Aerosol generating device, control method for aerosol generating device, and program

Abstract

The aerosol generation device according to the present disclosure has: an operation unit that detects an input operation performed by a user; a heating means that atomizes an aerosol source; and a control means that releases a lock state on the aerosol generation device in accordance with the input operation having satisfied an operation condition established by the user. The control means does not release the lock state when the action state of the aerosol generation device is a prescribed state in which heating of the heating means cannot be started.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, a control method for an aerosol generating device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, aerosol generating devices such as electronic suction devices have become widespread. In an aerosol generating device, it is desirable that only an appropriate user can use the device. Against this background, a technique is known in which biometric authentication of a user is performed using a fingerprint detection sensor before starting suction, and a heating wire is driven when it is determined that the user is a legitimate user (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when the user thinks that the restriction on the operation of the aerosol generating device is released (the lock on the device is released) after the authentication process, the user may think that suction using the device can be immediately started. On the other hand, the aerosol generating device has various internal states and may be in a state where suction cannot be immediately started. That is, even if the user can release the lock, suction may not be immediately started, and there is a possibility that the quality of the user experience will deteriorate.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize a technique for releasing the lock on the aerosol generating device at an appropriate timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device, an operation unit that detects an input operation by a user, heating means for atomizing an aerosol source, control means for releasing a locked state of the aerosol generating device in response to the input operation satisfying operation conditions defined by the user, wherein the control means does not release the locked state when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a predetermined state in which heating by the heating means cannot be started.

[0007] The control means may not accept the input operation when the operating state is the predetermined state when the input operation is started.

[0008] The control means may not accept the input operation after the input operation is started and before the input operation satisfies the operation conditions defined by the user when the operating state becomes the predetermined state.

[0009] The control means may discard the input operation accepted before the operating state becomes the predetermined state.

[0010] further including a rechargeable power source, wherein the predetermined state may include a state in which the power source is being charged.

[0011] further including a rechargeable power source, wherein the predetermined state may include a state in which the remaining battery level of the power source is less than a predetermined value.

[0012] further including communication means capable of short-range wireless communication with an external communication device, wherein the predetermined state may include a state in which initial setting of the short-range wireless communication is being performed with the external communication device.

[0013] further includes communication means capable of short-range wireless communication with an external communication device, the control means may be capable of releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device by receiving a signal for releasing the locked state from the external communication device that has performed the initial setting of the short-range wireless communication.

[0014] The predetermined state may further include a state in which heating control of the heating means is being performed.

[0015] further includes a panel detachably configured on the aerosol generating device, the predetermined state may include a state in which the panel is removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0016] The input operation may include an input device for the first operation unit and an input operation for a second operation unit different from the first operation unit.

[0017] The input operation may include a first pressing operation for the operation unit for a predetermined time or less and a second pressing operation for the same operation unit for a time longer than the first pressing operation.

[0018] The operation unit is configured by a touch panel, the input operation may include a tap operation on the touch panel and a flick operation along the surface of the touch panel.

[0019] When the input operation corresponds to a predetermined operation condition, the control means may execute a function corresponding to the predetermined operation condition with priority over the operation condition determined by the user.

[0020] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device communication means for receiving a signal for releasing the locked state from a communication device in which initial setting of short-range wireless communication has been performed in advance with the aerosol generating device, heating means for atomizing an aerosol source, Control means for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device in response to receiving a signal for releasing the locked state, The control means provides an aerosol generating device that does not release the locked state when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a predetermined state in which the heating means cannot start heating.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a control method for the aerosol generating device described above, or a program that causes a processor to function as the control means for the aerosol generating device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to release the lock on the aerosol generating device at an appropriate timing. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, form a part thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention together with the description.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4BA

Figure 4BB

Figure 4BC

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0025] <Configuration of Aerosol Generating Device> In the following description, an aerosol generating device having a lock function for restricting at least some of the operations on the operation unit by the user will be described as an example.

[0026] (Appearance of Aerosol Generating Device) FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of an aerosol generating device 100 according to the present embodiment. The aerosol generating device 100 includes, for example, a main body 101, a front panel 102, a display window 103, an operation member 104, and a slider 105.

[0027] The main body 101 is a housing with a predetermined shape, and supports one or more circuit boards of the aerosol generating device 100 inside, for example. The main body 101 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 and rounded. The size of the main body 101 may be, for example, a size that can be grasped by a user with one hand.

[0028] The front panel 102 is a flexible panel member that covers the front surface of the main body 101. The front panel 102 may be detachably coupled to the main body 101 using, for example, a magnet. The front panel 102 covers the operation member 104 that receives user input. The display window 103 is, for example, a strip-shaped window that extends along the longitudinal direction at approximately the center of the front panel 102. The display window 103 transmits the light emitted by one or more LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) disposed between the main body 101 and the front panel 102 to the outside.

