Suction device

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience using a suction device.SOLUTION: A suction device includes: a communication unit which communicates with another device; a heating unit which generates aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit which supplies power to the heating unit; and a control unit which controls the operation of the heating unit according to the operating setting of the suction device including a heating profile specifying the time-series transition of a target value of a measurement value measured related to the heating unit. The communication unit receives the operating setting which includes a threshold for determining battery residual amount reduction set as a value equal to or greater than a power amount used by the heating unit to execute processing of generating aerosol a specified number of times by heating the substrate. The control unit stops heating of the heating unit when the power residual amount of the power supply unit falls below the threshold for determining battery residual amount reduction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device.

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely spread. For example, the 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, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted and generated by the suction device.

[0003] The quality of the flavor experienced by the user is affected by how the base material is heated. In this regard, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for setting the time-series transition of the temperature of a heating device for heating the base material to be switchable to a prescribed temperature setting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique disclosed 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 experience using the suction device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device including: a communication unit that communicates with other devices; a heating unit that heats a base material containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the suction device based on an operation setting, which is information for setting the operation of the suction device. The communication unit receives correction information for correcting the operation setting according to deterioration of the heating unit.

[0008] The control unit may correct the operation setting based on the correction information and control the operation of the suction device based on the corrected operation setting.

[0009] The operation setting includes a heating profile in which a time-series transition of a target value of an actually measured value measured for the heating unit is defined. The control unit may correct the heating profile based on the correction information and control the operation of the heating unit based on the corrected heating profile.

[0010] The control unit may integrate a history value indicating a history of heating executed by the heating unit based on the execution of heating by the heating unit, and correct the heating profile based on the integrated history value and the correction information.

[0011] The control unit may correct the target value to be corrected, which is at least a part of the plurality of target values defined in the heating profile, to a value corresponding to a higher temperature.

[0012] The correction information includes information indicating the target value to be corrected, and the control unit may correct the target value to be corrected.

[0013] The correction information includes information indicating a threshold value, and the control unit may correct the heating profile when the history value exceeds the threshold value.

[0014] The correction information includes information indicating a method for correcting the heating profile, and the control unit may correct the heating profile based on the correction method.

[0015] The communication unit receives information indicating the operation setting, including the correction information and the heating profile, and the control unit may control the operation of the suction device based on the received operation setting.

[0016] The correction information may be different for each heating profile.

[0017] The communication unit receives other correction information for correcting the operation setting according to the individual difference of the heating unit, and the control unit may further correct the operation setting based on the other correction information.

[0018] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device including a communication unit that transmits correction information for correcting an operation setting, which is information for setting an operation of a suction device having a heating unit that heats a base material containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, according to deterioration of the heating unit.

[0019] The operation setting includes a heating profile in which the time-series transition of the target value of the actually measured value measured for the heating unit is defined, and the correction information may be used to correct the heating profile.

[0020] The correction information includes information indicating the target value of the correction target, and the suction device may correct the target value of the correction target.

[0021] The correction information includes information indicating a threshold value, and the suction device may correct the heating profile when a history value indicating the history of heating performed by the heating unit exceeds the threshold value.

[0022] The correction information includes information indicating a method for correcting the heating profile, and the suction device may correct the heating profile based on the correction method.

[0023] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the operation settings, including the correction information and the heating profile.

[0024] The correction information may be different for each heating profile.

[0025] The communication unit may transmit other correction information for correcting the operation settings according to individual differences in the heating unit.

[0026] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to control a terminal device to transmit operation settings, which are information for setting the operation of a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and correction information for correcting the operation settings according to the deterioration of the heating unit.

Advantages of the Invention

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments 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>> The suction device is a device that generates a substance to be sucked by a user. Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the substance generated by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0031] (1) Internal Configuration Example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an internal 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 insulation 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 configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0033] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information regarding the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of 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 composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

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

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

[0037] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit 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 unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 has an opening 142 that communicates with the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding unit 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding unit 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for the air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of the air into such a flow path, is arranged, for example, at the bottom 143. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is the outlet of the air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

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

[0040] The heating unit 121 atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source 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 power supply may be stopped when the user finishes suction and / or when predetermined information is input and detected by the sensor unit 112.

[0041] The heat insulation unit 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation unit 144 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating 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 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 portion 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 portion 143 of the holding unit 140. Further, 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 portion 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 sandwiching position in the holding part 140 and may heat while pressing the stick-shaped base material 150.

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

[0046] (2) Example of external appearance configuration FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment in a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is held.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid part 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost outer housing 11 of the suction device 100. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in the user's hand. When the user uses the suction device 100, the user can hold the suction device 100 by hand and suck the fragrance.

[0048] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A so as to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 12 has an opening 142 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position where the opening 142 is closed and a second position where the opening 142 is opened. Thereby, the lid 14 can permit or restrict access of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the inside of the suction device 100 (the internal space 141 shown in FIG. 1). The state where the lid 14 is in the second position and the lid 14 opens the opening 142 is hereinafter also referred to as the open state. The state where the lid 14 is in the first position and the lid 14 closes the opening 142 is hereinafter also referred to as the closed state.

[0049] The switch 13 is used to switch on and off the operation of the suction device 100. For example, the user can operate the switch 13 with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted from the opening 142 into the internal space 141 as shown in FIG. 3, so that power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be heated without being burned. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated, aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, and the fragrance of the fragrance source is taken into the aerosol. The user can suck the aerosol containing the fragrance by sucking the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 protruding from the suction device 100 (the portion shown in FIG. 3, i.e., the suction port 152).

[0050] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the interior of the suction device 100 from the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141, for example, through an air inlet hole formed in the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. When the cap 16 is attached to the bottom housing 11B, a vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through hole or a notch (not shown). In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the suction device 100 refers to the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the opening 142. Also, in the suction device 100 of this specification, the side where fluid such as air flows in (for example, the vent 15 side) is defined as the upstream side, and the side where the fluid flows out (for example, the opening 142 side) is defined as the downstream side.

[0051] <<2. Technical Features>> (1) System Configuration Example FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

[0052] - Configuration of the Suction Device 100 The configuration of the suction device 100 is as described above. Hereinafter, the user's suction of the aerosol generated by the suction device 100 is also simply referred to as "suction" or "puff". Also, the user's suction operation is hereinafter also referred to as a puff operation.

[0053] The suction device 100 according to the present embodiment generates an aerosol to be suctioned by the user using a substrate containing an aerosol source. The heating unit 121 heats the substrate containing the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of the substrate in the present embodiment.

[0054] - Configuration of the Terminal Device 200 The terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 is composed of any information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a communication unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

[0055] The input unit 210 has a function of receiving input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that receives input of information from the user. Examples of the input device include buttons, keyboards, touch panels, and microphones. In addition, the input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0056] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibrating device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of the display device is a display. An example of the light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of the vibrating device is an eccentric motor. An example of the sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting the information input from the control unit 250.

