Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of a user's experience. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system; a notification unit that notifies a user of the information; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the notification unit so as to notify of first information in a mode based on the information detected by the detection unit when the heating of the aerosol source is started, during a preheating period including a period during which the heating unit starts to heat the aerosol source and the temperature of the heating unit rises to a preset temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, have become widespread. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] Various techniques have been developed to improve the quality of the user experience using a suction device. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique in which an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided in a suction device, and the change in the color or intensity of light for notifying the progress of a smoking experience is notified by the LED.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 above has been developed only recently, and there is still room for improvement from various viewpoints.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system for solving the above problems, comprising: a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system; a notification unit that notifies a user of information; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period in which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source.

[0008] The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system may be a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.

[0009] The control unit may set a predetermined number of switching timings based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source, and control the notification unit to switch the notification mode of the first information at each of the set predetermined number of switching timings.

[0010] The control unit may set the interval of the switching timings to be shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source indicated by the information detected by the detection unit is higher.

[0011] The control unit may set the predetermined number of switching timings at regular intervals.

[0012] When the preheating period ends, the control unit may control the notification unit to end the notification of the first information.

[0013] The preheating period may include a period that ends triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time.

[0014] The control unit may set the duration of the preheating period based on the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source indicated by the information detected by the detection unit.

[0015] The control unit may set the timing at which the preheating period of the set duration is equally divided by the predetermined number as the switching timing of the predetermined number.

[0016] The preheating period may include a period that ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0017] The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas, and the control unit may increase the display area that performs a predetermined display among the predetermined number of display areas each time the switching timing is passed by switching the notification mode of the first information at the switching timing of the predetermined number.

[0018] The predetermined number of display areas may form a single longitudinal shape.

[0019] The display device may blink the display area as the predetermined display.

[0020] The control unit may control the notification unit to notify second information different from the first information at the timing when the preheating period ends.

[0021] The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas, and the display device may turn on all of the predetermined number of display areas to notify the second information.

[0022] The notification unit includes a vibration device, and the vibration device may vibrate to notify the second information.

[0023] The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system may include a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the aerosol generation system or the elapsed time since the previous heating by the heating unit ended.

[0024] The aerosol generation system may further include a substrate containing the aerosol source heated by the heating unit.

[0025] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system including a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the control method including controlling the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period in which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source.

[0026] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system including a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing the computer to function as a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period in which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0030] <1. Configuration Example of Suction Device> A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be suctioned by a user. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the substance generated by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the 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 stores electric power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116, the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 can be constituted by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, for example.

[0033] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information regarding the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is constituted by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with the suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is constituted by an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

[0034] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is constituted by, for example, a display device that outputs visual information such as light or an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

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

[0036] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) can be adopted.

[0037] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit 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 base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding part 140. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air into the air flow path, is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the suction device 100. The air outlet hole, which is the outlet of air from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is disposed, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0039] The stick-shaped base material 150 includes a base material part 151 and a suction port part 152. The base material part 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. In addition, in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. In a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140, at least a part of the base material part 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction port part 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user bites and sucks the suction port part 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base material part 151.

[0040] The heating unit 121 atomizes the aerosol source by heating it to generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 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 user starts suction and / or when predetermined information is input and detected by the sensor unit 112. And when the user finishes suction and / or when predetermined information is input and detected by the sensor unit 112, the power supply may be stopped.

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

[0042] The configuration example of the suction device 100 has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0043] As an example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Also, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0044] As another example, the holding part 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. Then, the holding part 140 may sandwich the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating part 121 may be provided at the clamping position in the holding part 140 and may heat while pressing the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0045] The stick-shaped base material 150 contains an aerosol source and is an example of a base material that contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that heats the stick-shaped base material 150 to generate an aerosol. An aerosol is generated by the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped base material 150. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped base material 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.

[0046] <2. Technical features> <2.1. Heating profile> The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. 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 heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the stick-shaped base material 150.

[0047] A heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series change of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the power supply method to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, the ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the type of feedback control to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0048] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor experienced by the user is optimized when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

[0049] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 can supply the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses 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 pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform 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, interrupt the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

[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 according to the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across 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 hereinafter also referred to as a heating session. In other words, the heating session is a period during which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start timing of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile starts. The end timing of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period and a puffable period following the preheating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is a period from the start of heating until the puffable period starts. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0052] An example of the heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0053]

Table 1

[0054] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time-series transition of the target temperature and the time-series transition of the power supply parameters may be defined in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of 10 periods from STEP0 to STEP9. In each STEP, the time-series transition of the target temperature and the time-series transition of the power supply parameters are defined.

