>

[0299] L3 (the third row from the top of the table) shows two commands and vibration modes associated with "slide motion diagonally upward to the right" and "slide motion diagonally downward to the left".

[0300] • Example 1 (L3-A)

[0301] For example, when a "slide motion diagonally upwards and to the right" or a "slide motion diagonally downwards and to the left" exists during activity mode M6, the "modify heating temperature" is executed. Figure 10 In this case, a sliding motion diagonally upward to the right is accepted as increasing the heating temperature, while a sliding motion diagonally downward to the left is accepted as decreasing the heating temperature.

[0302] Also in Figure 10 In this case, the modified temperature is correlated with the vibration intensity. Accordingly, the higher the modified temperature, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration, and the lower the modified temperature, the smaller the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the modified temperature is an example of the notification content.

[0303] <Other Feedback>

[0304] The examples of actions described above envision feedback during the input action and feedback about the result of the action, but feedback for other purposes will be described here.

[0305] Figure 11 It's a graph that displays other feedback.

[0306] Figure 11 Two types of notifications were shown.

[0307] The first type of notification is a "motion start detected" notification. For example, the first type of notification is effective when there is a time difference between the time of the input action and the corresponding vibration feedback output (such as in the cases of "modify heating temperature", "select brand" and "check remaining battery capacity").

[0308] When the location of the touch sensor 102A is unclear, users may feel uncertain that their actions have been detected.

[0309] However, for example, if there is vibration feedback when the start of a movement is detected due to a finger touching a predetermined location, the user can continue to input movements with confidence.

[0310] Note that the vibration intensity used to notify "motion start detected" is ST1. Vibration intensity ST1 is intended only for notification detection and therefore should be lower than the vibration intensity used for other feedback. The vibration motor 103A, which serves as the vibration source, is located at a very short distance from the fingertip, so vibration feedback can be transmitted to the user even at a low intensity.

[0311] Here, vibration intensity ST1 is an example of the first output intensity. Furthermore, the output mode corresponding to this vibration intensity ST1 is an example of the first output mode.

[0312] Incidentally, the first type of notification can be combined with the input of the other actions mentioned above.

[0313] The second notification is a notification that "the action has been accepted and completed".

[0314] The above description assumes that the user's finger movement and the timing of the action are correctly recognized as the displayed input action. However, in reality, there may be situations where the user's finger movement and the timing of the action are not recognized as the aforementioned input action. For example, if the finger movement distance is very short, or if the tapping time is extremely short, the finger movement may not be distinguishable from other input actions.

[0315] In such cases, the user's perception may not match the actual operation. For example, heating may not start, heating may not stop, or the heating temperature may not be modified.

[0316] Therefore, the second notification provides vibration feedback to indicate "action accepted successfully." The vibration intensity used for this notification is ST2. Figure 11 As shown, vibration intensity ST2 is greater than vibration intensity ST1 and can be distinguished from vibration intensity ST1. Note that vibration intensity ST2 is an example of the second output intensity.

[0317] Feedback of vibration intensity ST2 is output when the action has been accepted as complete. Therefore, a user who has sensed vibration intensity ST2 knows that the action has been accepted as a specific input action, even if their action is not yet complete. Thus, the user can stop inputting the action without hesitation. Without this notification, the user would be required to continue inputting the action under uncertainty.

[0318] <Beneficial Effects>

[0319] Using the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment (see...) Figure 1 This allows the output mode from the vibration motor 103A to be switched based on the input action (e.g., whether vibration is present or absent, vibration intensity, vibration frequency). In other words, the aerosol generating device 1 can switch the output mode from the vibration motor 103A according to the information provided to the user. By switching the output mode, the user can actually perceive that the input action has been accepted or that corresponding information has been provided, even without any mechanical displacement accompanying the input action.

[0320] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a function for providing feedback on the start of detected action through vibration of a first output intensity, so that the user can perceive that contact with the main body 10 has been detected as the start of action.

[0321] Incidentally, if the user touches an area where the touch sensor 102A is not located, no vibration feedback will be provided. The presence of vibration feedback allows the user to know that their touch has been detected as the start of an action.

[0322] Furthermore, the presence of vibration feedback can also make users aware that their unintentional actions have been detected as input actions when there is unintentional contact with the main body 10.