[0029] The operation member 104 includes, for example, physical buttons and is disposed inside the front panel 102. When the user presses the front panel 102 at the portion covering the operation member 104, the operation member 104 detects the user input and notifies the control unit 120. In this embodiment, the case where the operation member 104 composed of physical buttons is covered by the front panel 102 will be described as an example, but other configurations may be used as long as they can receive user operations. The operation member 104 functions as an operation unit in this embodiment. For example, the operation member 104 may be any other type of input device such as a touch sensing surface exposed from the front panel or a switch.

[0030] The slider 105 is a cover member slidably disposed along the direction 105a on the upper surface of the main body 101. The slider 105 is configured to open and close an opening for inserting an aerosol source. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the slider 105 slides forward (i.e., in the direction 105a in FIG. 1) (that is, the slider 105 is in the open state), the opening 106 on the upper surface of the main body 101 is exposed. When the user sucks the aerosol using the aerosol generating device 100, the user inserts the tobacco stick 110 into the opening 106 exposed by opening the slider 105. The tobacco stick 110 is inserted into the tubular insertion hole 107 along the direction 106a from the opening 106. The cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion hole 107 may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, and the cross-sectional area may be configured to gradually decrease as it approaches the bottom surface. By configuring in this way, the outer surface of the tobacco stick 110 inserted into the insertion hole 107 is pressed by the inner surface of the insertion hole 107, and the drop-off of the tobacco stick 110 is prevented by the frictional force. When the user finishes sucking the aerosol, the user pulls out the tobacco stick 110 from the insertion hole 107 and closes the slider 105 (the slider 105 is in the closed state). When the slider 105 is slid to be in the open state, the aerosol generating device 100 enters the operating state to be described later, and when the slider 105 is slid to be in the closed state, the aerosol generating device 100 enters the standby state to be described later. The slider 105 also functions as an operation unit in the present embodiment. The operation member 104 and the slider 105 are used for the unlocking operation to be described later. At this time, the operation member 104 may function as the first operation unit, and the slider 105 may function as the second operation unit.

[0031] The tobacco stick 110 is a tobacco article that holds a filling inside a cylindrical wrapper. The filling of the tobacco stick 110 may be, for example, a mixture of an aerosol - generating substrate and tobacco flakes. As the aerosol - generating substrate, a substrate containing any kind of aerosol source such as, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3 - butanediol, or a mixture thereof may be used. The tobacco flakes are so - called flavor sources. The material of the tobacco flakes may be, for example, lamina or midrib. Note that, instead of the tobacco flakes, a flavor source derived from non - tobacco may be used.

[0032] (Functional Configuration of the Aerosol - Generating Device) Next, with reference to FIG. 3A, a functional configuration example of the aerosol - generating device 100 will be described. Each of the functional blocks to be described may be integrated or separated. Also, the functions to be described may be realized by another block. What is described as hardware may be realized by software, and vice versa.

[0033] The aerosol - generating device 100 includes, for example, a control unit 120, a storage unit 121, an input detection unit 122, a state detection unit 123, a suction detection unit 124, a light - emitting unit 125, a vibration unit 126, a communication interface (I / F) 127, a connection I / F 128, a heating unit 130, and a battery 132.

[0034] The control unit 120 includes one or more processors and a volatile memory. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller. The control unit 120 controls the overall functions of the aerosol - generating device 100 by loading and executing a computer program (also referred to as software or firmware) stored in the storage unit 121 into the memory. The storage unit 121 may be, for example, a non - volatile memory. The storage unit 121 stores one or more computer programs and data describing a control sequence (heating profile) for heating control of the heating unit 130.

[0035] The control unit 120 performs the unlocking process described later to control the release of the locked state of the aerosol generating device. The locked state is a state in which the above-described locking function (i.e., the function of restricting at least some of the operations on the operation unit by the user) is enabled. Further, the control unit 120 controls the state transition of the aerosol generating device 100 described later in response to an input operation on the operation member 104, the slider 105, etc. When an input operation for requesting the start of heating for generating an aerosol is detected, the control unit 120 starts the supply of power from the battery 132 to the heating unit 130. The input operation here may be, for example, a long press of the operation member 104 detected by the input detection unit 122. The control unit 120 can supply power from the battery 132 to the heating unit 130. The control unit 120 adjusts, for example, the temperature control of the heating unit 130 by adjusting the duty ratio of the control pulse by pulse width modulation (PWM). Note that the control unit 120 may use pulse frequency modulation (PFM) instead of PWM.