[0055] In STEP1, 2 and STEP4 to STEP9, time control is performed. Time control is control to end a STEP triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each STEP). When time control is performed, the rate of change of the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, when time control is performed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature during the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration elapses.

[0056] On the other hand, in STEP0 and STEP3, time control is not performed. When time control is not performed, the STEP ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaching a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each STEP). Therefore, the duration of STEP0 expands or contracts according to the temperature rise rate. The duration of STEP3 expands or contracts according to the temperature fall rate.

[0057] The transition of the temperature 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 20 showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of the graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 121. The line 21 shows the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Hereinafter, an example of the heating profile will be described with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0058] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 280°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. In STEP0, time control is not performed. Therefore, STEP0 ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaching 280°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP1, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to 300°C, and in STEP2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The preliminary heating period ends with the end of STEP1, and the performable period starts with the start of STEP2. Note that the fact that time control is not performed in STEP0 does not prevent performing control such as determining an error and stopping heating if the predetermined temperature is not reached within a predetermined time.

[0059] For the user, it is desirable that the preheating time is short. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not sufficiently heated, moisture may remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150 without being completely evaporated. If the user performs puffing in such a state, there is a risk that hot water vapor will be delivered into the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach 280°C in STEP0, and to ensure a certain duration in STEP1. The duration of STEP1 may be set to different lengths depending on the initial temperature, for example.

[0060] Here, in STEP0 to STEP2, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a high voltage. Therefore, it is possible to reach the temperature of 280°C at the fastest speed for the heating unit 121 and maintain a high temperature thereafter. Also, it is possible to shorten the preheating period.

[0061] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220°C. In STEP3, the power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to rapidly decrease the temperature of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, the applied voltage to the heating unit 121 is switched from a high voltage to a low voltage. If the voltage is switched during the period when power is being supplied to the heating unit 121, the accuracy of temperature control may decrease due to noise being added to the gain of the PID control, etc. In this regard, by switching the voltage during the period when power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control associated with the voltage switch.

[0062] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, next, from STEP4 to STEP7, the temperature of the heating unit 121 gradually rises to 270°C. In this way, control information spanning a plurality of STEPs may be defined. Thereafter, in STEP8, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 270°C.

[0063] Here, in STEP4 to STEP8, power supply to the heating unit 121 is performed at a low voltage. This is because in STEP4 to STEP8, there is no need to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 or maintain it at a high temperature. By lowering the voltage in STEP4 to STEP8, it becomes possible to suppress the power consumption throughout the heating session.

[0064] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP9, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP9, the power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. On the other hand, the applied voltage to the heating unit 121 is switched from a low voltage to a high voltage. Thereby, it becomes possible to start the next heating session at a high voltage. Also, by switching the voltage during the period when the power supply to the heating unit 121 is not being executed, it becomes possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control associated with the voltage switching. In STEP9, while the duration is defined, the target temperature is not defined. Therefore, STEP9 ends triggered by the end of the duration. In STEP9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated by the residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, with the end of STEP9, the puffable period, that is, the heating session ends.

[0065] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information announcing the end of the preheating before the preheating ends, or may notify information indicating that the preheating has ended at the timing when the preheating has ended. The notification to the user can be performed, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can perform puffing immediately after the end of the preheating with reference to such a notification.

[0066] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffable period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information that forewarns the end of the puffable period before the puffable period ends, or may notify information indicating that the puffable period has ended at the timing when the puffable period has ended. The notification to the user can be made, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. With reference to such a notification, the user can perform puffs until the puffable period ends.

[0067] Note that the heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are conceivable. As an example, the number of STEPs, the duration of each STEP, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate. As another example, in STEP4, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be maintained at 220°C.

[0068] <2.2. Notification according to progress of heating> During the preheating period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating the aerosol source until the aerosol becomes inhalable by the user, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the first information in a manner based on the information indicating the state of the suction device 100 detected at the start of heating of the aerosol source. The first information is information indicating the progress of preheating. Depending on the state of the suction device 100 at the start of heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150, the preheating period may expand or contract. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the information indicating the progress of preheating in a more accurate manner taking into account the expansion and contraction of the preheating period.