[0323] It should be noted that the first output intensity is less than the second output intensity of the vibration feedback used during the action. Therefore, the user may not be aware of the vibration feedback at the first output intensity. However, in this case, the user can be informed that their finger movement is being detected as input by the vibration feedback associated with the action.

[0324] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a function for providing feedback on the completion of an action through vibration of a second output intensity (> the first output intensity). Therefore, users can be aware that their input action has been completed. Thus, users do not need to continue performing unnecessary input actions without knowing that the action has been completed.

[0325] It should be noted that the vibration intensity used to notify that the action has been completed (the second vibration intensity) is greater than the vibration intensity used to notify that the action has been detected (the first vibration intensity), so the user can notice the difference between the two vibrations.

[0326] Incidentally, in the case of switching-related actions (e.g., changing the heating temperature, changing the brand of the rod substrate 30) and checking-related actions (e.g., checking the remaining battery capacity), the result of the switching and information about the remaining battery capacity are provided via vibration feedback after a given period of time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed since the notification that the action has been completed. This ensures that the user is not confused between the two notifications.

[0327] <Example 2>

[0328] Another example of a contact sensor will be described in this embodiment. Accordingly, except for the parts associated with the contact sensor, the appearance and other components and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0329] In this embodiment, the contact sensor is configured with nine touch sensors 102A.

[0330] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the nine touch sensors 102A and the vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 2. Figure 12 China and Figure 4 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0331] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the nine generally circular touch sensors 102A are arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns. Incidentally, the placement of the vibration motor 103A is roughly the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0332] Nine touch sensors 102A are arranged on the rear side and the front side of the housing, and a vibration motor 103A is arranged inward from the nine touch sensors 102A.

[0333] In this embodiment, each of the nine touch sensors 102A detects finger contact. Therefore, if a finger touches the gap area between the nine touch sensors 102A, no finger contact is detected. In this embodiment, the tapping action is thus performed by detecting contact on any one of the nine touch sensors 102A. Furthermore, input actions involving patterns are detected as patterns formed by sequentially connecting the coordinate positions of the touch sensors 102A that have detected finger contact.

[0334] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the arrangement of the touch sensor 102A and the input action in Embodiment 2.

[0335] exist Figure 13 In the diagram, the position of touch sensor 102A in the first row from the top is represented by P1n (n = 1, 2, 3), the position of touch sensor 102A in the second row from the top is represented by P2n (n = 1, 2, 3), and the position of touch sensor 102A in the third row from the top is represented by P3n (n = 1, 2, 3).

[0336] Note that n = 1 represents the left end, n = 2 represents the middle, and n = 3 represents the right end.

[0337] For example, an upward swipe action is detected when finger contact in the sequence P31→P21→P11 is detected. This also applies when finger contact in the sequence P32→P22→P12 is detected, as well as when finger contact in the sequence P33→P23→P13 is detected.

[0338] Simultaneously, the downward sliding action is detected when finger contact in the sequence P11→P21→P31 is detected. This also applies when finger contact in the sequence P12→P22→P32 and when finger contact in the sequence P13→P23→P33 is detected.

[0339] In other words, when a finger touch is detected in the order of the arrangement of the three touch sensors 102A located in the same column, it is determined to be an upward or downward swipe action.

[0340] Similarly, when a finger touch is detected in the arrangement of the three touch sensors 102A positioned in the same row, it is determined to be a right swipe or a left swipe.

[0341] Incidentally, when finger contact is detected in the order of P31→P22→P13, or when finger contact is detected in the order of P33→P22→P11, this is detected as a diagonal upward swipe action.

[0342] Furthermore, when finger contact is detected in the order of P11→P22→P33, or when finger contact is detected in the order of P13→P22→P31, this is detected as a diagonal downward sliding motion.

[0343] <Other Example 1>

[0344] In the scenario described above, all nine touch sensors 102A operate constantly; however, during sleep mode M2, only the three touch sensors located in the second row of the touch sensors 102A are active. That is, only the second row can be enabled as an input area, while the first and third rows can be disabled. This saves power because only three of the touch sensors 102A are active.

[0345] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the enabled and disabled areas for input actions during sleep mode M2. Figure 14 China and Figure 12 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0346] exist Figure 14 In the image, the touch sensors 102A in the first and third rows, corresponding to the disabled areas, are indicated by shading.

