Suction device, substrate, and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism enabling further improvement of the quality of user experience pertaining to an inhalation device. [Solution] An inhalation device comprising: a heating unit heating a base material containing an aerosol source to generate aerosol; and a control unit controlling operation of the heating unit on the basis of a temperature setting defining a time-series transition of a target temperature which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, the control unit controlling, on the basis of first puff information related to puff of the aerosol by a user in a first period among periods during which one base material is heated on the basis of the temperature setting, operation of the heating unit in a second period later than the first period.

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] Typically, the inhalation device generates an aerosol by heating a substrate. Since the quality of the user experience is greatly affected by the temperature at which the substrate is heated, technology is being developed to realize appropriate temperature control. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for controlling the heating temperature depending on the type of substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-513750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the same temperature control is applied uniformly to all users, making it difficult to meet the preferences of each user.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience with a suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an inhalation device is provided, comprising a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit in a second period after the first period based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during a first period during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting.

[0008] The first puff information may include information indicating the number of puffs performed in the first period.

[0009] The control unit may control a temperature increase rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the first puff information.

[0010] The control unit may increase the temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases, and may decrease the temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases.

[0011] The control unit may control the target temperature in the second period based on the first puff information.

[0012] The control unit may set the target temperature during the second period to be higher the greater the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information, and may set the target temperature during the second period to be lower the greater the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information.

[0013] The control unit may control a length of the second period based on the first puff information.

[0014] The control unit may shorten the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases, and may lengthen the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases.

[0015] The first puff information may include information indicating a change in puff interval during the first period.

[0016] The control unit may increase a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and may slow down a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time.

[0017] The control unit may increase the target temperature during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and may decrease the target temperature during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time.

[0018] The control unit may shorten the length of the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and may lengthen the length of the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time.

[0019] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit during the second period based on second puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during the second period.

[0020] The second puff information may include at least one of information indicating the number of puffs performed in the second period, or information indicating a change in puff interval in the second period.

[0021] The control unit may control a temperature increase rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the second puff information.

[0022] The control unit may control the target temperature in the second period based on the second puff information.

[0023] The control unit may control a length of the second period based on the second puff information.

[0024] The temperature setting may include an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from an initial temperature, an intermediate temperature drop period during which the temperature of the heating unit drops after the initial temperature rise period, and a re-temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises after the intermediate temperature drop period, and the first period may be included in at least one of the initial temperature rise period or the intermediate temperature drop period, and the second period may be included in the re-temperature rise period.

[0025] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substrate containing an aerosol source that is heated to generate the aerosol by an suction device, the substrate comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit in a second period after the first period based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during a first period during which one substrate is heated based on the temperature setting.

[0026] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the control method including controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit in a second period after the first period based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during a first period during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting. Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism is provided that can further improve the quality of the user experience regarding the suction device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device. [Diagram 2] 11 is a graph showing an example of a change in temperature of a heating part when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the results of an experiment measuring the amount of flavor ingredient delivered to a user per puff. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the results of an experiment measuring the amount of aerosol delivered to a user per puff. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing an example of a puff performed in a first time period. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph showing an example of a transition in temperature of a heating unit when temperature control based on first puff information according to the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing an example of a puff performed in a first time period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0032] The power supply unit 111 accumulates power. Then, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 can be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

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

[0034] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured, for example, by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

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

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

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

[0038] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole that is an entrance of air to such a flow path is arranged in the bottom part 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole that is an exit of air from such a flow path is the opening 142.

[0039] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0040] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. When the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, power supply may be stopped.

[0041] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0042] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0043] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0044] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0045] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0046] Here, the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 work together to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0047] <2. Technical features> (1) Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the temperature setting. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The temperature setting is information that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121. Hereinafter, such a temperature setting is also referred to as a heating profile.

[0048] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the change in temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) of the heating unit 121 is similar to the change in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Thus, by controlling the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

[0049] The heating profile includes one or more combinations of a target temperature and information indicating the timing at which the target temperature should be reached. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 while switching the target temperature according to the elapsed time from the start of heating based on the heating profile. In detail, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the current actual temperature and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating based on the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized, for example, by a known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of a pulse by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulse in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform a simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and execute heating again by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature. Additionally, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage in a feedback control.

