Inhalation device, control method for an inhalation device, and program for an inhalation device

Abstract

An inhalation device (inhalation device 100B) includes a communication unit (115B) communicatively connected with an external device, a heating unit (121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a stick-type base material (150) that contains an aerosol source, a control unit (116B) that controls operation of the heating unit by using prescribed data, and a storage unit (114B) that includes a first storage area for storing first prescribed data received from another inhalation device via the communication unit. The storage unit (114B) includes a second storage area for storing second prescribed data received from another device other than the other inhalation device via the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an inhalation device, a control method for the inhalation device, and a procedure for the inhalation device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been developed for communication between e-cigarettes. For example, technologies have been developed for P2P (peer-to-peer) communication between e-cigarettes.

[0003] PTL 1 (WO 2015 / 149339 A1) indicates that multiple electronic cigarettes communicate with each other within an area formed by a preset distance. Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: WO 2015 / 149339 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] It is conceivable that an electronic cigarette is connected to multiple external devices, including other electronic cigarettes, and that information received from each of these external devices is stored according to the attributes of each of the multiple external devices.

[0008] However, while PTL 1 discloses a technique for communicating between multiple e-cigarettes to convey tobacco tar flavor, it does not disclose a technique for storing the received tobacco tar flavor. Therefore, an e-cigarette according to PTL 1 may not be able to store the tobacco tar flavor received from these e-cigarettes based on the properties of the multiple e-cigarettes.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technology that can store information received from each of a plurality of external devices according to the attributes of the information. Solution to the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, according to embodiments disclosed herein, an inhalation device is provided, comprising: a communication unit communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit generating an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; a control unit controlling the operation of the heating unit using predetermined data; and a storage unit including a first storage area for storing first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, wherein the storage unit includes a second storage area for storing second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device.

[0011] In an embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: when the control unit starts generating the aerosol by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device, the control unit uses the first specified data stored in the first storage area to control the operation of the heating unit.

[0012] In an embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: when the control unit starts generating the aerosol again after the heating unit has already controlled the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data.

[0013] In an embodiment, the storage unit may be configured as follows: the storage unit further includes a third storage area for storing third specified data pre-stored in the inhalation device, and the third specified data stored in the third storage area is not overwritten by other specified data.

[0014] In one embodiment, the storage unit may be configured as follows: the storage unit further includes a fourth storage area for storing setting information, the setting information storing an identifier for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of storage areas, and when the control unit starts generating the aerosol by the heating unit, the control unit refers to the identifier stored in the fourth storage area and controls the operation of the heating unit by using specified data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to change the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier that can identify the first storage area based on the first specified data received from the other inhalation device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: the control unit changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier based on the first specified data received and stored in the first storage area.

[0017] In an embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: the specified data is a heating curve, which indicates the target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, according to embodiments disclosed herein, a control method is provided, executed by an inhalation device comprising: a communication unit communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit generating an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; a control unit controlling the operation of the heating unit; and a storage unit including a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area storing first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, and the second storage area storing second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device. The control method includes the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit using the first predetermined data stored in the first storage area when the aerosol generation by the heating unit begins after receiving the first predetermined data from the other inhalation device.

[0019] In an embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit is to control the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data when the operation of the heating unit is started again after the operation of the heating unit has been controlled by the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

[0020] In an embodiment, the storage unit may be configured as follows: the storage unit further includes a fourth storage area for storing setting information, the setting information storing an identifier for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of storage areas, and in the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit, when the heating unit begins to generate the aerosol, the identifier stored in the fourth storage area is referenced, and the operation of the heating unit is controlled by using predetermined data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

[0021] In an embodiment, the control method may be configured as follows: the control method further includes the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier capable of identifying the first storage area based on the first specified data received from the other inhalation device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control method may be configured as follows: the control method further includes the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier, based on the completion of control over the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

[0023] In an embodiment, the following configuration may be adopted: the specified data is a heating curve, which indicates the target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0024] To address the aforementioned problems, according to embodiments disclosed herein, a program is provided for enabling a computer-controlled inhalation device to perform steps. The inhalation device includes: a communication unit communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit that generates aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; and a storage unit comprising a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area stores first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, and the second storage area stores second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device. The performed steps are: controlling the operation of the heating unit using the first predetermined data stored in the first storage area when the aerosol generation by the heating unit begins after receiving the first predetermined data from the other inhalation device. Advantages of the present invention

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a technology can be provided that enables the storage of information received from each of a plurality of external devices based on the attributes of the information. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the inhalation device.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the storage unit 114 of the inhalation device 100.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for initiating a P2P connection between multiple inhalation devices.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in a scenario where at least one of multiple inhalation devices sends and receives specified data via a P2P connection.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process in the case where at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices suspends the P2P connection process.

[0032] Figure 7A This is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the processing in the case of a P2P connected inhalation device 100 sending and receiving specified data.

[0033] Figure 7B This is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the processing in the case of a P2P connected inhalation device 100 sending and receiving specified data.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in the case where at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices changes the storage area of ​​prescribed data received from another inhalation device.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in the case where at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices changes the storage area of ​​prescribed data received from another inhalation device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 1. Configuration of the inhalation device

[0037] An example configuration of the inhalation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure will now be described.

[0038] <<1. Example of Inhalation Device Configuration>>

[0039] An inhalation device is a device used to generate a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by an inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by an inhalation device may be a gas.

[0040] (1) First configuration example

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavored cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavored cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An airflow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavored cartridge 130.

[0042] Power supply unit 111A stores electricity. Power supply unit 111A then supplies power to each component of inhalation device 100A according to control executed by control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0043] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100A. As an example, sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation performed by the user. As another example, sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device (such as a button or switch) for accepting information input from the user.

[0044] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113A may be configured as a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that can vibrate.

[0045] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for operating the suction device 100A. For example, storage unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., flash memory).

[0046] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communications compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0047] The control unit 116A serves as an arithmetic processing and control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100A according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116A is implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) or electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor).

[0048] The liquid storage section 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug.

[0049] The liquid guiding section 122 guides and retains the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123, which is liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. For example, the liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking element formed of twisted fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wicking element.

[0050] Heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1In the example shown, heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound around liquid guiding portion 122. When heating unit 121A generates heat, an aerosol source held in liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. Heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from power supply unit 111A. For example, power can be supplied when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered prescribed information. Then, power supply can be stopped when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has entered prescribed information.

[0051] Flavor source 131 is a component used to impart flavor components to an aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0052] Airflow path 180 is the flow path of air to be inhaled by the user. Airflow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 and an air outlet 182 at both ends. The air inlet is the entrance for air into airflow path 180, and the air outlet is the exit for air leaving airflow path 180. Midway through airflow path 180, a liquid guide portion 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181), while a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through air inlet 181 when inhaled by the user mixes with the aerosol generated by heating unit 121A and is conveyed through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the aerosol-air mixture passes through flavor source 131, flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0053] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outlet 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhales, making it possible to draw a mixture of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0054] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100A have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100A is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0055] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include a flavored tobacco cartridge 130. In this case, the tobacco cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0056] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from these sources can mix within the airflow path 180 to induce a chemical reaction, thereby generating even more other types of aerosols.

[0057] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating performed by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0058] (2) Second configuration example

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the inhalation device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a receiving portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 144.

[0060] The power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the inhalation device 100A in the first configuration example.

[0061] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds a rod-shaped substrate 150, while a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed within the internal space 141. The receiving portion 140 has an opening 142, thereby allowing communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and the receiving portion accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a cylindrical internal space 141. An airflow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the receiving portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided on the side surface of the suction device 100B, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided on the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow path to the internal space 141.

[0062] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. For example, the aerosol source may be a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), or it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the stick-shaped substrate 150 held in the receiving portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is received in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an airflow path not depicted in the figures and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the heating unit 121B has a film-like form and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0064] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0065] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100B have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100B is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0066] As an example, the heating unit 121B can be configured in a blade-like form and can be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-like heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B can be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B can be composed of a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140.

[0067] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening and closing a portion of the housing forming the internal space 141. By opening and closing the housing, the receiving portion 140 can then receive and clamp the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, a heating unit 121B may be disposed on the clamping portion of the receiving portion 140, and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0068] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating via heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the inhalation device 100B includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (e.g., a coil) for generating a magnetic field, rather than heating unit 121B. Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating via heating unit 121B.

