Aerosol generation device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an arrangement capable of further improving determination accuracy based on a sensor value. [Solution] An aerosol generating device includes an accommodation portion for accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source in an internal space, a sensor unit for continuously measuring a sensor value over time, and a control unit for determining a state of the aerosol generating device by comparing a difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold value, the response speed of the first smoothing process being different from the response speed of the second smoothing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, an information processing method, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices for producing aerosols for users to inhale are becoming increasingly common. For example, an aerosol generating device produces a flavored aerosol by using an aerosol source for generating the aerosol and a matrix including a flavor source to impart flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol produced by the aerosol generating device. The act of a user inhaling the aerosol is also referred to below as "inhalation" or "inhalation action." Examples of devices that can be classified as aerosol generating devices include those used as alternatives to cigarettes (such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes) and nebulizers for medical purposes. It should be noted that a heated tobacco product is an aerosol generating device that produces an aerosol by heating an aerosol source. An electronic cigarette is an aerosol generating device that produces an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol source.

[0003] Various techniques have been developed for determining the state of an aerosol generating device using sensors installed in the device. For example, PTL 1 below discloses a technique for detecting aspiration based on a capacitance change exceeding a given threshold.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2019-511207 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0008] However, there is still room for improvement in the accuracy of the techniques disclosed in PTL 1, etc.

[0009] This disclosure is designed in response to the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an arrangement that can further improve the accuracy of determination based on sensor values.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source within an internal space; a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the matrix within the containment portion; a sensor unit for continuously measuring sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating apparatus over time; and a control unit for determining a state of the aerosol generating apparatus based on the sensor values ​​measured by the sensor unit, wherein the control unit determines the state of the aerosol generating apparatus by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold, and the response speed of the first smoothing process is different from the response speed of the second smoothing process.

[0012] The first smoothing process and the second smoothing process may each employ any one of the following: moving average, exponential moving average, weighted moving average, low-pass filter, high-pass filter, or band-pass filter.

[0013] The first smoothing process can use a long-term moving average, while the second smoothing process can use a short-term moving average and fewer samples for calculation compared to the first smoothing process.

[0014] The number of samples used for calculation in the first smoothing process can be twice the number of samples used for calculation in the second smoothing process.

[0015] The sensor unit can be a capacitive sensor, an air pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a power sensor.

[0016] The sensor unit can be a capacitive sensor, and the capacitive sensor can measure the capacitance of the internal space of the accommodating part.

[0017] The sensor unit can be a sensor used to measure parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

[0018] The control unit can determine whether the aerosol generated from the matrix has been extracted.

[0019] The control unit can determine whether the substrate has been inserted into the receiving part.

[0020] The control unit can update the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the difference.

[0021] The control unit can update the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the sensor value.

[0022] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned problems, another aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing method implemented by means of a computer and including determining the state of an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a housing portion for housing a matrix containing an aerosol source within an internal space; a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source of the matrix housed in the housing portion; and a sensor unit for continuously measuring sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating apparatus over time, the determination being based on the sensor values ​​measured by means of the sensor unit of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein determining the state of the aerosol generating apparatus comprises: determining the state of the aerosol generating apparatus by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold, wherein the response speed of the first smoothing process is different from the response speed of the second smoothing process.

[0023] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned problems, another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-executed program for controlling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source within an internal space; a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source in the matrix contained in the containment portion; and a sensor unit for continuously measuring sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time, wherein the program causes the computer to act as a control unit for determining the state of the aerosol generating device based on the sensor values ​​measured by the sensor unit, the control unit determining the state of the aerosol generating device by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold, and the response speed of the first smoothing process being different from the response speed of the second smoothing process.

[0024] Advantages of the present invention

[0025] As described above, this disclosure provides an arrangement that can further improve the accuracy of determination based on sensor values. Attached Figure Description

[0026] [ Figure 1 [Illustrated diagram showing an example configuration of an aerosol generating device.]

[0027] [ Figure 2 The graph above is a curve illustrating the conventional aspiration detection method.

