Suction device, display method, and program

Abstract

While making effective use of multiple display units, the system will notify the user when the battery level falls below a first remaining level and when the battery level falls below a second remaining level that is lower than the first remaining level. [Solution] A suction device comprising: a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery; a plurality of display units for displaying the remaining battery level; and a control unit that, when the remaining battery level is greater than a first remaining level, controls the plurality of display units to light up normally according to the remaining battery level and to light up a number of display units according to the remaining battery level in a baseline state in order to represent changes in the remaining battery level within a range greater than the first remaining level.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an atomizer including a printed circuit board that can operate to detect the remaining voltage of a battery so that an LED light can be lit according to the remaining voltage.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a suction component generation device that performs a first notification when a value representing the remaining amount of a power supply is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, performs a second notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and performs a third notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply is less than the second threshold value. The first notification is constituted by a first emission color by a light emitting element, the second notification is constituted by a second emission color by the light emitting element, the third notification is constituted by a third emission color by the light emitting element, and the first emission color, the second emission color, and the third emission color are different from each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If a configuration is adopted to notify, using all of a plurality of display units, that the remaining amount of the battery has become equal to or less than a first remaining amount and that the remaining amount of the battery has become equal to or less than a second remaining amount smaller than the first remaining amount, effective use of the plurality of display units cannot be achieved.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to effectively utilize multiple display units while indicating when the battery level has fallen below a first remaining level and when the battery level has fallen below a second remaining level that is lower than the first remaining level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a suction device comprising: a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery; a plurality of display units for displaying the remaining battery level; and a control unit that, when the remaining battery level is greater than a first remaining battery level, controls the plurality of display units to normally light up a number of units corresponding to the remaining battery level and to baseline light up a number of units corresponding to the remaining battery level in order to represent changes in the remaining battery level within a range greater than the first remaining battery level.

[0008] The control unit may be one that controls the multiple display units so that none of them turn off.

[0009] The control unit may control some of the multiple display units to blink at a first speed when the battery level falls below a first level. In this case, the control unit may control some of the units to blink at a first speed by non-linearly changing the brightness of some of the units in multiple steps. In this case, the control unit may also control some of the units to blink at a second speed faster than the first speed when the battery level falls below a second level which is less than the first level.

[0010] The control unit may control multiple display units to display at least one of the following: whether the device is powered on, the progress of preheating the device, the suction status of the device, and the current operating mode of the device.

[0011] The present invention also provides a display method for a suction device comprising a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery, and a plurality of display units for displaying the remaining battery level, wherein when the remaining battery level of the suction device is greater than a first remaining battery level, the display method includes the steps of normally lighting up a number of display units corresponding to the remaining battery level and baseline lighting up a number of display units corresponding to the remaining battery level in order to represent changes in the remaining battery level within a range greater than the first remaining battery level.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a program for a suction device comprising a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery, and a plurality of display units for displaying the remaining battery level, which enables a function to be implemented when the remaining battery level is greater than a first remaining level, in order to represent changes in the remaining battery level within a range greater than the first remaining level, by normally lighting up a number of display units corresponding to the remaining battery level and illuminating a number of display units corresponding to the remaining battery level in baseline mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively utilize multiple display units while indicating when the battery level has fallen below a first remaining level and when the battery level has fallen below a second remaining level that is smaller than the first remaining level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) are overall perspective views of the suction device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are external views of the panel and main body housing of the suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figures (a) to (h) show the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 100% to 20%. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing an example of the battery remaining amount display step animation. [Figure 6] This is a graph showing the change in luminance in the brightening animation. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the display modes of eight LEDs when the remaining battery amount reaches 20% or less. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the display modes of eight LEDs when the remaining battery amount reaches zero or less. [Figure 9] This is a graph showing the change in luminance in the blinking animation. [Figure 10-1] This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the control unit of the suction device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10-2] This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the control unit of the suction device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[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 (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 includes 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 includes an external connection terminal 70 such as a USB Type-C connector.