[0069] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may additionally include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storage portion 123, and an airflow path 180, according to the first configuration example, and the airflow path 180 may supply air to the interior space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the interior space 141 and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, reaching the user's mouth.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the following text, the inhalation device 100A and inhalation device 100B described above will also be referred to as "inhalation device 100" without distinction. Similarly, power supply unit 111A and power supply unit 111B may be referred to as "power supply unit 111", sensor unit 112A and sensor unit 112B may be referred to as "sensor unit 112", notification unit 113A and notification unit 113B may be referred to as "notification unit 113", storage unit 114A and storage unit 114B may be referred to as "storage unit 114", communication unit 115A and communication unit 115B may be referred to as "communication unit 115", control unit 116A and control unit 116B may be referred to as "control unit 116", and heating unit 121A and heating unit 121B may be referred to as "heating unit 121".

[0071] (3) Example of the configuration of the storage unit 114 of the inhalation device 100

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the storage unit 114 of the inhalation device 100. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 3As shown, the storage unit 114 of the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a first storage area 301, a second storage area 302, a third storage area 303, and a fourth storage area 304. It should be noted that, in addition to these areas, the storage unit 114 also includes other storage areas and can store data and information described below, various data, information, and symbols other than flags.

[0073] Each of the first storage region 301, the second storage region 302, and the third storage region 303 included in the storage unit 114 stores specified data. The specified data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source. For example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source includes a heating curve. The heating portion 121 of the inhalation device 100 can use the heating curve to control the temperature change of the heating portion 121. The heating curve can represent a target temperature of the heating portion 121 over time. Alternatively, if the resistance value of the heating portion 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating portion 121, then the heating curve can represent a target resistance value of the heating portion 121 over time. Therefore, the heating curve represents a target temperature or target resistance value of the heating portion 121 over time.

[0074] It should be noted that the specified data can be any data, such as user usage data, as long as the data is used or stored by the inhalation device 100.

[0075] The first storage area 301 is a storage area for specified data received from another suction device 100.

[0076] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an inhalation device 100 is communicatively connected to other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100 can be in a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection with other inhalation devices 100. Specifically, the communication unit 115A or the inhalation device 100 can be a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, and can be in a P2P connection with the communication units 115 of other inhalation devices 100. Examples of communication standards that can be used include standards employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area Network). The inhalation device 100 can send and receive various data, information, signals, flags, etc., through the P2P connection with other inhalation devices 100.

[0077] The inhalation device 100 can send and receive specified data to and from other inhalation devices 100 in a P2P connection mode. The inhalation device 100 disclosed herein can establish a P2P connection with other inhalation devices 100 and can send and receive data related to the heating of the aerosol source. Specifically, the inhalation device 100 is capable of sending and receiving heating curves to and from other inhalation devices 100. For example, the inhalation device 100 can send a heating curve stored in it to another inhalation device 100. The other inhalation device 100 can receive the heating curve from the inhalation device 100 and use it to control the temperature change of the heating section 121. Therefore, in the inhalation device 100 disclosed herein, the inhalation device 100 can establish a P2P connection and can send and receive heating curves.

[0078] The first storage area 301 stores specified data received by the inhalation device 100 through a P2P connection with other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100 stores specified data received from another inhalation device 100 in the first storage area 301. For example, when the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from another inhalation device 100, the control unit stores the received specified data in the first storage area 301. For example, when the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from another inhalation device 100, the control unit overwrites other specified data stored in the first storage area 301 with the received specified data. If the specified data is a heating curve, the first storage area 301 stores the heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100.

[0079] The specified data stored in the first storage area 301 can be configured to be used only once to perform the specified processing. In other words, the specified data stored in the first storage area 301 can be configured to prevent it from being reused for the specified processing. It should be noted that the specified data stored in the first storage area 301 can be configured to be reused for the specified processing by being stored again in the second storage area 302 upon user request.

[0080] The second storage area 302 is an area for storing specified data received by the suction device 100 from the user terminal 200 or stored at the request of the user terminal 200.

[0081] The inhalation device 100 can communicatively connect to the user terminal 200, such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, personal computer, or laptop. Specifically, the communication unit 115A or the inhalation device 100 can be a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard and can communicatively connect to the user terminal 200. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area Network). The inhalation device 100 can send and receive various data, information, signals, flags, etc., through its communication connection with the user terminal 200. Additionally, the inhalation device 100 can receive specified data from the user terminal 200. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 can receive various requests from the user terminal 200.

[0082] The inhalation device 100 stores specified data received from the user terminal 200 in the second storage area 302. For example, when the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from the user terminal 200, the control unit stores the received specified data in the second storage area 302. For example, when the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from the user terminal 200, the control unit overwrites other specified data stored in the second storage area with the received specified data. If the specified data is a heating curve, the second storage area 302 stores the heating curve received from the user terminal 200.

[0083] It should be noted that the second storage area 302 can be configured to store specified data stored in the third storage area 303 according to a request from the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 can send a request to the inhalation device 100 to store the specified data stored in the third storage area 303 in the second storage area 302 according to the user's specified operation.

[0084] The control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores specified data stored in the first storage area 301 in the second storage area 302 according to a request from the user terminal 200. For example, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 overwrites other specified data stored in the second storage area 302 with specified data stored in the first storage area 301 according to a request from the user terminal 200. If the specified data is a heating curve, the second storage area 302 stores the heating curve stored in the first storage area 301 according to a request from the user terminal 200.

[0085] It should be noted that, in the following text, the heating curve received from user terminal 200 or the heating curve stored according to a request from user terminal 200 is referred to as the second heating curve.

[0086] The third storage area 303 is a region for storing predetermined data held in advance by the inhalation device 100. This predetermined data includes, for example, data held by the inhalation device 100 without any external communication connection. Furthermore, the predetermined data includes, for example, data held from the time the inhalation device 100 is shipped from the factory. Additionally, the predetermined data includes, for example, data held by the inhalation device 100 before the user begins using the inhalation device 100. The third storage area 303 stores the predetermined data in advance at a point in time before the user begins using the inhalation device 100.

[0087] If the specified data is a heating curve, then the pre-held heating curve is the heating curve that is pre-held and stored in the third storage area 303 when the inhalation device 100 is not connected to an external communication network. Furthermore, the pre-held heating curve is, for example, the heating curve that has been held and stored in the third storage area 303 since the inhalation device 100 was shipped from the factory. Moreover, the pre-held heating curve is stored in the third storage area 303 at a point in time before the user begins using the inhalation device 100, for example. Note that, hereinafter, the heating curve pre-held by the inhalation device 100 is referred to as the first heating curve.

[0088] It should be noted that the third storage area 303 can be configured to prevent the stored specified data from being erased. For example, the specified data stored in the third storage area 303 can be configured so that the data cannot be erased even if the suction device 100 is reset. Resetting the suction device 100 is an operation that restores the settings of the suction device 100 to the settings at the time of factory shipment or the settings at a point in time before the user started using the suction device 100. The third storage area 303 can also be configured to prevent the stored specified data from being overwritten by other specified data.

[0089] The fourth storage area 304 is a storage area for storing prescribed setting information. Prescribed setting information is, for example, information indicating the storage areas in the first to third storage areas 301 to 303 that store prescribed data for use by the inhalation device 100. Each of the first to third storage areas 301 can be assigned an identifier that can be identified by each other. In this case, the setting information associated with the prescribed data is the identifier assigned to each of the first to third storage areas 301 to 303. Each identifier represents any one of the first to third storage areas 301 to 303. The control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 can identify any one of the first to third storage areas 301 to 303 by referring to the identifiers. Note that, hereinafter, the identifier assigned to the first storage area 301 is referred to as the first identifier, the identifier assigned to the second storage area 302 is referred to as the second identifier, and the identifier assigned to the third storage area 303 is referred to as the third identifier.

[0090] The inhalation device 100 performs a prescribed process using prescribed data. The control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100, for example, refers to setting information stored in a fourth storage area 304 and performs the prescribed process using the prescribed data stored in the storage area indicated by the setting information. The prescribed process is, for example, the heating process of the heating unit 121. It should be noted that the prescribed process is not limited to heating and can be any type of processing. If the prescribed process is heating and the prescribed data is a heating curve, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 refers to an identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 and performs the heating process using the heating curve stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

[0091] For example, if the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 is a first identifier, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using a first heating curve stored in the first storage area 301. For example, if the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 is a second identifier, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using a second heating curve stored in the second storage area 302. For example, if the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 is a third identifier, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using a third heating curve stored in the third storage area 303.

[0092] The inhalation device 100 is capable of changing the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304. For example, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 is capable of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 from a first identifier to a second identifier or a third identifier. For example, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 is capable of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 from a second identifier to a first identifier or a third identifier. For example, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 is capable of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 from a third identifier to a first identifier or a second identifier.

[0093] The inhalation device 100 is capable of changing setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 at predetermined time intervals. The inhalation device 100 may change the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304, for example, based on a user's specified operation, a request from the user terminal 200, or a request from another inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 may change the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304, for example, based on specified processing in a P2P connection with another inhalation device 100. It should be noted that changes to the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 can be performed based on various requests and processes, and are not limited to these examples.