[0036] The input detection unit 122 is a detection circuit for detecting an input operation. The input detection unit 122 detects, for example, an input operation on the operation member 104 through the depression of the front panel 102, and outputs an input signal indicating the input operation to the control unit 120. Note that the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to detect the depression of the front panel 102 itself instead of detecting the depression of the operation member 104. The input detection unit 122 and the state detection unit 123 described later may function as an operation unit for detecting a user's input operation.

[0037] The state detection unit 123 is a detection circuit for detecting the open / closed state of the slider 105 and includes, for example, a Hall element. The state detection unit 123 outputs a state detection signal indicating whether the slider 105 is open or closed to the control unit 120. Further, the state detection unit 123 may be configured to detect the attachment / detachment state of the front panel 102. The state detection unit 123 may include another Hall element for detecting that the front panel 102 has been removed, and may output a state detection signal indicating the attachment / detachment state of the front panel 102 to the control unit 120.

[0038] The suction detection unit 124 is a detection circuit for detecting the suction (puff) of the tobacco stick 110 by the user. For example, the suction detection unit 124 may include a thermistor (not shown) disposed near the opening 106. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 can detect the suction based on the change in the resistance value of the thermistor caused by the temperature change due to the suction by the user. As another example, the suction detection unit 124 may include a pressure sensor (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the insertion hole 107. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 can detect the suction based on the decrease in the air pressure caused by the air flow generated by the suction. The suction detection unit 124 outputs, for example, a suction detection signal indicating whether suction is being performed to the control unit 120.

[0039] The light emitting unit 125 includes one or more LEDs and a driver for driving the LEDs. The light emitting unit 125 causes each of the LEDs to emit light according to an instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The vibration unit 126 includes a vibrator (for example, an eccentric motor) and a driver for driving the vibrator. The vibration unit 126 vibrates the vibrator according to an instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The control unit 120 may control at least one of the light emitting unit 125 and the vibration unit 126 in an arbitrary pattern, for example, to notify the user of some status of the aerosol generating device 100 (for example, a state in which the locked state is released). For example, the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 125 can be distinguished by elements such as the light emission state (lighting / flashing / non-lighting) of each LED, the flashing period, the light emission luminance, and the light emission color. The vibration pattern of the vibration unit 126 can be distinguished by elements such as the vibration state (vibration / stop) of the vibrator, the vibration pattern, and the intensity of the vibration.

[0040] The communication I / F 127 includes, for example, a communication circuit and an antenna, and is a communication interface for the aerosol generating device 100 to wirelessly communicate with a communication device 200 (for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc.) held by a user. The communication I / F 127 may be an interface compliant with any wireless communication protocol such as short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), proximity wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0041] The connection I / F 128 is a wired interface having a terminal for connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to another external device. The connection I / F 128 may be a rechargeable interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, for example. The connection I / F 128 may be used to charge the battery 132 from an external power source (via a power supply line not shown).

[0042] The heating unit 130 may include, for example, a resistive heating component that heats an aerosol source included in the aerosol generating substrate of the tobacco stick 110 to generate an aerosol. As the resistive heating material of the resistive heating component, for example, a mixture of one or more of copper, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum rhodium may be used. The heating unit 130 is connected to the battery 132 by wiring (not shown).

[0043] The battery 132 is a power source for supplying power to the heating unit 130 and other components of the aerosol generating device 100. In FIG. 3A, the power supply lines from the battery 132 to the components of the aerosol generating device 100 are omitted. The battery 132 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The remaining amount meter 133 may include, for example, an IC chip for monitoring the remaining amount of power and other statuses of the battery 132. The remaining amount meter 133 may periodically measure status values of the battery 132 such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), relative state of charge (RSOC), and power supply voltage, and output the measurement results to the control unit 120.

[0044] <Configuration of Communication Device> Next, a simplified configuration example of the communication device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3B. The communication device 200 shown in FIG. 3B is, for example, a smartphone, but may also be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like. Each of the functional blocks to be described may be integrated or separated. Also, the functions to be described may be realized by other blocks. What is described as hardware may be realized by software, and vice versa.

[0045] The communication device 200 includes, for example, a communication interface (I / F) 201, a control unit 202, an input detection unit 203, a sensor unit 204, a display unit 205, a storage unit 206, and a battery 207.

[0046] The communication I / F 201 includes, for example, a communication circuit or the like, and is a communication interface for the communication device 200 to wirelessly communicate with an aerosol generating device 100 or the like. The communication I / F 127 may be an interface compliant with any wireless communication protocol such as short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), proximity wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the communication I / F 201 may further include an interface compliant with a protocol for mobile communication such as LTE, connect to the Internet via mobile communication, and perform data transmission and reception with an external server.

[0047] The control unit 202 includes one or more processors and a volatile memory, and the processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 202 controls the overall functions of the communication device 200 by, for example, loading and executing a computer program recorded in the storage unit 206 into the memory.