[0028] [ Figure 3 The graph above is a curve illustrating the conventional aspiration detection method.

[0029] [ Figure 4 [ ] is a graph showing an example of the time-series variation of sensor values ​​measured during a period of time in the aerosol generating apparatus heating the rod-shaped matrix according to an embodiment.

[0030] [ Figure 5 [ ] is a graph showing the experimental results of the suction detection method according to the embodiment.

[0031] [ Figure 6 [This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a suction detection process implemented by means of an aerosol generating apparatus according to this embodiment.] Detailed Implementation

[0032] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be assigned to components having substantially the same functional configuration in the specification and drawings to avoid repetitive descriptions.

[0033] <1. Example of Aerosol Generating Device Configuration>

[0034] An aerosol generating device is a device used to generate aerosols for users to inhale.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an aerosol generating device. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 according to this configuration example includes: a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a housing portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 144.

[0036] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity. The power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the aerosol generating device 100 based on control executed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0037] Sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to aerosol generating device 100. As an example, sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with user inhalation. As another example, sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device (such as a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0038] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 may be configured with a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

[0039] Memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of aerosol generating device 100. For example, memory unit 114 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0040] Communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Low Power Wide Area (LPWA).

[0041] The control unit 116 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, thereby controlling all operations within the aerosol generating device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) or electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor).

[0042] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the 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 that allows communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and houses the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 that serves as a bottom surface, and this receiving portion defines the 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 in the side surface of the aerosol generating device 100, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow path to the internal space 141.

[0043] The stick-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the aerosol generating device 100 is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as polyols (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or water, or it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the stick-shaped matrix 150 held in the receiving portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when a user takes the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and removes it, air flows into the internal space 141 through an airflow path (not depicted) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated by the matrix portion 151.

[0044] Heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1 In the example shown, the heating unit 121 has a membrane-like form and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140. Thus, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when powered by the power supply unit 111. For example, power can be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information. Then, power supply can be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information.

[0045] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0046] The above describes an example configuration of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, but can have various configurations shown below.

[0047] As an example, the heating unit 121 may be in the form of a blade and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heats the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140.

[0048] 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. Thus, by opening and closing the housing, the receiving portion 140 can clamp and receive the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, a heating unit 121 may be disposed on the clamping portion of the receiving portion 140, and can heat the rod-shaped substrate while pressing it.

[0049] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source can be induction heating. In this case, the aerosol generating device 100 includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (such as a coil) for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A sensor for generating heat by means of induction heating can be provided in the aerosol generating device 100, or it can be included in the rod-shaped matrix 150.

[0050] Control unit 116 controls the operation of heating unit 121 based on a heating curve. The heating curve is control information used to control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating curve defines target values ​​for parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The resistance of heating unit 121 is an example of a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. That is, the heating curve can also define a target value for the resistance of heating unit 121 (which is also referred to below as the "target resistance"). The resistance of heating unit 121 varies according to the temperature of heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistors constituting heating unit 121). For example, it is assumed below that the resistance of heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of heating unit 121 increases.

[0051] Temperature control of heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, through known feedback control. The feedback control unit can be, for example, a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller. Control unit 116 can supply power from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121 in pulse form using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, control unit 116 can control the temperature of heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0052] The time period for controlling the electrical supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve (in other words, the time period for implementing heating by means of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve) will also be referred to below as the "heating phase".

[0053] <2. Technical Issues>

[0054] Techniques for detecting aspiration using sensors installed in aerosol generating devices have been developed, including the technique described in PTL 1 above. In conventional aspiration detection methods, capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, or temperature sensors are installed in the aerosol generating device, and whether aspiration has occurred is determined by comparing sensor values, continuously measured over time by the sensor, with a threshold. However, simply comparing sensor values ​​with a threshold may not accurately detect aspiration. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 Let me explain this.

[0055] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are graphs illustrating conventional aspiration detection methods. In these graphs, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the sensor value. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the sensor value drops significantly at the point where suction is performed.