[0057] The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 230 performs communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards that may be adopted include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0058] The storage unit 240 stores various information for the operation of the terminal device 200. The storage unit 240 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0059] The control unit 250 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control device, and controls the overall operations within the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 250 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. Additionally, the control unit 250 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and arithmetic parameters to be used, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. Based on the control by the control unit 250, the terminal device 200 executes various processes. Processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 230, and storage and reading of information by the storage unit 240 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on the information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 250.

[0060] Note that the functions of the control unit 250 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. Also, the functions of the control unit 250 may be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0061] - Inter-device communication The suction device 100 is capable of communicating with other devices. The communication link used for communication between the suction device 100 and other devices may be wireless or wired. In this specification, it will be described assuming that the communication link is wireless.

[0062] In particular, the suction device 100 establishes a connection with a paired other device and transmits and receives information. Pairing is a process of exchanging and storing each other's information between two devices. An example of the information to be exchanged is identification information of the other party such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier), and information regarding the encryption key used for encrypting the transmitted and received information.

[0063] The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 first perform pairing and then transmit and receive information. It is desirable that the wireless communication standard used for wireless communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 is a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth. In that case, when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located within the range where short-range wireless communication is possible, a connection can be established and communication can be performed. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 perform communication compliant with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)).

[0064] The connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be established when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid portion 14 has changed to the open state. Another example of the predetermined condition is that the charging of the power supply unit 111 has started. The suction device 100 starts charging the power supply unit 111 when connected to an external power supply via, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus). When any of these predetermined conditions is satisfied, the suction device 100 starts transmitting an advertisement, establishes a connection with the terminal device 200 that has received the advertisement, and starts transmitting and receiving information.

[0065] The connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be disconnected when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid portion 14 has changed to the closed state. Another example of the predetermined condition is that the charging of the power supply unit 111 has ended. The suction device 100 ends the charging of the power supply unit 111 when, for example, the connection with the external power supply is disconnected. The suction device 100 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 200 when, for example, any of these predetermined conditions is satisfied, no operation by the user is detected for a predetermined time or more, and information is not being transmitted or received.

[0066] (2) Operation settings The suction device 100 operates based on an operation setting. The operation setting is information for setting the operation of the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may store one or more operation settings. Among the one or more operation settings stored by the suction device 100, the operation setting used by the suction device 100 is also referred to as the operation setting for use target. That is, the suction device 100 operates based on the operation setting for use target. More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operations of the respective components of the suction device 100 including the heating unit 121 based on the operation setting for use target. Hereinafter, an example of the operation setting will be described.

[0067] (2.1) Heating profile The operation setting may include a heating profile. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is information indicating the time-series transition of the target value of the value measured for the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actually measured value). The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the time-series transition of the actually measured value measured for the heating unit 121 is the same as the time-series transition of the target value defined in the heating profile. Thereby, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor tasted by the user is optimized when the user sucks 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 tasted by the user can be optimized.

[0068] - Heating profile regarding temperature The actually measured value may be the temperature of the heating unit 121. In that case, the heating profile is information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time-series transition of the actual temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) of the heating unit 121 is the same as the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Thereby, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized.

[0069] The heating profile includes one or more combinations of the elapsed time since the start of heating and the target temperature to be reached at that elapsed time. Then, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature in the heating profile corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of the current heating and the current actual temperature. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 causes the power from the power supply unit 111 to be supplied 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 of the power pulses.

[0070] In feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio described above, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop 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.

[0071] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the resistance value (more precisely, the electrical resistance value) of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor. The voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In other examples, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0072] The time period from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150, more specifically, the time period during which the heating unit 121 operates based on the heating profile, is hereinafter also referred to as the heating session. The start of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile is started. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session consists of a first preheating period and a second puffable period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the puffable period starts. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0073] An example of the heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0074]

Table 1

[0075] The time-series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the time-series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the time-series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. Also, points 22 (22A to 22F) in this graph indicate the target temperatures defined in the heating profile. As shown in FIG. 5, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the time-series change in the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0076] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile initially includes an initial temperature rise section. The initial temperature rise section is a time period included at the beginning of the heating profile, where the target temperature set at the end is higher than the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature assumed to be the temperature of the heating unit 121 before the start of heating. An example of the initial temperature is any temperature such as 0°C. Another example of the initial temperature is the temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature. As shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with the target temperature set for the initial temperature rise section, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 295°C 25 seconds after the start of heating and is maintained at 295°C until 35 seconds after the start of heating. Thereby, it is assumed that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By rapidly raising the temperature to 295°C immediately after the start of heating, it becomes possible to finish the preheating early and start the puffable period early. Note that in FIG. 5, an example where the initial temperature rise section and the preheating period coincide is shown, but they may be different.

[0077] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile next includes an intermediate temperature drop section. The intermediate temperature drop section is a time period after the initial temperature rise section, where the target temperature set at the end is lower than the target temperature set at the end of the initial temperature rise section. As shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop section, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 drops from 295°C to 230°C from 35 seconds to 45 seconds after the start of heating. In such a section, the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Here, if the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be rapidly consumed, and inconveniences such as the fragrance experienced by the user being too strong may occur. In that regard, by providing the intermediate temperature drop section in the middle, it is possible to avoid such inconveniences and improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0078] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a subsequent reheating section. The reheating section is a time section after the intermediate cooling section, and is a time section in which the target temperature set at the end is higher than the target temperature set at the end of the intermediate cooling section. As shown in FIG. 5, according to the target temperature set in the reheating section, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 gradually rises from 230°C to 260°C from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 355 seconds after the start of heating. If the heating unit 121 continues to be cooled, the stick-shaped substrate 150 will also be cooled, so the amount of aerosol generated will decrease, and the flavor tasted by the user may deteriorate. In that regard, by reheating after cooling, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user even in the latter half of the heating session.

[0079] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end section at the end. The heating end section is a time section after the reheating section and is a time section in which no heating is performed. The target temperature may not be set. As shown in FIG. 5, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 drops after 355 seconds from the start of heating. The power supply to the heating unit 121 may end 355 seconds after the start of heating. Even in that case, for some time, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in FIG. 5, 365 seconds after the start of heating, the puffable period, that is, the heating session ends.

[0080] The timing at which the puffable period starts and the timing at which it ends may be notified to the user. Further, the timing a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period (for example, the timing at which the power supply to the heating unit 121 ends) may be notified to the user. In that case, the user can puff during the puffable period with reference to such notification.

[0081] - Heating profile regarding resistance value The measured value may be the resistance value of the heating unit 121. This will be described below.

[0082] As described above, when the resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, it can be said that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is synonymous with the resistance value of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 can also be indicated by the resistance value of the heating unit 121. That is, the parameter in the heating profile may be the resistance value of the heating unit 121 corresponding to the target temperature. In that case, the heating profile is information in which the time-series transition of the target resistance value, which is the target value of the resistance value of the heating unit 121, is defined. The suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the time-series transition of the actual resistance value of the heating unit 121 is the same as the time-series transition of the target resistance value defined in the heating profile. The control of the resistance value of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 causes the power from the power supply unit 111 to be supplied 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 resistance value of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses. According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same manner as when the heating profile defines the time-series transition of the target temperature.