[0048] The input detection unit 203 includes buttons and touch panels provided in the communication device 200, and accepts operations on a setting screen for selecting or setting the heating profile of the aerosol generating device 100, and GUIs for various operations. The GUIs for various operations may include a browser application that displays information provided from a server on the network and GUIs of other applications. When the control unit 202 accepts an operation for setting or changing the heating profile, it can transmit the information of the heating profile to the aerosol generating device 100 via Bluetooth (registered trademark). The GUIs for various operations may include a GUI for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100. When the user inputs an operation for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100 via the GUI, the control unit 202 transmits a signal for releasing the locked state to the aerosol generating device 100. When the aerosol generating device 100 receives a signal for releasing the locked state from the paired communication device 200, if it is in an internal state where the locked state can be released, it may release the locked state. The aerosol generating device 100 can determine that a request from an authenticated (i.e., trustworthy) communication device 200 paired in a predetermined procedure is a request from a trustworthy device and release the locked state. When the aerosol generating device 100 receives a signal for releasing the locked state from the communication device 200, it can release the lock without requesting the user for a further unlocking operation, facilitating the unlocking operation.

[0049] The sensor unit 204 includes a GPS for specifying the current position of the communication device 200, an imaging sensor for acquiring an image or video of the surroundings of the communication device 200, a biometric sensor for specifying the user of the communication device 200, and the like.

[0050] The display unit 205 includes a display panel such as an LCD or an OLED, and displays a GUI for various operations according to an instruction from the control unit 202. The display unit 205 displays various operation GUIs such as a setting screen for selecting or setting the heating profile of the aerosol generating device 100 described above, and a GUI for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0051] The storage unit 206 includes a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor memory, and stores set user information, computer programs such as applications executed by the control unit 202, and the like.

[0052] The battery 207 includes, for example, a lithium ion battery, and is a power source for supplying power to each component of the communication device 200. In FIG. 3B, the power supply lines from the battery 132 to each component of the communication device 200 are omitted.

[0053] <Example of input operation for releasing the locked state> An input operation for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100 will be described. The input operation for releasing the locked state includes an operation of opening the slider 105, an operation of closing the slider 105, an operation of briefly pressing (normally pressing) the operation member 104, and an operation of long pressing the operation member 104. In other words, the input operation for releasing the locked state includes a first pressing operation on the operation unit for a predetermined time or less, and a second pressing operation on the operation unit for a time longer than the first pressing operation. The user can combine these operations and set them as a series of patterns. The aerosol generating device 100 releases the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100 when the input operation input by the user satisfies the operation conditions. In the embodiments described below, as an example where the input operation input by the user satisfies the operation conditions, for example, the case where the user inputs a series of patterns of the input operation determined by the user will be described.

[0054] The operation of short pressing (normal pressing) is, for example, an operation of pressing the operation member 104 within a time of 1000 msec or less, and the operation of long pressing is, for example, an operation of long pressing the operation member 104 for a time longer than 1000 msec.

[0055] The control unit 120 can identify an operation input within a predetermined time as an operation of a series of patterns (also referred to as combined pressing). At this time, for example, when a series of patterns defined by the user are input only halfway and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 clears the input up to the halfway input. As shown in FIG. 4A, when there is a pressing operation of 1000 ms or less, the control unit 120 identifies the operation as a short press (normal press). Thereafter, the operation member 104 is released. When the operation member 104 is pressed again and the released time is, for example, 2000 msec or less, the control unit 120 determines that the previous short press and the next pressing operation (short press or long press) are operations of a series of patterns. An example of a series of patterns shown in FIG. 4A shows an operation combining three short presses and one long press.

[0056] The example shown in FIG. 4A shows a case where a series of pattern operations are configured using only the operations on the operation member 104. However, as described above, the series of pattern operations may include the opening and closing of the slider 105. In order for the control unit 120 to identify the operation of opening the slider 105 and the operation of closing the slider 105 as operations of a series of patterns, the time interval (2000 msec or less) applied to the operation member 104 may be applied, or a longer time interval may be applied to the operation of the slider 105. That is, the time interval between operations may be made different for each individual operation target.

[0057] The user can set a series of pattern operations for unlocking in the unlock pattern setting mode. When the control unit 120 detects a specific operation during charging of the aerosol generator 100 (i.e., when a USB connector is connected to the connection I / F 128 and power is being supplied), it can operate in the unlock pattern setting mode. The specific operation may be, for example, a series of operations such as opening the slider 105, then closing the slider 105, and further pressing and holding the operation member 104 for 2 seconds.