[0347] Incidentally, only the three touch sensors 102A located in the second row are enabled, so tapping, swiping to the right, or swiping to the left are assigned to the input action used for activation.

[0348] <Other Example 2>

[0349] In the description above, the situation where three touch sensors 102A arranged in a line successively detect finger contact is considered an input action. However, the action can also be considered an input action when two touch sensors 102A arranged in a line successively detect finger contact. For example, when finger contact is detected in the order of P31→P21, or when finger contact is detected in the order of P21→P11, this can be considered an upward swipe action. This also applies to other input actions.

[0350] <Other Example 3>

[0351] In the description above, an input action is considered to occur when three touch sensors 102A arranged in a line detect finger contact consecutively. However, an input action can also be considered to occur when three touch sensors 102A spanning three rows detect finger contact. For example, when finger contact is detected in the order of P31→P21→P12, this can be considered an upward swipe action. The same applies to other input actions.

[0352] <Other Example 4>

[0353] The above description describes the arrangement of nine touch sensors 102A in 3 rows / 3 columns. However, the number and arrangement of touch sensors 102A can vary, such as 2 rows / 2 columns, 4 rows / 4 columns, 2 rows / 3 columns, or 3 rows / 4 columns, etc.

[0354] <Example 3>

[0355] In this embodiment, another exemplary arrangement of the contact sensor will be described. Accordingly, except for the parts associated with the arrangement of the contact sensor, the appearance and other components and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0356] In this embodiment, a contact sensor is disposed in the main body 10 (see...). Figure 1 The area extending from the top surface to the side surface.

[0357] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 3. Figure 15 China and Figure 1 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0358] exist Figure 15 In this case, the touch sensor 102A is arranged to extend from the right side of the upper surface to the right side surface, facing the front of the main body portion 10. This arrangement assumes that the surface on the side of the main body portion 10 opposite to the front (i.e., the back) is grasped with the right hand and the action is performed with the right thumb.

[0359] The two surfaces to which the touch sensor 102A extends are not limited to the top and right sides, but can be any surface, such as the top and left sides, the top and front sides, or the top and back sides.

[0360] This embodiment envisions two types of swiping actions and one type of tapping action on the touch sensor 102A.

[0361] Figure 16 This is an example diagram demonstrating a downward swipe action. In Figure 16 China and Figure 15The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0362] The arrows in the image indicate a downward sliding motion. Figure 16 In this case, the downward sliding action is a sliding motion that extends from the top surface to the right side surface.

[0363] Figure 17 This is an image demonstrating an example of an upward swipe action. Figure 17 China and Figure 15 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0364] The arrows in the image represent the upward sliding motion. Figure 17 In this case, the upward sliding action is a sliding motion that extends from the right side to the top side.

[0365] Figure 18 This is a table illustrating an exemplary combination of input actions and haptic feedback in Embodiment 3.

[0366] As described above, this embodiment envisions downward swiping, upward swiping, and tapping as input actions.

[0367] <Slide down>

[0368] L1 (the first row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "slide down" action.

[0369] • Example 1 (L1-A)

[0370] For example, when a "downward sliding motion" occurs during sleep mode M2, control unit 106 (see...) Figure 3 The system transitions from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode changes from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the greater the distance the finger moves downwards, the stronger the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0371] • Example 2 (L1-B)

[0372] For example, when a "downward swipe action" occurs during activity mode M6, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as an action to "start heating". In this case, control unit 106 switches from activity mode M6 to initialization mode M7. Similarly, the greater the distance the finger moves downward, the greater the intensity of the feedback vibration. Here, the distance moved is an example of the notification content.

[0373] <Swipe up>

[0374] L2 (the second row from the top of the table) shows the two commands and vibration modes associated with the "slide up" action.

[0375] • Example 1 (L2-A)

[0376] For example, when an "upward swipe action" occurs during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from an active state to a sleep state. That is, the operating mode changes from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the longer the finger moves upward, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is also an example of the notification content.

[0377] • Example 2 (L2-B)

[0378] For example, when an "upward sliding motion" occurs during heating mode M8, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as a "stop heating" action. In this case, control unit 106 switches from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. Similarly, the longer the finger moves upward, the weaker the feedback vibration becomes. Here, the distance moved is also an example of the notification content. It should be noted that the vibration intensity at the start of feedback is an example of the second output intensity.

