Aerosol generating device

Abstract

To make it possible to intelligibly inform a user of the charging condition of a battery while making it possible to inform the user of, for example, information other than the charging situation of the battery when the battery is being charged.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device comprises: a heating part for receiving the supply of power from a battery, and heating an aerosol source; a display part for displaying the state of the device; and a control part for, if a first condition is satisfied when the battery is being charged, performing control so as to make the display part display a first image indicating that the battery is being charged, and, if a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied, performing control so as to make the display part display a second image different from the first image indicating that the battery is being charged. The first image includes a first display element indicating that the battery is being charged. The second image includes a second display element indicating that the battery is being charged, and a third display element indicating the charging situation of the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a non-combustion flavor inhaler that has a display unit that has an operation mode display area, a flavor source usage status display area, an aerosol source usage status display area, and a battery usage status display area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-5602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a battery is charging, the battery charging status may be displayed on a single screen. In this case, if you want to display other information to the user, such as the remaining charge of the aerosol source, the other information must be displayed on the same screen or on a separate screen. Therefore, it is not possible to display information other than the battery charging status to the user while still displaying the battery charging status in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to make it possible to inform the user of the battery charging status in an easy-to-understand manner while also making it possible to inform the user of information other than the battery charging status when the battery is being charged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] With this objective in mind, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that receives power from a battery and heats an aerosol source; a display unit that displays the status of the device; and a control unit that, when the battery is charging, controls the display unit to display a first image indicating that the battery is charging if a first condition is met, and controls the display unit to display a second image different from the first image indicating that the battery is charging if a second condition different from the first condition is met, wherein the first image includes a first display element indicating that the battery is charging, and the second image includes a second display element indicating that the battery is charging and a third display element indicating the charging status of the battery. The second display element may be a lightning bolt symbol, and the third display element may be a battery symbol. The second image may further include a fourth display element indicating the remaining amount of the aerosol source. In this case, the second image may include the second display element superimposed on both the third display element and the fourth display element. Furthermore, the control unit may control the display unit to display, when battery charging is complete, a second image in which a fifth display element indicating that the device is locked is placed in the position where the second display element was placed, instead of the second display element.

[0007] The aerosol generating device may further include an operating unit operated by a user, and the first condition may be a condition that the operating unit is not operated while the first image is displayed on the display unit, and the second condition may be a condition that the operating unit is operated while the first image is displayed on the display unit. The second image may show a battery and a lightning bolt to indicate that the battery is charging. The control unit may be configured to control the display unit to display, when the battery cannot be charged, a first image that further includes a sixth display element that indicates that the battery cannot be charged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a battery is being charged, it is possible to notify the user of the battery charging status in an easy-to-understand manner while also making it possible to notify the user of information other than the battery charging status, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device body assumed in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a normal mode and a high mode, in which (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. [Figure 5] 10(A) to 10(C) show a charging main screen displaying the charging status of the battery in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a charging main screen indicating that the battery cannot be charged in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing a second screen during charging that indicates the charging status of the battery when the heating mode is the high mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing a second screen during charging that indicates the charging status of the battery when the heating mode is the normal mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] (A) is a diagram showing the second charging screen that is displayed when charging is completed when the heating mode is high mode in embodiment 1, and (B) is a diagram showing the second charging screen that is displayed when charging is completed when the heating mode is normal mode in embodiment 1. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart showing the first half of the display control of the display of the aerosol generation device when an operation to charge the battery is performed in embodiment 1. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the display control of the display of the aerosol generation device when an operation to charge the battery is performed in embodiment 1. [Figure 12] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing a second charging screen that indicates the charging status of the battery when the heating mode is the high mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing a second charging screen that indicates the charging status of the battery when the heating mode is the normal mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] (A) is a diagram showing the second charging screen that is displayed when charging is completed when the heating mode is high mode in embodiment 2, and (B) is a diagram showing the second charging screen that is displayed when charging is completed when the heating mode is normal mode in embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] (overview) The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is called an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of air or other gases and tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in gas. The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is capable of generating aerosol without combustion. In the first embodiment, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device is simply referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing."

[0012] In the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device is assumed to be a device to which both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source can be attached. Hereinafter, a container that stores a liquid aerosol source will be referred to as a "cartridge," and a container that stores a solid aerosol source will be referred to as a "capsule." Both cartridges and capsules are consumables. For this reason, replacement guidelines are set for each cartridge and capsule. The replacement guidelines differ depending on the heating mode, which will be described later.

[0013] The aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment has a heater for heating a liquid aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a heater for heating a solid aerosol source to generate an aerosol. A liquid aerosol source is an example of a first aerosol source, and a solid aerosol source is an example of a second aerosol source.

[0014] (Example of appearance) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment. The external appearance example shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained by observing the front of the aerosol generation device 10 from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment has a size that can be held in one hand by a user. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 has a width of approximately 32 mm, a height of approximately 60 mm, and a depth of approximately 23 mm. These sizes are merely examples. Furthermore, the width, height, and depth dimensions will vary depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0015] 1 shows a state in which a capsule holder 12 is attached to a device main body 11 of the aerosol generation device 10. As will be described later, the capsule holder 12 is detachable from the device main body 11. A display 11A and operation buttons 11B are arranged on the top surface of the device main body 11. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display is used for the display 11A. The operation buttons 11B are used for, for example, turning the power on or off, checking the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, checking the remaining battery level, and other operations. The display 11A is an example of a display unit, and the operation buttons 11B are an example of an operation unit.

