Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of reducing volume of communication in a suction device.SOLUTION: A suction device includes: a heating unit that heats a base material and generates an aerosol; a communication unit that receives information indicating a profile stipulating an operation of the heating unit, through a communication link from another suction device or a terminal device; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit in accordance with the information indicating the profile. The information indicating the profile includes information indicating parameters concerning the operation of the heating unit at each of a plurality of time segments constituting the period from a start time point to an end time point of heating at the heating unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, the inhalation device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to equip a suction device with a wireless communication function. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique in which a suction device operates according to operation settings wirelessly received from a mobile communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 104227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it is difficult to say that the technology described in Patent Document 1 above is sufficiently devised in terms of the amount of communication by the suction device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of reducing the amount of communication of a suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an suction device is provided, comprising a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, a communication unit that receives information indicating a profile that specifies the operation of the heating unit via a communication link, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit in accordance with the information indicating the profile, wherein the information indicating the profile includes a combination of information indicating a time and information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit at that time.

[0008] The profile is information indicating the time series changes of parameters related to the operation of the heating section from a start point to an end point, and the information indicating the time may be information indicating each of a plurality of time intervals that constitute the period from the start point to the end point.

[0009] The information indicating the time intervals may be information indicating an order of the time intervals and a length of the time intervals.

[0010] The information indicating the time interval may be information indicating the end of the time interval by an amount of time elapsed from the start point.

[0011] The information indicating the time interval may be information indicating the start and end of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start point.

[0012] The information indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit may be information indicating a target value that the parameter should reach at the time.

[0013] The information indicating the profile may be information indicating the time series changes in parameters related to the operation of the heating unit from a start point to an end point, and the information indicating the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit may be information indicating the time series changes in the parameters at the time.

[0014] The information indicating the time series change of the parameter may be information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of the parameter at the time.

[0015] The profile is information indicating the time series changes in parameters related to the operation of the heating unit from a start point to an end point, the information indicating the time is information indicating each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the period from the start point to the end point, and the information indicating the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit is information indicating the time series changes in the parameters in the time intervals, and the communication unit may receive information via a communication link that includes a combination of information indicating the time interval and information indicating the time series changes in the parameters in the time intervals, for each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the period from the start point to the end point.

[0016] The communication unit may transmit, as the information indicating the profile, information that omits information indicating target values ​​of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit for at least a portion of the time period.

[0017] When the received information indicating the profile does not include information indicating target values ​​of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit at a first time, the control unit may use information indicating target values ​​of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit at a second time that is one time before the first time as information indicating the target values ​​of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit at the first time.

[0018] The parameter may be information detected when the heating unit is operated.

[0019] The parameter may be a temperature of the heating portion or a resistance value of the heating portion.

[0020] The parameter may be a temperature of a portion heated by the heating unit.

[0021] The parameter may relate to electricity supplied to the heating portion.

[0022] The parameter may be the amount of the aerosol generated by the heating unit that is inhaled by a user.

[0023] The communication link may be wireless.

[0024] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the profile by NFC.

[0025] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmission method which includes transmitting, via a communication link, a combination of information indicating a profile that specifies the operation of a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, the information indicating a time and information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit at that time.

[0026] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for controlling a computer that controls an suction device that controls the operation of a heating section that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, to control the suction device to transmit via a communication link a combination of information indicating a time and information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating section at that time, as information indicating a profile that specifies the operation of the heating section that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol. Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of reducing the amount of communication in a suction device is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target temperature according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target resistance value according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target temperature according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target resistance value according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target temperature according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target resistance value according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines a time series change in a target temperature according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] 13 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile in which a target resistance value is defined according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a common table that defines target temperatures according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the common table shown in FIG. 12 and a heating profile. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a common table that defines a time-series change in a target resistance value according to a second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the common table shown in FIG. 14 and a heating profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0030] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0031] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0032] Power supply unit 111A accumulates power. Power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of suction device 100A under the control of control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured with, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0033] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0034] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A is configured, for example, by 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 vibrates.

[0035] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100 A. Storage unit 114A is configured with, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0036] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in compliance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0038] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

[0039] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0040] The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0041] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0042] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air that flows in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and is transported to the air outlet hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0043] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of a user when inhaling. Air outlet hole 182 is arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0044] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0045] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0046] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.

[0047] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0048] (2) Second configuration example 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction 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 holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0049] Each of power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0050] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole that is an entrance of air to such a flow path is arranged in the bottom part 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole that is an exit of air from such a flow path is the opening 142.

[0051] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0052] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0053] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0054] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0055] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0056] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

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

[0058] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0059] -supplement The inhalation device 100 may have any of the first and second configuration examples described above. Hereinafter, the inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 by the user is also simply referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing".

[0060] The inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate. The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates an aerosol. The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the second configuration example are examples of substrates in the present invention. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 connected to the power supply unit 110 are an example of a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100. In the second configuration example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the inhalation device 100 is an example of a substrate attached to the inhalation device 100.

[0061] <<2. Technical features>> (1) Heating profile The suction device 100 according to this embodiment operates according to a heating profile. The heating profile is information that specifies the operation of the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol (i.e., the operation of the heating unit 121 to heat the substrate). The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to operate according to the heating profile. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0062] The heating profile is information indicating time series changes in parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121 from the start time to the end time. In particular, the heating profile may be information indicating time series changes in target values ​​of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121. In this case, the suction device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121 change in accordance with the time series changes in the target values ​​defined in the heating profile.