[0083] Note that although the temperature of the heating unit 121 is in a corresponding relationship with the resistance value of the heating unit 121, the resistance value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 depends on the characteristics of the heating unit 121 and the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, even if the target temperature is the same, the target resistance value in the corresponding relationship with the target temperature will be a different value.

[0084] Hereinafter, an example in which the measured value is the resistance value of the heating unit 121 and the target value in the heating profile is the target resistance value will be mainly described.

[0085] (2.2) Threshold for High-Temperature Protection The operation settings may include a threshold for high-temperature protection. The threshold for high-temperature protection is a threshold used to prevent inconveniences caused by high temperatures described later. Hereinafter, the threshold for high-temperature protection will be described.

[0086] The suction device 100 includes a first temperature detection unit that detects temperature, as the sensor unit 112. An example of the first temperature detection unit is a thermistor. A thermistor is a resistor whose electrical resistance value changes according to temperature changes, and it can detect temperature based on the electrical resistance value. The first temperature detection unit detects the temperature of a part of the suction device 100 that is assumed to be contacted by the user when sucking the aerosol. As an example, the first temperature detection unit is provided near the outer housing 11 and detects the temperature of the outer housing 11. In that case, it is possible to detect the temperature felt by the user when the user holds and uses the suction device 100 by hand.

[0087] And the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to whether the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit exceeds the threshold for high-temperature protection. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize heating according to the temperature felt by the user by hand.

[0088] Specifically, when the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit exceeds the threshold for high-temperature protection, the control unit 116 prohibits power supply to the heating unit 121. Therefore, if heating by the heating unit 121 is in progress, the heating is interrupted. Also, if it is before the execution of heating by the heating unit 121, the heating is not started. According to such a configuration, for example, the heating can be interrupted before the outer housing 11 becomes excessively high in temperature, or the heating can be prevented from starting when it is expected to become excessively high in temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by high temperature such as burns to the user.

[0089] On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the threshold for high-temperature protection, the control unit 116 permits power supply to the heating unit 121. Therefore, if heating by the heating unit 121 is in progress, the heating is continued. Also, if it is before the execution of heating by the heating unit 121, the heating is started in response to the pressing of the switch 13. According to such a configuration, it is possible to deliver the aerosol to the user by executing heating within a range where inconveniences caused by high temperature can be prevented.

[0090] The operation settings may include a plurality of high-temperature protection thresholds set for each elapsed time from the start of heating. In this case, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to whether the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit exceeds the high-temperature protection threshold corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating among the plurality of high-temperature protection thresholds. As an example, the operation settings are the high-temperature protection threshold TH A to be used after T A seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile, and the high-temperature protection threshold TH B to be used after T B seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile. In this case, the control unit 116, after T A seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile, controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the high-temperature protection threshold TH A , and after T B seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile, controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the high-temperature protection threshold TH B . As the time elapses since the start of heating based on the heating profile, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes, and accordingly, the temperature assumed to be detected by the first temperature detection unit may also change. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences caused by high temperatures.

[0091] The high-temperature protection thresholds may be different for each heating profile. That is, the high-temperature protection thresholds may be set for each heating profile. The temperature assumed to be detected by the first temperature detection unit may be different for each heating profile. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences caused by high temperatures.

[0092] (2.3) Performance Detection Criteria The operation settings may include performance detection criteria. The performance detection criteria are detection criteria used to detect that an aerosol has been inhaled by the user. Hereinafter, the performance detection criteria will be described.

[0093] The suction device 100 includes, as a sensor unit 112, a second temperature detection unit that detects the temperature that changes when the user sucks the aerosol. An example of the second temperature detection unit is a thermistor. The second temperature detection unit is disposed near the flow path of the aerosol, such as near the holding unit 140. When the user takes a puff, in exchange for the aerosol being sucked by the user, outside air that is not affected by the heating of the heating unit 121 flows into the flow path of the aerosol, and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit decreases. The puff detection criterion is a criterion for detecting that the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit has decreased with the puff.

[0094] The puff detection criterion includes a puff detection threshold value. The puff detection threshold value is a threshold value used for puff detection. The control unit 116 detects that the aerosol has been sucked by the user by comparing the value corresponding to the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit with the puff detection threshold value. An example of the value corresponding to the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit is an output value obtained by inputting the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit to a filter. Such an output value corresponds to the decrease width of the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit. An example of the filter is a digital filter such as a FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter and an IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) filter. For example, when the output value obtained by inputting the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit to the filter exceeds the puff detection threshold value, the control unit 116 may detect that a puff has been taken. According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect a puff based on the fact that the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit has decreased with the puff.

[0095] The puff detection criteria may further include a puff detection filter coefficient in addition to the puff detection threshold. The puff detection filter coefficient is the coefficient of the filter used for puff detection. The control unit 116 compares the output value obtained by inputting the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit to the filter to which the puff detection filter coefficient is applied with the puff detection threshold, thereby detecting that the user has inhaled the aerosol. For example, when the output value obtained by inputting the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit to the filter to which the puff detection filter coefficient is applied exceeds the puff detection threshold, the control unit 116 detects that a puff has been made. By using a filter to which an appropriate puff detection filter coefficient is applied, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of puffs.

[0096] The puff detection criteria may include a plurality of puff detection thresholds set for each elapsed time from the start of heating. In that case, the control unit 116 detects that the user has inhaled the aerosol based on the puff detection threshold corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating among the plurality of puff detection thresholds. As an example, the puff detection criteria include the puff detection threshold TH A to be used after T A seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile, and the puff detection threshold TH B to be used after T B seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile. In that case, the suction device 100 detects puffs based on the puff detection threshold TH A after T A seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile, and based on the puff detection threshold TH B after T B seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile. The temperature of the heating unit 121 changes according to the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating profile, and accordingly, the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit may change. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of puffs.

[0097] The puff detection criteria may vary for each heating profile. That is, the puff detection criteria may be set for each heating profile. Considering that the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit may vary for each heating profile, such a configuration can improve the puff detection accuracy.

[0098] (2.4) Threshold for determining battery level decrease The operation settings may include a threshold for determining battery level decrease. The threshold for determining battery level decrease is a threshold used to detect a decrease in the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 111. Hereinafter, the threshold for determining battery level decrease will be described.

[0099] As an example, the threshold for determining battery level decrease is set as a value equal to or greater than the amount of power used to execute the process of generating aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 by the heating unit 121 a specified number of times. The process of generating aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 is executed once for one stick-shaped substrate 150, and the specified number of times corresponds to the number of stick-shaped substrates 150 consumed. Consumption here means heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile and executing it from the beginning to the end without interruption. That is, the threshold for determining battery level decrease is a value equal to or greater than the amount of power used to consume the specified number of stick-shaped substrates 150. According to such a configuration, the suction device 100 can determine whether the power supply unit 111 has a sufficient remaining power amount to consume the specified number of stick-shaped substrates 150.

