Inhalation device, notification method, and program

Abstract

To notify a user of an error occurring in equipment using a plurality of display units, each of the units makes no sense.SOLUTION: This display device comprises: a plurality of display units for displaying the state of equipment when the equipment is operating; and a control unit that, when an error has occurred in the equipment, controls the plurality of display units so as to display an indication that the error has occurred, the display being carried out in a display state in which some or all of the plurality of display units are illuminated for a predetermined period and then are extinguished for a predetermined period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol generator in which a notification unit outputs, for example, light and / or sound according to an error signal when receiving an error signal generated by a control unit based on data in response to a malfunction occurring in a power supply unit. And it is described that the notification unit may be, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED, and the control unit may change the number of times of alternately flashing the notification unit between blue and red according to the error signal.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an aerosol generator in which a control unit generates an error signal based on the content and cause of an abnormal state, and causes a notification unit to give a notification according to the error signal. And it is described that the notification unit is, for example, a light-emitting diode, may be provided, for example, along the upstream end of a power supply unit or in the circumferential direction of a power button, and the control unit may change the number of times of alternately flashing the light emission of a warm color system and a cold color system in the notification unit according to the content of the process of detecting the abnormal state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When an error occurs in a device, the user may be notified of the error using a plurality of display units. However, in such a case, conventionally, each of the plurality of display units has a meaning, and the meaning has been notified using the display unit having the meaning corresponding to the error that has occurred among the plurality of display units. Therefore, it has not been possible to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device using a plurality of display units that do not have a meaning individually.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to notify a user that an error has occurred in a device using a plurality of display units that do not have a meaning individually.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention provides a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a base material holding an aerosol source with electric power from a battery, a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements for notifying the state of the own device, and when an error occurs in the own device, notifying the plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred, and notifying a first notification element among the plurality of notification elements in a first notification method for a predetermined period, and a second notification element different from the first notification element among the plurality of notification elements in a second notification method different from the first notification method for a predetermined period, and a control unit that controls to notify in such a manner.

[0008] The plurality of notification elements may be arranged continuously. The plurality of notification elements notify the state of the own device when the own device is operating, and the operation may be at least one of an operation of heating the base material, an operation of sucking the aerosol, an operation of notifying the remaining amount of the battery, and an operation of charging the battery. The error may be due to the temperature of the own device being outside a predetermined temperature range. In that case, the control unit may control to notify a plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred when an operation for heating the base material is performed in a state where the error has occurred. And the operation for heating the base material may be at least one of an operation of opening a shutter of an opening into which the base material is inserted and an operation of pressing a button for heating the base material.

[0009] Further, the present invention provides a suction device including a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, an opening provided in a first surface of the housing into which a base material holding an aerosol source is inserted, a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating the base material with electric power from a battery, a button provided in a second surface that is one of four surfaces adjacent to the first surface of the housing and that is operated to heat the base material by the heating unit, a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements for notifying the state of the own device, and a control unit that, when an error occurs in the own device, notifies a plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred, and causes a notification element provided at a first position on the side of the opening rather than the button on the second surface among the plurality of notification elements to be notified for a predetermined period, and causes a notification element provided at a second position different from the first position in the own device among the plurality of notification elements to be notified in a mode of being notified for a predetermined period.