[0379] <Tapping motion>

[0380] L3 (the third row from the top of the table) shows the commands and vibration patterns associated with the "tap action (short press)".

[0381] • Example 1 (L3-A)

[0382] For example, when a "tapping action (short press)" occurs during activity mode M6, this is interpreted by control unit 106 as an action to "check remaining battery capacity." In this case, control unit 106 provides feedback with a vibration pattern corresponding to the remaining battery capacity obtained from the remaining battery capacity meter IC. Here, remaining battery capacity is an example of the notification content.

[0383] <Other configurations>

[0384] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 3. Figure 19 China and Figure 15 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0385] exist Figure 19 In the case of the aerosol generating device 1 shown, the touch sensor 102A is located on the upper part of the right side, facing forward. This arrangement also assumes the action of the thumb when the main body 10 is held with the right hand. Furthermore, Figure 19 The aerosol generating device 1 shown also incorporates upward / downward sliding motions and tapping motions.

[0386] <Example 4>

[0387] This embodiment describes another example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0388] However, apart from the arrangement of the contact sensors and tactile devices associated with different appearances, the other components and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0389] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in Example 4, viewed from an oblique angle. Figure 20 China and Figure 1 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0390] The aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in this embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape, and the rod-shaped matrix 30 (see...) Figure 3 The opening 10A inserted therein is located in the upper surface. Figure 20 In the case where there is no sliding cover 20 for opening / closing opening 10A (see...), Figure 1 ).

[0391] exist Figure 20 In this case, the touch sensor 102A is arranged on the entire circumference of the rear side of the housing on the upper portion side of the main body 10. This embodiment allows the user to grip the main body 10 without considering orientation and allows input actions with the thumb. Incidentally, the heating unit 107 (see...) Figure 3 ) and insulation part 108 (see Figure 3 (Neither of which are depicted here) are arranged on the outer periphery of the interior space 109A, and the touch sensor 102A is positioned on its outer side.

[0392] exist Figure 20 In this case, the vibration motor 103A is arranged in the central region of the main body 10. This is because the space for arranging the vibration motor 103A on the upper part of the main body 10 is limited. The vibration motor 103A can be arranged in any position, as long as the user can perceive a difference in vibration intensity.

[0393] Similar to Example 1, Figure 20 The aerosol generating device 1 shown implements input actions provided by up / down / left / right sliding motions and tapping motions. In addition, diagonally upward sliding motions and diagonally downward sliding motions can also be used as input actions.

[0394] <Other configurations>

[0395] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 4. Figure 21China and Figure 20 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0396] exist Figure 21 In the case of the aerosol generating device 1 shown, the touch sensor 102A is arranged to extend from the upper surface of the main body portion 10 to the side surface. Note that the touch sensor 102A is confined to a local arcuate section of the main body portion 10 rather than the entire circumference. This arrangement also envisions the action of the thumb when the main body portion 10 is held with the right hand. Furthermore, Figure 21 The aerosol generating device 1 shown also incorporates upward / downward sliding motions and tapping motions.

[0397] <Example 5>

[0398] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in Example 5, viewed from an oblique angle. Figure 22 China and Figure 1 and Figure 15 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0399] like Figure 22 As shown, two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are disposed in the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in Embodiment 5.

[0400] exist Figure 22 In this case, touch sensor 102A1 is disposed on the front surface of main body portion 10, and touch sensor 102A2 is disposed to extend from the upper surface of main body portion 10 to the right side surface. This arrangement corresponds to a combination of Embodiments 1 and 3.

[0401] When two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are configured in this way, a command can be assigned to either of the two touch sensors 102A, or a command can be assigned to either of the touch sensors 102A.

[0402] For example, activation and sleep can be assigned to touch sensor 102A2, which is arranged to extend from the upper surface of the main body 10 to the right side, and sending and receiving heating curves can be assigned to touch sensor 102A1, which is arranged on the front surface of the main body 10.

[0403] Note, for example, that the vibration motor 103A is arranged in the middle region between the two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2. Figure 22 In this case, the vibration motor 103A is arranged near the right corner of the front of the main body 10. When the touch sensor 102A1 or the touch sensor 102A2 is used to input an action, the vibration feedback during the action can therefore be easily transmitted to the user.

[0404] When two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are configured, more than one input action can be assigned to an operating mode. For example, during active mode M6, the start of heating can be assigned to an upward swipe action on touch sensor 102A1, and the transmission of the heating curve can be assigned to an upward swipe action on touch sensor 102A2.