[0050] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0051] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile is started. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is a period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed in the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0052] The heating profile may include multiple periods in which different target temperatures are set. The temperature may be controlled so that the target temperature set for a certain period is reached at any timing during the period, or may be controlled so that the temperature is reached at the end of the period. In either case, it is possible to transition the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0053] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] The temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same way as the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0056] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an initial temperature rise period at the beginning. The initial temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. As shown in FIG. 2, in the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 310° C. 17 seconds after the start of heating, and is maintained at 310° C. until 35 seconds after the start of heating. This allows the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By raising the temperature to 310° C. immediately after the start of heating, it is possible to end the preheating early and start the puffable period early. In FIG. 2, the preheating period ends 17 seconds after the start of heating.

[0057] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an intermediate temperature drop period after the initial temperature rise period. The intermediate temperature drop period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops. As shown in FIG. 2, during the intermediate temperature drop period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops from 310° C. to 260° C. from 35 seconds to 45 seconds after the start of heating. During this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-type substrate 150. Here, if the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 is rapidly consumed, and the flavor may deteriorate, such as the flavor being too strong for the user to taste. In this regard, by providing an intermediate temperature drop period, it is possible to avoid such flavor deterioration and improve the quality of the user's puff experience.

[0058] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a re-heating period after the midway temperature drop period. The re-heating period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. As shown in FIG. 2, during the re-heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from 260° C. to 290° C. from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 180 seconds after the start of heating, and is maintained at 290° C. until 260 seconds after the start of heating. If the temperature of the heating unit 121 continues to drop, the stick-shaped substrate 150 also drops in temperature, so the amount of aerosol generated decreases, and the flavor tasted by the user may deteriorate. In addition, the amount of aerosol generated tends to decrease even if heating is continued at the same temperature, since the remaining amount of the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases as the heating profile progresses toward the latter half. In this regard, by increasing the amount of aerosol generated by raising the temperature again in the latter half of the heating profile, the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated due to the decrease in the remaining amount of the aerosol source can be compensated for. This makes it possible to prevent the deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0059] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end period at the end. The heating end period is a period following the reheating period, during which heating is not performed. A target temperature does not need to be set. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases after 260 seconds from the start of heating. Power supply to the heating unit 121 may be terminated 260 seconds after the start of heating. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for a while due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends 270 seconds after the start of heating.

[0060] The user may be notified of the start and end timings of the puff-enabled period. Furthermore, the user may be notified of the timing a predetermined time before the end of the puff-enabled period (for example, the timing when the power supply to the heating unit 121 ends). In this case, the user can puff during the puff-enabled period by referring to such notification.

[0061] (2) Relationship between puff interval and quality of user experience The relationship between the puff interval and the quality of the user experience will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The puff interval is the interval between puffs performed while one stick-type substrate 150 is heated based on the heating profile. The number of puffs is the number of puffs performed while one stick-type substrate 150 is heated based on the heating profile.

[0062] 3 is a graph showing the results of an experiment measuring the amount of flavor component delivered to a user per puff. Line 31 shows the amount of flavor component delivered per puff for each number of puffs when puffs are performed at 5 second intervals immediately after the end of preheating. Line 32 shows the amount of flavor component delivered per puff for each number of puffs when puffs are performed at 3 second intervals immediately after the end of preheating. In these experiments, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated according to the same heating profile.

[0063] 4 is a graph showing the results of an experiment measuring the amount of aerosol delivered to a user per puff. Line 33 shows the amount of aerosol delivered per puff for each number of puffs when puffs are performed at 5 second intervals immediately after the end of preheating. Line 34 shows the amount of aerosol delivered per puff for each number of puffs when puffs are performed at 3 second intervals immediately after the end of preheating. In these experiments, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated according to the same heating profile.

[0064] 3 and 4, when the puff interval is short, the amount of flavor ingredient and aerosol delivered per puff is large in the initial stage and decreases significantly as the number of puffs increases. On the other hand, when the puff interval is long, the amount of flavor ingredient and aerosol delivered per puff is smaller than when the puff interval is short, but it is not likely to decrease even if the number of puffs increases.