[0016] (Example of attaching an aerosol source, etc.) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how to attach the aerosol source and the like to the device body 11 assumed in the first embodiment. An opening (not shown) is provided in the upper part of the device body 11. This opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the device body 11. The cartridge 20 is first inserted into the opening of the device body 11, and then the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0017] When attaching or detaching the capsule holder 12 to or from the opening of the device body 11, the user rotates the capsule holder 12 by, for example, 120° relative to the opening. The capsule holder 12 attached to the device body 11 functions as a retainer to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the device body 11 from jumping out. An opening is also provided in the capsule holder 12. The opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 12. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by pushing it into the opening of the capsule holder 12, and can be removed by pulling it out of the opening of the capsule holder 12. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is attached through an opening provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body 11, but a configuration in which it is attached from the bottom surface side of the apparatus main body 11 may also be adopted.

[0018] (Internal configuration of the device) 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the embodiment 1. The internal configuration here includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the device main body 11. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 3 is intended to explain the components provided inside the device main body 11 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 3 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0019] The aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3 has a power supply unit 111L, a sensor unit 112L, a notification unit 113L, a memory unit 114L, a communication unit 115L, a control unit 116L, a liquid guide unit 122L, a liquid storage unit 123L, a heating unit 121L-1, a heating unit 121L-2, a holding unit 140L, and an insulating unit 144L. An air flow path 180L is formed inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L functions as a passage for transporting the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123L to the capsule-type container 130L filled with the solid aerosol source.

[0020] The liquid storage section 123L corresponds to the cartridge 20 described above, and the capsule-type container 130L corresponds to the capsule 30 described above. In this embodiment, the user inhales with the capsule-type container 130L attached to the holder 140L. The holder 140L corresponds to the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2) and the cylindrical body on the device main body 11 side to which the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0021] Each part constituting the device main body 11 will be described below. The power supply unit 111L is a device that stores power and supplies power to each component that constitutes the device main body 11. A rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 111L. If the power supply unit 111L is a rechargeable battery, it can be charged any number of times via an external power supply connected via a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0022] However, if the apparatus main body 11 is compatible with wireless power transmission, it is possible to charge the power supply unit 111L in a state where it is not in contact with an external device that is the power transmitting side. If the power supply unit 111L is removable from the device main body 11, it is possible to replace a worn-out power supply unit 111L with a new power supply unit 111L.

[0023] The sensor unit 112L is a device that detects information relating to each part of the apparatus main body 11. The sensor unit 112L outputs the detected information to the control unit 116L. The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, and a temperature sensor. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to detect inhalation by the user.

[0024] The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes an input device that accepts user operations on, for example, buttons, switches, etc. The buttons here include the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) described above. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to accept user operations.

[0025] The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a voltmeter that measures the voltage between both terminals of a battery. The battery here is an example of the power supply unit 111L. In this embodiment, the voltmeter is used to calculate the remaining capacity and charge level of the battery.

[0026] The notification unit 113L is a device that notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 is, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). When the notification unit 113L is a light-emitting device, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in a pattern according to the content of the information to be notified. For example, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in different patterns when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L needs to be charged, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L is being charged, and when notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred.

[0027] The different light emission patterns are a concept that includes differences in color, differences in timing of turning on and off the light, differences in brightness when turned on, and the like. In addition, the notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 may include, for example, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates. These devices may be used alone or in combination, and may be used together with the light-emitting device described above or in place of the light-emitting device. An example of the display device here is the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The storage unit 114L stores various types of information relating to the operation of the device main body 11. The storage unit 114L is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, a program executed by the control unit 116L. The program includes an OS (Operating System), firmware, and also an application program.

[0029] In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, information required by the control unit 116L to control each unit. The information here includes information on each component detected by the sensor 112L. For example, it also includes information on the heating mode currently being executed, information on the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, and the remaining amount and charge of the battery. The information on the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source includes, in addition to the remaining amount itself, information for calculating the remaining amount, such as the number of suctions and the cumulative suction time.

[0030] The communication unit 115L is a communication interface used to send and receive information to and from other devices, and conforms to wired or wireless communication standards. Communication standards include, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, and mobile communication systems such as 4G and 5G. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are used.

[0031] The communication unit 115L is used to display, for example, information relating to the user's suction on a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. In addition, the communication unit 115L is used to receive, for example, update data for a program stored in the storage unit 114L from a server.

[0032] The control unit 116L functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the device main body 11 through the execution of a program. The control unit 116L is provided with electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. Additionally, the control unit 116L may be provided with a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

[0033] The control unit 116L controls, for example, power supply from the power supply unit 111L to each unit, charging of the power supply unit 111L, detection of information by the sensor unit 112L, notification of information by the notification unit 113L, storage and reading of information by the memory unit 114L, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115L. The control unit 116L also performs processing such as accepting information from user operations and processing based on information output from each unit. In particular, the control unit 116L controls the display 11A to display a screen.

[0034] Liquid storage unit 123L is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The liquid aerosol source may include a tobacco material or an extract derived from a tobacco material that releases a flavor component when heated, and may also include a nicotine component.