[0017] The outermost housing 40 of the suction device 1 is formed when panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20. Furthermore, by having panel 10, the suction device 1 can buffer the heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. In other words, panel 10 functions to insulate the heat generated from the heating part of the main body 30. In addition, panel 10 is formed so that its surface is substantially curved. When attached to the main housing 20, panel 10 defines the internal space together with the surface of the main housing 20.

[0018] The housing 40 should be sized to fit in the user's hand. The user holds the suction device 1 with one hand while touching the surface of the panel 10 with their fingertips. When the user presses the surface of the panel 10 with their fingertips, the panel 10 deforms to form a recess toward the main housing 20. As a result of this deformation of the panel 10, a protrusion on the panel 10 comes into contact with an operation button on the surface of the main housing 20, thereby pressing the operation button. That is, the part of the surface of the panel 10 that is pressed by the fingertips forms a button area 15.

[0019] Furthermore, for a user to deform the panel 10, they need to press the button area 15 simultaneously using multiple fingers, for example. This requires a greater pressing force compared to, for example, a single button protruding from the surface of the housing being pressed by a single finger. In other words, the suction device 1 in this embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent unintended user errors, such as accidental pressing of the operation buttons in a bag. In addition, since a child's pressing force, which is not appropriate for a user of the suction device 1, cannot easily press the button area 15 of the panel 10, it is also advantageous in terms of preventing tampering (child resistance).

[0020] The main housing 20 has an opening into which a stick-shaped substrate is inserted, but Figure 1 shows the shutter 50 closing the opening. The shutter 50 has a sliding 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. The opening and closing of the opening can be detected by providing a sensor (not shown) near the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is placed on the shutter 50, and the opening and closing of the opening is detected by a magnetic sensor.

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

[0022] [Examples of external configurations for the panel and main housing] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are external views of the panel 10 and main housing 20 of the suction device 1. Figure 2(a) shows an external view of the inner surface of the panel 10, and Figure 2(b) shows an external view of the outer surface of the main housing 20. When the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the inner surface of the panel 10 and the outer surface of the main housing 20 face each other.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2(a), magnets 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the panel 10. When the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, magnets 11 and 14 attract the panel to the main housing 20 due to their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). This holds the panel 10 in place on the main housing 20. The 12 presses the operation button 22 provided on the surface of the main housing 20. Magnet 13 is configured as a magnetic field application part for the sensor part of the main body 30. In other words, the magnetic field applied from magnet 13 is detected by the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20, thereby allowing the panel 10 to be detected.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2(b), the outer surface of the main housing 20 has a magnet 21, a through hole 25, an operation button 22, and a magnet 24 arranged along the longitudinal direction from the shutter 50 side. On the inner surface of the main housing 20 (more precisely, on the substrate at approximately zero distance from the inner surface), a magnetic sensor 23 is positioned along the longitudinal direction between the operation button 22 and the magnet 24. The magnets 21, operation button 22, magnetic sensor 23, and magnet 24 of the main housing 20 correspond to the magnets 11, protrusions 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 of the panel 10, respectively. In other words, when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, they are aligned and face each other.

[0025] The magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20 are attracted to the magnets 11 and 14 of the panel 10 by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, the magnets 11 and 21 and the magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, holding the panel 10 in a way that allows it to be attached to the main housing 20. It is preferable that the magnets 11 and 14 of the panel 10, and the magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20, are made of permanent magnets.

[0026] The operation button 22 is located on the surface to which the panel 10 is mounted. In other words, when the panel 10 is mounted on the main body housing 20, the operation button 22 is covered by the panel 10 and pressed by the projection 12 on the panel 10. This allows, for example, switching the power of the suction device 1 on and off.

[0027] The magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 on the panel 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 23 may be a Hall sensor made using a Hall element. This allows for the detection of the panel 10 being attached to the main housing 20.

[0028] The magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 is positioned to face the magnet 13 of the panel 10 via the inner surface of the main housing 20 when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20. In other words, when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 and the magnet 13 of the panel 10 is minimized.