[0065] Thus, it is understood that the puff interval has a large effect on the amount of flavor ingredient and aerosol delivered to the user. Also, it is considered that users with short puff intervals have a short-term concentrated preference, that is, they want to inhale a large amount of flavor ingredient and aerosol in a short period of time. On the other hand, users with long puff intervals have a long-term stable preference, that is, they want to inhale a stable amount of flavor ingredient and aerosol over a long period of time.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled according to the puff interval of the user, thereby providing an optimal user experience according to the user's preferences.

[0067] (3) Control based on the first puff information The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 in a second period after the first period based on the first puff information related to the puffing of the aerosol performed by the user in the first period during the period during which one stick-type substrate 150 is heated based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 in the second period can be realized by controlling the heating profile. That is, the control unit 116 controls the target temperature in the second period of the heating profile and / or the timing at which the target temperature should be reached based on the first puff information. With this configuration, the heating in the latter half is controlled according to the tendency of the puff in the first half when the user puffs continuously while using one stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, it is possible to observe the user's preferences while the user is using one stick-type substrate 150 and provide a puff experience according to the observed user's preferences.

[0068] The first puff information may include information indicating the number of puffs performed in the first period. The first puff information may be the number of puffs performed per unit time in the first period. The number of puffs per unit time corresponds to the puff interval. Alternatively, the first puff information may be the number of puffs performed in the first period. If the length of the first period is a fixed value, the number of puffs performed in the first period corresponds to the puff interval in the first period. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience in the second period according to the user's preferences assumed from the puff interval in the first period. The first puff information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of puffs made in the first period. The horizontal axis of graphs 41 to 43 is time, and rectangles appear at the timing of puffs. Graph 41 shows an example where the number of puffs made in the first period is large, that is, an example where the puff interval is short. Graph 42 shows an example where the number of puffs made in the first period is medium, that is, an example where the puff interval is medium. Graph 43 shows an example where the number of puffs made in the first period is small, that is, an example where the puff interval is long. As shown in graph 41, a user who puffs many times and has a short puff interval is considered to have a short-term concentrated type of preference. On the other hand, as shown in graph 43, a user who puffs few times and has a long puff interval is considered to have a long-term stable type of preference.

[0070] The first period may be included in at least one of the initial heating period or the intermediate temperature decreasing period. The second period may be included in the re-heating period. With this configuration, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the latter half of the heating profile where the amount of flavor components and aerosol delivered per puff decreases, it is possible to provide a user experience that meets the user's preferences. Note that the end of the first period and the start of the second period may coincide with each other, or there may be an interval between them.

[0071] An example of temperature control based on the first puff information will be specifically described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of temperature transition of heating unit 121 when temperature control based on the first puff information according to this embodiment is applied. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of heating unit 121. In this example, the period after the pre-heating period of the initial temperature rise period and the entire intermediate temperature drop period are the first period. Moreover, the entire re-heating period is the second period.

[0072] Line 21 in this graph shows the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121 when the default temperature control applied when the puff interval is medium is applied. The default temperature control is applied when the number of puffs performed in the first period is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold. The first threshold is smaller than the second threshold. For example, the first threshold is four times, and the second threshold is seven times. When the default temperature control is applied, the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile shown in Table 1. According to line 21, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from 260°C to 290°C from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 180 seconds after the start of heating. Thereafter, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 290°C for 80 seconds until 260 seconds after the start of heating.

[0073] Line 22 in this graph shows the transition of the temperature of heating unit 121 when temperature control applied when the puff interval is short is applied. The temperature control applied when the puff interval is short is applied when the number of puffs performed in the first period is equal to or greater than the second threshold. According to line 22, the temperature of heating unit 121 rises from 260°C to 300°C from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 160 seconds after the start of heating. After that, the temperature of heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C for 40 seconds until 200 seconds after the start of heating.