[0094] It should be noted that the suction device 100 can be configured, under certain conditions, to make the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 changeable only for some settings. For example, the suction device 100 can be configured to change the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 upon, for example, a specified operation by the user or a request from the user terminal 200, where the setting information is limited to settings indicating the second storage area 302 or the third storage area 303. In other words, the suction device 100 can be configured such that, upon a specified operation by the user or a request from the user terminal 200, the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 cannot be changed to settings indicating the first storage area 301.

[0095] Furthermore, the suction device 100 can also be configured to automatically change the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to other setting information after performing a prescribed process when the fourth storage area 304 is set with setting information indicating the first storage area 301. For example, when the fourth storage area 304 is set with setting information indicating the first storage area 301, the suction device 100 uses the prescribed data stored in the first storage area 301 to perform the prescribed process. After performing the prescribed process, the suction device 100 automatically changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating the second storage area 302 or the third storage area 303. This allows the suction device 100 to perform the prescribed process once using the prescribed data stored in the first storage area 301, and then use the prescribed data stored in the second storage area 302 or the third storage area 303 when performing the prescribed process. In other words, the suction device 100 can be configured to perform the prescribed data stored in the first storage area 301 only once for the prescribed process. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can prevent the specified data stored in the first storage area 301 from being reused for the specified processing.

[0096] <<2. Example of operation of the inhalation device>>

[0097] 2. Processing performed by the inhalation device

[0098] An inhalation device 100A or the like (hereinafter referred to as "inhalation device 100") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to use a heating curve to control the heating operation.

[0099] Next, operational examples of the inhalation device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specifically, examples of processes that can be performed by a control unit 116A or the like (hereinafter referred to as "control unit 116") of the inhalation device 100 will be described. It should be noted that the processing examples described below can be processes performed by the inhalation device 100 by a program. Furthermore, this program can be stored in a storage unit 114A or the like (hereinafter referred to as "storage unit 114") of the inhalation device 100.

[0100] 2-1 Processing Example for Initiating a P2P Connection

[0101] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for initiating a P2P connection between multiple inhalation devices. Figure 4 The processing example shown illustrates an example of processing performed by two inhalation devices 100 (inhalation device A and inhalation device B), including interaction with users of the inhalation devices (user A and user B). It should be noted that in Figure 3In this instruction manual, when it is not necessary to distinguish between inhalation device A and inhalation device B in terms of processing, "inhalation device 100" is used. Furthermore, in... Figure 4 In the specification, when there is no need to distinguish between user A and user B in terms of processing, the term "user" is used.

[0102] In step 401 (in Figure 4 In this context, "step" is abbreviated as "S"), the inhalation device 100 senses the user's first action. The first action is an action performed by the user on the inhalation device 100. For example, the first action is the user shaking the inhalation device 100, the user using the inhalation device 100 to trace a prescribed path or letter, or the user tapping the inhalation device 100.

[0103] The inhalation device 100 includes sensors (such as motion sensors or accelerometers) for sensing movement of the inhalation device 100, and uses these sensors to sense a first action on the inhalation device 100. For example, the motion sensor of the inhalation device 100 senses the action of a user shaking the inhalation device 100.

[0104] It should be noted that the first action is not limited to these examples. The first action can be any action, as long as the user performs the action on the inhalation device 100. For example, the first action could be the user pressing a pre-defined button or similar action provided on the inhalation device 100.

[0105] In step 402, the inhalation device 100 switches to P2P mode based on sensing the first action. The inhalation device 100 switches to P2P mode and initiates connection processing with other inhalation devices 100. P2P mode is a mode used to perform processing to connect to another inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 switches from another mode to P2P mode based on sensing the first action.

[0106] It should be noted that the P2P mode can be, for example, the sleep mode of the inhalation device 100. That is, the sleep mode can include the P2P mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which the inhalation device 100 stops some functions of the inhalation device 100 in order to save power. In addition, for example, the P2P mode can be a charging mode or an activation mode. The charging mode is a mode for charging the power supply unit 111 of the inhalation device 100, and in the activation mode, many functions of the inhalation device 100 are activated. That is, the charging mode or the activation mode can include the P2P mode. The P2P mode is not limited to these modes and can be included in at least one mode that the inhalation device 100 can adopt.

[0107] In step 403, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has switched to P2P mode. For example, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI (user interface) indicating that the device has switched to P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has switched to P2P mode, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has switched to P2P mode, for example, by vibrating in a predetermined manner. Additionally, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the device has switched to P2P mode, for example, by displaying information indicating that the device has switched to P2P mode on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the device has switched to P2P mode.

[0108] In step 404, the inhalation device 100 begins sending broadcast packets and scanning to locate broadcast packets from other inhalation devices 100. The sending and scanning of broadcast packets will be described later.

[0109] In step 405, the inhalation device 100 starts a timer to abort the process for initiating the P2P connection due to timeout. The timer can be set to any duration, such as two minutes. If the timer times out, the inhalation device 100 aborts the process for initiating and maintaining the P2P connection.

[0110] In step 406, the inhalation device 100 broadcasts a broadcast packet to notify other inhalation devices 100 that it is in a connection-waiting state. For example, inhalation device A broadcasts a broadcast packet to notify other inhalation device B that it is in a connection-waiting state. The inhalation device 100 sends a broadcast packet to notify other inhalation devices 100 that it is capable of establishing a P2P connection.

[0111] The inhalation device 100 may store information related to itself in the broadcast packet. For example, the inhalation device 100 may include an identifier that uniquely identifies the inhalation device 100 in the broadcast packet. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 may include an identifier indicating, for example, the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100 (e.g., a company ID). Further, the inhalation device 100 may include information indicating, for example, attributes of the inhalation device 100 in the broadcast packet. For example, information indicating the attributes of the inhalation device 100 may include the device type, model, version information, etc., of the inhalation device 100. Further, the inhalation device 100 may include information indicating, for example, the communication protocol used by the inhalation device 100 in the broadcast packet. It should be noted that information indicating the communication protocol may include version information about the communication protocol.

[0112] The inhalation device 100 may include information indicating the holding of specified data in a broadcast packet. For example, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores the information indicating the holding of specified data in a specified area of ​​a broadcast packet to be sent to other inhalation devices 100. The specified area is an area used to store a flag (specified information) indicating whether or not specified data is held. If the specified area stores the information "1", this indicates that the inhalation device 100 holds the specified data. Note that if the specified area stores information other than "1" (e.g., information "0"), this indicates that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the specified data. The inhalation device 100 adds the information indicating that it holds the specified data to the broadcast packet, and thus can notify other inhalation devices 100 that it holds the specified data. For example, if the specified area of ​​a broadcast packet received by another inhalation device 100 stores the information "1", the other inhalation device 100 can determine that the inhalation device 100 that sent the broadcast packet holds the specified data. Note that the specified data will be described later.

[0113] In step 407, the inhalation device 100 scans broadcast packets from other inhalation devices 100. For example, the inhalation device 100 receives broadcast packets from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices 100 and determines whether the broadcast packets meet predetermined conditions. Furthermore, in step 407, the inhalation device 100 may, for example, determine whether the broadcast packets meet each of a plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0114] If the first signal includes an identifier capable of identifying the manufacturer of the other inhalation device 100, the specified condition may be that the identifier included in the first signal is a specified identifier indicating a specified manufacturer. Alternatively, the specified condition may also be that the first signal includes information indicating that the other inhalation device 100 holds specified data. Furthermore, if the first signal includes a first address indicating the address of the other inhalation device 100, the specified condition may be that the first address is less than the value of a second address indicating the address of the inhalation device itself. If the value of the second address indicating the address of the inhalation device 100 is greater than the value of the first address indicating the address of the other inhalation device 100, then the inhalation device 100 may be positioned as the center in the communication connection and the other inhalation device 100 may be positioned as the periphery, and the specified condition may also be that the received strength of the first signal is greater than a specified threshold. The specified threshold may be set based on the received strength of the first signal when the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 are at a specified distance. Further, the specified condition may be that the communication protocol used by the other inhalation device 100 is a specified communication protocol. The specified protocol may be a communication protocol capable of sending and receiving specified data in P2P mode. The specified communication protocol may, for example, identify a version of various communication protocols. The specified condition may be that the inhalation device 100 is not connected to any other device (e.g., user terminal 200). Furthermore, the specified condition may be some or all of multiple conditions. Additionally, the specified condition may be a combination of multiple conditions.

[0115] In step 408, the inhalation device 100 senses another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) that meets predetermined conditions. Furthermore, when the number of times the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the inhalation device 100 identifies the presence of that other inhalation device in the vicinity. The predetermined number is, for example, a natural number equal to or greater than two.