[0010] The plurality of notification elements may be arranged continuously. The plurality of notification elements notify the state of the own device when the own device is operating, and the operation may be at least one of an operation of heating the base material, an operation of sucking an aerosol, an operation of notifying the remaining amount of the battery, and an operation of charging the battery. The error may be an error due to the temperature of the own device being outside a predetermined temperature range. In that case, the control unit may control to notify a plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred when an operation for heating the base material is performed in a state where the error has occurred. And the operation for heating the base material may be at least one of an operation of opening a shutter of an opening into which the base material is inserted and an operation of pressing a button for heating the base material.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a notification method in a suction device including a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, an opening provided in a first surface of the housing into which a base material holding an aerosol source is inserted, a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating the base material with electric power from a battery, a button provided in a second surface which is one of four surfaces adjacent to the first surface of the housing and is operated to heat the base material by the heating unit, and a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements, the method including: a step of notifying a plurality of notification elements of the state of the own device; and a step of, when an error occurs in the own device, notifying a plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred, and in the plurality of notification elements, causing a notification element provided at a first position on the side of the opening rather than the button on the second surface to notify for a predetermined period, and causing a notification element provided at a second position different from the first position in the own device among the plurality of notification elements to notify in a manner of notifying for a predetermined period.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a suction device including a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, an opening provided in a first surface of the housing and into which a base material holding an aerosol source is inserted, a heating unit that heats the base material with electric power from a battery to generate an aerosol, a button provided in a second surface that is one of four surfaces adjacent to the first surface of the housing and that is operated to heat the base material by the heating unit, and a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements, and a program for realizing a function of notifying the state of the device itself to the plurality of notification elements, and a function of, when an error occurs in the device itself, notifying the plurality of notification elements that an error has occurred, and in a manner such that, among the plurality of notification elements, a notification element provided at a first position on the side of the opening rather than the button on the second surface is notified for a predetermined period, and a notification element provided at a second position different from the first position in the device itself among the plurality of notification elements is notified for a predetermined period.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify a user that an error has occurred in a device by using a plurality of display units that have no meaning individually.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Example of the External Appearance Configuration of the Suction Device] Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) are overall perspective views of the suction device 1 in the present embodiment. Fig. 1(a) shows an overall perspective view from obliquely above, and Fig. 1(b) shows an overall perspective view from obliquely below. As shown in the figure, the suction device 1 includes a panel 10, a main body housing 20 detachably attached to the panel 10, and a shutter 50. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are composed of separate members. The panel 10 is provided with a display window 60 made of a transparent material on its surface. The main body housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the suction device 1. Further, the main body housing 20 is provided with an external connection terminal 70 such as a USB Type-C connector.

[0017] When the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 1 is formed. Further, by including the panel 10, the suction device 1 can buffer the heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the panel 10 functions to insulate the heat generated from the heating part of the main body 30. Further, the panel 10 is formed such that its surface is substantially a curved surface. And when attached to the main body housing 20, the panel 10 defines an internal space together with the surface of the main body housing 20.

[0018] The housing 40 should be sized to fit in the user's hand. The user holds the suction device 1 in one hand while touching the surface of the panel 10 with the fingertips. Also, when the user presses the surface of the panel 10 with the fingertips, the panel 10 deforms so as to form a recess toward the main body housing 20. As a result of such deformation of the panel 10, the protrusion provided on the panel 10 contacts the operation button provided on the surface of the main body housing 20, thereby pressing the operation button. That is, the portion pressed by the fingertips on the surface of the panel 10 forms the button area 15.

[0019] In addition, in order for the user to deform the panel 10, for example, it is necessary to simultaneously press the button area 15 using a plurality of fingers. For example, it requires a greater pressing force compared to when a user presses a single button provided to protrude from the surface of the housing with a single finger. That is, the suction device 1 in the present embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent unintended misoperations by the user, including accidentally pressing the operation button inside the bag. Also, with the pressing force of a child, who is not an appropriate user of the suction device 1, it is not possible to easily press the button area 15 of the panel 10, so it is also advantageous in terms of preventing mischief (child resistance).

[0020] The main body housing 20 is provided with an opening into which a stick-shaped base material is inserted, but in FIG. 1, it is shown as if the shutter 50 closes the opening. The shutter 50 has a slide mechanism and is movable along the surface of the outer shell between a first position that closes the opening and a second position that opens the opening. Note that the opening and closing of the opening can be detected by providing a sensor (not shown) in the vicinity of the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is arranged on the shutter 50, and the opening and closing of the opening are detected by a magnetic sensor.

[0021] The aperture is opened when the user hooks a finger and slides the shutter 50 along the side surface. As a result of the aperture being opened, the user can insert the stick-shaped substrate. Then, after inserting the stick-shaped substrate, the user can turn on the power of the suction device 1 by pressing the surface of the panel 10 with a finger to press the operation button.