[0035] The liquid guide 122L is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123L from the liquid storage 123L. The liquid guide 122L has a structure in which a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick. Both ends of the liquid guide portion 122L are connected to the inside of the liquid storage portion 123L. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123L spreads throughout the entire liquid guide portion 122L due to the capillary effect.

[0036] The heating section 121L-1 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding section 122L to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121L-1 is not limited to a coil shape as shown in Fig. 3, but may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shapes. The shape of the heating unit 121L-1 varies depending on the heating method, etc. The heating unit 121L-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

[0037] The heating unit 121L-1 is disposed adjacent to the liquid guiding unit 122L. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 121L-1 is a metal coil wound around the outer circumferential surface of the liquid guiding unit 122L. Heating unit 121L-1 generates heat when power is supplied from power supply unit 111L, and heats the aerosol source held in liquid guiding unit 122L to a vaporization temperature. The aerosol source that has reached the vaporization temperature is released as a gas from liquid guiding unit 122L into the air, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized, becoming an aerosol.

[0038] In this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source is linked to the user's inhalation. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 from the start of inhalation by the user to the end of inhalation, and when the user's inhalation ends, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped.

[0039] In addition, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source may start, for example, when a specific button is pressed when no aerosol is being generated, and may stop when a specific button is pressed when aerosol is being generated. The button for instructing the start of aerosol generation and the button for instructing the stop of aerosol generation may be the same physical button or may be different buttons.

[0040] The capsule-type container 130L is a container filled with a solid aerosol source. The solid aerosol source may include a processed product, such as cut tobacco or a tobacco raw material formed into granules, sheets, or powder, which releases a flavor component when heated. That is, the solid aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived substance. The solid aerosol source may also include, for example, a nicotine component. However, the solid aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances extracted from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). Additionally, the solid aerosol source may include flavoring ingredients such as menthol.

[0041] The holding part 140L corresponds to, for example, the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2), and has an internal space 141L in which the capsule-type container 130L is attached. The holding part 140L is a cylindrical body having a bottom 143L, and defines the columnar internal space 141L. A part of the capsule-type container 130L is held in the holding portion 140L, and the rest is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 140L. The part of the capsule-type container 130L that is exposed from the holding portion 140L is used as a mouthpiece 124L. The mouthpiece 124L is held in the mouth by a user who inhales the aerosol.

[0042] An air inlet (i.e., an air inlet hole) for the holding part 140L is provided, for example, in the bottom part 143L. A hole through which air can flow is formed in the bottom part of the capsule-type container 130L. Therefore, the air flowing in from the bottom part 143L passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and reaches the mouthpiece 124L. In other words, the mouthpiece 124L serves as an air outlet (i.e., an air outlet hole). Incidentally, the bottom 143L is in communication with an air outlet hole 182L of an air flow path 180L formed inside the device body 11. Through this air outlet hole 182L, the internal space 141L of the holder 140L and the air flow path 180L are in communication with each other.

[0043] The heating unit 121L-2 heats the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule-type container 130L. The heating part 121L-2 is made of metal, polyimide, etc. The heating part 121L-2 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the metal part of the holding part 140L. The heating unit 121L-2 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-type container 130L that is in contact with the metal portion of the holding unit 140L.

[0044] Therefore, the position close to the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-shaped container 130L is heated first, and then the heated area spreads toward the center. When the aerosol source reaches the vaporization temperature, it is vaporized, but when cooled by the surrounding air, it atomizes and becomes an aerosol. The power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 and the heating that accompanies the power supply are controlled by the control unit 116L.

[0045] The heat insulating portion 144L is a member that prevents heat from being transmitted from the heating portion 121L-2 to other components of the apparatus body 11. The heat insulating portion 144L covers at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating portion 121L-2. The heat insulating section 144L is made of, for example, a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material. A vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which glass wool, silica (silicon powder), or the like is wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gas to as close to zero as possible.

[0046] As described above, the air flow path 180L is an air flow path provided inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L has a tubular structure having, at both ends, an air inlet hole 181L which is an air inlet to the air flow path 180L and an air outlet hole 182L which is an air outlet from the air flow path 180L. When the user inhales, air flows into the air flow path 180L from the air inlet hole 181L, and the air flows out to the bottom 143L of the holder 140L from the air outlet hole 182L.

[0047] A liquid guide section 122L is disposed midway along the air flow path 180L. The liquid-derived aerosol generated by heating in the heating section 121L-1 is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet 181L. The mixture of the liquid-derived aerosol and air then passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and is output from the mouthpiece 124L into the user's oral cavity. In FIG. 3, this flow path is indicated by an arrow 190L.

[0048] Aerosol derived from solid matter is added to the mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air as it passes through the capsule-shaped container 130L. The concentration of the aerosol derived from the solid matter increases by combining the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2. However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, a heating mode that is not combined with the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is also provided.

[0049] When the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is not combined, the aerosol derived from the liquid is generated by heating the aerosol source of the solid material when the aerosol derived from the liquid passes through the capsule container 130L. However, the amount of solid-derived aerosol generated by heating the liquid-derived aerosol is smaller than when combined with heating control of the heating unit 121L-2.

[0050] (heating mode) The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment is provided with two types of heating modes. The first heating mode is a first mode in which only the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is used. That is, this is a heating mode in which only the cartridge 20 is heated. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “normal mode.” In the normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source is always controlled to be off.

[0051] The second heating mode is a second mode that uses both the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 and the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, this is a heating mode that heats both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “high mode.” In the high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 and heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 are alternately performed.