[0069] Note that "until the aerosol becomes inhalable by the user" shall include the meaning of until it reaches a state where a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. That is, "until the aerosol becomes inhalable by the user" includes the meaning of until the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a state suitable for the user to inhale the aerosol, and it is not necessary to prohibit the user from inhaling during preheating. The preheating period may be regarded as a period including the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating until the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to a predetermined temperature (for example, the target temperature in STEP1). The preheating period may include not only the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises but also the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained as in STEP2. Further, the preheating period may include the period during which hunting occurs, where the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises and falls across the target temperature. Additionally, the preheating period may be regarded as the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating until the notification unit 113 notifies the second information described later.

[0070] Also, the time when heating starts and information indicating the state of the suction device 100 is detected may include immediately after starting heating based on the heating profile or immediately before starting heating based on the heating profile after receiving an instruction to start heating from the user.

[0071] The information indicating the state of the suction device 100 is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. That is, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify information indicating the progress of preheating in a manner based on the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Examples of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated from the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and the temperature detected by a thermistor provided near the heating unit 121. Note that the sensor unit 112 is an example of a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the suction device 100.

[0072] So-called chain smoking may be performed, in which the stick-shaped base material 150 is replaced at short intervals and heated multiple times. When chain smoking is performed, the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 during the second and subsequent heating operations is higher than the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 during the first heating operation. And the higher the initial temperature, the faster the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a high temperature, so the preheating period becomes shorter. Therefore, if no countermeasures are taken, there is a risk that information different from the actual progress of preheating will be notified to the user as information indicating the progress of preheating. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of information corresponding to the actual progress of preheating, taking into account the expansion and contraction of the preheating period caused by the initial temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0073] The control unit 116 may set a predetermined number of switching timings. Then, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to switch the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of preheating at each of the set predetermined number of switching timings. The predetermined number is any number of 2 or more. According to such a configuration, the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of preheating is switched by the predetermined number until the preheating is completed. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the progress of preheating based on how many times the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of preheating is switched.

[0074] In particular, the control unit 116 sets a predetermined number of switching timings based on a parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. That is, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to switch the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of preheating at a timing taking into account the expansion and contraction of the preheating period according to the initial temperature. According to such a configuration, the user can intuitively understand the actual progress of preheating.

[0075] Specifically, the control unit 116 sets the interval of the switching timing to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, which is indicated by the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, is higher. The higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the shorter the preheating period. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the user can intuitively understand that the preheating period is short based on the short interval of the switching timing. On the other hand, the control unit 116 sets the interval of the switching timing to be longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, which is indicated by the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, is lower. The lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the longer the preheating period. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the user can intuitively understand that the preheating period is long based on the long interval of the switching timing.

[0076] The control unit 116 may set a predetermined number of switching timings at regular intervals. For example, the control unit 116 sets the interval of the switching timing to be a short fixed interval as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher, and sets the interval of the switching timing to be a long fixed interval as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower. According to such a configuration, the number of times the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of the preheating is switched and the elapsed time from the start of the preheating will have a linear relationship. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the elapsed time from the start of the preheating and the remaining time until the end of the preheating based on the number of times the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of the preheating is switched.

[0077] The notification unit 113 may include a display device having a predetermined number of display areas. That is, the notification unit 113 may include a display device having the same number of display areas as the number of switching timings to be set. Then, the control unit 116 may increase the display area for performing a predetermined display among the predetermined number of display areas each time the switching timing is passed, by switching the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of the preheating at a predetermined number of switching timings. According to such a configuration, the display area for performing a predetermined display will gradually increase until the preheating is completed. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the progress of the preheating.

[0078] Regarding the notification of information indicating the progress of preheating using a display device having a display area of a predetermined number, it will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a notification using the display device according to the present embodiment. On the left side of FIG. 3, the state of the suction device 100 during preheating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is illustrated. On the right side of FIG. 3, the state of the suction device 100 at the timing when the preheating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is completed is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 100 has an LED indicator 160. The LED indicator 160 is an example of a display device having a display area of a predetermined number. The LED indicator 160 may include a predetermined number of LEDs, for example, as the display area of the predetermined number. The LED indicator 160 can switch the ON / OFF and lighting / flashing of each of the predetermined number of LEDs.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the predetermined number of LEDs constituting the LED indicator 160 may form a single longitudinal shape. And the control unit 116 may increase the LEDs for performing a predetermined display one by one from the end each time the switching timing is passed. According to such a configuration, each time the switching timing is passed, the area for performing the predetermined display in the longitudinal LED indicator 160 will extend. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the progress of the preheating.