[0074] Line 23 in this graph shows the transition of the temperature of heating unit 121 when temperature control applied when the puff interval is long is applied. Temperature control applied when the puff interval is long is applied when the number of puffs performed in the first period is less than a first threshold. According to line 23, the temperature of heating unit 121 is maintained at 260°C from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 180 seconds after the start of heating. Thereafter, the temperature of heating unit 121 rises to 280°C from 260 seconds after the start of heating. Thereafter, the temperature of heating unit 121 is maintained at 280°C for 120 seconds until 380 seconds after the start of heating.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 controls the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the temperature rise rate from the start of the second period until the highest target temperature in the second period (hereinafter also referred to as the second target temperature) is reached based on the first puff information. The temperature rise rate in line 21 is (290°C-260°C) / (180 seconds-45 seconds)≒0.22°C / sec. The temperature rise rate in line 22 is (300°C-260°C) / (160 seconds-45 seconds)≒0.35°C / sec. The temperature rise rate in line 23 is (280°C-260°C) / (260 seconds-45 seconds)≒0.09°C / sec. By controlling the rate of temperature rise during the second time period, the amount of aerosol and flavoring ingredients delivered to the user immediately upon initiation of the second time period can be controlled, thereby providing a user experience that is tailored to the user's preferences.

[0076] In detail, as shown by line 22, the control unit 116 increases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases. By increasing the temperature rise rate, it is possible to increase the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 earlier. With this configuration, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor components and aerosol delivered with an increase in the number of puffs that occurs when the puff interval is short, as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, by increasing the amount of flavor components and aerosol delivered with a quick temperature rise. In other words, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0077] On the other hand, as shown by line 23, the control unit 116 slows down the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. By slowing down the temperature rise rate, it is possible to slowly increase the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. As described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, when the puff interval is long, the delivered amount of flavor components and aerosol is unlikely to decrease, so by slowing down the temperature rise rate, it is possible to extend the life of the stick-type substrate 150 (i.e., the period until the aerosol source is depleted). In other words, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 controls the target temperature in the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the second target temperature based on the first puff information. The second target temperature in line 21 is 290° C. The second target temperature in line 22 is 300° C. The second target temperature in line 23 is 280° C. By controlling the target temperature in the second period, the amount of aerosol and flavoring ingredients delivered to the user in the second period and the length of the puffable period can be controlled. This makes it possible to provide a user experience according to the user's preferences.

[0079] In detail, as shown by line 22, the control unit 116 sets a higher target temperature in the second time period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases. It is believed that the higher the target temperature, the greater the amount of aerosol and flavor components delivered to the user per puff, and the shorter the life of the stick-type substrate 150. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to provide an optimal user experience to a user who has a large number of puffs in the first time period and is thought to have a short-term intensive taste.

[0080] On the other hand, as shown by line 23, the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. It is considered that the lower the target temperature, the smaller the amount of aerosol and flavor components delivered to the user per puff, and the longer the life of the stick-type substrate 150. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to provide an optimal user experience to a user who has a small number of puffs in the first period and is considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 controls the length of the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained after the second target temperature is reached, based on the first puff information. The length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained on line 21 is 260 seconds - 180 seconds = 80 seconds. The length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained on line 22 is 200 seconds - 160 seconds = 40 seconds. The length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained on line 23 is 380 seconds - 260 seconds = 120 seconds. By controlling the length of the second period, it is possible to provide a user experience according to the user's preferences.

[0082] In detail, as shown by line 22, the control unit 116 shortens the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases. The more puffs performed in the first period, the less aerosol source remains in the stick-type substrate 150 at the start of the second period, and the life of the stick-type substrate 150 is considered to be short. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to generate aerosol in a short period of time until the aerosol source is depleted, while preventing heating from continuing even after the aerosol source is depleted. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive preferences.

[0083] On the other hand, as shown by line 23, the control unit 116 lengthens the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. The fewer the number of puffs performed in the first period, the more aerosol source remains in the stick-type substrate 150 at the start of the second period, and the longer the life of the stick-type substrate 150 is considered to be. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to generate aerosol for a long period of time while preventing heating from ending with a large amount of aerosol source remaining. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0084] It should be noted that two or more of the above-described control of the rate of temperature rise in the second period, control of the target temperature in the second period, and control of the length of the second period may be performed in combination.

[0085] These controls may be performed based on other control contents in addition to based on the first puff information.