[0029] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20. Specifically, it is preferable to position the magnetic sensor 23 on the inner surface of the main housing 20 at a distance from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the outer surface of the main housing 20. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the magnetic fields from these two magnets 21 and 24 on the magnetic sensor 23 to almost zero.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the magnetic sensor 23 and the magnet 24 (or magnet 21) in the main housing 20 to be separated in such a way that the distance between them is greater than the distance between the magnet 13 and the magnetic sensor 23 when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20. This allows the magnetic sensor 23 to appropriately consider only the effect of the magnetic field applied by the magnet 13, without having to consider the effect of the magnetic field of the magnet 24, when detecting the attachment of the panel 10 to the main housing 20.

[0031] The through-hole 25 is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) located inside the main body 30, allowing light from the LEDs to pass through to the display window 60 of the panel 10. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the panel 10.

[0032] [Example of a suction device configuration] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction device 1. In the suction device 1, a stick-type substrate 100 having a flavor-generating substrate such as a filling material containing an aerosol source and a flavor source, which are sources of inhaled components, is inserted. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may also be a solid. The inserted stick-type substrate 100 generates an aerosol containing flavor by being heated from its outer circumference.

[0033] As shown in Figure 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. These elements of the suction device 1 are housed within the main body 30 shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The control unit 90 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 1 according to various programs. The control unit 90 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0035] The power supply unit 91 stores power. Based on the control of the control unit 90, the power supply unit 91 supplies power to each component of the suction device 1. The power supply unit 91 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0036] The sensor unit 92 acquires various information related to the suction device 1. For example, the sensor unit 92 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow 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 that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch.

[0037] Furthermore, the sensor unit 92 detects the attachment of the panel to the main housing. For example, the sensor unit 92 is composed of a magnetic sensor (for example, a Hall sensor using a Hall element that detects magnetism using the Hall effect). The sensor unit 92 then detects that a panel equipped with a magnetic field application unit (for example, a magnet and / or magnetic material) 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 composed of, for example, a display unit consisting of light-emitting elements such as LEDs, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the LED notifies the user of the operation information of the suction device 1 through a predetermined light emission pattern. Specifically, the LED emits light to inform the user of the status of whether the suction device 1 is powered on, the progress of preheating, the suction status (remaining suction time, etc.), and the current operating mode of the suction device 1 (e.g., suction mode and / or communication mode, etc.).

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

[0041] The communication unit 95 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. For wireless communication, examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®. For wired communication, a data communication cable is connected via the external connection terminal 70. This allows for the input and output of data related to the operation of the suction device 1 to and from an external device.

[0042] Furthermore, the communication unit 95 may activate its communication function when the aperture 84 of the shutter 50 is opened and start communication with an external terminal using Bluetooth® or the like. Alternatively, it may terminate communication with the external terminal when the aperture 84 of the shutter 50 is closed. The Bluetooth® connection between the communication unit 95 and the external terminal should preferably be a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connection.

[0043] The holding portion 80 has an internal space 83 and holds the stick-type substrate 100 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 100 in the internal space 83. The holding portion 80 has an opening 84 that communicates the internal space 83 with the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 100 inserted into the internal space 83 from the opening 84. For example, the holding portion 80 is a cylindrical body with the opening 84 and bottom portion 85 as its base surface, defining a columnar internal space 83. In this specification, the direction in which the stick-type substrate 100 is inserted into the internal space 83 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the suction device 1.

[0044] The holding portion 80 has a pressing portion and a non-pressing portion (neither of which are 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 the longitudinal direction perpendicular to it. The stick-shaped base material 100 is then held by the holding portion 80 while being pressed and deformed by the pressing portion. As a result, the stick-shaped base material 100 is heated from the outside by the heating portion 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. As a result, the opening 84 and the bottom portion 85 are connected through this gap.

[0046] The holding portion 80 also has the function of defining the airflow path for the air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 100. The air inlet 86, which is the air entrance to this flow path, is an opening 84. More precisely, the air inlet 86 is the air gap between the non-pressing portion and the stick-shaped substrate 100. Air flowing in from the air inlet 86 when the user sucks on it is transported through the stick-shaped substrate 100 along the dotted arrow to the air outlet 87, which is the air exit from the flow path.