[0116] In step 409, inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) sends a connection request signal to another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) with a detection count equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Inhalation device 100 sends the connection request signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. For example, inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) requests the establishment of a BLE connection.

[0117] In step 410, another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) receives a connection request signal. Upon receiving the connection request signal, the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) performs processing to establish a communication connection with inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A).

[0118] In step 411, when the P2P connection between inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) and another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) has been established, the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) sends a connection completion signal to inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A). It should be noted that the process for establishing the P2P connection may include, for example, a pairing process.

[0119] In step 412, the inhalation device 100 switches to P2P connection mode. P2P connection mode is a mode that indicates that multiple inhalation devices 100 have established P2P connections with each other and are able to send and receive data.

[0120] In step 413, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P connection mode). It should be noted that the completion of the P2P connection establishment can constitute a switch to P2P connection mode. For example, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P connection mode). The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P mode) by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P mode) by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Additionally, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the device has switched to P2P mode by, for example, displaying information on the display indicating that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P mode). It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has switched to P2P mode).

[0121] It should be noted that when in P2P mode or P2P connection mode, if the inhalation device 100 switches to a specified state (specified mode), such as when the heating part 121 is heated or the device is connected to a user terminal (not shown in the figure), the device can terminate the P2P mode or P2P connection mode.

[0122] As described above, when the number of times another inhalation device 100 is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the inhalation device 100 disclosed herein sends a connection request signal. It should be noted that the specified time period can be any time, such as 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.

[0123] In one embodiment of this disclosure, each inhalation device 100 is configured to establish a P2P connection when a user of each inhalation device 100 performs a first action. For example, if user A and user B wish to connect inhalation devices 100A and 100B together, it is conceivable that user A performs a first action on inhalation device 100A, and user B performs a first action on inhalation device 100B at a relatively close distance (e.g., approximately 1 [m]). Then, user A and user B are likely to remain at a relatively close distance for a period of time until the communication connection between inhalation devices 100A and 100B has been established. That is, in one embodiment of this disclosure, there is a high probability that the inhalation devices 100 to be connected to each other will be at a relatively close distance for a period of time.

[0124] For example, if inhalation device 100 sends a connection request signal when another inhalation device 100 has only been detected once, there is a risk that if another inhalation device 100 happens to be nearby and is in P2P mode, the inhalation device 100 may immediately send a connection request signal, resulting in an unintended communication connection between these devices.

[0125] In contrast, the inhalation device 100 of this disclosure sends a connection request signal only when the number of detections of another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, provided that the other inhalation device is nearby (at a relatively close distance). Each time a broadcast packet is received, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the broadcast packet meets the predetermined conditions, and if the predetermined conditions are met, the other inhalation device 100 is detected. That is, in order for the number of detections to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the inhalation device 100 must receive broadcast packets that meet the predetermined conditions from the other inhalation device 100 at least a predetermined number of times. In order for the inhalation device 100 to receive broadcast packets that meet the predetermined conditions from the other inhalation device 100 at least a predetermined number of times, the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 must be near each other (at a relatively close distance) for a certain period of time. As discussed above, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the inhalation devices 100 that are to be connected to each other are highly likely to be at a relatively close distance for a certain period of time. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, if the configuration is such that a connection request signal is sent when the number of times another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, a communication connection can be established with a desired other inhalation device 100 that is continuously present at a distance relatively close to the inhalation device 100 for a certain period of time.

[0126] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 disclosed herein does not send connection request signals to other inhalation devices 100 whose detection count is less than a predetermined number, and does not establish communication connections with said other inhalation devices 100. Other inhalation devices 100 whose detection count is less than a predetermined number are those that have not existed at a relatively close distance within a certain time period, and are likely to be other inhalation devices 100 that happen to be nearby. In other words, the inhalation device 100 disclosed herein can prevent the establishment of communication connections with other inhalation devices 100 that happen to be nearby. Therefore, a technology can be provided that enables the desired inhalation devices according to this disclosure to connect with each other when establishing a P2P connection.

[0127] 2-2 Processing when sending and receiving specified data

[0128] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in a scenario where at least one of multiple inhalation devices sends and receives prescribed data via a P2P connection. Figure 5 The processing examples shown are, for example, in Figure 4 The processing example shown will be executed later. Figure 5 The processing example shown illustrates an example of processing performed by two inhalation devices 100 (inhalation device A and inhalation device B), including interaction with users of the inhalation devices (user A and user B). It should be noted that in Figure 5 In this instruction manual, when it is not necessary to distinguish between inhalation device A and inhalation device B in terms of processing, "inhalation device 100" is used. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 In the specification, when there is no need to distinguish between user A and user B in terms of processing, the term "user" is used.

[0129] In step 501 (in Figure 5 In the "step" (also abbreviated as "S"), the inhalation device 100 and other inhalation devices 100 can be connected to each other in a P2P connection mode.

[0130] In step 502, the inhalation device A senses a second action by the user. The second action is an action performed by the user on the inhalation device A. For example, the second action could be the user pressing a predetermined button on the inhalation device A. For example, the second action could be the user pressing a predetermined button on the inhalation device A a predetermined number of times and / or for a predetermined time. The predetermined number of times could be one or more times. The predetermined time could be any time, such as 1 second.

[0131] It should be noted that the second action can be any action, as long as the user performs the action on the inhalation device A. The second action could be, for example, the user shaking the inhalation device A, the user using the inhalation device A to trace a predetermined path or letters, or the user tapping the inhalation device A. It should be noted that the second action is not limited to these and can be any type of action. The second action can be different from the first action, or it can be the same as the first action.

[0132] It should be noted that the inhalation device A includes sensors (such as motion sensors or accelerometers) for sensing the movement of the inhalation device A, and these sensors are used to sense a second action on the inhalation device A. For example, the motion sensor of the inhalation device A senses the user shaking the inhalation device A.

[0133] For example, when a user expects to receive specified data from another inhalation device 100 that is being used by another user, the user performs a second action using the inhalation device 100 being used by that user. When the second action is sensed, the inhalation device 100 performs the process of receiving specified data from the other inhalation device 100.

[0134] In step 503, inhalation device A sends a transmission request for specified data to inhalation device B. The transmission request for specified data is a signal requesting inhalation device B to send the specified data to the host device (inhalation device A). Inhalation device B receives the transmission request sent from inhalation device A.

[0135] In step 504, upon receiving a transmission request from inhalation device A, inhalation device B can send specified data to inhalation device A, and based on this, send an affirmative response to the transmission request to inhalation device A. The affirmative response to the transmission request, for example, indicates that the specified data is transmittable. Inhalation device A receives the affirmative response sent from inhalation device B.

[0136] In step 505, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user of the transmission / reception of specified data. Since inhalation device A is the receiving side, it notifies the user that specified data has been received. Furthermore, since inhalation device B is the transmitting side, it notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted. For example, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI (user interface) indicating the transmission / reception of specified data. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a specified manner. Additionally, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by vibrating in a specified manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by displaying information indicating that specified data has been transmitted / received on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 can use any method to notify the user that specified data has been transmitted / received.

[0137] In step 506, the inhalation device 100 resets the timer to terminate the process for initiating and maintaining the P2P connection due to timeout. For example, the inhalation device 100 may reset the timer and restart it. Further, for example, the inhalation device 100 may extend the remaining time of the timer. If the timer times out, the inhalation device 100 terminates the process for initiating and maintaining the P2P connection.

[0138] In step 507, inhalation device B sends prescribed data to inhalation device A. Inhalation device A receives the prescribed data sent from inhalation device B. The prescribed data can be sent / received within a single session, or it can be sent / received by being divided into multiple sessions. For example, if the prescribed data is a heating curve, inhalation device 100 can divide the heating curve into multiple data points and send / receive the data across multiple sessions.

[0139] In step 508, inhalation device A stores the specified data received from inhalation device B. Inhalation device A stores the specified data received from inhalation device 100 in a first storage area 301 of the plurality of storage areas in storage unit 114. This first storage area is also used to store specified data received from another inhalation device 100. For example, if the specified data is a heating curve, inhalation device A stores the heating curve received from inhalation device B in the first storage area 301 of storage unit 114.

[0140] In step 509, the inhalation device A changes the settings of the main unit. Specifically, the inhalation device A changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 of the storage unit 114. For example, the inhalation device A changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 of the storage unit 114 to information indicating the first storage area 301 of the storage unit 114. If the setting information is an identifier assigned to each of the first storage areas 301 to the third storage areas 303, then the inhalation device A changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 of the storage unit 114 to the first identifier assigned to the first storage area 301. Thus, if the specified data is a heating curve, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device A can use the first heating curve stored in the first storage area 301 when the heating process is performed.