[0063] An example of the parameter is the temperature of the heating unit 121. The target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile is also referred to as the target temperature hereinafter. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the heating unit 121 achieves a temperature similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 causes the power supply unit 111 to be supplied to the heating unit 121 in the form of a pulse by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

[0064] In the feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the above-mentioned duty ratio, based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature, etc. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the electric resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electric resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0065] As described above, when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121, it can be said that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is synonymous with the resistance value of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 can also be indicated by the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. In this case, an example of a parameter in the heating profile may be the resistance value of the heating unit 121. The target value of the resistance value of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile is also referred to as the target resistance value hereinafter. The control unit 116 may control the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that a resistance value similar to the target resistance value defined in the heating profile is realized in the heating unit 121. The control of the resistance value of the heating unit 121 can be realized, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 causes the power from the power supply unit 111 to be supplied to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the resistance value of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

[0066] The temperature of the heating unit 121 corresponds to the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, but the resistance value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 depends on the characteristics of the heating unit 121 and the environmental temperature. Therefore, if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the environmental temperature differ, the target resistance value corresponding to the target temperature will be different even if the target temperature is the same.

[0067] In the feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the above-mentioned duty ratio, based on the difference between the resistance value of the heating unit 121 and the target resistance value, etc. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control. Note that the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor.

[0068] In the first configuration example, heating by the heating unit 121A is performed at the timing when a puff is detected. That is, the heating unit 121A performs heating every time a puff is detected. After the substrate is attached to the inhalation device 100A according to the first configuration example, the aerosol source contained in the substrate decreases every time a puff is performed, and eventually runs out. Therefore, typically, a user replaces the substrate when the aerosol source runs out.

[0069] On the other hand, in the second configuration example, heating by the heating unit 121B starts from the timing when it is detected that an operation to instruct the start of heating has been performed. While heating by the heating unit 121B is being performed, aerosol is generated from the substrate. After heating is started, the aerosol source contained in the substrate decreases over time. When the aerosol source is depleted, heating by the heating unit 121B is stopped. Therefore, typically, the user puffs while heating by the heating unit 121B is being performed.

[0070] The period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as a puffable period. On the other hand, the period from when heating starts until when the puffable period starts is also referred to as a pre-heating period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating. The user may be notified of the start and end timings of the puffable period. In this case, the user can puff during the puffable period by referring to the notification.

[0071] The start and end points of the heating profile may vary widely.

[0072] An example of a start point of the heating profile in the first configuration example is the timing when a new substrate is mounted. An example of an end point of the heating profile in the first configuration example is the timing when a previously mounted substrate is removed.

[0073] An example of the start point of the heating profile in the second configuration example is the timing when heating (more precisely, pre-heating) starts. Also, an example of the end point of the heating profile in the second configuration example is the timing when heating by the heating unit 121 ends (more precisely, the timing when the puffable period ends). Note that heating may be temporarily suspended between the start and end of heating.

[0074] An example of a heating profile in the second configuration example will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0075] Referring to line 21 of this graph, it is set to reach the target temperature of 250° C. 20 seconds after the start of heating. Then, it is set to reach the target temperature of 220° C. 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to reach the target temperature of 230° C. 240 seconds after the start of heating. Then, it is set to maintain the target temperature of 230° C. between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, it is set to reach the target temperature of 220° C. 300 seconds after the start of heating. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the set target temperature at each of these times. As a result, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes so as to follow the heating profile.

[0076] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the pre-heating period is from the start of heating to 20 seconds later. Therefore, the puffable period starts 20 seconds after the start of heating. After 300 seconds after the start of heating, the target temperature is not set. Therefore, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121. However, aerosol is generated while residual heat remains in the heating unit 121 and the base material. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the puffable period ends 320 seconds after the start of heating, which is after the heating is stopped.

[0077] As described above, when the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time series change of the target resistance value. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile defining the time series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121 on the vertical axis in the example shown in FIG. 3 as the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). A line 31 in this graph shows the time series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the environmental temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be different.

[0078] Referring to the line 31 of this graph, the resistance is set to reach the target resistance value of 1.50Ω 20 seconds after the start of heating. Then, the resistance is set to reach the target resistance value of 1.20Ω 60 seconds after the start of heating. Then, the resistance is set to reach the target resistance value of 1.30Ω 240 seconds after the start of heating. Then, the resistance is set to maintain the target resistance value of 1.30Ω between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, the resistance is set to reach the target resistance value of 1.20Ω 300 seconds after the start of heating. The control unit 116 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 toward the set target resistance value at each of these times. As a result, the resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes so as to follow the heating profile. And since the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the control of the resistance value of the heating unit 121 by the control unit 116.

[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pre-heating period is from the start of heating to 20 seconds later. Therefore, the puffable period starts 20 seconds after the start of heating. After 300 seconds after the start of heating, the target resistance value is not set. Therefore, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121. However, aerosol is generated while residual heat remains in the heating unit 121 and the base material. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the puffable period ends 320 seconds after the start of heating, which is after the heating is stopped.

[0080] (2) Discretization of heating profile The suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating a heating profile via a communication link. The communication link is, for example, wireless. Examples of wireless communication standards used in this case include short-range wireless communication standards such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth. With this configuration, the suction device 100 can transmit and receive information indicating a heating profile between another device located in a short distance. The communication link may be wired.

[0081] As an example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating a heating profile to and from another suction device 100. With this configuration, the receiving side can operate according to the received heating profile.

[0082] As another example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating a heating profile between a terminal device such as a smartphone. With this configuration, the terminal device can output the heating profile received from the suction device 100 to a user and customize the heating profile based on a user operation. Furthermore, the suction device 100 can operate according to the customized heating profile received from the terminal device.

[0083] If the heating profile described above is transmitted and received as continuous data showing the time series change of the target temperature (or the target resistance value), the amount of communication increases in proportion to the time granularity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heating profile is transmitted and received as discretized discrete data to reduce the amount of communication. This point will be described in detail below.