[0100] The specified number of times may be 1. In that case, the suction device 100 can determine whether it has the remaining power amount used to consume one stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0101] The control unit 116 compares the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 with a threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level, and controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the comparison result. As an example, when the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 falls below the threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level, the control unit 116 may prohibit heating by the heating unit 121. According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where the stick-shaped base material 150 is consumed incompletely due to insufficient remaining power. As another example, when the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 falls below the threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level, the control unit 116 may prohibit the execution of a procedure for establishing a connection between the suction device 100 and another device (for example, the terminal device 200). According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where, although the connection procedure is executed, the specified number of stick-shaped base materials 150 cannot be consumed due to insufficient remaining power.

[0102] The remaining power of the power supply unit 111 is measured by an arbitrary method. As an example, the control unit 116 may measure the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 based on the voltage of the power supply unit 111. As another example, the control unit 116 may measure the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 based on the SOC (State of Charge) or RC (Residual charge) of the battery level meter.

[0103] The threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level may be different for each heating profile. That is, for each heating profile, a threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level may be set. The amount of power consumed to consume one stick-shaped base material 150 may differ for each heating profile. Therefore, according to such a configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit 111.

[0104] (3) Switching of operation settings The suction device 100 can switch the operation settings for the target of use.

[0105] For each type of the stick-shaped substrate 150, the suitable operation settings may be different. For example, depending on the types and formulations of the aerosol source and the fragrance source included in the stick-shaped substrate 150, the suitable operation settings may vary. In this regard, by switching the operation settings for the target of use according to the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience.

[0106] The operation settings according to the user's preference may be used as the operation settings for the target of use. For example, among the operation settings with a large amount of aerosol generated per unit time and the operation settings with a small amount of aerosol generated per unit time, which operation setting is preferred may vary from user to user. In this regard, by switching the operation settings for the target of use according to the user's preference, the quality of the user experience can be improved.

[0107] The method of switching is arbitrary. As an example, the suction device 100 may switch the operation settings for the target of use based on a user operation on the suction device 100. As another example, the suction device 100 may switch the operation settings for the target of use based on a signal received from the terminal device 200. As another example, the suction device 100 may identify the inserted stick-shaped substrate 150 and switch the operation settings for the target of use based on the identification result. The identification of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is performed, for example, by image recognition of a two-dimensional code or the like attached to the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0108] Hereinafter, an example in which the suction device 100 switches the operation settings for the target of use based on a signal received from the terminal device 200 will be described in detail.

[0109] - Transmission of information indicating the operation settings stored in the suction device 100 The suction device 100 transmits information indicating the operation settings stored in the storage unit 114. Such information is received by the terminal device 200. Thereby, the terminal device 200 can grasp the operation settings stored in the suction device 100.

[0110] The terminal device 200 may transmit information requesting to transmit information indicating an operation setting. When the suction device 100 receives the information requesting to transmit the information indicating the operation setting, the suction device 100 transmits the information indicating the operation setting requested to be transmitted in the received information. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can acquire the information indicating the operation setting from the suction device 100 as needed.

[0111] The suction device 100 may transmit identification information corresponding to the operation setting as the information indicating the operation setting. An example of the identification information is a number corresponding to the operation setting. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the communication volume as compared with the case of transmitting the operation setting itself.

[0112] When the terminal device 200 receives the information indicating the operation setting stored in the suction device 100, the terminal device 200 performs processing based on the received information. As an example, the terminal device 200 outputs the information indicating the received operation setting. According to such a configuration, the user can easily grasp the operation setting stored in the suction device 100.

[0113] - Display of available operation settings The terminal device 200 outputs information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation setting to be used by the suction device 100. An example of the information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation setting to be used by the suction device 100 is the information indicating the operation setting already stored in the suction device 100. Another example of the information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation setting to be used by the suction device 100 is the information indicating the operation setting that can be downloaded (for example, transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the suction device 100) to the suction device 100 in the future. A UI (User Interface) example will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0114] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that the suction device 100 can use "Operation Setting 1", "Operation Setting 2", and "Operation Setting 3" as operation settings for the target of use. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, on the display screen 30A, icons 31A to 31C indicating three operation settings are displayed as information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as operation settings for the target of use. According to such a configuration, the user can easily grasp that the suction device 100 can use "Operation Setting 1", "Operation Setting 2", and "Operation Setting 3".

[0115] The terminal device 200 may store in the storage unit 240 information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as operation settings for the target of use. In that case, the terminal device 200 outputs the information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as operation settings for the target of use, which is stored in the storage unit 240. For example, each time the terminal device 200 downloads an operation setting to the suction device 100, it stores which operation setting has been downloaded to the suction device 100 and outputs information indicating the downloaded operation setting. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can output information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as operation settings for the target of use even if it is not communicating with the suction device 100.

[0116] Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may obtain and output information indicating all the operation settings stored in the suction device 100 from the suction device 100. In that case, the terminal device 200 transmits information requesting to transmit information indicating all the operation settings stored in the suction device 100. When the suction device 100 receives such information, it transmits information indicating all the operation settings stored in the storage unit 114. Then, the terminal device 200 outputs the received information indicating all the operation settings stored in the suction device 100 as information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation settings to be used by the suction device 100. Considering that the suction device 100 can download operation settings from a device other than the terminal device 200, with such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can output accurate information.

[0117] - Display of operation settings to be used The terminal device 200 outputs information indicating the operation settings in use by the suction device 100, that is, the operation settings to be used. A UI example will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0118] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. Assume that the suction device 100 can use "operation setting 1", "operation setting 2", or "operation setting 3" as the operation settings to be used. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, on the display screen 30B, icons 31A to 31C indicating three operation settings are displayed as information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation settings to be used by the suction device 100. Further, when the operation setting to be used by the suction device 100 is "operation setting 1", the terminal device 200 focuses on the icon 31A corresponding to "operation setting 1" as shown in FIG. 7. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp that the suction device 100 operates based on "operation setting 1".

[0119] The terminal device 200 may store information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used in the storage unit 240. In that case, the terminal device 200 outputs the information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used, which is stored in the storage unit 240. For example, as will be described later, the terminal device 200 may send a request to switch the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used to the suction device 100, and may output information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used based on the transmission history. According to such a configuration, even when the terminal device 200 is not communicating with the suction device 100, it is possible to output information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used.

[0120] Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may obtain and output information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used from the suction device 100. In that case, the terminal device 200 sends information requesting the suction device 100 to send information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used. When the suction device 100 receives such information, it sends information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used. Then, the terminal device 200 outputs the received information indicating the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used. Considering that the suction device 100 can switch the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used due to factors other than the instructions from the terminal device 200, such a configuration enables the terminal device 200 to output accurate information.

[0121] - Switching of the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used The suction device 100 can switch the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used from among the operation settings stored in the storage unit 114. For example, the suction device 100 can switch the operation settings of the suction device 100 to be used to operation settings suitable for the type of the stick-shaped base material 150 or operation settings according to the user's preference based on an instruction from the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the quality of the user experience.

[0122] The terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting the operation setting of the switching destination. For example, on a display screen that displays information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation setting for use, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting an operation setting other than the current operation setting for use as the operation setting of the switching destination. On the display screen 30B shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting the icon 31B or 31C. The display screen 30B may be displayed on a touch panel that also serves as the input unit 210 and the output unit 220. In that case, the user can select the operation setting of the switching destination by touching the icon 31B or 31C.