[0141] In this way, when the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from another inhalation device 100, the inhalation device changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating the third storage area 303, and the received specified data is stored in the third storage area. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform specified processing by using the specified data when it receives specified data from another inhalation device 100. For example, when the inhalation device 100 receives a heating curve from another inhalation device 100, the inhalation device changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 to a third identifier indicating the third storage area 303, and the received heating curve is stored in the third storage area. This allows the inhalation device 100 to use the heating curve to perform heating processing when it receives the heating curve from another inhalation device 100.

[0142] In step 510, when the setting change of the main unit is completed, the inhalation device A sends a setting change completion notification to the inhalation device B, indicating that the setting change is complete. By receiving the setting change completion notification, the inhalation device B can confirm that the setting change has been completed in the inhalation device A. Note that step 510 can be omitted.

[0143] In step 511, the inhalation device A is configured to send a notification indicating that the reception of specified data has been completed to the inhalation device B when the reception of specified data has been completed or when the settings of the host device have been changed. By receiving the notification, the inhalation device B can confirm that the reception of specified data has been completed in the inhalation device A.

[0144] In step 512, when a notification of completion of receiving specified data is received, inhalation device B sends a P2P connection termination request to inhalation device A to request termination of the P2P connection.

[0145] In step 513, inhalation device A and inhalation device B terminate the P2P connection. In this case, each of inhalation device A and inhalation device B can send / receive a P2P connection termination notification indicating that the P2P connection has been terminated.

[0146] In step 514, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been completed. For example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the transmission / reception of specified data via the P2P connection has been completed. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the P2P connection has been completed. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been completed, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a specified manner. Alternatively, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been completed, for example, by vibrating in a specified manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the transmission / reception of specified data via the P2P connection has been completed, for example, by displaying information indicating that the P2P connection has been completed on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the P2P connection has been completed.

[0147] The inhalation device 100 disclosed herein is capable of sending and receiving prescribed data with multiple inhalation devices in a P2P connection with each other, enabling other inhalation devices 100 to hold prescribed data held by one inhalation device 100. For example, if the prescribed data is a heating curve, another inhalation device 100 can hold the heating curve held by one inhalation device 100. As a result, the other inhalation device 100 can heat its heating unit 121 according to the heating curve held by one inhalation device 100. Therefore, a technique can be provided that enables the desired inhalation device according to this disclosure to send / receive prescribed data when the inhalation device undergoes a P2P connection.

[0148] 2-3 Examples of handling situations where P2P connection processing is interrupted

[0149] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process in the case where at least one of multiple inhalation devices suspends the P2P connection process. Figure 6 The processing examples shown are, for example, in Figure 3 The processing example shown will be executed later. The main description will follow. Figure 6 Zhongyu Figure 5 Different parts. In Figure 6 In Chinese, "step" is also abbreviated as "S".

[0150] because Figure 6 Steps 601 to 603 in the middle Figure 5Steps 501 to 503 are the same, so their description will be simplified.

[0151] In step 601, the inhalation device 100 and other inhalation devices 100 can be connected to each other in a P2P manner; that is, they are in a P2P connection mode.

[0152] In step 602, the inhalation device A senses the user's second action.

[0153] In step 603, inhalation device A sends a transmission request for specified data to inhalation device B. The transmission request for specified data is a signal requesting another inhalation device to send specified data to the inhalation device. Alternatively, the transmission request for specified data may be a signal requesting the inhalation device to receive specified data from another inhalation device. For example, the transmission request for specified data may be a signal sent to inhalation device B requesting inhalation device A to send specified data to the host device (inhalation device A). Or, for example, the transmission request for specified data may be a signal requesting inhalation device A to receive specified data from inhalation device B. Inhalation device B receives the transmission request sent from inhalation device A.

[0154] In step 604, upon receiving a transmission request from inhalation device A, inhalation device B sends a negative response to the transmission request to inhalation device A based on the fact that inhalation device B does not possess the specified data that can be sent to inhalation device A. It should be noted that even if inhalation device B possesses the specified data, inhalation device B may still send a negative response to inhalation device A based on the fact that it cannot send the specified data to inhalation device A due to reasons such as an error. A negative response to the transmission request may indicate, for example, that the specified data is not possessed or that the specified data cannot be sent. Inhalation device A receives the negative response sent from inhalation device B.

[0155] In step 605, when a negative response to the transmission request is received, the inhalation device A sends a P2P connection termination request to the inhalation device B to request termination of the P2P connection.

[0156] In step 606, inhalation device A and inhalation device B terminate the P2P connection. In this case, each of inhalation device A and inhalation device B can send / receive a P2P connection termination notification indicating that the P2P connection has been terminated.

[0157] In step 607, the inhalation device notifies the user of an error indicating that the connected inhalation device 100 does not hold the specified data to be sent. For example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user of this error. For example, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating the error. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user of the error by, for example, emitting light from an LED in a specified manner. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user of the error by, for example, vibrating in a specified manner. Additionally, if the inhalation device 100 is equipped with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the transmission / reception of the specified data via the P2P connection has been completed by, for example, displaying the error on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 can use any method to notify the user of the error.

[0158] The inhalation device 100 disclosed herein notifies another inhalation device 100 in a P2P connection that the inhalation device does not possess the required data that can be sent, or is unable to send the required data, for example, due to an error. Therefore, when the inhalation device 100 is unable to send or receive the required data, the inhalation device can perform a P2P connection termination process.

[0159] 2-4 Example of processing when the inhalation device 100 sends / receives specified data

[0160] Figure 7A This is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the processing in the case of a P2P connected inhalation device 100 sending and receiving specified data. Figure 7B This is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the processing in the case of a P2P connected inhalation device 100 sending and receiving specified data.

[0161] In step 701, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether the user's second action has been sensed. For example, the inhalation device 100 uses the control unit 116 and / or the sensor portion 112 to sense the user's second action. If the second action has been sensed (yes in step 701), the inhalation device 100 proceeds the process to step 702. Meanwhile, if the second action has not been sensed (no in step 701), the inhalation device 100 repeats the confirmation in step 701, for example, at predetermined intervals. The inhalation device 100 can be configured to perform the processing for sensing the user's second action only if the user's second action has been sensed.

[0162] In step 702, the inhalation device 100 transmits a request to another inhalation device 100 in a P2P connection to send a specified data transmission request. For example, the transmission request is a signal requesting the transmission of specified data to a host device. Alternatively, transmission can be a signal requesting the receipt of specified data. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether the other inhalation device 100 possesses the specified data that can be transmitted before sending the transmission request. In this case, the inhalation device 100 may only send the transmission request for the specified data if the other inhalation device 100 possesses the specified data that can be transmitted.

[0163] In step 703, the inhalation device 100 determines whether it has received a positive response from another inhalation device 100. A positive response is sent to the inhalation device 100 by the other inhalation device 100, which has already received the transmission request, based on its ability to send specified data. If a positive response is received (yes in step 703), the inhalation device 100 proceeds to step 704. Conversely, if no positive response is received (no in step 703), the inhalation device 100 proceeds to step 718.

[0164] In step 718, the inhalation device notifies the user of an error indicating that the connected inhalation device 100 does not hold the specified data to be sent. Thereafter, the inhalation device 100 terminates the process.

[0165] In step 704, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user of the transmission / reception of specified data. For example, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating the transmission / reception of specified data based on receiving a positive response from another inhalation device 100. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a specified manner. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by vibrating in a specified manner. Additionally, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that specified data has been transmitted / received, for example, by displaying information indicating that specified data has been transmitted / received on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that specified data has been transmitted / received.

[0166] In step 705, the inhalation device 100 resets the timer to terminate the process for initiating and maintaining the P2P connection due to timeout. For example, the inhalation device 100 may reset the timer and restart it. Further, for example, the inhalation device 100 may extend the remaining time of the timer. If the timer times out, the inhalation device 100 terminates the process for initiating and maintaining the P2P connection.

[0167] In step 706, the controller 116 of the inhalation device 100 receives specified data sent from another inhalation device 100. The specified data can be received in a single session or can be received by being divided into multiple sessions. For example, if the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 can divide the heating curve, which has already been divided into multiple data sets, into multiple data sets and receive the data across multiple sessions.

[0168] In step 707, the inhalation device 100 stores specified data received from another inhalation device 100 in a first storage area 301 among multiple storage areas of the storage unit 114. This first storage area is used to store the specified data received from the other inhalation device 100. For example, if the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 stores the heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100 in the first storage area 301 of the storage unit 114.

[0169] In step 708, the inhalation device 100 changes the settings of the host device. For example, when the inhalation device 100 receives specified data from another inhalation device 100, the inhalation device changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating the first storage area 301, where the received specified data is stored. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform specified processing using the specified data when it receives specified data from another inhalation device 100. For example, when the inhalation device 100 receives a heating curve from another inhalation device 100, the inhalation device changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 to a first identifier indicating the first storage area 301, where the received heating curve is stored. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform heating processing using the first heating curve.