[0405] <Example 6>

[0406] Figure 23 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the mounting positions of touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 and vibration motor 103A in Embodiment 6. Figure 23 China and Figure 5 The corresponding parts are given with corresponding figure labels.

[0407] Similar to Figure 5 Also, observe from the right side through the interior of the main body 10. Figure 23 In other words, Figure 23 The positional relationship of touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 and vibration motor 103A arranged in the main body 10 is shown, as can be seen through it.

[0408] like Figure 23 As shown, two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are provided in the aerosol generating device 1 envisioned in Embodiment 6. One touch sensor 102A1 is provided on the front of the main body 10, and the other touch sensor 102A2 is provided on the rear of the main body 10.

[0409] In this embodiment, touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are both approximately square.

[0410] When touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are arranged on two surfaces of the main body 10, the control unit 106 disables input on the face with a large contact area with the fingers or palm of the hand, and controls the opposite side (i.e., the side touched by the thumb) as the input surface.

[0411] In this situation, regardless of whether the user holds the device with their right thumb in contact with the back or their left thumb in contact with the back, the user can begin inputting actions without changing their grip in either case.

[0412] <Other Embodiments>

[0413] (1) The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of this disclosure also includes various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments.

[0414] (2) In the above embodiments, LRA is given as an example of a vibration motor, but the vibration motor can also be an ERM (=eccentric rotating mass). An ERM has a structure in which an offset counterweight is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor and is also called an eccentric motor. An ERM with a larger counterweight mass can produce greater vibration than an ERM with a smaller counterweight mass. In addition, an ERM with a higher rotating shaft speed can produce greater vibration than an ERM with a lower rotating shaft speed.

[0415] (3) In the above embodiments, a vibration motor was given as an example as a tactile device, but piezoelectric elements can also be used. Piezoelectric elements can freely control vibrations in the range of 50-500 Hz, within which changes in touch are perceived. In addition, piezoelectric elements have a response time of approximately 1 ms, which is shorter than that of LRA.

[0416] (4) In the above embodiments, vibration was given as an example of tactile feedback, but electrostatic tactile feedback using electrostatic force can also be used. Note that examples of electrostatic tactile feedback include electrical stimulation and electrostatic attraction. Electrical stimulation can be achieved by a tactile device that is constructed with electrodes to which a high voltage is applied and electrodes connected to GND. Electrostatic attraction can be achieved by a tactile device that includes electrodes charged by an applied voltage, electrodes connected to GND, and an insulator disposed between the two electrodes.

[0417] (5) In the above embodiment, a single control unit 106 controls the heating unit 107 to heat the rod-shaped substrate 30 (see Figure 3 It has both heating and haptic feedback functions, but it can also be configured to control the heating unit 107 on the rod-shaped substrate 30 (see...). Figure 3 The present invention relates to a dedicated processor for heating and a dedicated processor for controlling the output of the tactile device. Here, the dedicated processor for controlling heating is an example of a first processor, and the dedicated processor for controlling the output of the tactile device is an example of a second processor.

[0418] (6) In the above embodiments, tapping and sliding actions are given as examples of input actions, but some of these actions can be replaced by tapping actions, or tapping actions can be combined with these actions.

[0419] (7) The above embodiments describe a situation in which the aerosol source is a solid, but the aerosol source can also be a liquid. When the aerosol source is a liquid, a system is used in which the aerosol source is guided to a narrow tube called a wicking element by utilizing capillary action, and the coil wound on the wicking element is heated, thereby vaporizing the aerosol source.

[0420] It should be noted that if the aerosol source is liquid, the aerosol source is heated upon inhalation by the user. Containers used to hold liquid aerosol sources are also known as cartridges.

[0421] (8) The above embodiments describe an aerosol generating device that generates aerosols by heating a solid aerosol source. However, the aerosol generating device can also generate aerosols by heating each of the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source separately. This type of aerosol generating device is also called a mixed aerosol generating device.

[0422] (9) There is an input action for the aerosol generating device 1 that heats a solid aerosol source at a high temperature (e.g., 200°C or above), and there is an input action for the aerosol generating device 1 that heats a solid aerosol source or a liquid aerosol source at a low temperature (e.g., less than 200°C), and there is also an input action shared by the two systems.