[0056] Therefore, in conventional aspiration detection methods, when the sensor value drops below a threshold, it is determined that aspiration has occurred. Figure 2 As shown. However, sensor values ​​can include offset components caused by factors such as the operating environment of the aerosol generating device, sensor degradation over time, individual sensor differences, measurement timing, aerosol accumulation, aerosol wetting of the matrix, and noise pollution. Due to the influence of these offset components, suction may be difficult to detect because even during suction, the sensor value may not drop below a threshold, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0057] Overall change in sensor values ​​(e.g.) Figure 2 and Figure 3This can occur in pressure sensors, for example, at high or low altitudes. Correcting the sensor value after measuring atmospheric pressure is also feasible, but this leads to problems such as increased cost, increased device size, and increased power consumption.

[0058] In addition, applying smoothing to remove noise is also feasible, but the offset component may also be generated by reasons other than noise, so the effect of doing so is limited.

[0059] Besides suction, sensor values ​​may also change over time for other reasons. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Let me explain this.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a graph illustrating an example of the time-series variation of sensor values ​​measured during a period of time in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 heating the rod-shaped substrate 150 according to an embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph represents time and depicts the range from the beginning to the end of the heating phase. The vertical axis of this graph represents the capacitance of the internal space 141 of the accommodating portion 140. Figure 4 During the heating phase, as shown in the measurement sensor values, there were no single abrupt changes in state, such as suction.

[0061] Despite existence Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a situation without sudden state changes (e.g., suction, i.e., steady state), but it can be seen that the capacitance changes over a longer period as heating proceeds. This long-term change is likely due to the reduction in the amount of aerosol generated from the rod matrix 150 as heating progresses, and the accompanying decrease in the amount of aerosol sources contained within the rod matrix 150. Because the sensor value exhibits long-term changes even in steady state, it is difficult to maintain high accuracy in detecting suction throughout the entire heating phase using conventional suction detection methods.

[0062] Furthermore, the amount and distribution of aerosol sources contained in the rod matrix 150 vary from person to person, and these individual differences may also lead to variations in sensor values. Therefore, there is a risk of variation in the accuracy of detecting the aspiration of each rod matrix 150 using conventional aspiration detection methods.

[0063] Although it is theoretically possible to set a variable threshold for detecting aspiration based on long-term changes in sensor values ​​and individual differences in the rod matrix 150 in conventional aspiration detection methods, this would be difficult in practice.

[0064] An aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has been developed to solve the technical problems explained above. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to this embodiment determines the state of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 while removing the offset component of the sensor value. This configuration allows for further improvement in the accuracy of determination based on sensor values.

[0065] <3. Technical Features>

[0066] According to this embodiment, the sensor unit 112 continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device 100 over time. In the following example, it will be assumed that the sensor unit 112 includes a capacitive sensor for continuously measuring the capacitance of the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140 over time. For example, two electrodes constituting the capacitive sensor may be arranged on each side of the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140, and the capacitance in the space between the electrodes may be measured.

[0067] The control unit 116 determines the state of the aerosol generating device 100 based on sensor values ​​(i.e., capacitance) measured by means of a capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 116 determines whether the aerosol generated from the rod matrix 150 has been extracted, i.e., whether it has been aspirated.

[0068] Control unit 116 determines whether aspiration has occurred by comparing the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average of the sensor values ​​with a threshold. For example, control unit 116 determines that aspiration has occurred when the absolute value of the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average of the sensor values ​​is equal to or greater than the threshold, and determines that aspiration has not occurred when the absolute value is not equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0069] A moving average is obtained by calculating the average value over a continuous, predetermined time series data interval and is an example of a smoothing process used to smooth time series data. A long-term moving average is a smoothing process with more samples used in its calculation; that is, a longer calculation interval than a short-term moving average. Conversely, a short-term moving average is a smoothing process with fewer samples used in its calculation; that is, a shorter calculation interval than a long-term moving average.