[0081] As the LED indicator 160 performs a predetermined display, the LEDs may be caused to flash. According to such a configuration, based on the fact that the LEDs are flashing, the user can intuitively understand that the preheating is in progress.

[0082] When the preheating period ends, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to end the notification of the information indicating the progress of the preheating. With such a configuration, the user can intuitively understand the end of the preheating. Further, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the second information different from the first information at the timing when the preheating period ends. The second information is the information indicating the end of the preheating. The second information is also the information indicating that puffing is possible. The user can perform puffing immediately after the end of the preheating with reference to such a notification.

[0083] As the information indicating the end of the preheating, the LED indicator 160 may turn on all of a predetermined number of LEDs. According to such a configuration, based on the fact that all the LEDs constituting the LED indicator 160 are lit, the user can intuitively understand that the preheating has ended.

[0084] The notification unit 113 may include a vibration device. As an example, examples of the vibration device include an eccentric motor and a linear vibrator. And the control unit 116 may vibrate the vibration device as the information indicating the end of the preheating. In this way, by notifying the end of the preheating by tactile information in addition to visual information, it is possible to more clearly notify the user of the end of the preheating.

[0085] Hereinafter, a specific example of the notification according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the notification according to the present embodiment.

[0086] In the upper part of FIG. 4, there is shown a graph 20A which shows an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 in STEP0 and STEP1 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of the graph 20A is time (seconds). The vertical axis of the graph 20A is the temperature of the heating unit 121. The line 21A shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121. STEP0 is a period during which time control is not performed, and it ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280°C. Therefore, the time length of STEP0 changes according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, STEP1 is a period during which time control is performed, and it ends when 20 seconds have elapsed. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the preheating period consists of STEP0 with variable time and STEP1 with fixed time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it takes 25 seconds until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280°C, that is, until STEP0 ends. And 45 seconds after the start of heating, STEP1 ends and the preheating ends.

[0087] In the middle part of FIG. 4, there is shown a timing chart 30A which shows the state of notification by the LED indicator 160. In the timing chart 30A, the circles with numbers without hatching, the positions of the circles, and the broken lines following the circles respectively show the number of blinking LEDs, the timing to start blinking, and the period to continue blinking among the LED indicators 160. The circles with numbers with hatching, the positions of the circles, and the solid lines following the circles in the timing chart 30A respectively show the number of lit LEDs, the timing to start lighting, and the period to continue lighting among the LED indicators 160.

[0088] The control unit 116 sets the timing for starting the blinking of each of the eight LEDs based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, first, the control unit 116 sets the time until all eight LEDs start blinking based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control unit 116 sets the time until all eight LEDs start blinking to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher, and longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower. Then, the control unit 116 controls the LED indicator 160 at regular intervals obtained by dividing the set time until all eight LEDs start blinking into eight equal parts, so as to increase the number of blinking LEDs. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of LEDs that blink gradually increases at regular intervals from the start of preheating, and all eight LEDs are blinking from the middle of the preheating period. The storage unit 114 may hold, as a plurality of patterns, a plurality of predetermined temperature ranges as candidates for the initial temperature and the time until the blinking of the LEDs corresponding to each predetermined temperature range starts. Then, the control unit 116 may select the setting of the time until the blinking of the LEDs starts according to the initial temperature from among the plurality of patterns stored in the storage unit 114.

[0089] However, the control unit 116 sets the time until all eight LEDs start blinking to be shorter than the shortest preheating period assumed in the environment where the suction device 100 may be used. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation where the preheating ends before all eight LEDs start blinking.

[0090] When the preheating period ends, the control unit 116 controls the LED indicator 160 to turn on all eight LEDs. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the LED indicator 160 switches from the state where the eight LEDs are blinking to the state where the eight LEDs are on at the timing when the preheating period ends and the performable period starts.

[0091] At the bottom of FIG. 4, a timing chart 40A showing the state of notification by the vibration device is shown. The circles marked with "Vibration" in the timing chart 40A indicate the timing when the vibration device vibrates. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 116 controls the vibration device to vibrate at the start and end of preheating.