[0123] When the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting the operation setting of the switching destination, it transmits information instructing to switch the operation setting for use to the selected operation setting of the switching destination. For example, as information indicating the operation setting of the switching destination, identification information indicating the operation setting of the switching destination may be transmitted. When the suction device 100 receives such information, it switches the operation setting for use to the operation setting of the switching destination instructed by the received information. After that, the suction device 100 operates based on the operation setting for use after the switching. With such a configuration, the user can switch to a desired operation setting via the terminal device 200.

[0124] When the switching of the operation setting for use is completed, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the switching of the operation setting for use is completed. When the terminal device 200 receives such information, it outputs information indicating the operation setting for use after the switching. For example, on a display screen that displays information indicating one or more operation settings that can be used as the operation setting for use, the terminal device 200 displays information indicating the operation setting for use after the switching. For example, regarding a UI example when a user operation for selecting the icon 31B corresponding to "Operation Setting 2" is performed on the display screen 30B shown in FIG. 7, it will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0125] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that the suction device 100 can use "Operation Setting 1", "Operation Setting 2", and "Operation Setting 3" as operation settings for use. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, on the display screen 30C, icons 31A to 31C indicating three operation settings are displayed as information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as the operation setting for use. Further, since the operation setting for use after switching is "Operation Setting 2", the terminal device 200 focuses on the icon 31B corresponding to "Operation Setting 2" as shown in FIG. 8. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp that the operation setting for use has been switched from "Operation Setting 1" to "Operation Setting 2".

[0126] -Flow of processing FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the switching process of the operation setting for use executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. This sequence involves the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection (step S102).

[0128] Next, the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as the operation setting for use (step S104). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs the display screen 30A shown in FIG. 6.

[0129] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits information requesting the suction device 100 to transmit information indicating the operation setting for use in the suction device 100 (step S106). When the suction device 100 receives such information, it transmits information indicating the operation setting for use (step S108). Then, when the terminal device 200 receives such information, it outputs the information indicating the operation setting for use in the received suction device 100 (step S110). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs the display screen 30B shown in FIG. 7.

[0130] Next, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting the operation setting of the switching destination (step S112). Then, the terminal device 200 transmits information instructing to switch the operation setting of the target of use to the selected operation setting of the switching destination (step S114). When the suction device 100 receives such information, it switches the operation setting of the target of use to the operation setting instructed by the received information (step S116).

[0131] Thereafter, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the switching of the operation setting of the target of use has been completed (step S118). When the terminal device 200 receives such information, it outputs information indicating the operation setting of the target of use after the switching (step S120). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs the display screen 30C shown in FIG. 8.

[0132] (4) Download of operation settings The terminal device 200 may transmit information indicating the operation setting and download a new operation setting to the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the operation setting downloaded from the server to the suction device 100. Next, the suction device 100 stores the operation setting indicated by the received information in the storage unit 114. Thereafter, when the newly stored operation setting is selected as the operation setting of the target of use, the suction device 100 operates based on the newly stored operation setting. According to such a configuration, the user can download a desired operation setting to the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200.

[0133] (4.1) Content of information indicating operation settings An example of the information indicating the operation setting transmitted and received for download is shown in Table 2 below.

[0134]

Table 2

[0135] As shown in Table 2 above, the information indicating the operation settings includes, as information for each step, the target resistance value, time, first correction information, and puff detection threshold. A step is a time interval obtained by dividing the heating profile in the time direction. The information for a certain step is used when the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating profile is included in that step. For example, a step is a time interval with a predetermined time length such as 10 seconds. In that case, step 00 is the time interval from the start of heating based on the heating profile until 10 seconds have elapsed. Therefore, the information for step 00 is used until 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of heating based on the heating profile. Step 19 is the time interval of 10 seconds immediately before the end of heating based on the heating profile. Therefore, the information for step 19 is used during the 10 seconds immediately before the end of heating based on the heating profile. Note that the time length of the steps may be different for each step. Also, the number of steps is not limited to 20 from 00 to 19 shown in Table 2.

[0136] Also, as shown in Table 2 above, the information indicating the operation settings includes, as other information, second correction information, high-temperature protection threshold, puff detection filter coefficient, and threshold for determining battery charge level decrease. These information are used throughout the time interval during which heating based on the heating profile is performed.

[0137] The information indicating the operation settings may be divided into a plurality of parts and transmitted and received at different timings. As an example, the information for each step consisting of a combination of the target resistance value, time, first correction information, and puff detection threshold may be transmitted and received at different timings. As another example, the information for each step and the other information may be transmitted and received at different timings. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve communication efficiency such as facilitating retransmission when a transmission / reception error occurs.

[0138] - Default heating profile As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes the target resistance value and time for each step. The time here is the elapsed time from the start of heating until the target resistance value should be reached. The combination of the elapsed time from the start of heating and the target resistance value set for that elapsed time in all steps corresponds to the heating profile.

[0139] As described above, the information indicating the operation settings may be divided and transmitted / received. In particular, the information indicating the heating profile may be divided and transmitted / received in the time direction, such as for each step. In this case, the information indicating the heating profile divided in the time direction includes at least one combination of the elapsed time from the start of heating and the target resistance value set for that elapsed time. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the communication efficiency regarding the transmission / reception of the heating profile.

[0140] However, the heating profile consisting of the combination of the target resistance value and time for each step shown in Table 2 is the heating profile before correction (hereinafter also referred to as the default heating profile). The default heating profile is corrected based on the first correction information, as will be described later. Also, the default heating profile can be corrected based on the second correction information, as will be described later.

[0141] - First correction information As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes the first correction information. The first correction information is an example of correction information for correcting the operation settings according to the individual differences of the heating unit 121. An example of the individual differences of the heating unit 121 is the correspondence relationship between temperature and resistance value. When the control unit 116 receives the first correction information, it may correct the operation settings based on the received first correction information. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the corrected operation settings. According to such a configuration, the suction device 100 can perform operations according to the individual differences of the heating unit 121. Therefore, it is possible to improve the quality of the user's physical experience.

[0142] Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the heating profile based on the first correction information. More specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the default heating profile based on the first correction information. Then, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the corrected heating profile. With such a configuration, heating can be performed based on the heating profile corrected to conform to the individual differences of the heating unit 121, so that it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by the individual differences of the heating unit 121. An example of an inconvenience caused by the individual differences of the heating unit 121 is that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 deviates from the target temperature.

[0143] As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes a plurality of first correction information items each associated with each of the plurality of target resistance values included in the heating profile. Then, the control unit 116 corrects each of the plurality of target resistance values defined in the heating profile based on the associated first correction information. For example, the control unit 116 corrects the target resistance value included in the information of step 00 based on the first correction information included in the information of step 00. As an example, the first correction information may include an offset correction value that is a value used for offset correction. In that case, the control unit 116 adds the offset correction value to the target resistance value. As another example, the first correction information may include a gain correction value that is a value used for gain correction. In that case, the control unit 116 multiplies the target resistance value by the gain correction value. Note that the first correction information may include both the offset correction value and the gain correction value. According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately correct the target resistance value for each step.