[0022] [Examples of the external appearance configurations of the panel and the main body housing] Figs. 2(a) and (b) are external views of the panel 10 and the main body housing 20 of the suction device 1. Fig. 2(a) shows an external view of the inner surface of the panel 10, and Fig. 2(b) shows an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing 20. With the panel 10 attached to the main body housing 20, the inner surface of the panel 10 and the outer surface of the main body housing 20 face each other.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2(a), on the inner surface of the panel 10, magnets 11, protrusions 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 are arranged along the longitudinal direction. When the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the magnets 11 and 14 adsorb to the main body housing 20 by their magnetic forces (magnetic attractions). Thereby, the panel 10 is held by the main body housing 20. The protrusion 12 presses the operation button 22 provided on the surface of the main body housing 20. The magnet 13 is configured as a magnetic field application part for the sensor part of the main body 30. That is, the panel 10 is detected by detecting the magnetic force of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 with the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2(b), on the outer surface of the main body housing 20, a magnet 21, a through hole 25, an operation button 22, and a magnet 24 are arranged along the longitudinal direction from the side of the shutter 50. Further, on the inner surface of the main body housing 20 (more precisely, on a substrate having a substantially zero distance from the inner surface), a magnetic sensor 23 is arranged at a position between the operation button 22 and the magnet 24 along the longitudinal direction. The magnet 21, the operation button 22, the magnetic sensor 23, and the magnet 24 of the main body housing 20 respectively correspond to the magnet 11, the protrusion 12, the magnet 13, and the magnet 14 of the panel 10. That is, when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, they are aligned with each other and face each other.

[0025] The magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 are respectively attracted to the magnets 11 and 14 of the panel 10 by their magnetic forces (magnetic attractions). That is, the magnets 11 and 21, and the magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, thereby holding the panel 10 attachably to the main body housing 20. Incidentally, the magnets 11 and 14 of the panel 10, and the magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 are preferably constituted by permanent magnets.

[0026] The operation button 22 is provided on the surface to which the panel 10 is attached. That is, when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the operation button 22 is covered by the panel 10 and pressed by the protrusion 12 of the panel 10. Thereby, for example, the power on and off of the suction device 1 can be switched.

[0027] The magnetic sensor 23 detects a magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 in the panel 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 23 is preferably a Hall sensor constituted by using a Hall element. Thereby, the attachment of the panel 10 to the main body housing 20 can be detected.

[0028] The magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 is arranged to face the magnet 13 of the panel 10 through the inner surface of the main body housing 20 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. That is, when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 and the magnet 13 of the panel 10 is minimized.

[0029] Also, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 respectively. Specifically, on the inner surface of the main body housing 20, it is preferable to arrange the magnetic sensor 23 at a position separated from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the outer surface of the main body housing 20. Thereby, in the magnetic sensor 23, the influence of the magnetic fields from these two magnets 21 and 24 can be made substantially zero.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the separated distance between the magnetic sensor 23 and the magnet 24 (or magnet 21) in the main body housing 20 to be larger than the distance between the magnet 13 and the magnetic sensor 23 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. Thereby, when detecting the attachment of the panel 10 to the main body housing 20, in the magnetic sensor 23, only the influence of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 can be appropriately considered without considering the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet 24.

[0031] The through hole 25 is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in the main body 30, and allows the light from the LEDs to pass through to the display window 60 of the panel 10. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the light from the outer surface of the panel 10.

[0032] [Configuration Example of Suction Device] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the suction device 1. In the suction device 1, for example, a stick-shaped base material 100 having a fragrance generating base material such as a filler containing an aerosol source and a fragrance source, which are suction component sources, is inserted. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. The inserted stick-shaped base material 100 generates an aerosol containing a fragrance when heated from its outer periphery.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 1 includes a control unit 90, a power supply unit 91, a sensor unit 92, a notification unit 93, a storage unit 94, a communication unit 95, a holding unit 80, a heating unit 81, and a heat insulating unit 82. Note that these elements of the suction device 1 are housed in the main body 30 shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] The control unit 90 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the suction device 1 according to various programs. The control unit 90 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0035] The power supply unit 91 stores electric power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 90, the power supply unit 91 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 1. The power supply unit 91 may be configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

[0036] The sensor unit 92 acquires various information regarding the suction device 1. As an example, the sensor unit 92 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 92 is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

[0037] Further, the sensor unit 92 detects the attachment to the main body housing of the panel. For example, the sensor unit 92 is constituted by a magnetic sensor (for example, a Hall sensor using a Hall element that detects magnetism using the Hall effect). Then, the sensor unit 92 detects that a panel including a magnetic field applying unit (for example, a magnet and / or a magnetic body) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor is in the vicinity of the sensor unit 92.