[0423] Figure 24 This is a table showing the differences in input actions in aerosol generating device 1 due to differences in aerosol source type and heating temperature.

[0424] exist Figure 24 In this study, input actions are classified based on combinations of four types of input actions, two types of aerosol sources, and three types of heating systems.

[0425] The four types of input actions involve "basic operation", "toggle", "communication" and "check".

[0426] There are two types of aerosol sources: solid aerosol sources and liquid aerosol sources. Note that solid aerosol sources can be further classified into high-temperature heated aerosol sources and low-temperature heated aerosol sources.

[0427] The three types of heating systems are systems for heating solid aerosol sources at high temperatures, systems for heating solid aerosol sources at low temperatures, and systems for heating liquid aerosol sources.

[0428] Figure 24The input actions shown are associated with the tapping and sliding actions described above, and different vibration modes are associated with each input action. For example, vibration modes representing the following (e.g., number of vibrations, vibration intensity, vibration timing): information to be notified (e.g., brand, heating profile, heating temperature, detection sensitivity, display mode, charging status); quantity (e.g., remaining battery capacity (life), remaining inhalation time, remaining liquid volume, remaining amount in the capsule); or number (e.g., number of inhalations, remaining number of inhalations, remaining number of inhalations, cumulative number of inhalations) are assigned to the input action related to switching or checking.

[0429] This enables the implementation of an aerosol generating device 1, in which a contact device and tactile feedback are used on the user interface.

[0430] <Overview>

[0431] It should be noted that this disclosure includes the following characteristics.

[0432] (1) An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol source; a contact sensor for detecting user actions on a predetermined portion of a housing surface; a tactile device; and a processor for implementing functions of controlling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source and controlling the output of the tactile device, wherein the processor controls the output of the tactile device by switching the output according to a notification.

[0433] This aerosol generating device can also provide users with a real sense of input action, even when a contact sensor is used as the input device.

[0434] (2) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (1), wherein the processor controls the output intensity of the tactile device to a first output intensity when it notifies that an action has been detected to begin.

[0435] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the start of the action.

[0436] (3) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (2), wherein the processor controls the output intensity of the tactile device to a second output intensity greater than the first output intensity when the completion of the action is acknowledged.

[0437] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the completion of an action through the difference in output intensity.

[0438] (4) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (2), wherein when the processor is in the heating mode of the aerosol source, the output intensity of the tactile device is controlled to a second output intensity greater than the first output intensity.

[0439] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the completion of an action through the difference in output intensity.

[0440] (5) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (2), wherein the processor controls the output intensity of the tactile device to a second output intensity greater than the first output intensity when an error is reported.

[0441] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually sense that an error has occurred through the difference in output intensity.

[0442] (6) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the processor, upon receiving a notification of a switching-related action, changes the number of outputs according to the content of the notification, while maintaining the output intensity of the tactile device at a third output intensity.

[0443] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the switching action by observing changes in the number of outputs.

[0444] (7) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (5), wherein the processor changes the output intensity when notifying acceptance of a switching-related action, while keeping the number of outputs of the tactile device constant.

[0445] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the switching action by observing changes in output intensity.

[0446] (8) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in (6) or (7), wherein the switching-related action is an action that modifies at least one of the following: heating temperature, brand of aerosol source, heating curve, display mode, inhalation detection sensitivity, display color, preheating time, heating time and output.

[0447] This aerosol generator can provide feedback to users indicating whether they are accepting a switching action by changing the output mode.

[0448] (9) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (7), wherein the processor, when notifying the heating temperature of the aerosol source, changes the output intensity of the tactile device according to the heating temperature.

[0449] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the difference in heating temperature by observing changes in output intensity.

[0450] (10) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (9), wherein the processor, when notifying an action related to receiving an inspection, changes the output intensity or number of outputs of the tactile device according to the amount or number to be notified.

[0451] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the difference in the amount or quantity to be notified by changes in output intensity or output frequency.

[0452] (11) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (10), wherein the inspection-related action is to inspect at least one of the following: the remaining capacity of the battery constituting the power source, the state of charge of the battery, the battery life, the number of inhalations, the remaining number of inhalations, the remaining inhalation time, the remaining number of inhalations, the cumulative number of inhalations, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, and the completion of the replacement of the aerosol source.