[0170] In step 709, when the setting change of the main device is completed, the inhalation device 100 sends a setting change completion notification to the other inhalation device 100, indicating that the setting change is complete. By receiving the setting change completion notification, the other inhalation device 100 can confirm that the setting change has been completed in the inhalation device 100. Note that step 709 can be omitted.

[0171] In step 710, the inhalation device 100 is configured to send a notification indicating that the reception of specified data has been completed to another inhalation device 100 when the reception of specified data has been completed or when the settings of the host device have been changed. By receiving the notification, the other inhalation device 100 can confirm that the reception of specified data has been completed in the inhalation device 100.

[0172] In step 711, if inhalation device 100 receives a P2P connection termination request from another inhalation device 100 to terminate the P2P connection, then that inhalation device terminates the P2P connection. In this case, inhalation device 100 may send a P2P connection termination notification to the other inhalation device 100 indicating that the P2P connection has been terminated.

[0173] In step 712, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been terminated. For example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the transmission / reception of specified data via the P2P connection has been completed. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the P2P connection has been terminated. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been terminated, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a specified manner. Alternatively, the notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been terminated, for example, by vibrating in a specified manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the P2P connection has been terminated, for example, by displaying information indicating that the P2P connection has been terminated on the display. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the P2P connection processing has been terminated.

[0174] In step 713, the inhalation device 100 senses a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is a condition for the inhalation device 100 to perform a predetermined process. For example, the predetermined condition is a condition indicating the start of a heating process in the inhalation device 100. When the inhalation device senses the predetermined condition, the inhalation device 100 can begin the heating process of the heating section 121. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the sensing of a third action by the user. The predetermined condition could also be the sensing that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the internal space 141 of the inhalation device 100.

[0175] The inhalation device 100 can sense a third action from the user, using this as a predetermined condition. The third action is an action performed by the user on the inhalation device 100. For example, the third action could be the user pressing a predetermined button on the inhalation device 100. For example, the third action could be the user pressing a predetermined button on the inhalation device 100 a predetermined number of times and / or for a predetermined time. The predetermined number of times could be one or more times. The predetermined time could be set to any time, such as 2 seconds.

[0176] It should be noted that the third action can be any action, as long as the user performs the action on the inhalation device A. For example, the third action could be the user shaking the inhalation device 100, the user using the inhalation device 100 to trace a prescribed path or letters, or the user tapping the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the third action is not limited to these and can be any type of action. The third action can be different from the first and second actions, or it can be the same as at least one of the first and second actions. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 includes sensors (such as motion sensors or accelerometers) for sensing movement of the inhalation device 100, and these sensors are used to sense the first action on the inhalation device 100. For example, the motion sensor of the inhalation device 100 senses the user shaking the inhalation device 100.

[0177] The suction device 100 can sense that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the internal space 141 of the suction device 100, as a predetermined condition. The insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the internal space 141 of the suction device 100 can be sensed by changes in the temperature or resistance of the heating unit 121. It should be noted that sensing of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can also be performed by sensing changes in capacitance based on the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150, or by sensing changes in magnetic field or magnetism based on the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150. Furthermore, sensing of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be performed, for example, by sensing the presence or absence of the rod-shaped substrate 150 using an infrared sensor. Sensing of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not limited to these examples and can be performed by any method.

[0178] In step 714, the inhalation device 100 refers to the fourth storage area 304 and determines the storage area indicated by the setting information. For example, the inhalation device 100 refers to the fourth storage area 304 and designates the storage area indicated by the identifier among the first storage areas 301 to the third storage areas 303 based on the stored identifier. In step 708, the fourth storage area 304 stores a first identifier indicating the first storage area 301. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 refers to the fourth storage area 304 and designates the first storage area 301 based on the stored first identifier.

[0179] In step 715, the inhalation device 100 performs a prescribed process using prescribed data stored in a designated storage area. If the prescribed process is a heating process and the prescribed data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using the heating curve stored in the designated storage area. For example, the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using a third heating curve stored in the first storage area 301 designated in step 713. In step 707, the first storage area 301 stores a first heating curve received from another inhalation device 100. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 performs the heating process using the first heating curve stored in the first storage area 301. That is, after receiving a heating curve from another inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 can perform the heating process using the received heating curve based on the first action.

[0180] In step 716, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the prescribed treatment has been terminated. If the prescribed treatment is a heating treatment, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the heating treatment has been terminated. If the prescribed treatment has been terminated (yes in step 716), the inhalation device 100 proceeds the treatment to step 717. If the prescribed treatment is a heating treatment, the inhalation device 100 determines that the heating treatment has been terminated and then proceeds to step 717. If the inhalation device 100 determines that the prescribed treatment has not been terminated (no in step 716), the inhalation device continues to determine whether the prescribed treatment has been terminated. For example, the inhalation device 100 may determine whether the prescribed treatment has been terminated at a predetermined period. If the prescribed treatment is a heating treatment, the inhalation device continues to determine whether the heating treatment has been terminated even if the inhalation device 100 determines that the heating treatment has not been terminated.

[0181] In step 717, the inhalation device 100 changes the settings of the main unit again. For example, the inhalation device 100 automatically changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating the second storage area 302 or the third storage area 303. In step 708, the fourth storage area 304 stores setting information indicating the first storage area 301. Therefore, in step 717, the inhalation device 100 changes the setting information from indicating the first storage area 301 to indicating the second storage area 302 or the third storage area 303.

[0182] It should be noted that the setting information changed in step 717 may be the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 before it was changed to indicate the setting information of the first storage area 301 in step 708. For example, if the fourth storage area 304 already stored setting information indicating the third storage area 303 before the time point in step 708 when the setting information of the first storage area 301 is indicated, the suction device 100 can change the setting information to indicate the setting information of the third storage area 303 in step 717. This allows the suction device 100 to restore the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to the state before receiving the specified data from another suction device 100. In this way, once the suction device 100 has used the specified data received from another suction device 100 for specified processing, the setting information of the fourth storage area 304 can subsequently be restored to the state before receiving the specified data from the other suction device 100. This prevents the suction device 100 from repeatedly using the specified data received from another suction device 100 for specified processing.

[0183] If the specified data is a heating curve, when the inhalation device 100 receives the heating curve from another inhalation device 100 in step 708, the inhalation device changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 to a first identifier indicating the first storage area 301. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform heating treatment using the first heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100 in steps 714 and 715. Then, when the heating treatment has been terminated in step 717, the inhalation device 100 again changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to the state before receiving the heating curve from the other inhalation device 100 in step 717. For example, if a third identifier was stored in the stage before receiving the heating curve from the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 transfers the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 from the first identifier back to the third identifier. This allows the inhalation device 100 to use a second or third heating curve used for heating treatment before receiving the heating curve from the other inhalation device 100 in subsequent heating treatments, after heating treatment has been performed using the first heating curve. In this way, when the suction device 100 has already used the first heating curve once, the suction device is configured to use the second or third heating curve that was previously used when performing the next heating process. Therefore, the suction device 100 can prevent the heating curve received from another suction device 100 from being reused for the heating process.

[0184] Note that step 717 is not required. In this case, it is possible to prevent the inhalation device 100 from repeatedly using the same data received from another inhalation device 100 for the same processing. In this case, the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 can be configured to be changed, for example, based on user operation of the inhalation device or a request from the user terminal 200.

[0185] The inhalation device 100 disclosed herein is capable of receiving specified data from another inhalation device 100 in a P2P connection based on a second action. Furthermore, upon receiving specified data from the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 changes the setting information stored in a fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating a first storage area 301, where the received specified data is stored. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform specified processing using the received specified data based on a third action after receiving it from the other inhalation device 100. Furthermore, after the specified processing is completed, the inhalation device 100 resets the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 before it was changed to setting information indicating the first storage area 301. This allows the inhalation device 100 to restore the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to its state before receiving the specified data from the other inhalation device 100.

[0186] When the specified data is heat treatment and the specified treatment is heat treatment, the inhalation device 100 of this disclosure receives a heating curve from another inhalation device 100 in a P2P connection based on a second action, and stores the heating curve in a first storage area 301. Furthermore, based on receiving the heating curve from the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 of this disclosure changes the setting information stored in a fourth storage area 304 to a first identifier indicating the first storage area 301. This allows the inhalation device 100 to perform heat treatment using the first heating curve based on a third action. Furthermore, after the heat treatment has been completed, the inhalation device 100 of this disclosure again changes the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to a second or third identifier stored in the fourth storage area 304 before being changed to the first identifier. This allows the inhalation device 100 to restore the setting information stored in the fourth storage area 304 to the state before receiving the heating curve from the other inhalation device 100.