[0144] The first correction information may be different for each heating profile. The degree to which inconveniences caused by the individual differences of the heating unit 121 occur may differ for each heating profile. In this regard, with such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences caused by the individual differences of the heating unit 121.

[0145] In order for the terminal device 200 to be able to generate the first correction information, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121 to the terminal device 200. For example, the suction device 100 stores information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121 during manufacturing in the factory, and transmits the stored information to the terminal device 200. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the individual differences of the heating unit 121.

[0146] The terminal device 200 may transmit information requesting to transmit information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121. When the suction device 100 receives the information requesting to transmit the information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121, the suction device 100 transmits the information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can inquire of the suction device 100 about the individual differences of the heating unit 121 as a pre-step of generating the first correction information. Note that the terminal device 200 may store the information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121 received from the suction device 100, and then reuse the stored information.

[0147] When the terminal device 200 receives the information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121, the terminal device 200 generates the first correction information based on the received information indicating the individual differences of the heating unit 121. Then, the terminal device 200 transmits the generated first correction information. The suction device 100 receives the first correction information transmitted from the terminal device 200 in this way, and corrects the heating profile based on the received first correction information. According to such a configuration, it is possible to correct the heating profile based on the first correction information that conforms to the individual differences of the heating unit 121.

[0148] - Second correction information As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation setting includes second correction information. The second correction information is an example of correction information for correcting the operation setting according to the deterioration of the heating unit 121. The deterioration of the heating unit 121 is the oxidation of the heating unit 121 that progresses each time heating by the heating unit 121 is repeated. When the control unit 116 receives the second correction information, it may correct the operation setting based on the received second correction information. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the corrected operation setting. According to such a configuration, the suction device 100 can perform an operation according to the deterioration of the heating unit 121. Therefore, it is possible to improve the quality of the user's physical experience.

[0149] Specifically, the control unit 116 may correct the heating profile based on the second correction information. More specifically, the control unit 116 may further correct the corrected heating profile based on the first correction information based on the second correction information. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the corrected heating profile. With such a configuration, heating can be performed based on a heating profile that matches the degree of deterioration of the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to prevent inconveniences caused by the deterioration of the heating unit 121.

[0150] Hereinafter, the correction of the heating profile based on the second correction information will be described in detail.

[0151] The control unit 116 integrates a history value indicating the history of heating executed by the heating unit 121 based on the execution of heating by the heating unit 121. As an example, the control unit 116 integrates a history value indicating the history of heating executed by the heating unit 121 each time the heating by the heating unit 121 is executed. As another example, the control unit 116 integrates a history value indicating the history of heating executed by the heating unit 121 each time the heating by the heating unit 121 is executed a plurality of times (for example, twice). As the number of heating times increases, the heating unit 121 oxidizes, and the resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases. Then, even if the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches the target resistance value, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 will not reach the target temperature by the amount that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 has increased due to oxidation. Therefore, even if the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled according to the heating profile, it may become difficult to deliver an appropriate flavor to the user. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the degree of oxidation of the heating unit 121 based on the history value.

[0152] As an example, the history value may be an integrated value of the number of times the heating unit 121 has heated (hereinafter also referred to as the number of heating times). Each time heating based on the heating profile is performed once, 1 may be integrated into the history value. That is, the history value may be an integrated value of the number of times the heating unit 121 has heated based on the heating profile. During one execution of heating based on the heating profile, short-time heating may be executed and stopped a plurality of times, and 1 may be integrated into the history value each time the short-time heating is executed once. In any case, it is possible to grasp the degree of oxidation of the heating unit 121 based on the number of heating times.

[0153] As another example, the history value may be an integrated value of the time during which the heating unit 121 has been heated (hereinafter also referred to as the heating time). Each time heating based on the heating profile is performed once, the time for one heating based on the heating profile may be integrated into the history value. During one execution of heating based on the heating profile, short-time heating may be executed and stopped a plurality of times, and the time taken for such short-time heating may be integrated into the history value accordingly. In any case, the degree of oxidation of the heating unit 121 can be grasped based on the heating time.

[0154] The control unit 116 corrects the heating profile based on the integrated history value and the second correction information. According to such a configuration, the heating profile is corrected according to the degree of oxidation of the heating unit 121 indicated by the history value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences caused by the oxidation of the heating unit 121.

[0155] Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the target resistance value to be corrected, which is at least a part of the plurality of target resistance values defined in the heating profile, to a value corresponding to a higher temperature. When the resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, the control unit 116 corrects the target resistance value to be corrected to a higher value. As described above, when the heating unit 121 oxidizes and the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases, even if the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches the target resistance value, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than the target temperature. In this regard, by correcting the target resistance value to a value corresponding to a higher temperature, it is possible to offset the temperature decrease caused by the oxidation of the heating unit 121 by correcting the target resistance value, and to realize temperature control that does not change before and after oxidation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences caused by the oxidation of the heating unit 121.

[0156] The second correction information may include information indicating the target resistance value to be corrected. In that case, the control unit 116 corrects the target resistance value to be corrected indicated by the second correction information. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the inconveniences described below, limited to the target resistance value to be corrected.

[0157] The target resistance value to be corrected preferably includes the target resistance value corresponding to the lowest target temperature among the plurality of target resistance values defined in the heating profile. One of the inconveniences caused by the oxidation of the heating unit 121 is that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 drops too much during heating, and aerosol is not generated. And the stage where such an inconvenience is most likely to occur is the stage where the target temperature corresponding to the target resistance value in the heating profile is the lowest. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such an inconvenience.

[0158] The target resistance value to be corrected preferably does not include the target resistance value corresponding to the highest target temperature among the plurality of target resistance values defined in the heating profile. If the heating profile is corrected when the oxidation of the heating unit 121 has not progressed more than expected, the actual temperature may become excessively high exceeding the target temperature before correction, which may damage the function of the suction device 100. And the stage where such an inconvenience is most likely to occur is the stage where the target temperature corresponding to the target resistance value in the heating profile is the highest. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent such an inconvenience.

[0159] The second correction information may include information indicating a threshold value. In that case, the control unit 116 corrects the heating profile when the history value exceeds the threshold value indicated by the second correction information. As an example, the control unit 116 may correct the heating profile when the number of heating times exceeds 1000 times. As another example, the control unit 116 may correct the heating profile each time the heating time exceeds 100,000 seconds. According to such a configuration, since the correction frequency of the heating profile is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the control unit 116.

[0160] The second correction information may include information indicating a method for correcting the heating profile. In this case, the control unit 116 corrects the heating profile based on the correction method indicated by the second correction information. As an example, the second correction information may include a value to be added to the target resistance value. In this case, the control unit 116 adds the value to be added to the target resistance value included in the second correction information to the target resistance value before correction. According to such a configuration, appropriate correction of the target resistance value becomes possible.

[0161] The second correction information may differ for each heating profile. The temperature change of the heating unit 121 differs for each heating profile, and the degree of progress of oxidation of the heating unit 121 may differ. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences caused by oxidation of the heating unit 121.