[0038] The notification unit 93 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 93 is constituted by, for example, a display unit including a light emitting element such as an LED, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0039] Incidentally, for example, the LED notifies the operation information of the suction device 1 according to a predetermined light emission mode. Specifically, the LED emits light to present to the user the state of whether the suction device 1 is powered on, the progress of preheating, the suction state (remaining time until suction is possible, etc.), and which operation mode the suction device 1 is currently in (for example, the suction mode and / or the communication mode, etc.).

[0040] The storage unit 94 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 1. The storage unit 94 is constituted by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. In addition to computer-executable instructions for operating the suction device 1, the storage unit 94 also stores programs such as firmware.

[0041] The communication unit 95 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, in the case of wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc. may be adopted. Also, in the case of wired communication, a data communication cable is connected through the external connection terminal 70. Thereby, data related to the operation of the suction device 1 is input / output with an external device.

[0042] Further, upon the opening 84 of the shutter 50 being opened, the communication unit 95 may activate a communication function and start communicating with an external terminal using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Also, upon the opening 84 of the shutter 50 being closed, the communication with the external terminal during communication may be terminated. The Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection between the communication unit 95 and the external terminal is preferably a connection by BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) in particular.

[0043] The holding unit 80 has an internal space 83 and holds the stick-shaped base material 100 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 100 in the internal space 83. The holding unit 80 has an opening 84 that communicates the internal space 83 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped base material 100 inserted into the internal space 83 from the opening 84. For example, the holding unit 80 is a cylindrical body having the opening 84 and the bottom 85 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 83. In the present specification, the direction in which the stick-shaped base material 100 is inserted into the internal space 83 is the longitudinal direction of the suction device 1.

[0044] The holding unit 80 has a pressing portion and a non-pressing portion (both not shown) along the longitudinal direction on the inner wall of the internal space 83. When the internal space 83 receives the stick-shaped base material 100, the pressing portion presses the stick-shaped base material 100 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Then, the stick-shaped base material 100 is sandwiched by the holding unit 80 while being pressed and deformed by the pressing portion. As a result, the stick-shaped base material 100 is heated from the outer periphery by the heating unit 81 while being pressed.

[0045] On the other hand, a gap (not shown) is formed between the non-pressing portion and the stick-shaped base material 100. Thereby, the opening 84 and the bottom 85 are communicated through the gap.

[0046] The holding part 80 also has a function of defining a flow path for the air supplied to the stick-shaped base material 100. The air inlet hole 86, which is the inlet of the air to such a flow path, is the opening 84. More precisely, the air inlet hole 86 is a gap between the non-pressed part and the stick-shaped base material 100. The air flowing in from the air inlet hole 86 due to the suction by the user is transported through the stick-shaped base material 100 along the arrow shown by the dotted line to the air outlet hole 87, which is the outlet of the air from the flow path.

[0047] The stick-shaped base material 100 includes a base material part 101 and a suction port part 102. The base material part 101 includes an aerosol source. In a state where the stick-shaped base material 100 is held by the holding part 80, at least a part of the base material part 101 is accommodated in the internal space 83, and at least a part of the suction port part 102 protrudes from the opening 84. Then, when the user bites and sucks the suction port part 102 protruding from the opening 84, air flows into the internal space 83 from the air inlet hole 86 and is transported along the arrow shown by the dotted line to the air outlet hole 87 of the suction port part 102 through the bottom 85 and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base material part 101. The stick-shaped base material 100 is an example of a base material that holds an aerosol source.

[0048] The heating part 81 atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. The heating part 81 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 80. Then, when the heating part 81 generates heat, the base material part 101 of the stick-shaped base material 100 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating part 81 generates heat when powered by the power supply part 91. As an example, it may be powered when the sensor part 92 detects that the user has started suction, has received a predetermined user input operation, and / or a predetermined information has been input. And when the sensor part 92 detects that the user has ended suction, has received a predetermined user input operation, and / or a predetermined information has been input, the power supply may be stopped. The heating part 81 is an example of a heating part that heats the base material with electric power from a battery to generate an aerosol.

[0049] The heat insulation part 82 prevents heat transfer from the heating part 81 to other components. For example, the heat insulation part 82 is composed of a vacuum heat insulation material, an aerogel heat insulation material, or the like.