[0084] The suction device 100 transmits, as information indicating a heating profile, information including a combination of information indicating a time and information indicating a parameter at the time, via a communication link. More specifically, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits, as information indicating a heating profile, information including a combination of information indicating a time interval (hereinafter also referred to as a partial time interval) and information indicating a time series change of a parameter in the partial time interval, for each of a plurality of partial time intervals constituting a start time point to an end time point. For example, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits, for each of a plurality of partial time intervals obtained by dividing an entire time interval from the start of heating to the end of heating, information indicating a combination of information indicating a partial time interval and information indicating a time series change of a target temperature (or a target resistance value) in the partial time interval. With this configuration, the heating profile as continuous data is discretized into information for each partial time interval as discrete data. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication when transmitting and receiving a heating profile.

[0085] The receiver of the information indicating the heating profile as discrete data can restore the heating profile as continuous data based on the received information. In other words, according to this embodiment, the heating profile is losslessly compressed, so to speak, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of communication while suppressing a decrease in the amount of information.

[0086] An example of a method for transmitting information indicating a heating profile will be described below. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may discretize and transmit the heating profile using the transmission method described below.

[0087] -First transmission method In the first transmission method, the information indicating the partial time intervals is information indicating the order of the partial time intervals and the length of the partial time intervals. Moreover, the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information including a combination of information indicating the order of the partial time intervals and the length of the partial time intervals and information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval for each of a plurality of partial time intervals. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may transmit the information to the suction device 100.

[0088] As one example, the information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in a partial time interval may indicate the target value that the parameter should reach at an end of the partial time interval. As another example, the information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in a partial time interval may indicate the target value that the parameter should reach at any timing in the partial time interval.

[0089] Table 1 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 3, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 1 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 250°C in the first 20 seconds. Next, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C in the subsequent 40 seconds. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 1 indicate that heating is stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating after controlling the temperature to a target temperature of 220°C in the final 40 seconds.

[0092] The information actually sent may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a sub-time interval and a target temperature for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually sent may be {(20,250),(40,220),(180,230),(20,230),(40,220)}. The target temperatures may be expressed in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The final lines, "From Here On" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0093] Table 2 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 4, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 2 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω in the first 20 seconds. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω in the subsequent 40 seconds. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 2 indicate that heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value to a target resistance value of 1.20Ω in the final 40 seconds, and then stops heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121).

[0096] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a value indicating a sub-time interval and a value indicating a target resistance value for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,1.50),(40,1.20),(180,1.30),(20,1.30),(40,1.20)}. The last line, "From here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0097] -Second transmission method In the second transmission method, the information indicating the partial time interval is information indicating the end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start time of the heating profile. Moreover, the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information including a combination of information indicating the end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start time and information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval for each of a plurality of partial time intervals. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may transmit the information to the suction device 100.

[0098] Table 3 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 3, which is transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0099] [Table 3]

[0100] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 3 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 250°C 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time intervals. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 3 indicate that heating is to be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0101] The information actually sent may simply be a combination of values ​​indicating the sub-time interval and the target temperature for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually sent may be {(20,250),(60,220),(240,230),(260,230),(300,220)}. The target temperatures may be expressed in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The final lines "From here on" and "OFF" may be omitted.

[0102] Table 4 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 4, which is transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0103] [Table 4]

[0104] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 4 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time intervals. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 4 indicate that heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0105] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a value indicating a sub-time interval and a value indicating a target resistance value for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,1.50),(60,1.20),(240,1.30),(260,1.30),(300,1.20)}. The last line, "From here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0106] -Third transmission method In the third transmission method, the information indicating the partial time interval is information indicating the start and end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. Moreover, the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information including a combination of information indicating the start and end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile and information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in the partial time interval for each of a plurality of partial time intervals. Note that the information may be transmitted to the suction device 100 by a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device.

[0107] Table 5 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 3, which is transmitted by the third transmission method.

[0108] [Table 5]

[0109] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 5 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 250°C between 0 and 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C between 20 and 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 5 indicate that heating is to be stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0110] The information actually sent may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a sub-time interval and a target temperature for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually sent may be {(0,20,250),(20,60,220),(60,240,230),(240,260,230),(260,300,220)}. The target temperatures may be expressed in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The final lines, "From Here On" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0111] Table 6 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 4, which is transmitted by the third transmission method.

[0112] [Table 6]

[0113] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 6, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω between 0 and 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω between 20 and 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 6 indicate that heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0114] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a value indicating a sub-time interval and a value indicating a target resistance value for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,1.50),(20,60,1.20),(60,240,1.30),(240,260,1.30),(260,300,1.20)}. The last line, "From here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0115] -The fourth transmission method The fourth transmission method is a method of omitting information indicating time series changes of parameters in partial time intervals. That is, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating a heating profile from which information indicating time series changes of parameters in at least some partial time intervals is omitted. With this configuration, the amount of communication can be further reduced.

[0116] The following Table 7 is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Fig. 3, which is transmitted by the fourth transmission method. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may transmit the information to the suction device 100.

[0117] [Table 7]

[0118] The receiving side may restore the omitted information arbitrarily. As an example, when the received information indicating the heating profile does not include information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the first partial time section, the suction device 100 may use the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the second partial time section immediately before the first partial time section as the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the first partial time section. For example, when the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 7 above, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 230° C. between 60 seconds and 240 seconds after the start of heating. Thereafter, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 230° C., which is the target temperature of the partial time section immediately before the partial time section, between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating.

