Suction device, display method, and program

Abstract

Multiple display units, each individually meaningless, are used to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device. [Solution] The display device includes a plurality of display units for displaying the status of the device when the device is operating, and a control unit that controls the plurality of display units to display a message indicating that an error has occurred when an error occurs in the device, by lighting up all or part of the plurality of display units for a predetermined period of time and then turning them off for a predetermined period of time.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When an error occurs in a device, the user may be notified of the error using multiple display units. However, in the past, each of these display units had to be assigned a specific meaning, and the display unit corresponding to the error that occurred was used to notify the user of that meaning. Therefore, it was not possible to notify the user of an error in the device using multiple display units that each have no individual meaning.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device using multiple display units, each of which has no individual meaning. [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 status of the device; and a control unit that, when an error occurs in the device, controls the plurality of display units to display that an error has occurred in a display manner in which all or some of the plurality of display units are lit for a predetermined period of time and then turned off for a predetermined period of time, wherein the error is an error caused by the temperature of the device being outside a predetermined temperature range, and the control unit controls the plurality of display units to display that an error has occurred in a display manner when at least one of the following operations is performed: opening the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and pressing a button that is long-pressed to heat the substrate, and the control unit controls the plurality of display units to display that an error has occurred when the shutter is open, and controls the plurality of display units not to display that an error has occurred when the shutter is closed.

[0008] The control unit may be configured to display a message indicating that an error has occurred on multiple display units when the shutter is closed and then reopened while a message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed on multiple display units.

[0009] 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 status of the device, the method comprising the steps of controlling the device to display that an error has occurred in the plurality of display units when an error occurs in the device, in a display mode in which all or some of the plurality of display units are lit for a predetermined period of time and then turned off for a predetermined period of time, wherein the error is an error caused by the temperature of the device being outside a predetermined temperature range, and when at least one of the following operations is performed while the error has occurred: opening the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and pressing a button that is long-pressed to heat the substrate, the method comprises the steps of controlling the device to display that an error has occurred in a display mode, and controlling the device to display that an error has occurred in the plurality of display units when the shutter is open, and not displaying that an error has occurred in the plurality of display units when the shutter is closed.

[0010] The display method may further include a step of controlling the system so that when the shutter is closed and then reopened after an error has occurred and an error has occurred has been displayed on multiple display units, an error has occurred and is displayed on multiple display units.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a function to control 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 status of the device, so that when an error occurs in the device, the plurality of display units are controlled to display that an error has occurred, in a display manner in which all or some of the plurality of display units are lit for a predetermined period of time and then turned off for a predetermined period of time, the error being an error caused by the temperature of the device being outside a predetermined temperature range, and when at least one of the following operations is performed while the error has occurred: opening the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and pressing a button that is long-pressed to heat the substrate, the plurality of display units are controlled to display that an error has occurred in a display manner, and the plurality of display units are controlled to display that an error has occurred when the shutter is open, and not to display that an error has occurred when the shutter is closed.

[0012] The program may further implement a function that controls the suction device to display an error message on multiple display units when the shutter is closed and then reopened while an error message is displayed on multiple display units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device using multiple display units, each of which has no individual meaning. [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] (a) to (e) are diagrams showing examples of LED displays when the suction device performs an operation of preheating a stick-shaped base material. [Figure 5] (a) to (e) are diagrams showing examples of LED displays when the suction device performs an operation of sucking an aerosol. [Figure 6] (a) to (e) are diagrams showing examples of LED displays when the suction device performs an operation of notifying the remaining battery level. [Figure 7] (a) to (e) are diagrams showing examples of LED displays when the suction device performs an operation of charging a rechargeable battery. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of display in the animation mode of the LED when a temperature error occurs. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when a temperature error occurs in the control unit of the suction device in the 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 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 drawing, 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] When the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 1 is formed. Further, by including the panel 10, the suction device 1 can buffer the heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the panel 10 functions to insulate the heat generated from the heating part of the main body 30. Furthermore, the panel 10 is formed such that its surface is substantially a curved surface. When attached to the main body housing 20, the panel 10 defines an internal space together with the surface of the main body housing 20.