[0050] The configuration example of the suction device 1 has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 1 is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0051] As an example, the heating part 81 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged so as to protrude from the bottom 85 of the holding part 80 into the internal space 83. In that case, the blade-shaped heating part 81 is inserted into the base material part 101 of the stick-shaped base material 100, and the base material part 101 of the stick-shaped base material 100 is heated from the inside. As another example, the heating part 81 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom 85 of the holding part 80. Further, the heating part 81 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating part that covers the outer periphery of the holding part 80, a blade-shaped second heating part, and a third heating part that covers the bottom 85 of the holding part 80.

[0052] Also, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating part 81. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0053] [Outline of the operation of the suction device] In the suction device 1 as described above, in the present embodiment, the notification part 93 is composed of a plurality of display parts for displaying the state of the own device when the own device is operating. And when an error occurs in the own device, the control part 90 controls to display the fact that an error has occurred on the plurality of display parts in a display mode in which all or part of the plurality of display parts are lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period.

[0054] Here, the operation may be at least one of a normal operation, an operation of heating the stick-shaped base material 100, an operation of sucking the aerosol, an operation of notifying the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery of the power supply part 91, and an operation of charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply part 91.

[0055] Alternatively, the error may be due to the temperature of the device itself being outside a predetermined temperature range. Or, the error may be a warning-level error in the system of the device itself, an error that cannot be recovered by any operation on the device itself or the passage of time, or an error due to a member for protecting the device itself being removed.

[0056] Here, a plurality of display units are N LEDs (N is a natural number).

[0057] Also, an error at the warning level in the system of the device itself is referred to as a "system error". An error due to the temperature of the device itself being outside a predetermined temperature range is referred to as a "temperature error". An error that cannot be recovered by any operation on the device itself or the passage of time is referred to as a "permanent failure error". Taking panel 10 as an example of a member for protecting the device itself, an error due to the member for protecting the device itself being removed is referred to as a "panel error". However, the member for protecting the device itself is not limited to panel 10 and may be any member.

[0058] Furthermore, a display mode in which all or part of the N LEDs are lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period is referred to as an "animation mode".

[0059] Thus, the errors include system errors, temperature errors, permanent failure errors, and panel errors. Here, in any case where an error occurs, it may be displayed in the animation mode that an error has occurred. However, hereinafter, when a temperature error occurs, it will be described as being displayed on the N LEDs in the animation mode to that effect.

[0060] [Specific Example of Normal Operation of Suction Device] As the normal operation of the suction device 1, the operations of preheating the stick-shaped base material 100, sucking the aerosol, notifying the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91, and charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91 will be described as examples.

[0061] Figs. 4(a) to 4(e) are diagrams showing display examples of N LEDs 600 visible from the display window 60 when the suction device 1 performs an operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100. Here, the operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100 is an example of the operation of heating the stick-shaped substrate 100.

[0062] Before preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100, as shown in Fig. 4(a), all of the N LEDs 600 are turned off. In this state, when the user presses the button area 15 for several seconds, the suction device 1 starts an operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100.

[0063] When the suction device 1 starts an operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100, the N LEDs 600 turn on the off LEDs in order from the bottom, and gradually increase the number of lit LEDs to indicate the progress of the preheating. For example, Fig. 4(b) shows the display when one-fourth of the preheating time has elapsed, and one-fourth of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 4(c) shows the display when two-fourths of the preheating time has elapsed, and two-fourths of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 4(d) shows the display when three-fourths of the preheating time has elapsed, and three-fourths of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 4(e) shows the display when the preheating time has ended, and all of the N LEDs 600 are lit.

[0064] Figs. 5(a) to 5(e) are diagrams showing display examples of N LEDs 600 visible from the display window 60 when the suction device 1 performs an operation of sucking an aerosol.

[0065] Before sucking the aerosol, as shown in Fig. 5(a), all of the N LEDs 600 are lit. In this state, the suction device 1 starts an operation of causing the user to suck the aerosol generated by heating the stick-shaped substrate 100.

[0066] When the suction device 1 starts the operation of sucking the aerosol, the N LED 600s turn off the lit LEDs in order from above, gradually reducing the number of lit LEDs, thereby indicating the rate of decrease of the remaining suction time. For example, Fig. 5(b) shows the display at the time when one-fourth of the suction possible period has elapsed, and three-fourths of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 5(c) shows the display at the time when two-fourths of the suction possible period has elapsed, and two-fourths of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 5(d) shows the display at the time when three-fourths of the suction possible period has elapsed, and one-fourth of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 5(e) shows the display at the time when the suction possible period has ended, and all of the N LED 600s are turned off.