[0119] The information actually sent may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a sub-time interval and a target temperature for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually sent may be {(0,20,250),(20,60,220),(60,240,230),(240,260,-),(260,300,220)}. The target temperatures may be expressed in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The final lines, "From Here On" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0120] In addition, while Table 7 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is adopted, information indicating a partial time interval in the first transmission method or the second transmission method may also be adopted.

[0121] Table 8 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 4, which is transmitted by the fourth transmission method.

[0122] [Table 8]

[0123] The receiving side may restore the omitted information arbitrarily. As an example, when the received information indicating the heating profile does not include information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the first partial time section, the suction device 100 may use the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the second partial time section immediately before the first partial time section as the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the first partial time section. For example, when the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 8 above, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.30Ω between 60 seconds and 240 seconds after the start of heating. Thereafter, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the target resistance value of the partial time section immediately before the partial time section is maintained at 1.30Ω between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating.

[0124] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values, consisting of a value indicating a sub-time interval and a value indicating a target resistance value for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,1.50),(20,60,1.20),(60,240,1.30),(240,260,-),(260,300,1.20)}. The last line, "From here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0125] In addition, while Table 8 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is adopted, information indicating a partial time interval in the first transmission method or the second transmission method may also be adopted.

[0126] -5th Transmission Method In the fifth transmission method, the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information indicating a function approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information including a combination of information indicating the partial time interval and information indicating a function approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter in the partial time interval for each of a plurality of partial time intervals. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may transmit the information to the suction device 100. With this configuration, even if the heating profile has a complex shape, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication while suppressing a decrease in the amount of information.

[0127] An example of a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of a parameter is a function F with time as a variable, which indicates the relationship between time and a target temperature, such as target temperature=F(time). Here, time refers to the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. An example of information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of a parameter is the coefficient of the function F.

[0128] Table 9 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 3, which is transmitted by the fifth transmission method.

[0129] [Table 9]

[0130] In the above Table 9, an example is shown in which the coefficient p and the coefficient q of the function F approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter are included as the information indicating the function approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter. When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in the above Table 9, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 using a value obtained by substituting the received coefficient p and coefficient q and the elapsed time from the start of heating into the function F as the target temperature. For example, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the same temperature as the target temperature indicated by the function F, in which the coefficient p is p1 and the coefficient q is q1, is realized in the heating unit 121 during the period from 0 seconds to 20 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 9 indicate that heating is stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0131] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values ​​consisting of values ​​indicating the sub-time intervals and the coefficients of the function F. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,p1,q1),(20,60,p2,q2),(60,240,p3,q3),(240,260,p4,q4),(260,300,p5,q5)}. The final lines "From here on" and "OFF" may be omitted.

[0132] Although the above example shows that the function F has two coefficients, the function F may have one coefficient or three or more coefficients. Also, different functions may be used, such as those having different numbers of coefficients of the function F for each partial time interval.

[0133] In addition, in the above Table 9, an example is shown in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is adopted, but information indicating a partial time interval in the first transmission method or the second transmission method may be adopted. Also, similar to the fourth transmission method, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating the heating profile from which information indicating time series changes of parameters in at least some partial time intervals is omitted. The restoration method in this case is also as described above for the fourth transmission method.

[0134] An example of a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of a parameter may be a function F with time as a variable, which indicates the relationship between time and the target resistance value, such as target resistance value=F(time). Here, time refers to the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. An example of information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of a parameter is the coefficient of the function F.

[0135] Table 10 below is an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in FIG. 4, which is transmitted by the fifth transmission method.

[0136] [Table 10]

[0137] In the above Table 10, an example is shown in which the coefficient r and the coefficient s of the function F approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter are included as the information indicating the function approximating the shape of the time series change of the parameter. When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in the above Table 10, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 using a value obtained by substituting the received coefficient r and coefficient s, and the elapsed time from the start of heating into the function F as a target resistance value. For example, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that a resistance value similar to the target resistance value indicated by the function F in which the coefficient r is r1 and the coefficient s is s1 is realized in the heating unit 121 during the period from 0 seconds to 20 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to the other partial time periods. Note that "and thereafter" and "OFF" in the last row of Table 10 indicate that heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped in the corresponding partial time period. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating (the supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0138] The information actually transmitted may simply be a combination of values ​​consisting of values ​​indicating the sub-time intervals and coefficients of the function F. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,r1,s1),(20,60,r2,s2),(60,240,r3,s3),(240,260,r4,s4),(260,300,r5,s5)}. The final lines "From here on" and "OFF" may be omitted.

[0139] Although the above example shows that the function F has two coefficients, the function F may have one coefficient or three or more coefficients. Also, different functions may be used, such as those having different numbers of coefficients of the function F for each partial time interval.

[0140] In addition, in the above Table 10, an example is shown in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is adopted, but information indicating a partial time interval in the first transmission method or the second transmission method may be adopted. Also, similar to the fourth transmission method, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating the heating profile, omitting information indicating time series changes of parameters in at least some partial time intervals. The restoration method in this case is also as described above for the fourth transmission method.

[0141] (3) Heating profile in the first configuration example The above mainly describes the method of discretizing and transmitting the heating profile in the second configuration example with reference to Fig. 3. The present invention is also similarly applicable to the heating profile in the first configuration example.

[0142] First, an example of a heating profile in the first configuration example will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that specifies the time series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The start point of this heating profile is the timing when the first puff is detected. In other words, the horizontal axis of this graph is the elapsed time from the timing when the first puff is detected. The vertical axis of this graph is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 22 in this graph shows the time series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0143] However, line 22 indicates the time series change of the target temperature for heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, when a puff is detected between 40 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with the target temperature set to 35°C. When a puff is detected between 40 seconds and 80 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with the target temperature set to 40°C. When a puff is detected between 80 seconds and 120 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with the target temperature set to 45°C.