[0047] The stick-type substrate 100 includes a base portion 101 and a mouthpiece portion 102. The base portion 101 contains an aerosol source. When the stick-type substrate 100 is held in the holding portion 80, at least a part of the base portion 101 is housed in the internal space 83, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 102 protrudes from the opening 84. When a user puts the mouthpiece portion 102 protruding from the opening 84 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 83 from the air inlet hole 86, and along the dotted arrow, is transported to the air outlet hole 87 of the mouthpiece portion 102 via the bottom portion 85, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base portion 101. The stick-type substrate 100 is an example of a substrate that holds an aerosol source.

[0048] The heating unit 81 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 81 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 80. When the heating unit 81 generates heat, the base material portion 101 of the stick-type base material 100 is heated from the outer circumference, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 81 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 91. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 92 detects that the user has started suctioning, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 92 detects that the user has finished suctioning, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. The heating unit 81 is an example of a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating the base material with power from a battery.

[0049] The heat insulating section 82 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 81 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 82 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0050] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 1. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 1 is not limited to the above, and can take various configurations as exemplified below.

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

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

[0053] [Overview of Suction Device Operation] In the suction device 1 described above, in this embodiment, the notification unit 93 is composed of a plurality of display units for displaying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91 (hereinafter referred to as "battery charge"). The control unit 90 controls the display mode of all of the plurality of display units to change in order to represent the change in the battery charge within a range greater than the first charge when the battery charge is greater than the first charge. Here, the change within a range greater than the first charge is, for example, the change from full charge to the first charge. In this case, full charge includes not only a strictly 100% charge state, but also a charge state in which a small amount of discharge has occurred between the completion of charging and the start of use after unplugging the suction device 1 from the plug. Subsequently, when the battery charge falls below the first charge, the control unit 90 controls the display mode of some of the plurality of display units to change to the first display mode. Furthermore, when the battery charge falls below a second charge which is smaller than the first charge, the control unit 90 controls the display mode of some of the plurality of display units to change to the second display mode.

[0054] Here, the control unit 90 may control the multiple display units to change to a state with reduced brightness one by one as the battery level decreases, when the battery level is greater than the first remaining level. In this case, the above-mentioned portion of the multiple display units may be the one display unit that is last changed to the state with reduced brightness as the battery level decreases.

[0055] Furthermore, the first display mode may be a mode in which the display flashes at a first speed, and the second display mode may be a mode in which the display flashes at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

[0056] Furthermore, the first remaining charge may be the battery charge required to complete the heating of one substrate.

[0057] Furthermore, the second remaining charge may be a predetermined amount less than the battery charge required to complete the heating of one substrate. In this case, the predetermined remaining charge may be the battery charge required to change the display mode of some of the multiple display units to the second display mode.

[0058] Here, multiple display units are defined as N LEDs (where N is a natural number). The first remaining charge is defined as the remaining charge when there is one suctionable stick-type substrate 100 remaining (hereinafter referred to as "the remaining charge for one remaining substrate"). The remaining charge for one remaining substrate is the battery charge required to complete the heating of the remaining one stick-type substrate 100 during the preheating and suction periods. The remaining charge for one remaining substrate is an example of the battery charge required to complete the heating of one substrate. Furthermore, the second remaining charge is defined as the remaining charge when there are zero suctionable stick-type substrates 100 remaining, but enough charge to operate the LEDs (hereinafter referred to as "the remaining charge for zero remaining substrates"). The remaining charge for zero remaining substrates is a predetermined battery charge that is not enough to complete the heating of the remaining one stick-type substrate 100 during the preheating and suction periods, but is sufficient to change the display mode of the LEDs. The remaining charge of 0 is an example of a predetermined remaining charge that is less than the amount of battery required to complete the heating of one substrate, and is also an example of the amount of battery required to change the display mode of some of the multiple display units to a second display mode.