[0086] As an example, the control unit 116 may control the length of the second period based on the rate of temperature rise in the second period. Specifically, the control unit 116 may shorten the length of the second period as the rate of temperature rise in the second period is faster, and may lengthen the length of the second period as the rate of temperature rise in the second period is slower.

[0087] As another example, control unit 116 may control the target temperature in the second period based on the length of the second period. Specifically, control unit 116 may lower the target temperature in the second period as the length of the second period is longer, and may raise the target temperature in the second period as the length of the second period is shorter.

[0088] (4) Processing flow FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a puff request has been detected (step S102). A puff request is a user operation requesting the generation of an aerosol. An example of a puff request is an operation on the inhalation device 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the inhalation device 100. Another example of a puff request is inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the inhalation device 100. The insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the inhalation device 100 can be detected by a capacitance-type proximity sensor that detects the capacitance of the space near the opening 142, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the internal space 141, or the like.

[0090] If it is determined that a puff request has not been detected (step S102: NO), control unit 116 waits until a puff request is detected.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined that a puff request has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to perform heating based on the heating profile (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0092] Next, the control unit 116 acquires first puff information during the first period (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 acquires information indicating the number of puffs performed during the first period as the first puff information. The number of times a value associated with a puff is detected by a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like may be acquired as information indicating the number of puffs.

[0093] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the timing for starting the second period has arrived (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 determines the timing for the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing period as the timing for starting the second period.

[0094] If it is determined that the timing for starting the second period has not arrived (step S108: NO), the process returns to step S106 again.

[0095] When it is determined that the timing to start the second period has arrived (step S108: YES), the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 in the second period based on the first puff information (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 controls at least one of the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period, the second target temperature, or the length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained based on the first puff information.

[0096] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S112). One example of the termination condition is that a period during which the second target temperature is maintained and whose length is controlled based on the first puff information has ended. Another example of the termination condition is that the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0097] If it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied (step S112: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the end condition is satisfied.

[0098] If it is determined that the end condition is satisfied (step S112: YES), the control unit 116 ends the heating based on the heating profile (step S114). In detail, the control unit 116 ends the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. Then, the process ends.

[0099] <3. Modifications> (1) First Modification The first puff information may include information indicating a change in puff interval during the first period. The information indicating a change in puff interval during the first period may be information indicating a tendency of a time series change in the puff interval during the first period. The first puff information according to this modification will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of puffing performed in the first period. The horizontal axis of graphs 51 to 53 is time, and rectangles appear at the timing when puffs were performed. Graph 51 shows an example in which the puff interval shortens over time in the first period. Graph 52 shows an example in which the puff interval is constant regardless of the passage of time in the first period. Graph 53 shows an example in which the puff interval lengthens over time in the first period. As shown in graph 51, if the puff interval shortens over time in the first period, it is considered that the puff interval will also shorten in the second period following the first period. In other words, a user who has observed the tendency shown in graph 51 is considered to have a short-term intensive preference in the second period. As shown in graph 53, if the puff interval lengthens over time in the first period, it is considered that the puff interval will also lengthen in the second period following the first period. In other words, a user for whom the tendency shown in graph 53 is observed is considered to have long-term stable preferences during the second period.

[0101] Therefore, the control unit 116 performs the same control as that described in the above embodiment, according to the user's preferences assumed from the first puff information.

[0102] That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the temperature increase rate from the start of the second period until the second target temperature is reached based on the first puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that meets the user's preferences.

[0103] 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, the control unit 116 increases the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 in the second period. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0104] On the other hand, as shown by line 23 in Fig. 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time, the control unit 116 slows down the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 116 controls the target temperature in the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the second target temperature based on the first puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that matches the user's preferences.

[0106] More specifically, as shown by line 22 in Fig. 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, the control unit 116 increases the target temperature in the second time period. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0107] On the other hand, as shown by line 23 in Fig. 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval is getting longer over time, the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature in the second time period. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 116 controls the length of the second period based on the first puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained after the second target temperature is reached, based on the first puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that matches the user's preferences.