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

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

[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 status of the device when the device is operating. The control unit 90 controls the device to display a message indicating that an error has occurred on the plurality of display units, by illuminating all or some of the plurality of display units for a predetermined period of time, and then turning them off for a predetermined period of time.

[0054] Here, the operation is a normal operation and may consist of at least one of the following: heating the stick-type substrate 100, inhaling an aerosol, notifying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91, and charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91.

[0055] Furthermore, the error may be an error caused by the device's temperature being outside a predetermined temperature range. Alternatively, the error may be a warning-level error in the device's system, an error that cannot be recovered by operation of the device or by the passage of time, or an error caused by the removal of a protective component of the device.

[0056] Here, we define multiple display units as N LEDs (where N is a natural number).

[0057] Furthermore, a warning-level error in the device's system is referred to as a "system error." An error caused by the device's temperature being outside a predetermined temperature range is referred to as a "temperature error." An error that cannot be recovered by either operation of the device or the passage of time is referred to as a "permanent failure error." An error caused by the removal of a component protecting the device is referred to as a "panel error," using panel 10 as an example of the component protecting the device. However, the component protecting the device is not limited to panel 10; it may be any component.

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

[0059] Thus, errors include system errors, temperature errors, permanent failure errors, and panel errors. In any case, the occurrence of an error may be indicated by an animation. However, in the following explanation, we will assume that a temperature error is indicated by an animation on N LEDs.

[0060] [Specific examples of normal operation of a suction device] As an example of the normal operation of the suction device 1, we will explain the operation of preheating the stick-type substrate 100, the operation of aspirating an aerosol, the operation of notifying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91, and the operation of charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91.

[0061] Figures 4(a) to 4(e) show examples of the display of N LEDs 600 visible through the display window 60 when the suction device 1 is performing the operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100. Here, the operation of preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100 is an example of the operation of heating the stick-shaped substrate 100.

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

[0063] When the suction device 1 starts preheating the stick-shaped substrate 100, the N LEDs 600 light up sequentially from the bottom up, gradually increasing the number of lit LEDs to indicate the progress of preheating. For example, Figure 4(b) shows the display when one-quarter of the preheating time has elapsed, with one-quarter of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 4(c) shows the display when two-quarters of the preheating time has elapsed, with two-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 4(d) shows the display when three-quarters of the preheating time has elapsed, with three-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 4(e) shows the display when the preheating time is finished, with all N LEDs 600 lit.

[0064] Figures 5(a) to (e) show examples of the display of the N LEDs 600 visible through the display window 60 when the suction device 1 is performing the operation of aspirating an aerosol.

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

[0066] When the suction device 1 starts the operation to aspirate aerosol, the N LEDs 600 turn off the lit LEDs one by one from top to bottom, gradually reducing the number of lit LEDs to indicate the decrease in the remaining time that can be suctioned. For example, Figure 5(b) shows the display when one-quarter of the suction period has elapsed, with three-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 5(c) shows the display when two-quarters of the suction period has elapsed, with two-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 5(d) shows the display when three-quarters of the suction period has elapsed, with one-quarter of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 5(e) shows the display when the suction period has ended, with all N LEDs 600 turned off.

[0067] Figures 6(a) to 6(e) show examples of the display of the N LEDs 600 visible from the display window 60 when the suction device 1 is performing an operation to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91 (hereinafter referred to as "battery charge").

[0068] When the battery level of the power supply unit 91 reaches 100%, all N LEDs 600 are lit, as shown in Figure 6(a). In this state, the suction device 1 starts using the rechargeable battery.

[0069] When the suction device 1 starts using the rechargeable battery, the N LEDs 600 turn off the lit LEDs one by one from top to bottom, gradually reducing the number of lit LEDs to indicate the battery level. For example, Figure 6(b) shows the display when the battery level is 75%, with three-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 6(c) shows the display when the battery level is 50%, with two-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 6(d) shows the display when the battery level is 25%, with one-quarter of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 6(e) shows the display when the battery level is enough to suction one stick-type substrate 100 remaining, with the lower LEDs of the N LEDs 600 blinking.

[0070] Figures 7(a) to 7(e) show examples of the displays of the N LEDs 600 visible through the display window 60 when the suction device 1 is charging the rechargeable battery of the power supply unit 91.