[0059] [Specific examples of how suction devices work] The control unit 90 controls the display mode of N LEDs to represent the change in battery level from 100% to the remaining level when the remaining battery level is greater than the remaining level of one battery. In the following, we will take eight LEDs arranged in a vertical column as an example of the N LEDs, and refer to these eight LEDs from top to bottom as LED#8, LED#7, ..., LED#1. We will also use 20% as an example of the remaining level of one battery. Then, the change from 100% to 20% will be represented by eight LEDs. In other words, one LED will represent a 10% change. The control unit 90 obtains integer data as the remaining battery level from the battery level indicator IC, but it may obtain a battery level other than 20% plus an integer multiple of 10%. In that case, the control unit 90 should determine the number of LEDs that normally light up by subtracting 20% ​​from the obtained battery level, dividing the result by 10%, and rounding the result.

[0060] Figures 4(a) to 4(h) show the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 100% to 20%.

[0061] Figure 4(a) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 100% to 90%. In this case, the control unit 90 normally illuminates all of LEDs #1 to #8 as shown by dot hatching within the thick solid line frame. In this specification, "normally illuminating an LED" means illuminating the LED at, for example, a maximum duty cycle of 100%. The control unit 90 displays Figure 4(a) by performing a battery level display step animation, described later, as a step animation that defines which of LEDs #1 to #8 to illuminate at each step. The control unit 90 also displays Figure 4(a) by performing a brightness increase animation, described later, as a brightness animation that defines the change in brightness of each LED from LED #1 to #8.

[0062] Figure 4(b) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 90% to 80%. In this case, the control unit 90 illuminates LED #8 in baseline mode as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 to #7 illuminated in normal mode as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. In this specification, illuminating an LED in baseline mode means illuminating the LED with, for example, a duty cycle of 1%. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(b) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0063] Figure 4(c) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 80% to 70%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #7 as a baseline, as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 to #6 illuminated as normal, as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(c) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0064] Figure 4(d) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 70% to 60%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #6 as a baseline, as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 to #5 illuminated as normal, as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(d) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0065] Figure 4(e) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 60% to 50%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #5 as a baseline, as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 to #4 illuminated as normal, as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(e) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0066] Figure 4(f) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 50% to 40%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #4 as a baseline, as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 to #3 illuminated as normal, as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(f) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0067] Figure 4(g) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 40% to 30%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #3 as a baseline, as shown in white within a thick solid line frame, and keeps LEDs #1 and #2 illuminated as normal, as shown in dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(g) by performing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0068] Figure 4(h) shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs as the battery level decreases from 30% to 20%. In this case, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #2 as a baseline, indicated by a white background within a thick solid line frame, while keeping only LED #1 illuminated as normal, indicated by dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. The control unit 90 performs the display shown in Figure 4(h) by executing a battery level display step animation and a brightness-increasing animation, similar to the case in Figure 4(a).

[0069] Here, we will explain the battery level display step animation. Figure 5 shows an example of the battery level display step animation. Here, we show the battery level display step animation when displaying the information shown in Figure 4(f).

[0070] As shown in the diagram, initially, the display of LEDs #1 to #8 is as shown in state 601. That is, all LEDs #1 to #8 are illuminated in baseline mode, indicated by a white background within a thick solid line frame. After 60 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 602. That is, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #1 in normal mode, indicated by dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. After another 60 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 603. That is, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #2 in normal mode, indicated by dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. After yet another 60 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 604. That is, the control unit 90 newly illuminates LED #3 in normal mode, indicated by dot hatching within a thick solid line frame.

[0071] Next, we will explain the brightening animation. Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in brightness in the brightening animation. Note that here, brightness is expressed as a duty cycle (%).

[0072] This brightening animation changes the brightness non-linearly in 100 steps. If one step is 10 milliseconds, then one period is 1 second (= 10 milliseconds × 100 steps).

[0073] The luminance L1(S) at step S of this brightening animation is calculated using the formula "L1(S) = Lbase + (Lmax - Lbase) × T1(S) / 100", where Lmax is the maximum luminance, Lbase is the base luminance, and T1(S) is the table value at step S. Here, the table value T1(S) at step S should be set in a table beforehand, associated with step S. In this table, the table value T1(S) should change between 0% and 100%. Furthermore, the table value T1(S) should be set so that the luminance L1(S) follows a sine curve as step S progresses. This ensures that even if the maximum luminance Lmax and base luminance Lbase change, the luminance L1(S) follows a sine curve.