[0070] Here, long-term moving averages and short-term moving averages have different response rates (i.e., time constants). The response rate of a moving average depends on the number of samples used for calculation, and the more samples used, the slower the response rate. This is because it relies more on past data, and as the number of samples used for calculation increases, the response to data changes becomes slower. Therefore, it can be said that long-term moving averages have a slower response rate than short-term moving averages.

[0071] The offset component can be removed by taking the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average. By comparing the difference after offset component removal with a threshold, it is possible to determine very accurately whether aspiration has occurred. This will be explained in detail below.

[0072] The long-term moving average is represented by equation (1).

[0073] X_long_ave = (Xm + Xm-1 +…+X0) / m…(1)

[0074] Here, m is the number of samples. Xm is the sensor value at sample m. X0 is the most recent sensor value, and the larger the value of m in Xm, the further back the sensor value is from the present. X_long_ave is the long-term moving average. The sensor value Xm is represented by equation (2) using the true value Ym and the offset component Yoffset.

[0075] Xm = Ym + Yoffset…(2)

[0076] By substituting equation (2) into equation (1), the long-term moving average is represented by equation (3).

[0077] X_long_ave = (Ym + Ym-1 +…+Y0) / m + Yoffset

[0078] = Y_long_ave + Yoffset…(3)

[0079] Here, Y_long_ave is the long-term moving average of the true value Ym.

[0080] The short-term moving average is represented by equation (4).

[0081] X_short_ave = (Xn + Xn-1 +…+X0) / n…(4)

[0082] Here, n is the number of samples, and n < m. X0 is the most recent sensor value, and the larger the value of n in Xn, the further back the sensor value is from the present. X_short_ave is the short-term moving average. The sensor value Xn is represented by equation (5) using the true value Yn and the offset component Yoffset.

[0083] Xn = Yn + Yoffset…(5)

[0084] By substituting equation (5) into equation (4), the short-term moving average is represented by equation (6).

[0085] X_short_ave = (Yn + Yn-1 +…+Y0) / n + Yoffset

[0086] = Y_short_ave + Yoffset…(6)

[0087] Here, Y_short_ave is the short-term moving average of the true value Yn.

[0088] The difference X_diff between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average is expressed by equation (7) using equations (3) and (6).

[0089] X_diff = X_long_ave - X_short_ave

[0090] = Y_long_ave + Yoffset - (Y_short_ave + Yoffset)

[0091] = Y_long_ave - Y_short_ave…(7)

[0092] Referring to equation (7), the offset component is removed from the difference X_diff, leaving the difference between the true values.

[0093] When maintaining a steady state, the differences X_diff (or more precisely, the absolute value of the difference X_diff) are 0 or very small. However, when a suction or similar operation has occurred, the difference X_diff (or more precisely, the absolute value of the difference X_diff) briefly increases. This is because when a suction or similar operation has occurred and the sensor value changes, the short-term moving average X_short_ave reflects the change first, and then the long-term moving average X_long_ave changes with the delay.

[0094] Therefore, the control unit 116 determines that aspiration has been performed by comparing the difference X_diff with a threshold to detect a large change in the difference X_diff. More specifically, the control unit 116 determines the start of aspiration based on the absolute value of the difference X_diff exceeding the threshold. Subsequently, the control unit 116 determines the end of aspiration based on the absolute value of the difference X_diff falling below the threshold. More preferably, the threshold for determining the start of aspiration and the threshold for determining the end of aspiration can be separate values. With this configuration, the influence of the offset component can be excluded while accurately determining whether aspiration has been performed.

[0095] Even if the sensor value changes over a long period of time in steady state, such as Figure 4 As shown, as long as the steady state is maintained, the difference X_diff remains 0 or a very small value. Therefore, the aspiration detection method according to this embodiment enables accurate detection of whether aspiration has occurred even if the sensor value (although in a steady state) changes over a long period of time. For the same reason, the aspiration detection method according to this embodiment also enables suppression of variations in aspiration detection accuracy caused by individual differences in the rod matrix 150.