[0058] When the control unit 120 receives a series of patterns, for example, consisting of 5 short presses and 1 long press, in the unlock pattern setting mode, it activates the lock function and stores the series of patterns in the storage unit 121. That is, when the lock function is activated (set to the locked state), the control unit 120 requests the user to input a series of patterns determined by the user. On the other hand, when the predetermined number of operations (e.g., 3 operations) is not input within a predetermined time in the unlock pattern setting mode, the control unit 120 deactivates the lock function. That is, since the lock function is invalid, the control unit 120 does not request the user to perform an operation for unlocking. The series of patterns may be composed of, for example, a maximum of 10 operations. When 10 operations are performed within a predetermined time, or when more operations than the predetermined number of operations (e.g., 3 operations) are performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 may end the unlock pattern setting mode.

[0059] In the following description, unless otherwise distinguished, the input operation on the slider 105 and the input operation on the operation member 104 are not distinguished, and it will be simply described as an input operation on the operation member 104. A mere "input operation" shall include at least either the input operation on the slider 105 or the input operation on the operation member 104.

[0060] Further, while the control unit 120 is accepting an operation in the unlock pattern setting mode, if the USB connector is removed, the input operation is discarded and the setting is returned to the locked state before entering the unlock pattern setting mode. Further, the control unit 120 may not shift to the unlock pattern setting mode even if a specific operation is detected during charging when the front panel 102 is removed or when the aerosol generating device 100 is paired with a communication device.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4BA to 4BC, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 125 when unlocking the locked state will be described. FIGS. 4BA to 4BC show eight LEDs visible from the display window 103. The left side of FIGS. 4BA to 4BC corresponds to the lower side (in FIG. 1) of the aerosol generating device 100, and the right side of FIGS. 4BA to 4BC corresponds to the upper side (in FIG. 1) of the aerosol generating device 100. FIG. 4BA schematically shows the state of the light emitting unit 125 when the control unit 120 is accepting a series of patterns for unlocking the locked state. As shown as an example in FIG. 4BA, when the control unit 120 is accepting a series of patterns, none of the LEDs may be lit (the display state 401 indicates extinguishment). By not causing any LED to emit light during the acceptance of a series of patterns, it is possible to prevent the LED from being displayed each time an input to the operation unit is made due to an erroneous operation or an unintended contact, thereby unnecessarily reducing the remaining battery level.

[0062] As will be described later, when the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is a predetermined state (heating control state, charging state, and pairing execution state) in which the heating unit 130 cannot start heating, the control unit 120 controls not to unlock the locked state (or not to accept a pattern).

[0063] FIG. 4BB shows the state of the light emitting unit 125 when the input operation is a predetermined series of patterns (that is, when it matches the registered pattern). When the input operation is a predetermined series of patterns, the control unit 120 causes all the LEDs to light up at the baseline (the display state 403 indicates the baseline lighting). The baseline lighting may be to light up the LEDs at, for example, 5% of the maximum brightness of the LEDs. Then, the brightness is sequentially changed to the normal lighting brightness (the display state 402 is normal lighting) from LED 1 to LED 8. For example, the control unit 120 controls the light emission of the above eight LEDs one by one within, for example, 560 ms from the time when it is determined that the input operation is a predetermined series of patterns. Finally, as shown in FIG. 4BC, all the LEDs of the light emitting unit 125 enter the display state 402. Further, the control unit 120 may vibrate for, for example, 560 ms from the time when it is determined that the input operation is a predetermined series of patterns. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user through vision and touch that the locked state has been released. Also, by changing the display state to the baseline lighting and then to the normal lighting in order, the visual change can be emphasized, and a notification that is more likely to catch the user's eye can be made.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the case of an incorrect input operation is not explicitly described, but the LEDs may be caused to emit light in a manner different from the mode (FIG. 4BB) when the input operation matches a series of patterns. Alternatively, similar to during the input of a series of patterns, in order to maintain the battery level, no display may be made.

[0065] Once the locked state of the aerosol generating device 100 is released, it can automatically re-lock. For example, the control unit 120 may return to the locked state again after releasing the locked state or after a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed after the completion of the last heating control state described later. At this time, if suction is performed in the heating control state 10 minutes after the control unit 120 releases the locked state, the control unit 120 may re-lock after a predetermined time (15 minutes) has elapsed after the heating control state ends.

[0066] <Example of the operating state of the aerosol generator> An example of the state transition of the aerosol generator 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The aerosol generator 100 has several operating states and performs state transitions according to inputs by the user and control by the control unit 120. The operating states of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, a sleep state 501, an active state 502, and a pairing execution state 503. Further, the operating states of the aerosol generator 100 may include one or more operating states (for example, a heating control state 504 and a heating end state 505) that can transition starting from the active state 502, and one or more operating states (for example, a charging state 506) that can transition starting from the sleep state 501.