[0074] Here, the brightness-increasing animation defines the change in brightness after the LED has been illuminated normally, in the case where the LED performs a battery level indicator step animation. Note that the brightness of the LED before it is illuminated normally is the base brightness Lbase.

[0075] In the example in Figure 5, the brightness of LED#1 is at base brightness Lbase until step 6 (60 milliseconds), then becomes brightness L1 (6) in the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph. Similarly, the brightness of LED#2 is at base brightness Lbase until step 12 (120 milliseconds), then becomes brightness L1 (12) in the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph. Furthermore, the brightness of LED#3 is at base brightness Lbase until step 18 (180 milliseconds), then becomes brightness L1 (18) in the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph.

[0076] Note that Figure 5 shows an example where LEDs #1 to #3 are lit normally, so LEDs #4 to #8 remain lit at the baseline. However, it is also possible to light LEDs #4 to #8 normally. In that case, the brightness of LED #4 is the base brightness Lbase until step 24, at which point it becomes the brightness L1 (24) of the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to the maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph. The brightness of LED #5 is the base brightness Lbase until step 30, at which point it becomes the brightness L1 (30) of the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to the maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph. The brightness of LED #6 is the base brightness Lbase until step 36, at which point it becomes the brightness L1 (36) of the brightening animation, and thereafter increases to the maximum brightness Lmax along the brightening animation graph. The brightness of LED#7 is base brightness Lbase until step 42, at which point it becomes brightness L1(42) in the brightening animation, and thereafter increases along the brightening animation graph to the maximum brightness Lmax. The brightness of LED#8 is base brightness Lbase until step 48, at which point it becomes brightness L1(48) in the brightening animation, and thereafter increases along the brightening animation graph to the maximum brightness Lmax.

[0077] Subsequently, the control unit 90 controls the display mode of some of the N LEDs to change to a first display mode when the remaining battery level falls below the remaining charge of one battery. In the following, the remaining charge of one battery will be set to 20%, as described with reference to Figures 4(a) to (h). As part of the N LEDs, LED#1 from LED#1 to #8 will be taken as an example. LED#1 is an example of one display unit that is last changed to a state where its brightness decreases as the remaining battery level decreases. Furthermore, as an example of the first display mode, a display mode in which the LED blinks normally will be taken as an example. Normal blinking is an example of a mode in which the LED blinks at a first speed.

[0078] Figure 7 shows the display modes of the eight LEDs when the battery level is 20% or less. In this case, the control unit 90 causes LED #1 to blink normally, as shown by dot hatching within the thick dashed frame. In this specification, "normal blinking" of an LED means blinking the LED with a 1-second period. The control unit 90 causes LED #1 to blink normally by performing a blinking animation, which will be described later, as a brightness animation that defines the change in brightness of LED #1. The control unit 90 then performs the normal blinking of LED #1 for, for example, 3 seconds.

[0079] Furthermore, when the remaining battery level falls below the amount equivalent to 0 batteries, the control unit 90 controls the display mode of some of the N LEDs to change to a second display mode. In the following, some of the N LEDs will be referred to as LED#1 among LED#1 to #8, as described with reference to Figure 7. As an example of the second display mode, a display mode in which the LEDs blink rapidly will be taken as an example. Rapid blinking is an example of a mode in which the LEDs blink at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

[0080] Figure 8 shows the display patterns of the eight LEDs when the battery level is below the remaining charge of 0 bars. In this case, the control unit 90 causes LED #1 to blink rapidly, as shown by the diagonal hatching within the thick dashed frame. In this specification, blinking an LED rapidly means blinking the LED with a period of 500 milliseconds. The control unit 90 causes LED #1 to blink rapidly by performing a blinking animation, which will be described later, as a brightness animation that defines the change in brightness of LED #1. The control unit 90 then blinks LED #1 rapidly for, for example, 2 seconds. Alternatively, the control unit 90 may turn off LED #1 after blinking it rapidly 4 times, even if 2 seconds have not elapsed.