[0144] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Fig. 5. As an example, the following Table 11 shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Fig. 5, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0145] [Table 11]

[0146] As described above, when the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time series change of the target resistance value. FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile defining the time series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121 on the vertical axis in the example shown in FIG. 5 as the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 32 in this graph shows the time series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the environmental temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be different.

[0147] Line 32 indicates a time series change in the target resistance value for heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, when a puff is detected between 40 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.00Ω. When a puff is detected between 40 seconds from the start time and 80 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.05Ω. When a puff is detected between 80 seconds from the start time and 120 seconds from the start time, the inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.10Ω.

[0148] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Fig. 6. As an example, the following Table 12 shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Fig. 6, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0149] [Table 12]

[0150] The time interval in the heating profile in the first configuration example may be defined by the number of puffs. An example of a heating profile in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that specifies the time series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is the accumulated number of puffs. The start point of this heating profile is the timing when the first puff is detected. In other words, the horizontal axis of this graph is the accumulated number of puffs from the timing when the first puff is detected. The vertical axis of this graph is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 22 in this graph shows the time series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0151] However, line 22 indicates the time series change in the target temperature when heating is performed when a puff is detected. For example, when the cumulative number of puffs is up to 5, inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of heating unit 121 to a target temperature of 35° C. when a puff is detected. When the cumulative number of puffs is between 6 and 10, inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of heating unit 121 to a target temperature of 40° C. when a puff is detected. When the cumulative number of puffs is between 11 and 15, inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of heating unit 121 to a target temperature of 45° C. when a puff is detected.

[0152] The first transmission method to the fifth transmission method can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Fig. 7. As an example, the following Table 13 shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Fig. 7, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0153] [Table 13]

[0154] As described above, when the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time series change of the target resistance value. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile defining the time series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121 on the vertical axis in the example shown in FIG. 7 as the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 32 in this graph shows the time series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the environmental temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be different.

[0155] Line 32 shows the time series change in the target resistance value when heating is performed when a puff is detected. For example, when the cumulative number of puffs is up to 5, inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of heating unit 121 to a target resistance value of 1.00Ω when a puff is detected. When the cumulative number of puffs is between 6 and 10, inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of heating unit 121 to a target resistance value of 1.05Ω when a puff is detected. When the cumulative number of puffs is between 11 and 15, inhalation device 100 controls the resistance value of heating unit 121 to a target resistance value of 1.10Ω when a puff is detected.

[0156] The first transmission method to the fifth transmission method can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Fig. 8. As an example, the following Table 14 shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Fig. 8, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0157] [Table 14]

[0158] (4) Processing flow FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0159] 9, first, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits information indicating a heating profile obtained by discretizing the heating profile (step S102). The information indicating the heating profile is received by, for example, a terminal device of the user and customized.

[0160] Next, the suction device 100 wirelessly receives information indicating the heating profile (step S104). For example, the suction device 100 wirelessly receives information indicating a customized heating profile obtained by discretizing the heating profile customized by the terminal device.

[0161] Then, the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol based on the heating profile indicated by the received information (step S106). In detail, the inhalation device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the heating unit 121 achieves a temperature similar to a target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0162] <<3. Modifications>> First variant In the first modified example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives difference information (hereinafter also referred to as difference profile data) between an existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and a new heating profile B to be transmitted and received as information indicating a heating profile. The difference information indicates information on a part where the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received differs from the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. That is, the difference information is information on the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received among information on a part where the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 differs from the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received. Note that a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, may transmit difference profile data to the suction device 100. According to this configuration, only difference information is transmitted and received, so that the amount of communication can be further reduced. Furthermore, when the suction device 100 receives difference information (difference profile data), the suction device 100 can reproduce the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received by adding the difference information to the existing heating profile A recorded.

[0163] 10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that specifies the time series change in target temperature according to the first modified example. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 41 in this graph indicates the time series change in target temperature in an existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. Moreover, dashed line 42 in this graph indicates the time series change in target temperature in a new heating profile B to be transmitted and received.

[0164] Referring to line 41 of this graph, the temperature is set to reach a target temperature of 250° C. 20 seconds after the start of heating. Then, the temperature is set to reach a target temperature of 220° C. 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the temperature is set to reach a target temperature of 230° C. 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the temperature is set to maintain the target temperature of 230° C. from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, the temperature is set to reach a target temperature of 220° C. 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0165] On the other hand, referring to dashed line 42 in this graph, it is set to reach the target temperature of 250° C. 20 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in FIG. 10). Next, it is set to reach the target temperature of 210° C. 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to reach the target temperature of 230° C. 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to maintain the target temperature of 230° C. from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in FIG. 10). Finally, it is set to reach the target temperature of 220° C. 300 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in FIG. 10).

[0166] Comparing line 41 and dashed line 42 in this graph, they are different in that 60 seconds after heating starts, the existing heating profile A has a target temperature of 220° C., while the new heating profile B has a target temperature of 210° C., but the rest is the same. The difference information (difference profile data) is the information on the new heating profile B among the information on the difference between the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received. Therefore, the difference information (difference profile data) is "60 seconds after heating starts, the target temperature is 210° C.."

[0167] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting differential information (differential profile data). As an example, the following Table 15 shows an example of information indicating differential information (differential profile data) transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0168] [Table 15]

[0169] The difference information (difference profile data) actually transmitted may simply be a combination of a sub-time interval and a target temperature for that sub-time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(60,210)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius.

[0170] The suction device 100 reproduces the new heating profile B from the existing heating profile A and the received difference information (difference profile). As an example, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) a portion of the existing heating profile A that is indicated by the difference information (difference profile) to restore the new heating profile B.