[0067] The sleep state 501 is, for example, a state in which the operation by the control unit 120 is temporarily stopped and the device waits in a power-saving state with reduced power consumption. When the sleep state is released, the operation may be resumed from the state before the stop. The control unit 120 can receive a predetermined user input, and when receiving the corresponding user input, can transition the state to a state (for example, the active state 502 or the pairing execution state 503) corresponding to the user input. In the following description, the sleep state may also be referred to as a standby state. In the present embodiment, the sleep state 501 may be entered by a method of "suspend" or "standby" that maintains the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 and waits, or may be entered by a method of "hibernation" that copies the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 to the storage unit 121 and waits.

[0068] In the sleep state 501 of the aerosol generator 100, other functions may not operate except for the input operation detection function and the battery remaining amount monitoring function.

[0069] The active state 502 is a state in which, for example, there are no restrictions on the functions of the device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100). For example, in the aerosol generating device 100, at least there are no restrictions on the heating function. The active state may be a state in which the power-saving state, which reduces power consumption, is released, as opposed to the sleep state. Note that in the following description, the active state may also be referred to as the operating state.

[0070] For example, in the aerosol generating device 100, when the slider 105 is closed in the active state 502, the control unit 120 controls the operating state to transition from the active state 502 (operating state) to the sleep state 501 (standby state) (e.g., 512 in FIG. 5). Also, in the aerosol generating device 100, when the slider 105 is opened in the sleep state 501, the control unit 120 controls the operating state to transition from the sleep state 501 (standby state) to the active state 502 (operating state) (e.g., 511 in FIG. 5).

[0071] The pairing execution state 503 is a state for executing pairing with the communication device 200 via Bluetooth (registered trademark). When a predetermined input operation on the operation member 104 is detected with the slider 105 closed in the sleep state 501, the control unit 120 transitions the state to the pairing execution state (e.g., 513 in FIG. 5). When pairing (also referred to as initial setting) with the communication device 200 is successful, the control unit 120 registers the paired device in the white list held in the storage unit 121. When the registration in the white list is successful, or when pairing fails, the control unit 120 returns the operating state from the pairing execution state 503 to the sleep state 501.

[0072] Also, in response to a predetermined input operation in the active state 502, the control unit 120 transitions the operating state to a heating control state 504 or the like for exerting the heating function (e.g., generating an aerosol) (e.g., 515 in FIG. 5). The control unit 120 may then transition the operating state back to the active state 502.

[0073] Alternatively, when a USB terminal is connected to the connection I / F 128, the control unit 120 may transition the operating state from the sleep state 501 to a state where the aerosol generating device is being charged (e.g., 506) (e.g., 516 in FIG. 5).

[0074] Next, a series of operations for the unlocking process executed in the aerosol generating device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. This process is realized by the processor of the control unit 120 executing a program stored in the storage unit 121. In the following description, it is assumed that the user inputs a series of inputs for unlocking the locked state one by one.

[0075] In S601, the control unit 120 detects an input operation via the input detection unit 122 and the state detection unit 123. In S602, the control unit 120 determines whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in a locked state. For example, when the lock function is enabled or disabled, the control unit 120 holds information indicating the locked state by a predetermined method such as a flag, and determines the locked state based on the held information indicating the locked state. If the control unit 120 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is in a locked state, the process proceeds to S603. Otherwise, since there is no need to unlock the locked state, the control unit 120 ends this series of operations of this process. In this case, after ending this process, the control unit 120 may accept the input operation as it is.

[0076] In S603, the control unit 120 acquires the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 120 may acquire the operating state via each unit such as the state detection unit 123, and store information indicating the operating state of the device in the memory or the storage unit 121 each time the operating state changes. Then, when acquiring the operating state, the control unit 120 may refer to the information indicating the operating state stored in the memory or the storage unit 121 to acquire an operating state such as the aerosol generating device 100 being in a charged state.

[0077] In S604, the control unit 120 determines whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is a state in which the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started. For example, the control unit 120 determines whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is a pairing execution state (i.e., a state in which initial settings for short-range wireless communication are being performed). If the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is the pairing execution state, the control unit 120 determines that it is a state in which the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started, ends this series of operations, and if not, proceeds with the process to S605.

[0078] Alternatively, the control unit 120 determines whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is a charging state. If the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is the charging state, the control unit 120 determines that it is a state in which the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started, ends this series of operations, and if not, may proceed with the process to S605.

[0079] Alternatively, the control unit 120 determines whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is a heating control state. If the operating state of the aerosol generating device 100 is the heating control state, the control unit 120 determines that it is a state in which the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started, ends this series of operations, and if not, may proceed with the process to S605.

[0080] Alternatively, the control unit 120 determines whether the front panel 102 is detached. If the front panel 102 is detached, it is determined that the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started, and this series of operations is ended. If not, the process may proceed to S605. By considering the attachment and detachment of the front panel, the lock can be released only when the aerosol generating device 100 is being used in an appropriate state, and then the heating unit 130 can be made heatable.