[0092] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, the processing flow for realizing the specific example shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the control unit 116 determines whether a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S102). An example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0094] If it is determined that a user operation instructing the start of heating has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 causes the vibration device to output vibration and starts heating based on the heating profile (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 starts power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121.

[0096] Next, the sensor unit 112 detects a parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S106). As an example, as a parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of power supply to the heating unit 121 can be detected. Note that the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be detected by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121. The initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be detected before the start of heating.

[0097] Next, the control unit 116 sets the switching timing of the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of the preliminary heating based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 indicated by the parameter detected by the sensor unit 112 (step S108). For example, first, the control unit 116 sets the time until all eight LEDs start blinking to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher and longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower. However, the control unit 116 sets the time until all eight LEDs start blinking within a range shorter than the shortest preliminary heating period assumed in the environment where the suction device 100 may be used. Then, the control unit 116 sets the switching timing of the notification mode of the information indicating the progress of the preliminary heating at regular intervals obtained by dividing the set time until all eight LEDs start blinking into eight equal parts.

[0098] Next, during the heating process based on the heating profile, the control unit 116 determines whether the switching timing has arrived (step S110).

[0099] If it is determined that the switching timing has arrived (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 increases the number of blinking LEDs among the LED indicators 160 (step S112). Then, the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined that the switching timing has not arrived (step S110: NO), the process also proceeds to step S114.

[0100] In step S114, the control unit 116 determines whether the preliminary heating has ended (step S114).

[0101] If it is determined that the preliminary heating has not been completed (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S110 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the preliminary heating has been completed (step S114: YES), the control unit 116 turns on all eight LEDs of the LED indicator 160 and outputs vibration by the vibration device (step S116). Thereafter, the control unit 116 can continue to turn on all eight LEDs of the LED indicator 160 until the puffable period ends.

[0102] Thereafter, the control unit 116 determines whether the end condition is satisfied (step S118). An example of the end condition is that the duration of STEP9 has elapsed. Another example of the end condition is that the number of puff times since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0103] If it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied (step S118: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the end condition is satisfied.

[0104] On the other hand, if it is determined that the end condition is satisfied (step S118: YES), the control unit 116 ends the heating based on the heating profile (step S120). Thereafter, the process ends.

[0105] Note that if it is determined that a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected in step S102, the control unit 116 may obtain the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 by supplying power for obtaining the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 to the heating unit 121 before performing step S104. Then, the control unit 116 may execute step S104 after executing step S108. Thereafter, the control unit 116 executes the steps after step S110 as described above.

[0106] The flow of the process executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the control unit 116 presets the timing to start the blinking of the LEDs based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the number of LEDs starting to blink increases according to a fixed rhythm. Accordingly, it becomes possible to make it easier for the user to predict the time until the preheating ends, as compared with the case where the timing to start the blinking of the LEDs is set in real time according to the actual temperature transition of the heating unit 121.

[0108] In particular, in this embodiment, the preheating period includes STEP0 in which time control is not performed. Thereby, in STEP0, it becomes possible to make the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach the target temperature at the earliest timing under given conditions such as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 and the outside air temperature. In this embodiment, while taking advantage of such merits, it becomes possible to obtain the merit of making it easier for the user to predict the time until the preheating ends, which is caused by the progress of the preheating being notified at a fixed rhythm.

[0109] <3. Supplementary> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also naturally understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0110] (1) First Modification Example In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the time until all 8 LEDs start blinking is set to be shorter than the shortest preheating period assumed in an environment where the suction device 100 may be used, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The time until all 8 LEDs start blinking may be set to be longer than the shortest preheating period assumed in an environment where the suction device 100 may be used. That is, the preheating may end before all 8 LEDs start blinking.

[0111] A specific example thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the notification according to this modification. In FIG. 6, the meaning of the element with a code consisting of a number and the alphabet B at the end is the same as the meaning of the element with a code consisting of the same number and the alphabet A at the end in FIG. 4.

[0112] In the upper part of FIG. 6, a graph 20B showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 in STEP0 and STEP1 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1 is shown. The graph 20B shown in FIG. 6 is basically the same as the graph 20A shown in FIG. 4. The difference between graph 20A and graph 20B is the duration of STEP0 in which time control is not implemented. In graph 20B, it takes 15 seconds until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280° C., that is, until STEP0 ends. Then, 35 seconds after the start of heating, STEP1 ends and the preliminary heating ends.