[0171] For example, in the existing heating profile A indicated by line 41 in FIG. 10, a portion of the difference information (difference profile) of "target temperature is 210° C. 60 seconds after heating starts" is updated (replaced) to restore a new heating profile B indicated by dashed line 42 in FIG. 10. More specifically, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) the portion of the existing heating profile A of "target temperature is 220° C. 60 seconds after heating starts" with the difference information (difference profile) of "target temperature is 210° C. 60 seconds after heating starts". Meanwhile, the suction device 100 maintains the values ​​of the existing heating profile A as they are, regarding the portions of the existing heating profile A that are not included in the difference information (difference profile) as unchanged portions. Then, the suction device 100 combines the portion updated with the difference information (difference profile) with the portion of the existing heating profile A whose values ​​are maintained, to create a new heating profile B.

[0172] As described above, when the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time series change of the target resistance value. FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile defining the time series change of the target resistance value according to the first modified example. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121 on the vertical axis in the example shown in FIG. 10 as the electric resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). A line 51 in this graph shows the time series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. A dashed line 52 in this graph shows the time series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile B to be transmitted and received. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the environmental temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be different.

[0173] Referring to line 51 of this graph, the target resistance value is set to reach 1.50 Ω 20 seconds after the start of heating. Then, the target resistance value is set to reach 1.20 Ω 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value is set to reach 1.30 Ω 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value is set to be maintained at 1.30 Ω from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, the target resistance value is set to reach 1.20 Ω 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0174] On the other hand, referring to dashed line 52 in this graph, it is set so that the target resistance value of 1.50Ω is reached 20 seconds after the start of heating (in FIG. 11, it is superimposed on line 51). Next, it is set so that the target resistance value of 1.10Ω is reached 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set so that the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is reached 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set so that the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is maintained between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating (in FIG. 11, it is superimposed on line 51). Finally, it is set so that the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is reached 300 seconds after the start of heating (in FIG. 11, it is superimposed on line 51).

[0175] Comparing line 51 and dashed line 52 in this graph, the difference is that 60 seconds after the start of heating, the existing heating profile A has a target resistance value of 1.20Ω, while the new heating profile B has a target resistance value of 1.10Ω, but the rest is the same. The difference information (differential profile data) is the information on the new heating profile B among the information on the difference between the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received. Therefore, the difference information (differential profile data) is "target resistance value 1.10Ω 60 seconds after the start of heating."

[0176] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting differential information (differential profile data). As an example, the following Table 16 shows an example of information indicating differential information (differential profile data) transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0177] [Table 16]

[0178] The difference information (difference profile data) that is actually transmitted may simply be a combination of a value indicating a sub-time interval and a value indicating a target resistance value for that sub-time interval. For example, the information that is actually transmitted may be {(60,1.10)}.

[0179] The suction device 100 reproduces the new heating profile B from the existing heating profile A and the received difference information (difference profile). As an example, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) a portion of the existing heating profile A that is indicated by the difference information (difference profile) to restore the new heating profile B.

[0180] -Second variant In the second modified example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives encoded profile data as information indicating a heating profile. In the second modified example, the information indicating a heating profile is encoded profile data converted using a common table that associates each candidate parameter in a partial time interval with a corresponding code such as an alphanumeric character. That is, in the second modified example, the information indicating a heating profile is expressed as encoded profile data by a plurality of codes included in the common table. With this configuration, encoded profile data including codes with a small data amount is transmitted and received, so that the amount of communication can be further reduced.

[0181] The common table is held by the suction device 100 and a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, which transmits and receives a heating profile to and from the suction device 100. When the suction device 100 or a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, transmits information indicating a heating profile, it creates encoded profile data by converting parameters included in the heating profile into codes with reference to the common table held by itself. Then, the suction device 100 or a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, transmits the created encoded profile. On the other hand, when the suction device 100 or a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, receives the encoded profile data, it converts the encoded profile data into parameters with reference to the common table held by itself, and reproduces the heating profile.

[0182] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a common table that specifies target temperatures according to the second modified example. The columns of this table are information indicating partial time intervals, and each of the partial time intervals is assigned a code such as a, b, or c. The rows of this table are target temperatures, and each of the target temperatures is assigned a code such as 1, 2, or 3. Each cell of this table contains either 0 or 1, with 0 meaning non-selection and 1 meaning selection.

[0183] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in FIG. 12 and the heating profile. As shown in FIG. 13, each partial time interval of the heating profile is associated with a column of the common table. In the example of FIG. 13, the partial time interval "20 seconds after the start of heating" is associated with the code a in the common table. Then, in the cell at the position where each partial time interval of the heating profile intersects with the target temperature in the partial time interval, 1, which means selection, is written. In the example of FIG. 13, 1 is written in the cell at the position where the code a associated with "20 seconds" in the common table intersects with the code 6 associated with the target temperature of 250°C. In the example of FIG. 13, in the same manner, 1, which means selection, is written in the cell at the position where the code c intersects with the code 3, the cell at the position where the code l intersects with the code 4, the cell at the position where the code m intersects with the code 4, and the cell at the position where the code p intersects with the code 3.

[0184] In the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is expressed as encoded profile data including a combination of the codes of the columns and rows corresponding to the cells in the common table in which the value 1, which indicates selection, is written. For example, in the example of Fig. 13, the information indicating the heating profile is encoded profile data including a6, c3, l4, m4, and p3, which are combinations of the codes of the columns and rows in the cells in which the value 1, which indicates selection, is written.

[0185] The encoded profile data that is actually sent is a combination of symbols, which is simply a combination of alphanumeric characters. For example, the information that is actually sent might be {a6,c3,l4,m4,p3}.