[0109] In particular, as shown by line 22 in Fig. 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval is shortening over time, the control unit 116 shortens the length of the second period. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0110] On the other hand, as shown by line 23 in Fig. 6, when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval is getting longer over time, the control unit 116 increases the length of the second period. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0111] (2) Second modified example In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation of the heating unit 121 in the second period is controlled based on the first puff information related to the puff performed in the first period, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 in the second period based on the second puff information related to the aerosol puff performed by the user in the second period. In detail, the control unit 116 may obtain the second puff information related to the aerosol puff performed by the user from the start of the second period until a predetermined time has elapsed, and control the operation of the heating unit 121 in the period after the predetermined time has elapsed in the second period. With such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and the first modified example are achieved.

[0112] The second puff information includes at least one of information indicating the number of puffs performed in the second period or information indicating a change in puff interval in the second period. The information indicating the number of puffs performed in the second period may be the number of puffs performed from the start of the second period until a predetermined time has elapsed, or may be the number of puffs per unit time. The information indicating a change in puff interval in the second period may be information indicating a tendency of a time series change in the puff interval from the start of the second period until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0113] The control unit 116 performs the same control as that described in the above embodiment or the above first modified example, according to the user's preference assumed from the second puff information.

[0114] That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period based on the second puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the temperature increase rate from the start of the second period until the second target temperature is reached based on the second puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that matches the user's preferences.

[0115] In detail, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 increases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information increases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, the control unit 116 increases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have a preference for short-term intensive use.

[0116] On the other hand, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 slows down the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information decreases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time, the control unit 116 slows down the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 during the second period. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 116 controls the target temperature in the second period based on the second puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the second target temperature based on the second puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that matches the user's preferences.

[0118] In more detail, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 increases the target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information increases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, the control unit 116 increases the target temperature in the second period. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0119] On the other hand, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information decreases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time, the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature in the second period. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0120] Furthermore, the control unit 116 controls the length of the second period based on the second puff information. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the length of the period during which the second target temperature is maintained after the second target temperature is reached, based on the second puff information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a user experience that matches the user's preferences.

[0121] In more detail, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 shortens the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information increases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, the control unit 116 shortens the length of the second period when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have short-term intensive tastes.

[0122] On the other hand, as described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 increases the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the second puff information decreases. Alternatively, as described in the above first modified example, the control unit 116 increases the length of the second period when the second puff information indicates that the puff interval increases over time. This configuration makes it possible to improve the quality of the user experience provided to users who are considered to have long-term stable preferences.

[0123] <4. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0124] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the shorter the second period is, the higher the target temperature in the second period, and the longer the second period is, the lower the target temperature in the second period, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the control unit 116 may lower the target temperature in the second period as the length of the second period is shorter. It is considered that the more puffs are performed in the first period, the fewer the aerosol sources remaining in the stick-type substrate 150 at the start of the second period, and the shorter the life of the stick-type substrate 150. In this regard, according to this configuration, it is possible to extend the life of the stick-type substrate 150 by lowering the target temperature. In addition, the control unit 116 may raise the target temperature in the second period as the length of the second period is longer. It is considered that the more puffs are performed in the first period, the more the aerosol sources remaining in the stick-type substrate 150 at the start of the second period, and the longer the life of the stick-type substrate 150. In this regard, with this configuration, by increasing the target temperature, it is possible to prevent the heating from ending with a large amount of the aerosol source remaining.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first puff information is information indicating the number of puffs performed in the first period, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The first puff information may be information indicating the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user in the first period. The greater the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user, the more likely the user has a short-term intensive preference. On the other hand, the smaller the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user, the more likely the user has a long-term stable preference. The information indicating the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user in the first period is detected, for example, by a flow sensor. When it is difficult to detect the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user in the first period, the amount of air flowing into or out of the internal space 141 in the first period may be used instead. The same applies to the second puff information.