[0067] Figs. 6(a) to (e) are diagrams showing examples of the display of the N LED 600s visible from the display window 60 when the suction device 1 performs an operation of notifying the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91 (hereinafter referred to as "remaining battery amount").

[0068] When the remaining battery amount of the power supply unit 91 is 100%, as shown in Fig. 6(a), all of the N LED 600s are lit. In this state, the suction device 1 starts using the rechargeable battery.

[0069] When the suction device 1 starts using the rechargeable battery, the N LED 600s turn off the lit LEDs in order from above, gradually reducing the number of lit LEDs, thereby indicating the rate of decrease of the remaining battery amount. For example, Fig. 6(b) shows the display at the time when the remaining battery amount becomes 75%, and three-fourths of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 6(c) shows the display at the time when the remaining battery amount becomes 50%, and two-fourths of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 6(d) shows the display at the time when the remaining battery amount becomes 25%, and one-fourth of the N LED 600s are lit. Fig. 6(e) shows the display at the time when the remaining battery amount reaches the remaining amount that can suck one stick-shaped base material 100, and the lower LED of the N LED 600s is blinking.

[0070] Figs. 7(a) to 7(e) are diagrams showing display examples of N LEDs 600 visible from the display window 60 when the suction device 1 performs an operation of charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91.

[0071] Before charging the rechargeable battery, as shown in Fig. 7(a), all of the N LEDs 600 are turned off. In this state, when the user connects the USB cable 700 to the external connection terminal 70, the suction device 1 starts an operation of charging the rechargeable battery.

[0072] When the suction device 1 starts an operation of charging the rechargeable battery, the N LEDs 600 turn on the off LEDs in order from the bottom, and gradually increase the number of lit LEDs to represent the progress of charging of the rechargeable battery. For example, Fig. 7(b) shows the display when the charging of the rechargeable battery has progressed 25%, and 1 / 4 of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 7(c) shows the display when the charging of the rechargeable battery has progressed 50%, and 2 / 4 of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 7(d) shows the display when the charging of the rechargeable battery has progressed 75%, and 3 / 4 of the N LEDs 600 are lit. Fig. 7(e) shows the display when the charging of the rechargeable battery is completed, and all of the N LEDs 600 are lit.

[0073] [Specific Example of Operation When an Error Occurs in the Suction Device] As an operation when an error occurs in the suction device 1, the operation when a temperature error occurs will be described as an example. Hereinafter, as the N LEDs 600, 8 LEDs arranged in a vertical row will be taken as an example, and these 8 LEDs will be denoted as LED#8, LED#7, ···, LED#1 in order from the top.

[0074] When the user performs an operation to heat the aerosol source held by the stick-shaped base material 100, if a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 will display that fact on the eight LEDs 600. Here, the operation to heat the aerosol source is, for example, an operation to open the shutter 50 or an operation to press the button area 15. Then, when the temperature state changes and the temperature at which the device can operate is reached, the temperature error is released.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the animation mode of the eight LEDs 600 when a temperature error occurs.

[0076] As shown in the figure, first, the control unit 90 sets the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 601. That is, the control unit 90 normally lights up LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by dot hatching within the thick solid line frame. Then, after 400 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 602. That is, the control unit 90 turns off LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by white space within the thin solid line frame.

[0077] Also, after 200 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 603. That is, the control unit 90 normally lights up LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by dot hatching within the thick solid line frame. Then, after 400 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 604. That is, the control unit 90 turns off LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by white space within the thin solid line frame.

[0078] Also, after 200 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 605. That is, the control unit 90 normally lights up LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by dot hatching within the thick solid line frame. Then, after 400 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to be like state 606. That is, the control unit 90 turns off LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by white space within the thin solid line frame.

[0079] Furthermore, after 3000 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to the state 601 again. That is, the control unit 90 normally lights up LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by dot hatching within the thick solid line frame.

[0080] Then, the control unit 90 repeats the display pattern of returning from state 601 to state 601 via states 602 to 606 three times. That is, the control unit 90 displays such a display pattern with one pattern being 4600 milliseconds three times.

[0081] In this specification, normally lighting an LED means lighting the LED at a duty ratio of 100%, for example, and turning off an LED means setting the duty ratio of the LED to 0%.