[0187] 2-5 Example of processing when inhalation device 100 changes the storage area of ​​specified data received from another inhalation device 100

[0188] Figure 8This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in the case where at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices changes the storage area of ​​prescribed data received from another inhalation device.

[0189] like Figure 7A As shown, the inhalation device 100 stores the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 in the first storage area 301. Furthermore, by resetting the setting information in the fourth storage area 304 after each use, the specified data received from the other inhalation device 100 stored in the first storage area 301 of the storage unit 114 is prevented from being reused for specified processing.

[0190] However, it is also conceivable that a user might want to reuse specified data received from another inhalation device 100 for specified processing. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can be configured, for example, to store other data received from another inhalation device 100 in the first storage area 301 of the storage unit 114 in the second storage area 302 of the storage unit 114, based on a request from the user. The specified data stored in the second storage area 302 of the storage unit 114 can be used for specified processing at any time based on a request from the user. Specifically, the inhalation device 100 can change the setting information in the fourth storage area 304 to setting information indicating the second storage area 302 at any time based on a request from the user. In this way, the inhalation device 100 stores the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 and stored in the first storage area 301 of the storage unit 114 in the second storage area 302 of the storage unit 114, thereby enabling the specified data to be used for specified processing at any time based on a request from the user. This allows the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 to be reused for specified processing.

[0191] Figure 8 It is a sequence diagram that specifically illustrates an example of the processing when the inhalation device 100 receives predetermined data from another inhalation device 100, which is stored in the first storage area 301, and then stores it in the second storage area 302.

[0192] In step 801, the user terminal 200 receives a request from the user for specified data. The request for specified data may be, for example, a request to enable the reuse of specified data received from another suction device 100. Furthermore, the request for specified data may be, for example, a request to change the storage area of ​​the specified data received from the other suction device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302. For example, the user terminal 200 receives the request for specified data from the user using the user terminal 200's UI. If the specified data is a heating curve, the request for specified data may be a request to reuse the heating curve received from the other suction device 100. Furthermore, the request for specified data may be, for example, a request to change the storage area of ​​the heating curve received from the other suction device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302.

[0193] In step 802, when the user terminal 200 receives a request for specified data, the user terminal sends a transmission request to the inhalation device 100 to cause the host device to send the specified data received from another inhalation device 100. For example, the user terminal 200 sends a transmission request to the inhalation device 100 to cause the host device to send the specified data stored in the first storage area 301. If the specified data is a heating curve, then for example, the user terminal 200 sends a transmission request to the inhalation device 100 or causes the host device to send the heating curve stored in the first storage area 301.

[0194] In step 803, when the inhalation device 100 receives a transmission request for specified data from the user terminal 200, the inhalation device reads the specified data from the first storage area 301. If the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 reads a heating curve received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301.

[0195] In step 804, the inhalation device 100 sends specified data read from the first storage area 301 to the user terminal 200. The specified data can be sent within a single session or by being divided into multiple sessions. If the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 can divide the heating curve read from the first storage area 301 into multiple data sets and send this data to the user terminal 200 across multiple sessions. In step 804, the user terminal 200 receives the specified data from the inhalation device 100. The specified data can be received within a single session or by being divided into multiple sessions. If the specified data is a heating curve, the user terminal 200 receives the heating curve divided into one or more sessions from the inhalation device 100.

[0196] In step 805, the user terminal 200 temporarily stores the specified data received from the inhalation device 100 in a volatile or non-volatile memory. If the specified data is a heating curve, the user terminal 200 temporarily stores the heating curve received from the inhalation device 100 in a volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0197] In step 806, user terminal 200 returns specified data received from and temporarily stored by inhalation device 100 to inhalation device 100. The specified data can be returned within a single session or by being divided into multiple sessions. If the specified data is a heating curve, user terminal 200 returns the heating curve received from and temporarily stored by inhalation device 100 to inhalation device 100. In step 804, inhalation device 100 receives specified data returned from another inhalation device 100. The specified data can be received within a single session or by being divided into multiple sessions. If the specified data is a heating curve, inhalation device 100 receives the returned heating curve from user terminal 200, divided into one or more sessions.

[0198] In step 807, the inhalation device 100 stores the specified data returned from the user terminal 200 in the second storage area 302. If the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 stores the heating curve returned from the user terminal 200 in the second storage area 302. The specified data stored in the second storage area 302 of the storage unit 114 can be used for specified processing at any time according to a request from the user. Therefore, in the inhalation device 100, by changing the storage area of ​​the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302, the user can use the specified data received from the inhalation device 100 for specified processing at any time.

[0199] In step 808, when the inhalation device 100 stores the specified data received from the user terminal 200 in the second storage area 302, the inhalation device sends a completion notification to the user terminal 200 indicating that the storage has been completed.

[0200] In step 809, when a completion notification is received from the inhalation device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the request from the user has been completed. For example, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 can now be reused. Furthermore, for example, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the change of the storage area for the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302 has been completed. The user terminal 200 displays information on the screen indicating that the request from the user has been completed. It should be noted that the inhalation device 200 may use any method to notify the user that the request from the user has been completed.

[0201] In step 810, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the request from the user has been completed. For example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data received from another inhalation device 100 can now be reused. Furthermore, for example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the storage area for specified data received from another inhalation device 100 has been changed from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302. The inhalation device 100 displays information on the screen indicating that the request from the user has been completed. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the request from the user has been completed.

[0202] In this way, in the inhalation device 100, by changing the storage area of ​​the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302, the user can use the specified data received from the inhalation device 100 for specified processing at any time.

[0203] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of processing in a case where at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices changes the storage area of ​​prescribed data received from another inhalation device. Specifically, Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram that specifically illustrates another example of the processing when the inhalation device 100 receives predetermined data from another inhalation device 100, which is stored in the first storage area 301, and then stores it in the second storage area 302.

[0204] In step 901, the user terminal 200 receives a request from the user for specified data. The request for specified data may be, for example, a request to enable the reuse of specified data received from another inhalation device 100. For example, the request for specified data may be a request to reuse specified data received from another inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the request for specified data may be, for example, a request to change the storage area of ​​the specified data received from the other inhalation device 100 from a first storage area 301 to a second storage area 302. For example, the user terminal 200 receives the request for specified data from the user using the user terminal 200's UI. If the specified data is a heating curve, the request for specified data may be a request to reuse the heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the request for specified data may be, for example, a request to change the storage area of ​​the heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100 from a first storage area 301 to a second storage area 302.

[0205] In step 902, upon receiving a request for specified data, the user terminal 200 sends a change request to the inhalation device 100 to change the storage area of ​​the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302. If the specified data is a heating curve, the user terminal 200 sends a change request to the inhalation device 100 to change the storage area of ​​the heating curve received from the other inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302.

[0206] In step 903, when the inhalation device 100 receives a transmission request for specified data from the user terminal 200, the inhalation device reads the specified data from the first storage area 301. If the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 reads the heating curve received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301.

[0207] In step 904, the inhalation device 100 sends the specified data read from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302. If the specified data is a heating curve, the inhalation device 100 stores the heating curve read from the first storage area 301 in the second storage area 302. The specified data stored in the second storage area 302 of the storage unit 114 can be used for specified processing at any time according to a request from the user. Therefore, in the inhalation device 100, by changing the storage area of ​​specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302, the user can use the specified data received from the inhalation device 100 for specified processing at any time.

[0208] In step 905, when the inhalation device 100 stores the specified data received from the user terminal 200 in the second storage area 302, the inhalation device sends a completion notification to the user terminal 200 indicating that the storage has been completed.

[0209] In step 906, when a completion notification is received from the inhalation device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the request from the user has been completed. For example, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that specified data received from another inhalation device 100 can now be reused. Furthermore, for example, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the change of the storage area for specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302 has been completed. The user terminal 200 displays information on the screen indicating that the request from the user has been completed. It should be noted that the inhalation device 200 may use any method to notify the user that the request from the user has been completed.

[0210] In step 907, upon receiving a completion notification from the inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the request from the user has been completed. For example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that specified data received from another inhalation device 100 can now be reused. Furthermore, for example, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the change of the storage area for specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302 has been completed. The inhalation device 100 displays information on a display indicating that the request from the user has been completed. It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that the request from the user has been completed.

[0211] In this way, in the inhalation device 100, by changing the storage area of ​​the specified data received from another inhalation device 100 from the first storage area 301 to the second storage area 302, the user can use the specified data received from the inhalation device 100 for specified processing at any time.

[0212] The foregoing description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates embodiments of the power supply unit, control method, and control program for an inhalation device according to this disclosure. However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations or modifications within the scope of the claims will be conceived, and it should be naturally understood that any such variations or modifications fall within the technical scope of this invention.