[0081] Now, let's explain the blinking animation. Figure 9 is a graph showing the change in brightness in the blinking animation. Here, too, brightness is expressed as a duty cycle (%).

[0082] This blinking animation changes brightness non-linearly in 200 steps. If one step is 5 milliseconds, one period is 1 second (= 5 milliseconds × 200 steps), which is the period of normal blinking as explained with reference to Figure 7. If one step is 2.5 milliseconds, one period is 500 milliseconds (= 2.5 milliseconds × 200 steps), which is the period of high-speed blinking as explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0083] The luminance L2(S) in step S of this blinking animation is calculated using the formula "L2(S) = Lbase + (Lmax - Lbase) × T2(S) / 100", where Lmax is the maximum luminance, Lbase is the base luminance, and T2(S) is the table value in step S. Here, the table value T2(S) in step S should be set in a table beforehand, associated with step S. In this table, the table value T2(S) should change between 0% and 100%. Furthermore, the table value T2(S) should be set so that the luminance L2(S) follows a sine curve as step S progresses. This ensures that even if the maximum luminance Lmax and base luminance Lbase change, the luminance L2(S) follows a sine curve.

[0084] [Details of the suction device's operation] Figures 10-1 and 10-2 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the control unit 90 of the suction device 1 in this embodiment. In the following description, only the normal illumination or blinking of some LEDs #1 to #8 will be mentioned, and the baseline illumination of the remaining LEDs will not be mentioned. Furthermore, step animation and brightness animation will not be mentioned.

[0085] First, as shown in Figure 10-1, the control unit 90 obtains battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 900).

[0086] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 900 exceeds 90% (step 901). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 90%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #8 as usual (step 902). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 903) and returns to step 901. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 902 and 903 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 903 is 90% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 90% or less, it proceeds to step 911.

[0087] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 903 exceeds 80% (step 911). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 80%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #7 as usual (step 912). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 913) and returns to step 911. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 912 and 913 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 913 is 80% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 80% or less, it proceeds to step 921.

[0088] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 913 exceeds 70% (step 921). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 70%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #6 as usual (step 922). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 923) and returns to step 921. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 922 and 923 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 923 is 70% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 70% or less, it proceeds to step 931.

[0089] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 923 exceeds 60% (step 931). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 60%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #5 as usual (step 932). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 933) and returns to step 931. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 932 and 933 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 933 is 60% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 60% or less, it proceeds to step 941.

[0090] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 933 exceeds 50% (step 941). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 50%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #4 as usual (step 942). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 943) and returns to step 941. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 942 and 943 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 943 is 50% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 50% or less, it proceeds to step 951.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 10-2, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 943 exceeds 40% (step 951). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 40%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #3 as usual (step 952). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 953) and returns to step 951. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 952 and 953 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 953 is 40% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 40% or less, it proceeds to step 961.

[0092] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 953 exceeds 30% (step 961). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 30%, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 and #2 as usual (step 962). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 963) and returns to step 961. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 962 and 963 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 963 is 30% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 30% or less, it proceeds to step 971.

[0093] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 963 exceeds 20% (step 971). If it determines that the battery level exceeds 20%, the control unit 90 lights up LED#1 normally (step 972). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 973) and returns to step 971. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 972 and 973 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 973 is 20% or less, and if it determines that the battery level is 20% or less, it proceeds to step 981.

[0094] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 973 exceeds the remaining charge for 0 units (step 981). If it determines that the battery level exceeds the remaining charge for 0 units, the control unit 90 blinks LED#1 normally (step 982). Then, the control unit 90 acquires battery level information from the battery level indicator IC (step 983) and returns the process to step 981. After that, the control unit 90 repeats the processes of steps 982 and 983 until it determines that the battery level indicated by the battery level information acquired in step 983 is less than or equal to the remaining charge for 0 units. On the other hand, if it determines that the battery level is less than or equal to the remaining charge for 0 units, the control unit 90 blinks LED#1 at high speed (step 984).