[0052] The heating mode can be switched by, for example, pressing and holding the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) for two seconds or more. For example, if operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in high mode, the heating mode switches to normal mode. On the other hand, if operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in normal mode, the heating mode switches to high mode.

[0053] In the high mode, the heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 takes priority over the heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2. That is, while heating is being performed by the heating unit 121L-1, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop. Also, if an event occurs that starts heating the cartridge 20 while heating the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop.

[0054] In the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment, the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 are controlled not to heat simultaneously so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery used as the power supply unit 111L. In other words, the heating period of the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period of the heating unit 121L-2 are separated. The term "simultaneous" here does not mean that the heating timings do not overlap at all, so overlaps caused by errors in operation timing, for example, are allowed.

[0055] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the normal mode and the high mode, where (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. FIG. 4(A1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the normal mode, and FIG. 4(A2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the normal mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(A1) and (A2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. During periods when heating is present, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during periods when heating is not present, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating section.

[0056] Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released. The locked state is a state in which control by control unit 116L is stopped, and therefore, even if the user holds mouthpiece 124L (see FIG. 3) between their mouths and inhales, no aerosol is generated. The locked state can be released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples. When the heating control in the normal mode starts, as shown in FIG. 4(A1), the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period. "Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by sensor unit 112L.

[0057] Thus, if suction for one second is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for one second, and if suction for two seconds is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for two seconds. As shown in FIG. 4(A2), in the normal mode, the capsule 30 is not heated regardless of whether or not inhalation is performed. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of suction, control unit 116L transitions to the locked state. The heating mode will not change even if the device is locked. The heating mode will not change even when the device is released from the locked state.

[0058] In this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 6 minutes (i.e., 360 seconds). This time is an example. If 6 minutes have passed since the last inhalation, it is highly likely that the user has stopped inhaling aerosol. Therefore, in this embodiment, the device main body 11 (see FIG. 2) is shifted to a locked state in order to reduce the power consumed by the device main body 11. The same applies to the high mode. That is, when six minutes have passed since the last suction, the aerosol generation device 10 is controlled to a locked state.

[0059] The device also transitions to the locked state when the user instructs it to do so. The user can manually transition to the locked state by, for example, pressing operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds before six minutes have elapsed since the last suction. The number of presses, the buttons to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.

[0060] FIG. 4(B1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the high mode, and FIG. 4(B2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the high mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(B1) and (B2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. As described above, in this embodiment, simultaneous heating of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 is prohibited. Therefore, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 do not overlap. During a period indicating heating, power is supplied to the corresponding heating unit, and during a period indicating no heating, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating unit.

[0061] The heating control in the high mode is started when the locked state is released or when the normal mode is switched to the high mode. When the high mode heating control starts, as shown in Fig. 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 starts. This heating basically continues until inhalation is detected, and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped during the period in which inhalation is detected. 4(B1) and 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped at the timing when heating of the cartridge 20 is started. The initial temperature of the capsule 30 is, for example, the air temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generation device 10 is used, for example, room temperature.

[0062] In the case of the aerosol generation device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 (B1) and (B2), when 30 seconds have passed since the last detection of inhalation, heating of the capsule 30 is forcibly stopped to reduce power consumption. That is, the device enters a sleep state. In the sleep state, the temperature of the capsule 30 gradually decreases.

[0063] In the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped, but the sensor unit 112L that detects inhalation is operating. Therefore, when inhalation by the user is detected in the sleep state, heating of the cartridge 20 is performed as shown in Fig. 4(B1). Furthermore, when heating of the cartridge 20 is completed, heating of the capsule 30 is started as shown in Fig. 4(B2).

[0064] In the present embodiment, the user is not notified of the transition to the sleep state, but the user may be notified. If the device remains in sleep mode for another 5 minutes and 30 seconds, it will transition to the locked state described above.

[0065] (Display contents) 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a charging main screen 200 displayed on the display 11A in the first embodiment. The charging main screen 200 is a screen that shows the charging status of the battery, and is displayed when a cable connected to an external power source is inserted. The charging main screen 200 shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the battery is being charged, and is displayed when a cable is inserted and a first condition is met. The first condition is, for example, that battery charging has started. This charging main screen 200 is displayed until battery charging is completed, the cable is unplugged, or until the screen is switched to the charging second screen, which will be described later. 6 indicates that the battery cannot be charged, and is displayed when the cable connecting the external power source is disconnected or the AC adapter is not compatible. This charging main screen 200 is displayed until the user performs an operation to request that the display be terminated. The charging main screen 200 is an example of a first image.

[0066] A battery icon 201 and a cable icon 202 are arranged on the charging main screen 200 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. A disconnection icon 203 is also arranged on the charging main screen 200 shown in Fig. 6. The battery icon 201 is an icon indicating the charging status of the battery. The cable icon 202 is an icon indicating that the battery is being charged. The disconnection icon 203 is an icon indicating that the battery cannot be charged. The cable icon 202 is an example of a first display element, and the disconnection icon 203 is an example of a sixth display element.