[0096] It should be noted that because a moving average is used to establish a relationship, there is a time lag between the actual suction performed and the determination of when the suction has been performed. However, this time lag is similar to that used when using moving averages to remove noise, and therefore cannot be considered a particularly significant drawback.

[0097] The aspiration detection method according to this embodiment has been described above. The following will refer to... Figure 5 The experimental results of the aspiration detection method according to this embodiment are described.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the experimental results from the suction detection method according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents capacitance. The graph shows the sensor value, short-term moving average, long-term moving average, the difference between the long-term and short-term moving averages, and the threshold. It should be noted that this is a biaxial graph, where the scale of the difference between the long-term and short-term moving averages and the scale of the threshold are different from the scales of the short-term and long-term moving averages.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor value decreases significantly during aspiration. Then, the short-term moving average decreases after a delay as the sensor value decreases, and the long-term moving average decreases after a further delay. Therefore, the difference between the long-term and short-term moving averages immediately exceeds a threshold after aspiration. Thus, the control unit 116 can detect aspiration based on the difference between the long-term and short-term moving averages exceeding a threshold.

[0100] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 Describe the processing flow.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a suction detection process implemented by means of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 116 first acquires sensor values ​​that are continuously measured over time by means of the sensor unit 112 (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 acquires time-series data of the capacitance of the internal space 141 of the accommodating portion 140, which is measured by means of a capacitive sensor.

[0103] Next, the control unit 116 calculates the long-term moving average and short-term moving average of the sensor values, as well as the difference between them (step S104).

[0104] Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the result of comparing the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average with a threshold satisfies a predetermined condition (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0105] When it has been determined that the result of comparing the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average with a threshold meets the predetermined conditions (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped matrix 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S108).

[0106] On the other hand, when it has been determined that the result of comparing the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average with a threshold does not meet the predetermined conditions (step S106: No), the control unit 116 determines that the rod-shaped matrix 150 is not inserted into the receiving portion 140 (step S110).

[0107] Subsequently, the control unit 116 controls the process based on the determined result (step S112). For example, when it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140, the control unit 116 can start heating by means of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the receiving portion 140, the control unit 116 can prevent heating by means of the heating unit 121. This configuration allows for a balance between improving availability through automatic start-up and ensuring safety by preventing dry heating.

[0108] <4. Supplementary Information>

[0109] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims will be conceived, and such modifications and variations will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0110] The number of samples used to calculate the long-term moving average can be twice the number used to calculate the short-term moving average. In this case, taking the difference between the long-term and short-term moving averages is equivalent to taking the moving average of the value obtained by differentiating the sensor values. The derivative of capacitance represents the rate of change of capacitance and is therefore considered to correspond to the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user.

[0111] The above embodiments describe examples of preset thresholds, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. For example, control unit 116 may update the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the sensor values. Alternatively, control unit 116 may update the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average. In either case, control unit 116 may assume that the sensor values ​​or the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average follow a normal distribution during steady state and may set any threshold that enables the detection of outliers. Specifically, control unit 116 may utilize the fact that the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average is 0 during steady state and may set the threshold as a constant multiple of the standard deviation of the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average (e.g., setting the threshold to three times the standard deviation when the 3σ interval is considered steady state). Furthermore, the threshold may be updated whenever necessary during the heating phase. By updating the threshold, the effects of variations in suction intensity and noise from the heating unit 121 can be appropriately eliminated.

[0112] Control unit 116 can update the sample size to calculate each of the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average. As an example, control unit 116 can set the sample size based on the length of the time period during which aspiration is being performed (i.e., the length of a single aspiration by the user). This configuration allows for appropriate detection of whether the user is performing a strong, transient aspiration or a gradual, weak aspiration. As another example, control unit 116 can set the sample sizes m and n based on a heating curve. This configuration allows for appropriate detection of aspiration regardless of the type of heating curve used.