[0186] When the suction device 100 or a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, receives the encoded profile data, it refers to the common table held by itself, converts the encoded profile data into parameters, and reproduces the heating profile. For example, when the suction device 100 receives {a6, c3, l4, m4, p3} as encoded profile data, it refers to the common table shown as an example in Fig. 12, converts a6 into "target temperature 250°C 20 seconds after heating start", c3 into "target temperature 220°C 60 seconds after heating start", l4 into "target temperature 230°C 240 seconds after heating start", m4 into "target temperature 230°C 260 seconds after heating start", and p3 into "target temperature 220°C 300 seconds after heating start", and reproduces the heating profile.

[0187] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the rows of the common table are the temperatures of the heating unit 121, but if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121, the rows of the common table may be the resistance values ​​of the heating unit 121. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a common table that specifies target resistance values ​​according to the second modified example. The columns of this table are information indicating partial time intervals, and each of the partial time intervals is assigned a code such as a, b, or c. The rows of this table are target resistance values, and each of the target resistance values ​​is assigned a code such as 1, 2, or 3. Each cell of this table contains either 0 or 1, with 0 meaning non-selection and 1 meaning selection.

[0188] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in FIG. 14 and the heating profile. As shown in FIG. 15, each partial time interval of the heating profile is associated with a column of the common table. In the example of FIG. 15, the partial time interval "20 seconds after the start of heating" is associated with the code a in the common table. Then, in the cell at the position where each partial time interval of the heating profile intersects with the target resistance value in the partial time interval, 1, which means selection, is written. In the example of FIG. 15, 1 is written in the cell at the position where the code a, which is associated with "20 seconds" in the common table, intersects with the code 6, which is associated with the target resistance value of 1.50Ω. In the example of FIG. 15, in the same manner, 1, which means selection, is written in the cell at the position where the code c intersects with the code 3, the cell at the position where the code l intersects with the code 4, the cell at the position where the code m intersects with the code 4, and the cell at the position where the code p intersects with the code 3.

[0189] In the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is expressed as encoded profile data including a combination of the codes of the columns and rows corresponding to the cells in the common table in which the value 1, which indicates selection, is written. For example, in the example of Fig. 14, the information indicating the heating profile is encoded profile data including a6, c3, l4, m4, and p3, which are combinations of the codes of the columns and rows in the cells in which the value 1, which indicates selection, is written.

[0190] The encoded profile data that is actually sent is a combination of symbols, which is simply a combination of alphanumeric characters. For example, the information that is actually sent might be {a6,c3,l4,m4,p3}.

[0191] In addition, when the suction device 100 or a device other than the suction device 100, such as a terminal device, receives the encoded profile data, refers to the common table held by itself, converts the encoded profile data into parameters, and reproduces the heating profile. For example, when the suction device 100 receives {a6, c3, l4, m4, p3} as encoded profile data, refers to the common table shown as an example in FIG. 14, converts a6 into "target resistance value 1.50Ω 20 seconds after heating start", c3 into "target resistance value 1.20Ω 60 seconds after heating start", l4 into "target resistance value 1.30Ω 240 seconds after heating start", m4 into "target resistance value 1.30Ω 260 seconds after heating start", and p3 into "target resistance value 1.20Ω 300 seconds after heating start", and reproduces the heating profile.

[0192] <<4. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0193] For example, in the above embodiment, the parameter in the heating profile of the first configuration example and the second configuration example is the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, the parameter may be the temperature of the part heated by the heating unit 121. An example of the part heated by the heating unit 121 is the holding unit 140. In this case, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile is realized in the holding unit 140. As another example, the parameter may be information about electricity supplied to the heating unit 121. For example, the parameter may be a voltage, current, resistance, or power supplied to the heating unit 121. In this case, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so that a voltage, current, resistance, or power similar to the voltage, current, resistance, or power defined in the heating profile is supplied to the heating unit 121.

[0194] The above-mentioned heating profile is an example of a profile, which is information on the operation of generating an aerosol performed by the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 may transmit and receive a profile other than the heating profile as discrete data discretized by the method described in the above embodiment. An example of a profile other than the heating profile may be information indicating the result of the operation of generating an aerosol performed by the inhalation device 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as an operation result profile). The parameters in the operation result profile are information detected when the inhalation device 100 performs the operation of generating an aerosol, that is, when the heating unit 121 operates. For example, the heating profile is information indicating a target temperature transition, whereas the operation result profile may be information indicating an actual temperature transition. When transmitting and receiving the operation result profile, the first transmission method to the fifth transmission method described in the above embodiment can be applied. According to this configuration, when transmitting and receiving the operation result profile, the inhalation device 100 can reduce the communication amount while suppressing a decrease in the amount of information.

[0195] As with the heating profile, examples of parameters in the operation result profile include the temperature of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the part heated by the heating unit 121, and information on electricity supplied to the heating unit 121. Another parameter in the operation result profile may be the amount of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121 inhaled by the user (hereinafter also referred to as the aerosol delivery amount). In this case, the sensor unit 112 includes a filter for collecting the aerosol and a component analysis device for analyzing the components of the collected aerosol as a sensor for detecting the aerosol delivery amount. Note that the aerosol delivery amount here may be the amount of main aerosol components delivered to the user's oral cavity per puffing operation. The main aerosol components are visible aerosol components that are generated when various aerosol sources contained in the base material are heated at a predetermined temperature or higher. Note that the aerosol sources contained in the base material are typically propylene glycol and glycerin. In addition, when the base material contains a flavor source such as tobacco, the aerosol components derived from the flavor source are also included in the main aerosol components.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the transmission and reception of the information indicating the heating profile may be the transmission and reception of information obtained by combining the information indicating the heating profile with other information. For example, the information indicating the heating profile may be transmitted and received as information obtained by combining the information indicating the heating profile with information related to the heating profile. The information related to the heating profile may be, for example, a correction value used to correct the heating profile based on the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of each suction device 100.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information indicating the heating profile may be included, for example, in firmware of the suction device 100. That is, the firmware transmitted and received by the suction device 100 may include the information indicating the heating profile described in the above embodiment. In this case, information indicating the heating profile is also transmitted and received by the suction device 100 transmitting and receiving firmware. For example, when updating firmware, the suction device 100 may receive information indicating the heating profile described in the above embodiment as part of the firmware to be updated.