[0113] In the middle part of FIG. 6, a timing chart 30B showing the state of the notification by the LED indicator 160 is shown. The control unit 116 sets the timing for starting the blinking of each of the 8 LEDs based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. However, the control unit 116 sets the time until all 8 LEDs start blinking to be longer than the preliminary heating period assumed in the case where the preliminary heating ends earliest in the environment where the suction device 100 may be used. As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the preliminary heating ends while the number of blinking LEDs increases from 6 to 7. When the preliminary heating period ends, the control unit 116 controls the LED indicator 160 to turn on all 8 LEDs. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the LED indicator 160 switches from the state where 6 LEDs are blinking to the state where 8 LEDs are on at the timing when the preliminary heating period ends and the performable period starts.

[0114] In the lower part of FIG. 6, a timing chart 40B showing the state of notification by the vibration device is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 controls the vibration device so as to vibrate at the start and end of preheating.

[0115] In this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0116] That is, according to this modification, the control unit 116 presets the timing to start the blinking of the LED based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the number of LEDs starting to blink increases in accordance with a fixed rhythm. Accordingly, it is possible to make it easier for the user to predict the time until the preheating ends as compared with the case where the timing to start the blinking of the LED is set in real time according to the actual temperature transition of the heating unit 121.

[0117] In particular, in this modification, the preheating period includes STEP0 in which time control is not performed. Thereby, in STEP0, it is possible to make the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach the target temperature at the earliest timing under given conditions such as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 and the outside air temperature. In this embodiment, while taking advantage of such a merit, it is possible to obtain the merit of making it easier for the user to predict the time until the preheating ends due to the progress of the preheating being notified at a fixed rhythm.

[0118] (2) Second modification In the above embodiment, an example in which the preheating period includes a period in which time control is not performed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The preheating period may include only a period in which time control is performed. For example, time control may be performed in STEP0 in the heating profile shown in Table 1.

[0119] In this case, the control unit 116 may set the duration of the preheating period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 indicated by the information detected by the sensor unit 112. For example, the control unit 116 sets the duration of STEP0 based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. At this time, the control unit 116 sets the duration of STEP0 to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher, and sets the duration of STEP0 to be longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower. Accordingly, the control unit 116 sets the duration of the preheating period to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher, and sets the duration of the preheating period to be longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower. According to such a configuration, the duration of STEP0 can be set to a duration that can reach the target temperature without difficulty.

[0120] The control unit 116 sets the timing obtained by equally dividing the set preheating period by a predetermined number as the switching timing of the predetermined number. For example, the control unit 116 sets the timing obtained by equally dividing the set preheating period by the number of LEDs of the LED indicator 160 as the timing for increasing the number of blinking LEDs. According to such a configuration, the number of blinking LEDs increases at regular intervals from the start to the end of the preheating. Therefore, the user can more accurately predict the time until the preheating ends.

[0121] A specific example of this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the notification according to this modification. In FIG. 7, the meaning of the element with a symbol consisting of a number and the trailing alphabet C is the same as the meaning of the element with a symbol consisting of the same number and the trailing alphabet A in FIG. 4.

[0122] In the upper part of FIG. 7, Graph 20C showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 in STEP0 and STEP1 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1, which is modified so that time control is performed in STEP0, is shown. Graph 20C shown in FIG. 7 is basically the same as Graph 20A shown in FIG. 4. The difference between Graph 20A and Graph 20C is that time control is performed in STEP0 and the duration is set to 20 seconds. That is, the control unit 116 controls the rate of increase in the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280° C. 20 seconds after the start of heating. As a result, STEP0 ends 20 seconds after the start of heating. Then, 40 seconds after the start of heating, STEP1 ends and the preheating ends.

[0123] In the middle part of FIG. 7, a timing chart 30C showing the state of notification by the LED indicator 160 is shown. The control unit 116 sets the timing for starting the blinking of each of the 8 LEDs based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, first, the control unit 116 sets the duration of the preheating period (more precisely, the duration of STEP0) according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Then, the control unit 116 sets the timing for increasing the number of blinking LEDs at regular intervals obtained by dividing the set duration of the preheating period into 8 equal parts. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of blinking LEDs gradually increases at regular intervals from the start of the preheating, and the preheating ends at the timing when the 8th LED starts blinking. When the preheating period ends, the control unit 116 controls the LED indicator 160 to turn on all 8 LEDs. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the LED indicator 160 switches from the state where 7 LEDs are blinking to the state where 8 LEDs are on at the timing when the preheating period ends and the performable period starts.