[0213] For example, the specific numerical values ​​described in the embodiments discussed above are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0214] Furthermore, the control method described in the above embodiments can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading it from the storage medium. The program can also be provided in the form of being stored in a non-transitory storage medium (e.g., flash memory) or can be provided via a network (e.g., the Internet). Furthermore, the computer executing the program can be included, for example, in the inhalation device 100 (e.g., the CPU of the inhalation device 100), but this is not limiting, and the computer can also be included in another device (e.g., a smartphone or server) capable of communicating with the inhalation device 100.

[0215] This specification and other materials describe at least the following features. Corresponding components in the above embodiments are shown in parentheses by way of example, but there are no limitations on such components.

[0216] [Feature 1]

[0217] An inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) includes:

[0218] Communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B), which is communicatively connected to an external device;

[0219] Heating units (heating units 121, 121A, 121B) generate aerosols by heating rod-shaped substrates (cartridge 120, rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source.

[0220] Control units (control units 116, 116A, 116B) control the operation of the heating unit using prescribed data; and

[0221] Storage units (storage units 114, 114A, 114B), each including a first storage area (first storage area 301), are used to store first predetermined data received from another inhalation device via the communication unit, wherein...

[0222] The storage unit includes a second storage area (second storage area 302) for storing second specified data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device.

[0223] [Feature 2]

[0224] According to the inhalation device of feature 1, when the control unit starts generating the aerosol by the heating unit after receiving the first predetermined data from the other inhalation device, the control unit uses the first predetermined data stored in the first storage area to control the operation of the heating unit.

[0225] [Feature 3]

[0226] According to the inhalation device of feature 2, when the control unit starts generating the aerosol again by the heating unit after the control unit has already controlled the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data.

[0227] [Feature 4]

[0228] The inhalation device according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit further includes a third storage region (third storage region 303) for storing third predetermined data pre-stored in the inhalation device, and

[0229] The third specified data stored in the third storage area shall not be overwritten by other specified data.

[0230] [Feature 5]

[0231] The inhalation device according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the storage unit further includes a fourth storage area (fourth storage area 304) for storing setting information, the setting information storing an identifier for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of storage areas, and

[0232] When the control unit starts generating the aerosol from the heating unit, the control unit refers to the identifier stored in the fourth storage area and controls the operation of the heating unit by using the specified data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

[0233] [Feature 6]

[0234] According to feature 5, the inhalation device wherein the control unit changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier capable of identifying the first storage area based on the first specified data received from the other inhalation device.

[0235] [Feature 7]

[0236] According to feature 6, the inhalation device wherein the control unit changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier based on the first specified data received and stored in the first storage area.

[0237] [Feature 8]

[0238] In the inhalation device according to any one of features 1 to 7, wherein the specified data is a heating curve indicating a target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0239] [Feature 9]

[0240] A control method is provided, executed by an inhalation device (100, 100A, 100B), the inhalation device comprising: a communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B) communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B) generating an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate (cartridge 120, rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source; a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) controlling the operation of the heating unit; and a storage unit (storage unit 114, 114A, 114B), the storage unit comprising a first storage area (first storage area 301) and a second storage area (second storage area 302), the first storage area storing first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, and the second storage area storing second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device, the control method comprising:

[0241] Step 715: When the aerosol is started by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device, the first specified data is used to control the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

[0242] [Feature 10]

[0243] According to the control method of feature 9, the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit is to control the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data when the operation of the heating unit is started again after the operation of the heating unit has been controlled by the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

[0244] [Feature 11]

[0245] According to the control method described in feature 9 or 10, in the inhalation device, the storage unit further includes a fourth storage area (fourth storage area 304) for storing setting information, which stores an identifier for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of storage areas, and

[0246] In the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit, when the heating unit begins to generate the aerosol, the operation of the heating unit is controlled by referring to the identifier stored in the fourth storage area and by using the specified data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

[0247] [Feature 12]

[0248] The control method according to any one of features 9 to 11 further includes the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier capable of identifying the first storage area based on the first predetermined data received from the other inhalation device.

[0249] [Feature 13]

[0250] The control method according to any one of features 9 to 12 further includes the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier after control of the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area has been completed (step 717).

[0251] [Feature 14]

[0252] The inhalation device according to any one of features 9 to 13, wherein the specified data is a heating curve indicating a target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0253] [Feature 15]

[0254] A program for instructing a computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) to control an inhalation device (100, 100A, 100B) to perform steps, the inhalation device comprising: a communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B) communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate (cartridge 120, rod-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source; and a control unit (control unit 11...). 6, 116A, 116B), the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit; and the storage unit (storage units 114, 114A, 114B), the storage unit including a first storage area (first storage area 301) and a second storage area (second storage area 302), the first storage area being used to store first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, the second storage area being used to store second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device, the steps performed being:

[0255] Step 715: When the aerosol is started by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device, the first specified data is used to control the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

[0256] List of reference numerals

[0257] 100 Inhalation Device

[0258] 110 Power Supply Unit, 111 Power Supply Unit (Power Supply), 112 Sensor Unit

[0259] 113 Notification Unit, 114 Storage Unit, 115 Communication Unit

[0260] 116 Control Unit (Computer)

[0261] 120 Smoke cartridge, 121 Heating unit, 122 Liquid guiding section, 123 Liquid storage section

[0262] 124 suction nozzle

[0263] 130 Flavored Tobacco Cartridges, 131 Flavor Sources

[0264] 140 Reception section, 141 Interior space, 142 Opening, 143 Bottom section

[0265] 150 Rod-shaped substrate, 151 Substrate portion, 152 Nozzle portion

[0266] 180 airflow path

[0267] 301 First storage area, 302 Second storage area, 303 Third storage area, 304 Fourth storage area.

Claims

1. An inhalation device, comprising: A communication unit that is communicatively connected to an external device; A heating unit that generates aerosols by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit using prescribed data; as well as The storage unit includes a first storage area for storing first predetermined data received from another inhalation device via the communication unit, wherein... The storage unit includes a second storage area for storing second specified data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device.

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein, When the control unit starts generating the aerosol by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device, the control unit uses the first specified data stored in the first storage area to control the operation of the heating unit.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 2, wherein, When the control unit starts generating the aerosol again after it has already controlled the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data.

4. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage unit further includes a third storage area for storing third specified data pre-stored in the inhalation device, and The third specified data stored in the third storage area shall not be overwritten by other specified data.

5. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The storage unit further includes a fourth storage area for storing configuration information, which stores an identifier to uniquely identify each of the plurality of storage areas. When the control unit starts generating the aerosol from the heating unit, the control unit refers to the identifier stored in the fourth storage area and controls the operation of the heating unit by using the specified data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

6. The inhalation device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit, based on the first specified data received from the other inhalation device, changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier that can identify the first storage area.

7. The inhalation device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit, based on the first specified data received and stored in the first storage area, changes the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier.

8. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The specified data is a heating curve, which indicates the target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

9. A control method executed by an inhalation device, the inhalation device comprising: a communication unit communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit generating an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; a control unit controlling the operation of the heating unit; and a storage unit including a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area for storing first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, and the second storage area for storing second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device, the control method comprising: The step of using the first specified data stored in the first storage area to control the operation of the heating unit when the aerosol is started to be generated by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein, The step for controlling the operation of the heating unit is to control the operation of the heating unit by using specified data other than the first specified data when the operation of the heating unit is restarted after the operation of the heating unit has been controlled by the first specified data stored in the first storage area.

11. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, In this inhalation device, the storage unit further includes a fourth storage area for storing setting information, which stores an identifier for uniquely identifying each of the plurality of storage areas, and In the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit, when the heating unit begins to generate the aerosol, the operation of the heating unit is controlled by referring to the identifier stored in the fourth storage area and by using the specified data stored in the storage area indicated by the identifier.

12. The control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to a first identifier capable of identifying the first storage area based on receiving the first predetermined data from the other inhalation device.

13. The control method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising the step of changing the identifier stored in the fourth storage area to an identifier other than the first identifier after control of the operation of the heating unit using the first specified data stored in the first storage area has been completed.

14. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The specified data is a heating curve, which indicates the target temperature or target resistance over time when the heating unit heats the substrate containing the aerosol source.

15. A program for causing a computer-controlled inhalation device to perform steps, the inhalation device comprising: a communication unit communicatively connected to an external device; a heating unit for generating an aerosol by heating a rod-shaped substrate containing an aerosol source; a control unit for controlling the operation of the heating unit; and a storage unit including a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area for storing first predetermined data received via the communication unit from another inhalation device, and the second storage area for storing second predetermined data received via the communication unit from another device other than the other inhalation device, the steps being performed as follows: The step of using the first specified data stored in the first storage area to control the operation of the heating unit when the aerosol is started to be generated by the heating unit after receiving the first specified data from the other inhalation device.

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