[0126] The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transient storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into a RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Also, the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0127] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in the drawings. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0128] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit in a second period after the first period based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user in a first period during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting. Suction device. (2) The first puff information includes information indicating the number of puffs performed during the first period. The suction device described in (1) above. (3) The control unit controls a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the first puff information. The suction device described in (2) above. (4) the control unit increases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases, and decreases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. The suction device described in (3) above. (5) The control unit controls the target temperature in the second period based on the first puff information. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (4) above. (6) the control unit increases the target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases, and decreases the target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. The suction device described in (5) above. (7) The control unit controls the length of the second period based on the first puff information. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (6) above. (8) the control unit shortens the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information increases, and lengthens the length of the second period as the number of puffs indicated by the first puff information decreases. The suction device according to any one of (2) to (7) above. (9) The first puff information includes information indicating a change in a puff interval during the first period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The control unit increases a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and decreases a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time. The suction device described in (9) above. (11) the control unit increases the target temperature during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and decreases the target temperature during the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time. The suction device according to (9) or (10) above. (12) the control unit shortens the length of the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and lengthens the length of the second period when the first puff information indicates that the puff interval becomes longer over time. The suction device according to any one of (9) to (11) above. (13) The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit during the second period based on second puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during the second period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The second puff information includes at least one of information indicating the number of puffs performed during the second period or information indicating a change in puff interval during the second period. The suction device according to (13) above. (15) The control unit controls a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the second puff information. The suction device according to (13) or (14) above. (16) The control unit controls the target temperature in the second period based on the second puff information. The suction device according to any one of (13) to (15) above. (17) The control unit controls the length of the second period based on the second puff information. The suction device according to any one of (13) to (16) above. (18) The temperature setting is an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from the initial temperature; an intermediate temperature drop period during which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered after the initial temperature rise period; and a re-heating period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases after the intermediate temperature-dropping period, The first period is included in at least one of the initial temperature rise period and the intermediate temperature fall period, The second period is included in the re-heating period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (17) above. (19) A heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit in a second period after the first period based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user in a first period during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting. A substrate containing the aerosol source that is heated by an aspirator to generate the aerosol. (20) A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit in a second period after a first period, based on first puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user in a first period during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting; A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 150 Stick-type substrate 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece

Claims

1. A heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with The temperature setting is an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from the initial temperature; an intermediate temperature drop period during which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered after the initial temperature rise period; and a re-heating period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases after the intermediate temperature-dropping period, the control unit sets the target temperature in a second period included in the re-heating period higher as the number of puffs of the aerosol performed by a user in a first period included in at least one of the initial heating period or the intermediate temperature decreasing period among periods during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting increases, and sets the target temperature in the second period lower as the number of puffs decreases. Suction device.

2. The control unit further controls a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the number of puffs performed by the user during the first period.

2. The suction device of claim 1.

3. The control unit increases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the second period as the number of puffs increases, and decreases the temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the second period as the number of puffs decreases.

3. The suction device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit controls the length of the second period based on the number of puffs performed by the user during the first period. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit shortens the length of the second period as the number of puffs increases, and lengthens the length of the second period as the number of puffs decreases. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit in the second period based on a change in the puff interval in the first period. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit increases a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and decreases a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period when the puff interval becomes longer over time.

7. The suction device according to claim 6.

8. the control unit increases the target temperature during the second period when the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and decreases the target temperature during the second period when the puff interval becomes longer over time.

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

9. The control unit shortens the length of the second period when the puff interval becomes shorter over time, and lengthens the length of the second period when the puff interval becomes longer over time. The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit during the second period based on second puff information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during the second period. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The second puff information includes at least one of information indicating the number of puffs performed during the second period or information indicating a change in puff interval during the second period.

11. The suction device of claim 10.

12. The control unit controls a temperature rise rate of the heating unit during the second period based on the second puff information.

12. A suction device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The control unit controls the target temperature in the second period based on the second puff information. A suction device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The control unit controls the length of the second period based on the second puff information. A suction device according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, The temperature setting is an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from the initial temperature; an intermediate temperature drop period during which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered after the initial temperature rise period; and a re-heating period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases after the intermediate temperature-dropping period, controlling the operation of the heating unit includes: setting a higher target temperature in a second period included in the re-heating period as the number of puffs of the aerosol performed by a user in a first period included in at least one of the initial heating period and the intermediate temperature decreasing period among periods during which one of the substrates is heated based on the temperature setting increases; and setting a lower target temperature in the second period as the number of puffs decreases; A control method comprising:

Images