[0162] Here, the history value may be integrated for each heating profile. Then, the suction device 100 stores the history value and the second correction information for each heating profile and may use them for correcting the heating profile. Specifically, the suction device 100 may integrate corrections based on the history value and the second correction information for all the heating profiles used so far and apply them to the heating profile. It is considered that the oxidation of the heating unit 121 starts from the time of manufacture and progresses according to the heating profile used. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform correction according to the usage history of the suction device 100 so far.

[0163] - Threshold for high-temperature protection As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation setting includes information indicating the threshold for high-temperature protection. When the control unit 116 receives the information indicating the operation setting including the threshold for high-temperature protection, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 according to whether the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit exceeds the received threshold for high-temperature protection. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by high temperature according to the newly downloaded operation setting.

[0164] Note that in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes one high-temperature protection threshold, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The information indicating the operation settings may include information indicating a plurality of high-temperature protection thresholds set for each elapsed time from the start of heating. Regarding Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings may include a high-temperature protection threshold for each step. In that case, the suction device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to whether the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit exceeds the high-temperature protection threshold of the step corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating profile. With such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences caused by high temperatures.

[0165] -Performance detection criteria As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes information indicating the performance detection criteria. That is, the information indicating the operation settings includes a performance detection threshold. In particular, the information indicating the operation settings includes a performance detection threshold for each step as information indicating a plurality of performance detection thresholds set for each elapsed time from the start of heating. Further, the information indicating the operation settings includes a performance detection filter coefficient. When the control unit 116 receives the information indicating the operation settings including the information indicating the performance detection criteria, it may detect that the user has sucked the aerosol based on the received detection criteria. According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect the puff according to the newly downloaded operation settings.

[0166] -Threshold for determining battery level decrease As shown in Table 2, the information indicating the operation settings includes information indicating the threshold for determining the battery level decrease. When the control unit 116 receives the information indicating the operation settings including the threshold for determining the battery level decrease, it may control the operation of the suction device 100 based on the received threshold for determining the battery level decrease. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform control when the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 decreases according to the newly downloaded operation settings.

[0167] (4.2) UI related to downloading operation settings The terminal device 200 may output a UI related to the download of operation settings. Then, the terminal device 200 may download the operation settings to the suction device 100 according to a user operation on the UI. Such an example of the UI will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0168] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that the suction device 100 can use "operation setting 1", "operation setting 2", and "operation setting 3" as operation settings for use. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, on the display screen 30D, icons 31A to 31C indicating three operation settings are displayed as information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as operation settings for use.

[0169] However, it is assumed that "operation setting 1" and "operation setting 2" have already been downloaded to the suction device 100, while "operation setting 3" has not yet been downloaded to the suction device 100. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the icons 31A and 31B are outlined with a solid line indicating that they have been downloaded. On the other hand, the icon 31C is outlined with a broken line indicating that it has not been downloaded. As in such an example, it is desirable that the information indicating the downloaded operation settings and the information indicating the undownloaded operation settings be displayed in different manners.

[0170] Also, it is assumed that the operation setting for use of the suction device 100 is "operation setting 1". Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the icon 31A corresponding to "operation setting 1" is in focus.

[0171] The terminal device 200 receives an operation for selecting an operation setting to be transmitted to the suction device 100. Then, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the selected operation setting. For example, when the icon 31C is touched by the user, the terminal device 200 transmits the information shown in Table 2 regarding "Operation Setting 3". With such a configuration, the user can download a desired operation setting to the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200.

[0172] When the download of the operation setting is completed, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the download of the operation setting has been completed. As an example, when the suction device 100 successfully receives the information shown in Table 2 regarding "Operation Setting 3", the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the download of the operation setting has been completed. The terminal device 200 can control the retransmission of the information indicating the operation setting according to whether the information is received or not. According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure the successful download of the operation setting.

[0173] In particular, when the correction of the heating profile based on the first correction information is completed, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the download of the operation setting has been completed. That is, the information indicating that the download of the operation setting has been completed may also serve as information indicating that the correction of the heating profile based on the first correction information has been completed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user via the terminal device 200 that the suction device 100 can use the corrected heating profile.

[0174] The terminal device 200 receives information indicating that the download of the operation setting in the suction device 100 has been completed. Thereby, the terminal device 200 can grasp that the newly downloaded operation setting can be used as the operation setting to be used.

[0175] When the terminal device 200 receives information indicating that the download of the operation settings in the suction device 100 has been completed, it outputs information indicating that the download of the operation settings in the suction device 100 has been completed. Thereby, the user can grasp that the newly downloaded operation settings can be used as the operation settings for use. For example, in the display screen 30D shown in FIG. 10, a user operation of selecting the icon 31C corresponding to "Operation Setting 3" is performed, and a UI example displayed when the download of "Operation Setting 3" is completed will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0176] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, on the display screen 30E, icons 31A to 31C indicating three operation settings are displayed as information indicating one or more operation settings that the suction device 100 can use as the operation settings for use. In particular, since the download of "Operation Setting 3" has been completed, the icon 31C indicating "Operation Setting 3" is outlined with a solid line indicating that it has been downloaded. In the display screen 30D shown in FIG. 10, the user operation of selecting the icon 31C corresponding to "Operation Setting 3" may also serve as an operation instructing to switch "Operation Setting 3" to the operation setting for use. In that case, after the download is completed, the suction device 100 switches the operation setting for use to "Operation Setting 3". Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the terminal device 200 focuses on the icon 31C corresponding to "Operation Setting 3". With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp that the download of "Operation Setting 3" has been completed and that the operation setting for use has been switched from "Operation Setting 1" to "Operation Setting 3".

[0177] (4.3) Flow of processing FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the download process of the operation settings executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. This sequence involves the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 12, first, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection (step S202).

[0179] Next, the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating operation settings downloadable to the suction device 100 (step S204). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs the display screen 30D shown in FIG. 10.

[0180] Next, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation for selecting an operation setting to be downloaded (step S206). For example, the terminal device 200 receives a user operation of touching the icon 31C corresponding to "Operation Setting 3" on the display screen 30D shown in FIG. 10.

[0181] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits information requesting to transmit information indicating individual differences of the heating unit 121. When the suction device 100 receives such information, it transmits information indicating individual differences of the heating unit 121 (step S210). Note that when the terminal device 200 has already stored information indicating individual differences of the heating unit 121, the processes according to step S208 and step S210 may be omitted.

[0182] Next, the terminal device 200 generates information indicating an operation setting (step S212). For example, the terminal device 200 generates the information shown in Table 2. Specifically, the terminal device 200 generates first correction information based on the default heating profile in the selected "Operation Setting 3" and the information indicating individual differences of the heating unit 121. Further, the terminal device 200 generates second correction information, a high-temperature protection threshold value, a puff detection threshold value, a puff detection filter coefficient, and a threshold value for determining a decrease in the remaining battery level based on the default heating profile in the selected "Operation Setting 3".

[0183] Next, the terminal device 200 transmits information indicating the divided operation settings at different timings (step S214). For example, the terminal device 200 transmits the information for each step shown in Table 2 at different timings, and then transmits other information.