[0095] This operation is performed by the user sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 84. In this case, the control unit 90 displays the battery level even when the panel 10 is detached from the main housing 20. Furthermore, if the user displays the battery level by opening the opening 84, the control unit 90 will not display the battery level again for the next 3 seconds, even if the shutter 50 is slid open again to open the opening 84.

[0096] Alternatively, this operation can also be performed by the user sliding the shutter 50 to close the opening 84. In this case, the control unit 90 displays the battery level only after smoking is completed or interrupted, and does not display the battery level if heating does not occur. Furthermore, if the battery level is displayed by closing the opening 84 after smoking is completed or interrupted, the control unit 90 turns off all LEDs #1 to #8 for 500 milliseconds before displaying the battery level.

[0097] [Differentiation] In the above example, the maximum brightness of the LEDs is assumed to be the same regardless of the battery level, but this is not a limitation. The maximum brightness of the LEDs may be changed according to the battery level. For example, the brightness of the LEDs may be controlled to be higher when the battery level is high.

[0098] Furthermore, while the above example shows N LEDs arranged in a vertical line, this is not the only option. For example, as long as N LEDs are arranged consecutively, they can be arranged in any shape. For instance, N LEDs could be arranged in a circular pattern. Alternatively, the N LEDs could be arranged discretely rather than consecutively.

[0099] Furthermore, while the above description has focused on the application of the present invention to heated tobacco products, it is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various inhalation devices for inhaling aerosols, such as e-cigarettes and nebulizers. In addition, the inhaled components produced may include not only aerosols but also invisible gases such as vapor. Moreover, the present invention may be applied to display devices connected to equipment other than inhalation devices that display information about that equipment.

[0100] [Effects of this embodiment] In the suction device 1 of this embodiment, when the remaining battery level falls to less than or equal to the remaining charge of one battery, some of the display modes of the multiple display units are changed to a first display mode, and when the remaining battery level falls to less than or equal to the remaining charge of zero batteries, some of the display modes of the multiple display units are changed to a second display mode. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to make the remaining battery level easy to understand even when the remaining battery level falls to less than or equal to the remaining charge of one battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1...Suction device, 10...Panel, 20...Main housing, 30...Main unit, 40...Housing, 50...Shutter, 60...Display window, 70...External connection terminal, 80...Holding unit, 81...Heating unit, 82...Insulation unit, 90...Control unit, 91...Power supply unit, 92...Sensor unit, 93...Notification unit, 94...Storage unit, 95...Communication unit

Claims

1. A heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery, Multiple display units for displaying the remaining battery level, When the remaining charge of the battery is greater than a first remaining charge, a control unit controls the number of display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery to light up normally and the number of display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery to light up at a baseline, in order to represent the change in the remaining charge of the battery within a range greater than the first remaining charge. A suction device equipped with the following features.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit so that none of the display units among the plurality of display units are turned off.

3. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls some of the plurality of display units to blink at a first speed when the remaining charge of the battery falls below the first remaining charge.

4. The suction device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the portion to blink at the first speed by changing the brightness of the portion in a nonlinear manner in multiple steps.

5. The suction device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the part of the battery to flash at a second speed faster than the first speed when the remaining charge of the battery falls to a second remaining charge which is less than the first remaining charge.

6. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the plurality of display units to display at least one of the following: whether the device is powered on, the progress of preheating the device, the suction status of the device, and the current operating mode of the device.

7. A heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery, Multiple display units for displaying the remaining battery level, A method for displaying information in a suction device equipped with the following: A display method comprising the steps of, when the remaining charge of the battery in the suction device is greater than a first remaining charge, normally lighting up a number of display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery, and baseline lighting up a number of display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery, in order to represent a change in the remaining charge of the battery within a range greater than the first remaining charge.

8. A heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate holding an aerosol source with power from a battery, Multiple display units for displaying the remaining battery level, A suction device equipped with, A program that, when the remaining charge of the battery is greater than a first remaining charge, provides a function to represent the change in the remaining charge of the battery within a range greater than the first remaining charge by normally lighting up a number of the plurality of display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery, and by baseline lighting up a number of the display units corresponding to the remaining charge of the battery.

Images