[0067] 5 and 6, the battery icon 201 is a battery design so that it is clear that it represents the charging status of the battery, but the design of the battery icon 201 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a rectangular design. 5, the cable icon 202 indicates that the battery is being charged, but this is not limiting. Any icon design may be used as long as it can indicate that the battery is being charged. In Fig. 6, the cutoff icon 203 is a cable with an "x" attached to it, which indicates that the battery cannot be charged, but the design of the cutoff icon 203 is not limited to this. Any design may be used as long as it can indicate that the battery cannot be charged. The cutoff icon 203 may also be displayed in a flashing manner.

[0068] The battery icon 201 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 represents the battery charge level using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% of the full charge. In FIG. 5, the number of sections that are lit increases each time the charged power reaches 25%. That is, the number of lit sections increases from one to two, three, and so on. When the charge level reaches 100%, there are four lit sections. For example, in FIG. 5(A), all four sections are off, so the charge level is less than 25%. In FIG. 5(B), one section is on and the remaining three sections are off, so the charge level is between 25% and less than 50%. In FIG. 5(C), two sections are on and the remaining two sections are off, so the charge level is between 50% and less than 75%. In FIG. 5, the section in charge may be made to blink, and the section in charge of which charging is complete may be made to light up.

[0069] 7 to 9 are diagrams illustrating the charging second screen 220 displayed on the display 11A in the first embodiment. The charging second screen 220 is a screen that indicates the charging status of the battery, for example, that the battery is being charged, and is displayed as a screen different from the charging main screen 200 when a second condition is met. The second condition is a condition different from the above-mentioned first condition, for example, a condition in which the operation button 11B is pressed while the charging main screen 200 of Fig. 5 is displayed. The charging second screen 220 is an example of a second image.

[0070] The charging second screen 220 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 has a heating mode icon 221, a capsule icon 222, and a battery icon 223 arranged thereon. The charging second screen 220 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 also has a lightning icon 224 arranged thereon, and the charging second screen 220 shown in FIG. 9 also has a lock icon 225 arranged thereon. The heating mode icon 221 is an icon indicating the current heating mode. The capsule icon 222 is an icon indicating the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source in the capsule 30. The battery icon 223 is an icon indicating the amount of charge in the battery. The lightning icon 224 is an icon indicating that the battery is being charged. The lock icon 225 is an icon that is arranged in place of the lightning icon 224 when battery charging is complete, and is an icon indicating that the control unit 116L has transitioned to a locked state. The capsule icon 222 is an example of a fourth display element, the battery icon 223 is an example of a third display element, the lightning icon 224 is an example of a second display element, and the lock icon 225 is an example of a fifth display element.

[0071] 7 to 9, the capsule icon 222 is represented by a rectangle, and the mark of the capsule 30 is placed in the second section from the top, but the design of the capsule icon 222 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a design of the capsule 30. In this case, the design of the capsule 30 is an example of a design of a container that can contain an aerosol source. 7 to 9, the battery icon 223 is a battery design so that it is clear that it represents the charge level of the battery, but the design of the battery icon 223 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a rectangular design. 7 and 8, the lightning icon 224 indicates that the battery is charging, but this is not limited to this. Any icon design may be used as long as it can indicate that the battery is charging. For example, to distinguish it from the charging main screen 200, any icon design different from the cable icon 202 may be used. 9, the lock icon 225 indicates that the control unit 116L has transitioned to the locked state, but this is not limiting. Any icon design may be used as long as it can indicate that the control unit 116L has transitioned to the locked state. However, it is preferable to use an icon with a design different from that of the lightning icon 224 in order to distinguish it from the lightning icon 224.

[0072] In Figs. 7 and 8, the lightning icon 224 is arranged so as to overlap both the capsule icon 222 and the battery icon 223, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 221 and providing an easy-to-see display. In FIG. 9, the lock icon 225 is arranged so as to overlap both the capsule icon 222 and the battery icon 223, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 221 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0073] 7 to 9, the capsule icon 222 and the battery icon 223 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 221 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0074] Fig. 7 shows the second charging screen 220 that is displayed during charging when the heating mode is high mode. Fig. 8 shows the second charging screen 220 that is displayed during charging when the heating mode is normal mode. In the case of Fig. 7, the heating mode icon 221 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 8, the heating mode icon 221 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0075] The capsule icon 222 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 represents the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30 using five sections. One section corresponds to 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time the consumed aerosol source reaches 20% equivalent, the number of lit sections decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, there is only one lit section. However, the capsule icon 222 may simply be a design that can indicate the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30. That is, the capsule icon 222 does not need to actually indicate the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30.

[0076] The battery icon 223 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 represents the battery charge level using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% of the full charge. Each time the charged power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit increases. That is, the number of lit sections increases from one to two, three, and so on. When the charged power reaches 100%, four sections are lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 7(A) and 8(A), all four sections are off, so the charged level is less than 25%. In the case of FIGS. 7(B) and 8(B), one section is on and the remaining three sections are off, so the charged level is between 25% and less than 50%. In the case of FIGS. 7(C) and 8(C), two sections are on and the remaining two sections are off, so the charged level is between 50% and less than 75%. In addition, in Figs. 7 and 8, the section in charge of charging may be made to blink, and the section in charge of charging completed may be made to light up.

[0077] 9(A) shows the charging second screen 220 that is displayed when charging is complete when the heating mode is high. FIG. 9(B) shows the charging second screen 220 that is displayed when charging is complete when the heating mode is normal. In the case of Fig. 9(A), the heating mode icon 221 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 9(B), the heating mode icon 221 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0078] The capsule icon 222 and the battery icon 223 in Figures 9(A) and (B) are the same as the capsule icon 222 and the battery icon 223 in Figures 7 and 8, respectively. The only difference between Figures 9(A) and (B) is that a lock icon 225 is placed in place of the lightning icon 224 in Figures 7 and 8.