[0198] The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into a RAM when executed by a computer, for example, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Also, the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0199] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in the drawings. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0200] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A control unit that controls the operation of a heating unit that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol; a communication unit that wirelessly transmits information including a combination of information indicating a time interval and information indicating a time series change of a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit from a start time point to an end time point, for each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the time interval from the start time point to the end time point; A suction device comprising: (2) the information indicating the time intervals is information indicating an order of the time intervals and a length of the time intervals; The suction device described in (1) above. (3) the information indicating the time interval is information indicating an end of the time interval by an elapsed time from the start point of the time interval, The suction device described in (1) above. (4) The information indicating the time interval is information indicating a start and an end of the time interval by an elapsed time from the start point. The suction device described in (1) above. (5) the information indicating a time-series change in the parameter in the time interval is information indicating a target value that the parameter should reach in the time interval; The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) the information indicating the time series change of the parameter in the time interval is information indicating a function that approximates a shape of the time series change of the parameter in the time interval; The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (7) the communication unit transmits, as the information indicating the profile, information in which information indicating a time series change of the parameter in at least a part of the time interval is omitted. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The parameter is information that defines an operation of the heating unit to heat the base material, The control unit controls the heating unit to operate in accordance with the profile. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) when the received information indicating the profile does not include information indicating a time series change of the parameter in a first time interval, the control unit sets information indicating a time series change of the parameter in a second time interval immediately preceding the first time interval as information indicating a time series change of the parameter in the first time interval. The suction device described in (7) above. (10) The parameter is information detected when the heating unit is operated. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) The parameter is the temperature of the heating unit. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The parameter is a temperature of a portion heated by the heating unit. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (13) The parameter relates to electricity supplied to the heating section, The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (14) The parameter is an amount of the aerosol generated by the heating unit that is inhaled by a user. The suction device according to (10) above. (15) The communication unit transmits information indicating the profile by NFC. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (16) wirelessly transmitting information including a combination of information indicating a time interval and information indicating a time series change of the parameter in the time interval as information indicating a profile, the information being information indicating a time series change of a parameter related to the operation of a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol from a start time point to an end time point, for each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the start time point to the end time point; A method for transmitting information comprising: (17) A computer controls a suction device that controls the operation of a heating unit that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol. controlling the suction device to wirelessly transmit information indicating a profile, which is information indicating a time series change in a parameter related to the operation of a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol from a start time point to an end time point, the information including a combination of information indicating a time interval and information indicating a time series change in the parameter in the time interval, for each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the start time point to the end time point; A program for executing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1 System 100 Suction device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guiding part 123 Liquid storage unit 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type substrate 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet 182 Air outlet

Claims

1. A heating section for heating the substrate to generate an aerosol; a communication unit that receives information indicating a profile that defines the operation of the heating unit from another suction device or a terminal device via a communication link; a control unit that controls an operation of the heating unit in accordance with information indicating the profile, The information indicating the profile includes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time periods constituting a period from a start time point to an end time point of heating in the heating unit. Suction device.

2. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit through feedback control, the information indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit is information indicating a target value of the parameter in the feedback control for each of the plurality of time intervals; 2. The suction device of claim 1.

3. The target value of the parameter is a target temperature or a target resistance value that the heating unit should reach at the end of each of the multiple time periods.

3. The suction device according to claim 2.

4. The information indicating the profile includes information omitting information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in at least a portion of the plurality of time periods. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the information indicating the profile does not include information indicating a target value of a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit at a first time, the control unit sets information indicating a target value of a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit at a second time immediately preceding the first time as information indicating the target value of the parameter related to the operation of the heating unit at the first time.

5. The suction device according to claim 4.

6. the information indicating the profile is discrete data obtained by discretizing the profile, which is a time-series change in a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit; the communication unit receives, as the information indicating the profile, information including a combination of information indicating the time interval and information indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit for each of the plurality of time intervals; The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information indicating the time interval is information indicating each of a plurality of time intervals obtained by dividing an entire time interval from a start time to an end time of heating in the heating unit.

7. The suction device according to claim 6.

8. The information indicating the time interval is information indicating an order of the time interval and a length of the time interval.

8. A suction device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The information indicating the time interval is information indicating the end of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start of heating of the heating unit.

8. A suction device according to claim 6 or 7.

10. the information indicating the profile includes information indicating a combination of a numerical value indicating each of the plurality of time intervals and a numerical value indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit in each of the plurality of time intervals; The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. the information indicating the profile includes a correction value used to correct the profile based on a characteristic of the heating unit. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. receiving information indicating a profile defining operation of the heating unit for heating the substrate to generate an aerosol from another suction device or a terminal device via a communication link; and a control step of controlling an operation of the heating unit according to information indicating the received profile, The information indicating the profile includes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time periods constituting a period from a start time point to an end time point of heating in the heating unit. Control methods.

13. A computer controls a suction device that controls the operation of a heating unit that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol. a receiving step of receiving information indicating a profile that defines the operation of the heating unit from another suction device or a terminal device via a communication link; a control step of controlling an operation of the heating unit in accordance with the received information indicating the profile; The information indicating the profile includes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time periods constituting a period from a start time point to an end time point of heating in the heating unit. program.

Images