[0124] In the lower part of FIG. 7, a timing chart 40C showing the state of notification by the vibration device is shown. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 116 controls the vibration device to vibrate at the start and end of the preheating.

[0125] In this modification example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0126] That is, according to this modification example, the control unit 116 presets the timing to start the blinking of the LEDs based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the number of LEDs starting to blink increases according to a fixed rhythm. Accordingly, compared with the case where the timing to start the blinking of the LEDs is set in real time according to the actual temperature transition of the heating unit 121, it becomes possible for the user to more easily predict the time until the preheating ends.

[0127] However, in this modification example, the preheating period consists only of the STEP in which time control is performed. Therefore, the duration of the preheating period is set to a fixed value according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Accordingly, unlike the above-described embodiment and the first modification example, it is possible to match the timing when the number of blinking LEDs increases to 8 and the timing when the preheating ends. Since the number of blinking LEDs increases at equal intervals, it becomes possible for the user to more easily predict the time until the preheating ends.

[0128] (3) Other modification examples In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the LED indicator 160 has 8 LEDs has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The LED indicator 160 may have any number of 2 or more LEDs.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the blinking LEDs among the LED indicators 160 increase at regular intervals has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The interval at which the blinking LEDs among the LED indicators 160 increase may be indefinite, such as gradually increasing or gradually decreasing.

[0130] In the above embodiment, as an example of increasing the number of display areas for performing a predetermined display among a predetermined number of display areas each time a switching timing is passed, an example of increasing the number of blinking LEDs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the predetermined display is not limited to the blinking of the LEDs, and may be the turning off of the LEDs. That is, eight LEDs may start lighting together with the start of preheating, and the number of lit LEDs may gradually decrease as the preheating progresses.

[0131] In the above embodiment, as an example of a display device that notifies information indicating the progress of preheating and information indicating the end of preheating, the LED indicator 160 configured in a longitudinal shape has been given. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. As another example of the display device, a display configured in a longitudinal shape may be used. For example, the display may notify information indicating the progress of preheating by increasing the area that blinks white, and may notify information indicating the end of preheating by displaying all areas in white.

[0132] In the above embodiment, an example of increasing the number of display areas for performing a predetermined display according to the progress of preheating has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. According to the progress of preheating, the blinking speed of the LEDs may be changed, or the color of the light emitted may be changed. In this case, the number of display areas included in the display device is not limited to two or more, and may be one.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, examples of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated from the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and the temperature detected by a thermistor provided near the heating unit 121. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples. As an example, as the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121, a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the suction device 100 may be used. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of the suction device 100 may be, for example, the temperature detected by a thermistor provided at a position away from the heating unit 121. And it may be handled such that the higher the temperature of the suction device 100 at the start of heating, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, and the lower the temperature of the suction device 100 at the start of heating, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. As another example, as the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the elapsed time since the previous heating by the heating unit 121 ended, that is, the interval of chain smoking, may be used. And it may be handled such that the shorter the interval of chain smoking, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, and the longer the interval of chain smoking, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the heating profile includes the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. The heating profile only needs to include the target value of the parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121. Examples of the parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include, in addition to the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself described in the above embodiment, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat by electric resistance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating, and the stick-shaped base material 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and allows the alternating magnetic field to penetrate the susceptor, thereby generating heat in the susceptor. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating is provided in the suction device 100. In this case, the temperature at which the aerosol source controlled based on the heating profile is heated becomes the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of the susceptor calculated from the impedance of the circuit including the electromagnetic induction source and the like. Examples of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the calculated electrical resistance value of the susceptor, the temperature of the susceptor calculated from the electrical resistance value of the susceptor, and the temperature detected by a thermistor provided near the heating unit 121.

[0136] Note that 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 program constituting the software is stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Further, the above computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. Further, the above computer may be a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Further, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be processed in a distributed manner by a plurality of computers.