[0082] If the shutter 50 is closed before such a display ends, the control unit 90 may interrupt the display. Also, if the button area 15 is pressed after such a display ends while the shutter 50 is open, the control unit 90 may perform such a display again.

[0083] Here, all eight LEDs 600 were lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period, but this is not limiting. A part of the eight LEDs 600 may be lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period. In that case, each time a part of the eight LEDs 600 is lit, the lit part may be changed so that the lit LED appears to move.

[0084] [Details of the operation when an error occurs in the suction device] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example when a temperature error occurs in the control unit 90 of the suction device 1 in the present embodiment.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the control unit 90 first determines whether an operation to open the shutter 50 has been performed (step 901). If it is determined that the operation to open the shutter 50 has not been performed, the control unit 90 repeats step 901. If it is determined in step 901 that the operation to open the shutter 50 has been performed, the control unit 90 determines whether a temperature error has occurred (step 902).

[0086] If it is determined in step 902 that a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 lights and extinguishes LEDs #1 to #8 in an animation mode (step 903). For example, the control unit 90 lights LEDs #1 to #8, extinguishes them after 400 milliseconds, lights them again after 200 milliseconds, extinguishes them after 400 milliseconds, lights them again after 200 milliseconds, and extinguishes them after 400 milliseconds.

[0087] Then, the control unit 90 determines whether an operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed (step 904). If it is determined that the operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed, the control unit 90 ends the process without executing the lighting and extinguishing in the animation mode of step 903 again. If it is not determined in step 904 that the operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed, the control unit 90 determines whether 3000 milliseconds have elapsed (step 905). If it is not determined that 3000 milliseconds have elapsed, the control unit 90 repeats step 905. If it is determined in step 905 that 3000 milliseconds have elapsed, the control unit 90 determines whether step 903 has been executed three times (step 906). If it is not determined that step 903 has been executed three times, the control unit 90 returns the process to step 903 and executes the lighting and extinguishing in the animation mode of step 903 again.

[0088] If it is determined in step 906 that step 903 has been executed three times, the control unit 90 determines whether an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed (step 907). If it is determined that an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed, the control unit 90 returns the process to step 903 and repeats steps 903 to 906. If it is not determined in step 907 that an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed, the control unit 90 determines whether the temperature of the own device has reached an operable temperature (step 908). If it is not determined that the temperature of the own device has reached an operable temperature, the control unit 90 returns the process to step 907. If it is determined in step 908 that the temperature of the own device has reached an operable temperature, the temperature error is released, so the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step 902 that a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 determines whether an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed (step 909). If it is not determined that an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed, the control unit 90 repeats step 909. If it is determined in step 909 that an operation of pressing the button area 15 has been performed, the control unit 90 determines whether a temperature error has occurred (step 910).

[0090] If it is determined in step 910 that a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 advances the process to step 903. Since the processing contents of steps 903 to 908 have already been described, the description here is omitted.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step 910 that a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0092] [Modification Example] In the above, N LED 600s are arranged in a vertical row, but it is not limited to this. For example, if N LED 600s are arranged continuously, they may be arranged in any shape. For example, N LED 600s may be arranged in an annular shape. Alternatively, N LED 600s may be arranged discretely without being arranged continuously.

[0093] Also, in the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to a heated cigarette has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is applicable to various suction devices for sucking aerosols, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers. Further, the generated suction components may include, in addition to aerosols, gases such as invisible vapors. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a display device connected to a device other than the suction device to display information of the device. In that case, the N LEDs 600 are an example of a plurality of display units for displaying the state of the device when the device is operating. And the control unit 90 is an example of a control unit that controls to display, when an error occurs in the device, the fact that an error has occurred on the plurality of display units, all or part of the plurality of display units, in a display mode of lighting for a predetermined period and then turning off for a predetermined period.