[0081] Further, the control unit 120 may determine whether the remaining battery level is less than a predetermined threshold based on the signal from the remaining amount meter 133. That is, the control unit 120 may determine that the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started when the remaining battery level is less than the predetermined threshold. By considering the remaining battery level in this way, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the user experience such that the power runs out when the user tries to start inhaling the aerosol.

[0082] In addition, after the input operation on the operation unit is started and before the input operation constitutes a series of patterns defined by the user, if the operating state becomes a state where heating cannot be started, the control unit 120 does not accept the input operation after the operating state becomes a state where heating cannot be started. At this time, the control unit 120 discards the input operation received before the operating state becomes a state where heating cannot be started.

[0083] In S605, the control unit 120 accepts the input operation on the operation unit. In this way, the control unit 120 first executes S604 to prevent the situation where the lock is released but inhalation is still impossible by not accepting the input operation in a state where heating cannot be started. The control unit 120 temporarily stores the received input operation in, for example, the memory of the control unit 120. In this case, a series of input operations received so far are stored in the memory.

[0084] In S606, the control unit 120 determines whether the number of received input operations is equal to or greater than the number of operations in a series of patterns set for unlocking. The control unit 120 compares, for example, the number of received input operations (for example, 6) with the number of operations in a series of patterns set for unlocking (for example, "5 short presses + 1 long press" set in advance). If the control unit 120 determines that the number of received input operations is equal to or greater than the number of operations in a series of patterns set for unlocking, the process proceeds to S607. Otherwise (that is, if the number of input operations is less than the number of operations set for unlocking), the control unit 120 returns the process to S601 to accept further input.

[0085] In S607, the control unit 120 determines whether the input operation constitutes a predetermined series of patterns. For example, the control unit 120 compares a series of input operations stored in the memory (e.g., "5 short presses + 1 long press") received so far with the number of operations in a series of patterns set for unlocking (e.g., a preset "5 short presses + 1 long press"). If both match, the control unit 120 determines that the input operation constitutes a predetermined series of patterns and proceeds with the process to S608. Otherwise, the control unit 120 determines that the received input operation does not match the unlocking pattern (is not a correct input) and ends this series of processes.

[0086] In S608, the control unit 120 releases the locked state of the aerosol generator 100. Then, in S609, as described with reference to FIG. 4B for example, the LED is turned on and vibration is driven. When the control unit 120 finishes turning on the LED and driving the vibration in S609, this series of processes is completed.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 120 releases the locked state of the aerosol generator in response to determining that the input operation constitutes a series of patterns defined (set) by the user. At this time, if the operating state of the aerosol generator is in a state where the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started (as described above in S604), the locked state is not released. By doing so, it becomes possible to release the lock on the aerosol generator at an appropriate timing.

[0088] <Another example of the unlocking process> Next, another example of the unlocking process executed in the aerosol generator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this process, in addition to the operations of the unlocking process described above with reference to FIG. 6, a predetermined operation (referred to as a default operation) assigned to other functions is preferentially accepted. Note that this process is realized by the processor of the control unit 120 executing a program stored in the storage unit 121. In the following description, operations that are the same as or substantially the same as those in FIG. 6 will be given the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0089] The control unit 120 executes the processes of S601 and S602 in the same manner as the operations in FIG. 6 described above. When the aerosol generator 100 is in the locked state, the process proceeds to S701. When the aerosol generator 100 is not in the locked state, since there is no need to release the locked state, the control unit 120 ends this series of operations of this process. In this case, after ending this process, the control unit 120 may simply accept the input operation as it is.

[0090] In S701, the control unit 120 determines whether the input operation corresponds to the default operation. The default operation is, for example, a predetermined operation (e.g., three short presses and one long press on the operation unit) for performing Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing. If the previous input operations correspond to a series of patterns constituting the default operation (e.g., the previous input operations are two short presses), the control unit 120 accepts the input in S605 (without performing the determinations in S603 and S604) in order to be able to execute the function assigned to the default operation. In other words, when the input operation corresponds to a series of patterns of the default operation, the control unit 120 can execute the function assigned to the default operation with priority over the series of patterns for unlocking determined by the user.

[0091] In S702, the control unit 120 determines whether the received input operation constitutes a series of patterns of predefined operations. If the received input operation constitutes a series of patterns of predefined operations (for example, three short presses and one long press for pairing), the control unit 120 proceeds to S608 to release the locked state and preferentially execute pairing. If the received input operation does not constitute a series of patterns of predefined operations, the control unit 120 executes the processes of S606 and S607 (unlock process) shown in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the control unit 120 executes the processes of S608 and S609 in the same manner as described above to end this series of processes.