[0113] The above embodiments describe an example of the control unit 116 determining whether aspiration has occurred, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. That is, the control unit 116 only needs to determine the state of the aerosol generating device 100, and the state of the aerosol generating device 100 to be determined is not limited to whether aspiration has occurred. The control unit 116 can also determine whether the rod matrix 150 has been inserted into the receiving portion 140 by comparing the difference between the long-term moving average and the short-term moving average of the capacitance with a threshold. The rod matrix 150 contains an aerosol source with a high relative permittivity, so there is a large transient change in capacitance when the rod matrix 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 140. This configuration allows for very accurate detection of the transient change in capacitance accompanying the insertion of the rod matrix 150, thus allowing for accurate determination of whether the rod matrix 150 has been inserted.

[0114] The long-term moving average of capacitance measured by a capacitive sensor, as described in the above embodiments, is an example of a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value. Furthermore, the short-term moving average of capacitance measured by a capacitive sensor is an example of a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0115] As an example, the first and second smoothing processes can each employ any of the following: moving average, exponential moving average, weighted moving average, low-pass filter, high-pass filter, or band-pass filter. The first and second smoothing processes should have different computation intervals and different response speeds.

[0116] As another example, sensor unit 112 can be a capacitive sensor, an air pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a power sensor. That is, control unit 116 can determine the state of aerosol generating device 100 by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to sensor values ​​measured by means of the aforementioned sensors and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process (having a different response speed than the first smoothing process) with a threshold. Regardless of the type of sensor used to measure the sensor values, the state of aerosol generating device 100 can be accurately determined.

[0117] Sensor unit 112 may in particular be a sensor for measuring parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. Examples of such sensors include sensors for measuring the resistance value of heating unit 121 (which varies according to the temperature of heating unit 121), or temperature sensors, such as thermistors, disposed near heating unit 121. During the heating phase, the temperature of heating unit 121 varies over a long period, even in a steady state, and decreases significantly and briefly after aspiration has occurred. In this respect, the determination method according to this embodiment allows for accurate determination of whether aspiration has occurred throughout the entire heating phase.

[0118] The heating unit 121 described in the above embodiments is an example of a load for generating heat, which is energy used to heat an aerosol source housed in a rod-shaped matrix 150 within a housing portion 140. The load is not limited to the heating unit 121. When the means of heating the aerosol source is induction heating, the load may be an induction coil for generating a magnetic field, which is energy used to inductively heat a sensor adjacent to the aerosol source.

[0119] The above embodiments describe an example of an aerosol generating device 100 generating aerosols by heating a rod-shaped matrix 150, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. The aerosol generating device 100 can also be configured as a so-called liquid atomizing aerosol generating device, which generates aerosols by heating and atomizing a liquid aerosol source. The technology according to this disclosure can also be applied to liquid atomizing aerosol generating devices.

[0120] It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. For example, the program constituting the software is pre-stored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) located internally or externally to each device. Then, when these programs are executed, for example, by a computer used to control each device described in this specification, these programs are read into random access memory (RAM) and executed by means of processing circuitry such as a central processing unit (CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. Furthermore, the computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. Additionally, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that performs functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be centrally processed by a single computer or processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers. Additionally, in the above embodiments, two or more communication means existing in a single device can be physically implemented using a single medium.

[0121] Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps can be implemented in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps can be used, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0122] It should be noted that configurations such as the following also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0123] (1) An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0124] The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space;

[0125] The load is used to generate energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion;

[0126] A sensor unit, which continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time; and

[0127] A control unit, which determines the state of the aerosol generating device based on the sensor value measured by means of the sensor unit.

[0128] in,

[0129] The control unit determines the state of the aerosol generating device by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold.

[0130] The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

[0131] (2) The aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (1) above, wherein the first smoothing process and the second smoothing process each employ a moving average, an exponential moving average, a weighted moving average, a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter or a band-pass filter.

[0132] (3) As disclosed in (1) above, the aerosol generating apparatus wherein the first smoothing process employs a long-term moving average, and

[0133] The second smoothing process uses a short-term moving average and fewer samples for calculation compared to the first smoothing process.

[0134] (4) The aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (3) above, wherein the number of samples used for calculation in the first smoothing process is twice the number of samples used for calculation in the second smoothing process.