[0079] (Display control) 10 and 11 are flowcharts illustrating the display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 according to the first embodiment. The symbol S in the figure means step. 10 and 11 are realized through the execution of a program. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and is executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).

[0080] Fig. 10 shows the first half of the display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 when the battery charging operation is performed. Fig. 11 shows the second half of the display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 when the battery charging operation is performed. Note that in this description, it is assumed that the cable is not unplugged while the battery is being charged.

[0081] First, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 116L determines whether or not a cable connected to an external power supply has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 10 (step 301). For example, if the sensor unit 112L (see FIG. 3) detects that a cable has been inserted, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 301. On the other hand, if the sensor unit 112L does not detect that a cable has been inserted, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 301 .

[0082] While a negative result is obtained in step 301, control unit 116L repeats the determination in step 301.

[0083] If a positive result is obtained in step 301, control unit 116L determines whether the battery can be charged (step 302). For example, if it is determined that the charge amount of the battery is increasing based on the charge amount of the battery that is sequentially stored in the memory unit 114L, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 302. On the other hand, if it is determined that the charge amount of the battery has not increased based on the charge amount of the battery sequentially stored in the memory unit 114L, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 302.

[0084] First, a case where a positive result is obtained in step 302 will be described. In this case, the control unit 116L acquires the charge amount of the battery (step 303). The charge amount of the battery is sequentially stored in the storage unit 114L, so the control unit 116L acquires this. Next, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201, which indicates the battery charge level acquired in step 303, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 304). If the battery charge level acquired in step 303 is between 25% and 50%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201 including control data for lighting one compartment. If the battery charge level acquired in step 303 is between 50% and 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the battery charge level acquired in step 303 is between 75% and 100%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the battery charge level acquired in step 303 is 100%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201 including control data for lighting four compartments.

[0085] Next, the control unit 116L sets the cable icon 202 in the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 305).

[0086] Thereafter, the control unit 116L displays on the display 11A the charging main screen 200 obtained by setting the battery icon 201 and the cable icon 202 in the screen data in steps 304 and 305 (step 306). For example, the control unit 116L outputs the data of the charging main screen 200 to the notification unit 113L, and the notification unit 113L outputs this data to the display 11A, whereby the charging main screen 200 is displayed on the display 11A.

[0087] Next, control unit 116L determines whether or not charging of the battery is complete (step 307). For example, if the memory unit 114L stores that the battery is fully charged, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 307. On the other hand, if it is stored in memory unit 114L that the battery charge level is not 100%, control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 307.

[0088] If a negative result is obtained in step 307, control unit 116L determines whether an operation requesting a screen transition has been detected (step 308). For example, if the sensor unit 112L (see FIG. 3) detects that the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) is pressed twice, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 308. On the other hand, if the sensor unit 112L does not detect the operation of pressing the operation button 11B twice, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 308.

[0089] If a negative result is obtained in step 308, the control unit 116L returns the process to step 303. Note that the subsequent step 305 does not need to be executed if the cable icon 202 remains set in the screen data prepared in the RAM. If a positive result is obtained in step 308, control unit 116L advances the process to FIG.

[0090] Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 302 will be described. In this case, control unit 116L sets battery icon 201 in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 309). In this case, the battery charge amount does not increase, so the battery charge amount is not acquired and reflected in battery icon 201.

[0091] Next, the control unit 116L sets the blocking icon 203 in the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 310).

[0092] Thereafter, the control unit 116L displays on the display 11A the charging main screen 200 obtained by setting the battery icon 201 and the shut-off icon 203 in the screen data in steps 309 and 310 (step 311). For example, the control unit 116L outputs the data of the charging main screen 200 to the notification unit 113L, and the notification unit 113L outputs this data to the display 11A, whereby the charging main screen 200 is displayed on the display 11A.

[0093] Then, control unit 116L ends the process. Also, if a positive result is obtained in step 307, control unit 116L ends the process.

[0094] If a positive result is obtained in step 308 of Fig. 10, control unit 116L acquires the current heating mode (step 321), as shown in Fig. 11. Since the current heating mode is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Next, control unit 116L sets heating mode icon 221, which represents the heating mode acquired in step 321, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 322). If the heating mode acquired in step 321 is the high mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 221 to include the character string "MODE HIGH." If the heating mode acquired in step 321 is the normal mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 221 to include the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0095] Next, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 222 to the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 323). Note that, here, the remaining amount in the capsule 30 is not acquired and reflected in the capsule icon 222.

[0096] Next, the control unit 116L acquires the charge amount of the battery (step 324). The charge amount of the battery is sequentially stored in the memory unit 114L, so the control unit 116L acquires this. Next, control unit 116L sets battery icon 223, which indicates the battery charge level acquired in step 324, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 325). If the battery charge level acquired in step 324 is between 25% and 50%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 223 including control data for lighting one compartment. If the battery charge level acquired in step 324 is between 50% and 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 223 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the battery charge level acquired in step 324 is between 75% and 100%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 223 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the battery charge level acquired in step 324 is 100%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 223 including control data for lighting four compartments.