[0453] This aerosol generator can provide users with feedback indicating the remaining battery capacity by changing the output mode.

[0454] (12) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any one of (1) to (11), wherein the processor controls the tactile device to output using a first output mode when it notifies the contact sensor that the action has started.

[0455] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the detected action through a specific output mode.

[0456] (13) The aerosol generating device disclosed in (12), wherein when the processor notifies the contact sensor to complete the action acceptance, the processor controls the tactile device to output using a second output mode different from the first output mode.

[0457] This aerosol generating device allows users to actually feel the completion of an action through the differences in output modes.

[0458] (14) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (13), wherein the tactile device is a single element.

[0459] This aerosol generating device can notify the user of multiple messages using a tactile device.

[0460] (15) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (14), wherein the tactile device is an LRA (= linear resonant actuator).

[0461] This aerosol generating device can provide feedback with a fast response speed.

[0462] (16) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in (15), wherein the processor controls the output intensity, number of outputs or output mode of the LRA by switching the relevant output according to the notification content.

[0463] This aerosol generating device can achieve multiple feedback mechanisms.

[0464] (17) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any of (1) to (16), wherein the predetermined portion is at least one housing surface.

[0465] The aerosol generating device allows the surface of the housing to be used as an input section.

[0466] (18) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any one of (1) to (17), wherein the processor comprises: a first processor for controlling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source; and a second processor for controlling the output of the tactile device.

[0467] This aerosol generating device does not require the development of a novel processor capable of controlling both the heating unit and the tactile device.

[0468] List of reference numerals

[0469] 1…Aerosol generating device, 10…Main body, 10A…Opening, 20…Sliding cover, 30…Rod-shaped matrix, 30A…Matrix part, 30B…Nose part, 101…Power supply unit, 102…Sensor unit, 102A…Touch sensor, 103…Notification unit, 103A…Vibration motor, 104…Memory unit, 105…Communication unit, 106…Control unit, 107…Heating unit, 108…Heat insulation part, 109…Holding part, 109A…Internal space, 109B…Bottom part.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A heating unit for heating the aerosol source; A contact sensor for detecting user actions on a predetermined portion of the housing surface; Tactile devices; as well as The processor is used to implement the functions of controlling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source and controlling the output of the tactile device. in, The processor controls the output of the haptic device by switching the output according to the notification.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The processor When a notification is received that an action has begun, the output intensity of the tactile device is controlled to the first output intensity.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The processor When the notification of completion of the action is received, the output intensity of the tactile device is controlled to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The processor When the operating mode is the heating mode of the aerosol source, the output intensity of the tactile device is controlled to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The processor When an error occurs, the output intensity of the tactile device is controlled to a second output intensity that is greater than the first output intensity.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The processor When a notification is received regarding a switching action, the number of outputs is adjusted according to the content of the notification, while the output intensity of the haptic device is maintained at the third output intensity.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The processor When a notification is received to accept a switching action, the output intensity is changed while the number of outputs of the haptic device remains constant.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein, The switching action involves modifying at least one of the following: heating temperature, aerosol source brand, heating curve, display mode, inhalation detection sensitivity, display color, preheating time, heating time, and output.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein, The processor When the heating temperature of the aerosol source is notified, the output intensity of the tactile device is changed according to the heating temperature.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The processor When notifying the user of actions related to an inspection, the output intensity or number of times the tactile device is adjusted according to the amount or quantity to be notified.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The relevant actions for this inspection are to check at least one of the following: the remaining capacity of the battery that constitutes the power source, the state of charge of the battery, the battery life, the number of inhalations, the remaining number of inhalations, the remaining inhalation time, the remaining number of inhalations, the cumulative number of inhalations, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, and the completion of the replacement of the aerosol source.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The processor When the contact sensor is notified that a motion has started, the tactile device is controlled to output using the first output mode.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The processor When the contact sensor is notified that the action has been accepted, the tactile device is controlled to output using a second output mode that is different from the first output mode.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The tactile device is a single component.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The tactile device is an LRA (linear resonant actuator).

16. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The processor The output strength, number of outputs, or output mode of the LRA can be controlled by switching the relevant outputs according to the notification content.

17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The predetermined portion is at least one shell surface.

18. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The processor includes: A first processor, configured to control the heating unit's heating of the aerosol source; and A second processor is used to control the output of the tactile device.

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