[0137] Also, the processes described herein with reference to flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some process steps may be executed in parallel. Additionally, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0138] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) An aerosol generation system, a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period from when the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source until the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature; An aerosol generation system comprising the above. (2) The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, The aerosol generation system according to (1) above. (3) The control unit sets a predetermined number of switching timings based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source, and controls the notification unit to switch the notification mode of the first information at each of the set predetermined number of switching timings. The aerosol generation system according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The control unit sets the interval of the switching timings to be shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source, indicated by the information detected by the detection unit, is higher. The aerosol generation system according to (3) above. (5) The control unit sets the predetermined number of switching timings at regular intervals. The aerosol generation system according to (4) above. (6) When the preheating period ends, the control unit controls the notification unit to end the notification of the first information. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The preheating period includes a period that ends triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The control unit sets the duration of the preheating period based on the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source indicated by the information detected by the detection unit. The aerosol generation system according to (7) above. (9) The control unit sets the timing obtained by equally dividing the preheating period of the set duration by the predetermined number as the predetermined number of switching timings. The aerosol generation system according to (8) above that indirectly quotes (3). (10) The preheating period includes a period that ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit reaching a predetermined temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (11) The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas. The control unit increases the display area for performing a predetermined display among the predetermined number of display areas each time the switching timing is passed, by switching the notification mode of the first information at the predetermined number of switching timings. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (4) to (10) above that directly or indirectly quotes (3). (12) The predetermined number of the display areas form a single longitudinal shape. The aerosol generation system according to (11). (13) The display device controls the display area to blink as the predetermined display. The aerosol generation system according to (11) or (12). (14) The control unit controls the notification unit to notify second information different from the first information at the timing when the preheating period ends. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (13). (15) The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas. The display device lights up all of the predetermined number of display areas as the second information is notified. The aerosol generation system according to (14) directly or indirectly citing (3). (16) The notification unit includes a vibration device. The vibration device vibrates as the second information is notified. The aerosol generation system according to (14) or (15). (17) The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system includes a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the aerosol generation system or the elapsed time since the previous heating by the heating unit ended. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (16). (18) The aerosol generation system further includes a substrate containing the aerosol source heated by the heating unit. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (17). (19) A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system is A detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system; A notification unit that notifies a user of information; A heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and includes: In a preheating period including a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source, controlling the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source; A control method including the above. (20) A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes: A detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system; A notification unit that notifies a user of information; A heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and includes: The program causes the computer to: In a preheating period including a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source, function as a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source. A program.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0139] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation part 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate part 152 Suction port part 160 LED indicator

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system; a notification unit that notifies a user of information; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period from when the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source until the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature; An aerosol generation system comprising the above.

2. The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, The aerosol generation system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit sets a predetermined number of switching timings based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source, and controls the notification unit to switch the notification mode of the first information at each of the set predetermined number of switching timings, The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit sets the interval of the switching timings to be shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source indicated by the information detected by the detection unit is higher, The aerosol generation system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit sets the predetermined number of switching timings at regular intervals, The aerosol generation system according to claim 4.

6. When the preheating period ends, the control unit controls the notification unit to end the notification of the first information, The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The preliminary heating period includes a period that ends triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit sets the duration of the preliminary heating period based on the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source indicated by the information detected by the detection unit. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit sets the timing at which the set duration of the preliminary heating period is equally divided by the predetermined number as the switching timing of the predetermined number. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8, which indirectly quotes claim 3.

10. The preliminary heating period includes a period that ends triggered by the heating unit reaching a predetermined temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas. The control unit switches the notification mode of the first information at the switching timing of the predetermined number, and increases the display area for performing a predetermined display among the predetermined number of display areas each time the switching timing is passed. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, which directly or indirectly quotes claim 3.

12. The predetermined number of display areas form a single longitudinal shape. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11.

13. The display device blinks the display area to perform the predetermined display. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The control unit controls the notification unit to notify second information different from the first information at the timing when the preliminary heating period ends. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The notification unit includes a display device having the predetermined number of display areas. The display device lights up all of the predetermined number of display areas to notify the second information. The aerosol generation system according to claim 14 that directly or indirectly cites claim 3.

16. The notification unit includes a vibration device. The vibration device vibrates to notify the second information. The aerosol generation system according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system includes a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the aerosol generation system or the elapsed time since the previous heating by the heating unit ended. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The aerosol generation system further includes a substrate containing the aerosol source heated by the heating unit. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. In a preheating period including a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source, the control method controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source. A control method comprising the above.

20. A program executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a detection unit that detects information indicating the state of the aerosol generation system, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and is provided with The program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify first information in a manner based on the information detected by the detection unit at the start of heating of the aerosol source during a preheating period including a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises to a predetermined temperature after the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source. A program.

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