[0092] By doing so, when a predefined operation is registered in the aerosol generating device 100, the predefined operation can be preferentially executed. And, while giving priority to the predefined operation, when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is in a state where the heating of the heating unit 130 cannot be started (as described above in S604), the locked state can be prevented from being released. That is, the lock on the aerosol generating device can be released at an appropriate timing.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the operation member 104 is a physical button has been described as an example. However, the operation member 104 may be a touch panel exposed from the front panel 102. In this case, the input operation may include a tap operation on the touch panel and a flick operation along the surface of the touch panel. The user may combine a tap operation on the touch panel and a flick operation on the touch panel to form a series of patterns for unlocking.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described unlocking process, the case where the control unit 120 receives an input operation and releases the locked state has been described as an example. However, the above-described embodiment can be applied to the case where, in order to release the locked state, a signal for releasing the locked state transmitted via Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the paired communication device is received. That is, the control unit 120 may release the locked state of the aerosol generator 100 in response to receiving a signal for releasing the locked state from the paired communication device. At this time, the control unit 120 is configured not to release the locked state when the operation state of the aerosol generator 100 is in the (above-described) predetermined state where the heating unit 130 cannot start heating. Even in this way, the lock on the aerosol generator can be released at an appropriate timing.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0096] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-076013 filed on April 28, 2021, and the entire description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0097] 100... aerosol generator, 200... communication device, 120... control unit, 127... communication I / F, 122... input detection unit, 123... state detection unit

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: an operation unit that detects an input operation by a user; a panel configured to be detachable from the aerosol generating device; heating means for atomizing an aerosol source; control means for releasing a locked state of the aerosol generating device in response to the input operation satisfying operation conditions defined by the user; wherein the control means does not release the locked state when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is in a predetermined state where heating by the heating means cannot be started; the predetermined state includes a state where the panel is removed from the aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control means does not accept the input operation when the operating state is in the predetermined state when the input operation is started.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means does not accept the input operation after the input operation is started and before the input operation satisfies the operation conditions defined by the user when the operating state becomes the predetermined state.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the control means discards the input operation received before the operating state becomes the predetermined state.

5. further comprising a rechargeable power source; the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined state includes a state where the power source is being charged.

6. further comprising a rechargeable power source; the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined state includes a state where the remaining battery level of the power source is less than a predetermined value.

7. further comprising communication means capable of short-range wireless communication with an external communication device; the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined state includes a state where initial setting of the short-range wireless communication is being performed with the external communication device.

8. further comprising communication means capable of short-range wireless communication with an external communication device; the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means can release the locked state of the aerosol generating device by receiving a signal for releasing the locked state from the external communication device that has performed the initial setting of the short-range wireless communication.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input operation includes an input device for the first operation unit and an input operation for a second operation unit different from the first operation unit.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input operation includes a first pressing operation for a predetermined time or less on the operation unit and a second pressing operation for a longer time than the first pressing operation on the same operation unit.

11. The operation unit is constituted by a touch panel, The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input operation includes a tap operation on the touch panel and a flick operation along the surface of the touch panel.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the input operation corresponds to a preset operation condition, the control means executes a function corresponding to the preset operation condition with priority over the operation condition determined by the user.

13. An aerosol generating device Communication means for receiving a signal for releasing a locked state from a communication device in which initial setting of short-range wireless communication has been performed in advance with the aerosol generating device; A panel configured to be detachable from the aerosol generating device; Heating means for atomizing an aerosol source; Control means for releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device in response to receiving the signal for releasing the locked state, and The control means does not release the locked state when the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a predetermined state in which heating by the heating means cannot be started. The aerosol generating device, wherein the predetermined state includes a state in which the panel is removed from the aerosol generating device.

14. A program for causing a processor to function as the control means of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A control method for an aerosol generating device, comprising: detecting an input operation by a user; determining whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a predetermined state in which heating by heating means for atomizing an aerosol source cannot be started; releasing the locked state of the aerosol generating device in response to the input operation satisfying an operation condition determined by the user. The aerosol generating device has a panel configured to be detachable from the aerosol generating device, when the operating state is the predetermined state, the locked state is not released, The predetermined state includes a state in which the panel is removed from the aerosol generating device, and a control method for the aerosol generating device.

16. A control method for an aerosol generating device, receiving a signal for releasing the locked state from a communication device in which initial setting of short-range wireless communication has been performed in advance with the aerosol generating device; determining whether the operating state of the aerosol generating device is a predetermined state in which heating of heating means for atomizing the aerosol source cannot be started; releasing the locked state with respect to the aerosol generating device in response to receiving the signal for releasing the locked state, and The aerosol generating device has a panel configured to be detachable from the aerosol generating device, when the operating state is the predetermined state, the locked state is not released, The predetermined state includes a state in which the panel is removed from the aerosol generating device, and a control method for the aerosol generating device.

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