[0097] Next, the control unit 116L sets the lightning icon 224 in the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 326).

[0098] Thereafter, the control unit 116L displays on the display 11A the second charging screen 220 obtained by setting the heating mode icon 221, capsule icon 222, battery icon 223, and lightning icon 224 in the screen data in steps 322, 323, 325, and 326 (step 327). For example, the control unit 116L outputs the data of the second charging screen 220 to the notification unit 113L, and the notification unit 113L outputs this data to the display 11A, whereby the second charging screen 220 is displayed on the display 11A.

[0099] Next, control unit 116L determines whether or not charging of the battery is complete (step 328). For example, if the memory unit 114L stores that the battery is 100% charged, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 328. On the other hand, if the memory unit 114L stores information that the battery is not fully charged, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 328.

[0100] If a negative result is obtained in step 328, control unit 116L returns the process to step 324. Note that the subsequent step 326 does not need to be executed if the lightning icon 224 remains set in the screen data prepared in the RAM. If a positive result is obtained in step 328, control unit 116L sets lock icon 225 in place of lightning icon 224 set in step 326 in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 329).

[0101] Thereafter, control unit 116L displays on display 11A the second charging screen 220 obtained by setting the heating mode icon 221, capsule icon 222, battery icon 223, and lock icon 225 in the screen data in steps 322, 323, 325, and 329 (step 330). For example, control unit 116L outputs the data of the second charging screen 220 to notification unit 113L, and notification unit 113L outputs this data to display 11A, whereby the second charging screen 220 is displayed on display 11A.

[0102] In the above description, the control unit 116L does not reflect the remaining amount of the capsule 30 on the capsule icon 222, but this is not limited to this. The remaining amount of the capsule 30 may be acquired and reflected on the capsule icon 222.

[0103] (summary) In the aerosol generation device 10 of the first embodiment, when the battery is being charged, if a first condition is met, a charging main screen 200 including a battery icon 201 indicating the charging status of the battery is displayed, and if a second condition is met, a charging second screen 220 including a capsule icon 222 indicating the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30 and a battery icon 223 indicating the charging status of the battery is displayed. This makes it possible to inform the user of the charging status of the battery in an easy-to-understand manner while also making it possible to inform the user of information other than the charging status of the battery when the battery is being charged.

[0104] [Embodiment 2] (Overview, etc.) In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an icon of a cartridge 20 is displayed on the display 11A instead of an icon of a capsule 30. The external appearance and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as those of the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment. However, the sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 also includes a liquid level sensor that detects the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20. The liquid level sensor may be one that optically detects the liquid level, such as one that detects the liquid level position using reflected light from the liquid surface. In addition, the memory unit 114L provided in the device main body 11 also stores information on the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20 as information detected by the sensor unit 112L.

[0105] (Display contents) Although not shown, charging main screen 400 displayed on display 11A in the second embodiment is the same as charging main screen 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the second embodiment, although not shown, icons corresponding to battery icon 201, cable icon 202, and disconnection icon 203 included in charging main screen 400 will be represented as battery icon 401, cable icon 402, and disconnection icon 403, respectively.

[0106] 12 to 14 are diagrams illustrating a charging second screen 420 displayed on the display 11A in the second embodiment. The charging second screen 420 is a screen that indicates the charging status of the battery, for example, that the battery is being charged, and is displayed as a screen different from the charging main screen 400 when a second condition is met. The second condition is a condition different from the first condition for displaying the charging main screen 400, for example, a condition that the operation button 11B is pressed while the charging main screen 400 indicating the charging status of the battery is displayed. Charging second screen 420 is an example of a second image.

[0107] 12 to 14, a heating mode icon 421, a cartridge icon 422, and a battery icon 423 are arranged. The charging second screen 420 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 further has a lightning icon 424 arranged thereon, and the charging second screen 420 shown in FIG. 14 further has a lock icon 425 arranged thereon. The heating mode icon 421 is an icon indicating the current heating mode. The cartridge icon 422 is an icon indicating the remaining amount of liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20. The battery icon 423 is an icon indicating the amount of charge in the battery. The lightning icon 424 is an icon indicating that the battery is being charged. The lock icon 425 is an icon that is arranged in place of the lightning icon 424 when battery charging is complete, and is an icon indicating that the control unit 116L has transitioned to a locked state. The cartridge icon 422 is an example of a fourth display element, the battery icon 423 is an example of a third display element, the lightning icon 424 is an example of a second display element, and the lock icon 425 is an example of a fifth display element.

[0108] 12 to 14, the cartridge icon 422 is represented by a rectangle, and the mark of the cartridge 20 is placed in the second section from the top, but the design of the cartridge icon 422 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a design of the cartridge 20. In this case, the design of the cartridge 20 is an example of a design of a container that can contain an aerosol source. 12 to 14, the battery icon 423 is a battery design so that it is clear that it represents the charge level of the battery, but the design of the battery icon 423 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a rectangular design. 12 and 13, the lightning icon 424 indicates that the battery is charging, but this is not limited to this. Any icon design may be used as long as it can indicate that the battery is charging. For example, to distinguish it from the charging main screen 400, any icon design different from the cable icon 402 may be used. 14, lock icon 425 indicates that control unit 116L has transitioned to the locked state, but this is not limiting. Any icon design may be used as long as it can indicate that control unit 116L has transitioned to the locked state. However, it is preferable to use an icon with a design different from that of lightning icon 424 in order to distinguish it from lightning icon 424.