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

[0072] When the suction device 1 starts charging the rechargeable battery, the N LEDs 600 light up sequentially from the bottom, gradually increasing the number of lit LEDs to indicate the progress of the rechargeable battery's charging. For example, Figure 7(b) shows the display when the rechargeable battery is 25% charged, with one-quarter of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 7(c) shows the display when the rechargeable battery is 50% charged, with two-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 7(d) shows the display when the rechargeable battery is 75% charged, with three-quarters of the N LEDs 600 lit. Figure 7(e) shows the display when the rechargeable battery is fully charged, with all N LEDs 600 lit.

[0073] [Specific examples of actions taken when an error occurs in the suction device] The operation of the suction device 1 in the event of an error will be explained using the operation when a temperature error occurs as an example. In the following, we will take eight LEDs arranged in a vertical column as an example of N LEDs 600, and these eight LEDs will be denoted from top to bottom as LED#8, LED#7, ..., LED#1.

[0074] The control unit 90 displays a temperature error on the eight LEDs 600 if a user performs an operation to heat the aerosol source held by the stick-type substrate 100. Here, operations to heat the aerosol source include, for example, opening the shutter 50 or pressing the button area 15. When the temperature changes and the device reaches an operating temperature, the temperature error is cleared.

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of the animation display of the eight LEDs 600 when a temperature error occurs.

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

[0077] After another 200 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 603. That is, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #8 normally, showing them as dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. Then, after another 400 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 604. That is, the control unit 90 turns off LEDs #1 to #8, showing them as white within a thin solid line frame.

[0078] After another 200 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 605. That is, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #8 normally, showing dot hatching within a thick solid line frame. Then, after another 400 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 to state 606. That is, the control unit 90 turns off LEDs #1 to #8, showing a white background within a thin solid line frame.

[0079] Furthermore, after 3000 milliseconds, the control unit 90 changes the display of LEDs #1 to #8 back to state 601. In other words, the control unit 90 lights up LEDs #1 to #8 normally, as indicated by dot hatching within a thick solid line frame.

[0080] The control unit 90 then repeats this display pattern, which goes from state 601 through states 602 to 606 and back to state 601, three times. In other words, the control unit 90 displays this display pattern, each lasting 4600 milliseconds, three times.

[0081] In this specification, "normally lit" means lit with a duty cycle of, for example, 100%, and "turned off" means setting the duty cycle of the LED to 0%.

[0082] The control unit 90 may interrupt the display if the shutter 50 is closed before the display ends. The control unit 90 may also restart the display if the button area 15 is pressed after the display has ended while the shutter 50 is still open.

[0083] In this example, all eight LEDs 600 were lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period, but this is not the only option. Some of the eight LEDs 600 may be lit for a predetermined period and then turned off for a predetermined period. In this case, the lit LEDs may be changed each time they are lit, creating the illusion that the lit LEDs are shifting.

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

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

[0086] If the control unit 90 determines in step 902 that a temperature error has occurred, it turns LEDs #1 to #8 on and off in an animated manner (step 903). For example, the control unit 90 turns LEDs #1 to #8 on, turns them off after 400 milliseconds, turns them on again after 200 milliseconds, turns them off after 400 milliseconds, turns them on again after 200 milliseconds, and turns them off after 400 milliseconds.

[0087] Then, the control unit 90 determines whether the operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed (step 904). If it determines that the operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed, the control unit 90 terminates the process without repeating the on and off animation of step 903. If it does not determine in step 904 that the operation to close the shutter 50 has been performed, the control unit 90 determines whether 3000 milliseconds have elapsed (step 905). If it does not determine that 3000 milliseconds have elapsed, the control unit 90 repeats step 905. If it determines in step 905 that 3000 milliseconds have elapsed, the control unit 90 determines whether step 903 has been executed three times (step 906). If it does not determine that step 903 has been executed three times, the control unit 90 returns the process to step 903 and repeats the on and off animation of step 903.