[0135] (5) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the sensor unit is a capacitive sensor, an air pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor or a power sensor.

[0136] (6) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the sensor unit is a capacitive sensor, and

[0137] The capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of the internal space of the housing.

[0138] (7) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the sensor unit is a sensor for measuring parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

[0139] (8) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit determines whether aerosol generated from the matrix has been extracted.

[0140] (9) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit determines whether the matrix has been inserted into the receiving portion.

[0141] (10) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (9) above, wherein the control unit updates the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the difference.

[0142] (11) The aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the control unit updates the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the sensor value.

[0143] (12) An information processing method implemented by means of a computer and including determining the state of an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising:

[0144] The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space;

[0145] A load, which generates energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion; and

[0146] A sensor unit that continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time.

[0147] This determination is based on the sensor value measured by the sensor unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0148] in,

[0149] Determining the state of the aerosol generating device includes: comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold.

[0150] and

[0151] The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

[0152] (13) A program executed by means of a computer for controlling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0153] The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space;

[0154] A load, which generates energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion; and

[0155] A sensor unit that continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time.

[0156] in,

[0157] The program makes the computer act as

[0158] A control unit, which determines the state of the aerosol generating device based on the sensor value measured by means of the sensor unit.

[0159] The control unit determines the state of the aerosol generating device by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold.

[0160] The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

[0161] List of reference numerals

[0162] 100 Aerosol Generating Device

[0163] 111 Power Supply Unit

[0164] 112 Sensor Unit

[0165] 113 Notification Unit

[0166] 114 memory cells

[0167] 115 Communication Unit

[0168] 116 Control Unit

[0169] 121 Heating Unit

[0170] 140 Capacity Section

[0171] 141 Interior Space

[0172] 142 Opening

[0173] 143 Bottom section

[0174] 144 Thermal Insulation Components

[0175] 150 rod-shaped substrate

[0176] 151 Matrix Part

[0177] 152. Suction nozzle section.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space; The load is used to generate energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion; A sensor unit for continuously measuring sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time; as well as A control unit, which determines the state of the aerosol generating device based on the sensor value measured by means of the sensor unit. in, The control unit determines the state of the aerosol generating device by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold. The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The first smoothing process and the second smoothing process each employ any one of the following: moving average, exponential moving average, weighted moving average, low-pass filter, high-pass filter, or band-pass filter.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The first smoothing process uses a long-term moving average, and The second smoothing process uses a short-term moving average and fewer samples for calculation compared to the first smoothing process.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The number of samples used for calculation in the first smoothing process is twice the number of samples used for calculation in the second smoothing process.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sensor unit is a capacitive sensor, air pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, ultrasonic sensor, optical sensor, temperature sensor, or power sensor.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sensor unit is a capacitive sensor, and The capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of the internal space of the housing.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, This sensor unit is used to measure parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit determines whether the aerosol generated from the matrix has been extracted.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit determines whether the substrate has been inserted into the receiving portion.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The control unit updates the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the difference.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The control unit updates the threshold based on the variance or standard deviation of the sensor value.

12. An information processing method implemented by means of a computer and including determining the state of an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space; The load is used to generate energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion; as well as A sensor unit that continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time. This determination is based on the sensor value measured by the sensor unit of the aerosol generating device. in, Determining the state of the aerosol generating device includes: comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold. and The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

13. A computer-executed program for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: The containment section is used to contain the matrix containing the aerosol source within the internal space; The load is used to generate energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the containment portion; as well as A sensor unit that continuously measures sensor values ​​associated with the aerosol generating device over time. in, The program makes the computer act as A control unit, which determines the state of the aerosol generating device based on the sensor value measured by means of the sensor unit. The control unit determines the state of the aerosol generating device by comparing the difference between a first value obtained by applying a first smoothing process to the sensor value and a second value obtained by applying a second smoothing process to the sensor value with a threshold. The response speed of the first smoothing process is different from that of the second smoothing process.

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