[0109] In FIGS. 12 and 13, the lightning icon 424 is arranged so as to overlap both the cartridge icon 422 and the battery icon 423, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 421 and providing an easy-to-see display. In FIG. 14, the lock icon 425 is arranged so as to overlap both the cartridge icon 422 and the battery icon 423, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 421 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0110] 12 to 14, the cartridge icon 422 and the battery icon 423 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 421 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0111] Fig. 12 shows the second charging screen 420 that is displayed during charging when the heating mode is high mode. Fig. 13 shows the second charging screen 420 that is displayed during charging when the heating mode is normal mode. In the case of Fig. 12, the heating mode icon 421 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 13, the heating mode icon 421 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0112] The cartridge icon 422 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 represents the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the capsule 30 using five sections. One section corresponds to 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time the consumed aerosol source reaches 20%, the number of lit sections decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, there is only one lit section. However, the cartridge icon 422 may simply be a design that can indicate the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 20. That is, the cartridge icon 422 does not need to actually indicate the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 20.

[0113] The battery icon 423 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 represents the battery charge level using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% of the full charge. Each time the charged power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit increases. That is, the number of lit sections increases from one to two, three, and so on. When the charged power reaches 100%, four sections are lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 12(A) and 13(A), all four sections are off, so the battery charge level is less than 25%. In the case of FIGS. 12(B) and 13(B), one section is on and the remaining three sections are off, so the battery charge level is between 25% and less than 50%. In the case of FIGS. 12(C) and 13(C), two sections are on and the remaining two sections are off, so the battery charge level is between 50% and less than 75%. In addition, in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the section in which charging is in progress may be made to blink, and the section in which charging is completed may be made to light up.

[0114] Fig. 14(A) shows the charging second screen 420 that is displayed when charging is complete when the heating mode is high mode. Fig. 14(B) shows the charging second screen 420 that is displayed when charging is complete when the heating mode is normal mode. In the case of Fig. 14(A), the heating mode icon 421 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 14(B), the heating mode icon 421 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0115] The cartridge icon 422 and the battery icon 423 in Figures 14(A) and (B) are the same as the cartridge icon 422 and the battery icon 423 in Figures 12 and 13, respectively. The only difference between Figures 14(A) and (B) is that a lock icon 425 is placed in place of the lightning icon 424 in Figures 12 and 13.

[0116] (Display control) The display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 in the second embodiment is achieved by replacing the processing related to the capsule 30 in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0117] (summary) In the aerosol generation device 10 of the second embodiment, when the battery is being charged, if a first condition is met, a charging main screen 400 including a battery icon 401 indicating the charging status of the battery is displayed, and if a second condition is met, a charging second screen 420 including a cartridge icon 422 indicating the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 20 and a battery icon 423 indicating the charging status of the battery is displayed. This makes it possible to inform the user of the charging status of the battery in an easy-to-understand manner while also making it possible to inform the user of information other than the charging status of the battery when the battery is being charged.

[0118] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the aerosol is generated by heating the liquid aerosol source with the heating unit 121L-1, but the aerosol may be generated by vibrating the liquid aerosol source with an oscillator. Alternatively, the heating unit 121L-1 may be configured as a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal, and the susceptor may be induction-heated with an electromagnetic induction source to generate the aerosol.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1) is an electronic cigarette, but it may also be a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer. When the aerosol generation device 10 is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or solid aerosol source may contain a drug for inhalation by a patient.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the aerosol generation device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any device that has a display capable of displaying the status of the device itself. Note that this device is an example of an information display device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10...aerosol generating device, 11A...display, 11B...operation button, 20...cartridge, 30...capsule, 116L...control unit, 121L-1, 121L-2...heating unit, 200, 400...main screen during charging, 201, 401...battery icon, 202, 402...cable icon, 203, 403...shutdown icon, 220, 420...second screen during charging, 221, 421...heating mode icon, 222...capsule icon, 223, 423...battery icon, 224, 424...lightning icon, 225, 425...lock icon, 422...cartridge icon

Claims

1. a heating unit that receives power from the battery and heats the aerosol source; a display unit for displaying the status of the device itself; a control unit that, when the battery is being charged, controls the display unit to display a first image indicating that the battery is being charged if a first condition is satisfied, and controls the display unit to display a second image indicating that the battery is being charged, which is different from the first image, if a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied; Equipped with the first image includes a first display element that represents that the battery is charging; An aerosol generating device, wherein the second image includes a second display element indicating that the battery is charging and a third display element indicating the charging status of the battery.

2. the second display element is a lightning bolt symbol, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the third display element is a design of the battery.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the second image further includes a fourth display element representing a remaining amount of the aerosol source.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the second image includes the second display element superimposed on both the third display element and the fourth display element.

5. The aerosol generating device described in claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the second image, in which a fifth display element indicating that the device is locked is placed in the position where the second display element was placed, instead of the second display element, when charging of the battery is completed.

6. further comprising an operation unit operated by a user, the first condition is a condition that the operation unit is not operated in a state in which the first image is displayed on the display unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second condition is that the operation unit is operated while the first image is displayed on the display unit.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second image indicates that the battery is being charged by displaying a picture of the battery and a picture of a lightning bolt.

8. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the first image, which further includes a sixth display element indicating that the battery cannot be charged, when the battery cannot be charged.

Images