[0094] [Effects of the Present Embodiment] In the suction device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the device itself is operating, the state of the device itself is displayed on the plurality of display units, and when an error occurs in the device itself, the fact that an error has occurred is displayed on the plurality of display units, all or part of the plurality of display units, in a display mode of lighting for a predetermined period and then turning off for a predetermined period. Thereby, in the present embodiment, it has become possible to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device by using a plurality of display units that do not have meaning individually.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0095] 1... Suction device, 10... Panel, 20... Main body housing, 30... Main body, 40... Housing, 50... Shutter, 60... Display window, 70... External connection terminal, 80... Holding part, 81... Heating part, 82... Heat insulation part, 90... Control part, 91... Power supply part, 92... Sensor part, 93... Notification part, 94... Storage part, 95... Communication part

Claims

1. a heating section for generating an aerosol by heating a substrate that holds an aerosol source with electric power from a battery; a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements for notifying the status of the device itself; a control unit that controls, when an error occurs in the device itself, to notify the occurrence of the error in such a manner that a first notification element among the plurality of notification elements is notified by a first notification method for a predetermined period, and a second notification element among the plurality of notification elements, which is different from the first notification element, is notified by a second notification method which is different from the first notification method for a predetermined period; A suction device comprising:

2. The suction device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of notification elements are arranged in series.

3. The plurality of notification elements notify a state of the own device when the own device is performing an operation, The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation is at least one of an operation of heating the substrate, an operation of inhaling the aerosol, an operation of notifying the remaining charge of the battery, and an operation of charging the battery.

4. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the error is an error caused by a temperature of the device itself being outside a predetermined temperature range.

5. The suction device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the plurality of notification elements to notify the occurrence of an error when an operation for heating the substrate is performed while the error has occurred.

6. The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the operation for heating the substrate is at least one of an operation for opening a shutter of an opening through which the substrate is inserted and an operation for pressing a button for heating the substrate.

7. A housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; an opening provided on a first surface of the housing, into which a substrate for holding an aerosol source is inserted; A heating unit that heats the substrate with electric power from a battery to generate an aerosol; a button provided on a second surface, which is one of four surfaces of the housing adjacent to the first surface, and operated to heat the base material by the heating unit; a notification unit including a plurality of notification elements for notifying the status of the device itself; a control unit that controls, when an error occurs in the device, to cause the plurality of notification elements to notify the occurrence of the error for a predetermined period of time, the notification element being provided at a first position on the second surface that is closer to the opening than the button, and the notification element being provided at a second position different from the first position in the device being notified for a predetermined period of time, among the plurality of notification elements; A suction device comprising:

8. The suction device according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of notification elements are arranged in series.

9. The plurality of notification elements notify a state of the own device when the own device is performing an operation, The suction device according to claim 7 , wherein the operation is at least one of an operation of heating the substrate, an operation of inhaling the aerosol, an operation of notifying the remaining charge of the battery, and an operation of charging the battery.

10. The suction device according to claim 7 , wherein the error is an error caused by a temperature of the device itself being outside a predetermined temperature range.

11. The suction device according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit controls the plurality of notification elements to notify the occurrence of an error when an operation for heating the substrate is performed while the error has occurred.

12. The suction device according to claim 11 , wherein the operation for heating the substrate is at least one of an operation of opening a shutter of an opening through which the substrate is inserted and an operation of pressing a button for heating the substrate.

13. A housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; an opening provided on a first surface of the housing, into which a substrate for holding an aerosol source is inserted; A heating unit that heats the substrate with electric power from a battery to generate an aerosol; a button provided on a second surface, which is one of four surfaces of the housing adjacent to the first surface, and operated to heat the base material by the heating unit; A notification section consisting of multiple notification elements; A notification method for a suction device comprising: notifying the plurality of notification elements of a state of the own device; a step of controlling, when an error occurs in the device itself, the plurality of notification elements to notify the occurrence of the error for a predetermined period of time, the notification element being provided at a first position on the second surface closer to the opening than the button, and the notification element being provided at a second position different from the first position within the device, among the plurality of notification elements; , including, ,methods of notification.

14. A housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; an opening provided on a first surface of the housing, into which a substrate for holding an aerosol source is inserted; A heating unit that heats the substrate with electric power from a battery to generate an aerosol; a button provided on a second surface, which is one of four surfaces of the housing adjacent to the first surface, and operated to heat the base material by the heating unit; A notification section including a plurality of notification elements; A suction device comprising: a function of notifying the plurality of notification elements of the state of the own device; a function of controlling, when an error occurs in the device itself, the plurality of notification elements to notify the occurrence of the error for a predetermined period of time, the notification element provided at a first position on the second surface closer to the opening than the button, and the notification element provided at a second position different from the first position in the device, among the plurality of notification elements, to notify the occurrence of the error for a predetermined period of time; A program to achieve this.

Images