[0088] If step 906 determines that step 903 has been executed three times, the control unit 90 determines whether the button area 15 has been pressed (step 907). If it determines that the button area 15 has been pressed, the control unit 90 returns to step 903 and repeats steps 903 to 906. If step 907 does not determine that the button area 15 has been pressed, the control unit 90 determines whether the temperature of the device has reached an operating temperature (step 908). If it does not determine that the temperature of the device has reached an operating temperature, the control unit 90 returns to step 907. If step 908 determines that the temperature of the device has reached an operating temperature, the temperature error is cleared, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

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

[0090] If the control unit 90 determines that a temperature error has occurred in step 910, it proceeds to step 903. The processing details for steps 903 to 908 have already been described, so they will not be explained here.

[0091] On the other hand, if step 910 does not determine that a temperature error has occurred, the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0092] [Differentiation] In the above example, N LED600s were arranged in a single vertical line, but this is not the only option. For example, as long as N LED600s are arranged consecutively, they can be arranged in any shape. For instance, N LED600s could be arranged in a circular pattern. Alternatively, the N LED600s could not be arranged consecutively, but discretely.

[0093] Furthermore, although 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 a display device connected to equipment other than an inhalation device to display information about that equipment. In that case, the N LEDs 600 are an example of multiple display units for displaying the status of the equipment when the equipment is operating. The control unit 90 is an example of a control unit that, when an error occurs in the equipment, controls the multiple display units to display that an error has occurred, in a display mode in which all or some of the multiple display units are lit for a predetermined period of time and then turned off for a predetermined period of time.

[0094] [Effects of this embodiment] In the suction device 1 of this embodiment, when the device is operating, its status is displayed on multiple display units. When an error occurs in the device, the error is indicated on multiple display units by illuminating all or some of the multiple display units for a predetermined period of time, and then turning them off for a predetermined period of time. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that an error has occurred in the device using multiple display units, each of which does not have meaning individually. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 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 status of the device, A control unit controls the device to display an error in the event that an error occurs in the device, by illuminating all or part of the display units for a predetermined period of time, and then turning them off for a predetermined period of time. Equipped with, The aforementioned error is caused by the device's temperature being outside a predetermined temperature range. The control unit controls the display unit to show that an error has occurred in the manner described above when at least one of the following operations is performed while the error has occurred: opening the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and pressing a button that is pressed and held down to heat the substrate. A suction device, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to indicate that the error has occurred when the shutter is open, and controls the display unit not to indicate that the error has occurred when the shutter is closed.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the shutter to display a message indicating that an error has occurred on the plurality of display units when the shutter is closed and then opened again while the message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed on the plurality of display units.

3. 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 status of the device A method for displaying information in a suction device equipped with the following: The system includes a step of controlling the device to display an error in the event that an error occurs in the device itself, by having all or part of the display units illuminate for a predetermined period of time, and then turn them off for a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that an error has occurred. The aforementioned error is caused by the device's temperature being outside a predetermined temperature range. When the aforementioned error occurs, if at least one of the following operations is performed, which is to open the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and which is to press a button that is pressed and held down in order to heat the substrate, the system is controlled to display a message indicating that the aforementioned error has occurred on the plurality of display units in the aforementioned display manner. The steps include controlling the system to display a message indicating that the error has occurred on the multiple display units when the shutter is open, and controlling the system to prevent the message indicating that the error has occurred from being displayed on the multiple display units when the shutter is closed. Display methods, including those mentioned above.

4. The display method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of controlling the display to show that an error has occurred on the plurality of display units when the shutter is closed and then opened again while the error has occurred is displayed on the plurality of display units.

5. 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 status of the device A suction device equipped with, When an error occurs in the device, a function is implemented to control the display of the error in the multiple display units, by illuminating all or part of the multiple display units for a predetermined period of time, and then turning them off for a predetermined period of time. The aforementioned error is caused by the device's temperature being outside a predetermined temperature range. When the aforementioned error occurs, if at least one of the following operations is performed, which is to open the shutter of the opening into which the substrate is inserted, and which is to press a button that is pressed and held down in order to heat the substrate, the system has a function to control the system to display a message indicating that the aforementioned error has occurred on the plurality of display units in the aforementioned display manner. A function to control the display unit to show that the error has occurred when the shutter is open, and to control the display unit not to show that the error has occurred when the shutter is closed. A program that makes this a reality.

6. The program according to claim 5, further providing a function to control the suction device so that when the shutter is closed and then reopened while the error has occurred and the error has occurred is displayed on the multiple display units, the program further provides a function to display the error on the multiple display units.

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