[0184] Next, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the download of the operation settings has been completed (step S216). For example, when the suction device 100 has successfully received all of the information indicating the divided operation settings and has completed the correction of the default heating profile based on the first correction information, the suction device 100 transmits information indicating that the download of the operation settings has been completed.

[0185] Then, when the terminal device 200 receives the information indicating that the download of the operation settings has been completed, the terminal device 200 outputs the information indicating that the download of the operation settings has been completed (step S218). For example, the terminal device 200 outputs the display screen 30E shown in FIG. 11.

[0186] <<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 it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0187] In the above embodiment, an example in which the information shown in Table 2 is transmitted and received to download the operation settings to the suction device 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The terminal device 200 may transmit information including at least any one of a target resistance value, time, first correction information, second correction information, puff detection threshold, puff detection filter coefficient, high temperature protection threshold, and battery remaining amount decrease determination threshold as information indicating the operation settings. That is, a part of the information shown in Table 2 may be omitted. The suction device 100 uses the default settings for the omitted information. For example, when the received information does not include the puff detection filter coefficient, the suction device 100 detects puffs using the default puff detection filter coefficient.

[0188] In the above embodiment, an example in which the first temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the outer housing 11 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, the first temperature detection unit may be provided near a processor such as the control unit 116 and detect the temperature of the processor. In that case, when the temperature of the processor exceeds the threshold for high-temperature protection, the suction device 100 prohibits power supply to the heating unit 121. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by high temperature, such as thermal runaway of the processor. As another example, the first temperature detection unit may be provided near the power supply unit 111 and detect the temperature of the power supply unit 111. In that case, when the temperature of the power supply unit 111 exceeds the threshold for high-temperature protection, the suction device 100 prohibits power supply to the heating unit 121. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by high temperature, such as deterioration of the battery.

[0189] In the above embodiment, an example in which it is detected that puffing has been performed by comparing the output value obtained by inputting the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit to the filter with the puff detection threshold has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, the suction device 100 may detect that puffing has been performed when the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit is below the puff detection threshold. As another example, the suction device 100 may detect that puffing has been performed when the deviation width between the reference temperature and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit exceeds the puff detection threshold. An example of the reference temperature is the temperature of the second temperature detection unit a predetermined time ago (for example, immediately before). In this case, the deviation width corresponds to the decrease width of the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit.

[0190] In the above embodiment, an example in which the second temperature detection unit is a thermistor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The second temperature detection unit may be the heating unit 121. In that case, the suction device 100 detects puffing based on the change in temperature indicated by the resistance value of the heating unit 121 or the change in the resistance value of the heating unit 121.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which information indicating a heating profile is transmitted and received after being divided in the time direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the information indicating the heating profile may be transmitted and received after being divided in the direction of the target resistance value. Specifically, information regarding a relatively high target resistance value and information regarding a relatively low target resistance value may be divided and transmitted and received. Even in such a case, the information indicating the divided heating profile includes at least one combination of the elapsed time from the start of heating and the target resistance value set for the elapsed time. According to such a configuration, it is possible to restore the heating profile on the receiving side regardless of how it is divided.

[0192] The timing for correcting the heating profile described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the heating profile may be corrected at any other arbitrary timing. As an example, the suction device 100 may execute correction of the heating profile based on the first correction information when the control unit 116 is activated. As another example, the suction device 100 may execute correction of the heating profile based on the second correction information when the control unit 116 is activated.

[0193] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 as a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol has been described, but the shape of the substrate is not limited to a stick shape. Another example of the shape of the substrate is a card shape. Another example of the shape of the substrate is a cube shape. Further, the suction device 100 may generate an aerosol to be sucked by the user using a capsule-shaped substrate that does not contain an aerosol source and includes only, for example, a fragrance source. As an example, a capsule-shaped second substrate containing a fragrance source is disposed on the downstream side of a first substrate containing an aerosol source. Then, when the aerosol generated by heating the first substrate passes through the second substrate, the aerosol is imparted with a fragrance from the fragrance source contained in the second substrate and is delivered to the user.

[0194] Note that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be implemented using any combination of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are pre-stored, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM during execution by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the above computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium.

[0195] Also, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some process steps may be executed in parallel. Also, additional process steps may be adopted, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0196] Note that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1) An aspiration device, a communication unit that communicates with other devices, a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, a control unit that controls the operation of the aspiration device based on an operation setting that is information for setting the operation of the aspiration device, comprising wherein the communication unit receives correction information for correcting the operation setting in response to deterioration of the heating unit, an aspiration device. (2) The control unit corrects the operation setting based on the correction information, and controls the operation of the aspiration device based on the corrected operation setting, the aspiration device according to (1) above. (3) The operation setting includes a heating profile in which the time-series transition of the target value of the actually measured value measured for the heating unit is defined. The control unit corrects the heating profile based on the correction information, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the corrected heating profile. The suction device according to (2) above. (4) The control unit integrates a history value indicating the history of heating executed by the heating unit based on the execution of heating by the heating unit, and corrects the heating profile based on the integrated history value and the correction information. The suction device according to (3) above. (5) The control unit corrects the target value to be corrected, which is at least a part of the plurality of target values defined in the heating profile, to a value corresponding to a higher temperature. The suction device according to (4) above. (6) The correction information includes information indicating the target value to be corrected. The control unit corrects the target value to be corrected. The suction device according to (4) or (5) above. (7) The correction information includes information indicating a threshold value. When the history value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit corrects the heating profile. The suction device according to any one of (4) to (6) above. (8) The correction information includes information indicating a correction method for the heating profile. The control unit corrects the heating profile based on the correction method. The suction device according to any one of (4) to (7) above. (9) The communication unit receives information indicating the operation setting, including the correction information and the heating profile. The control unit controls the operation of the suction device based on the received operation setting. The suction device according to any one of (3) to (8) above. (10) The correction information is different for each of the heating profiles. The suction device according to any one of (3) to (9) above. (11) The communication unit receives other correction information for correcting the operation setting according to the individual differences of the heating unit, The control unit further corrects the operation setting based on the other correction information. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) A communication unit that transmits correction information for correcting an operation setting, which is information for setting the operation of a suction device having a heating unit that heats a base material containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, according to the deterioration of the heating unit. A terminal device comprising the same. (13) The operation setting includes a heating profile in which the time-series transition of the target value of the actually measured value measured for the heating unit is defined. The correction information is used to correct the heating profile. The terminal device according to (12) above. (14) The correction information includes information indicating the target value of the correction target. The suction device corrects the target value of the correction target. The terminal device according to (13) above. (15) The correction information includes information indicating a threshold value. The suction device corrects the heating profile when a history value indicating the history of heating performed by the heating unit exceeds the threshold value. The terminal device according to (13) or (14) above. (16) The correction information includes information indicating a correction method for the heating profile. The suction device corrects the heating profile based on the correction method. The terminal device according to any one of (13) to (15). (17) The communication unit transmits information indicating the operation settings, including the correction information and the heating profile. The terminal device according to any one of (13) to (16). (18) The correction information is different for each heating profile. The terminal device according to any one of (13) to (17). (19) The communication unit transmits other correction information for correcting the operation settings according to the individual differences of the heating unit The terminal device according to any one of (12) to (18). (20) To a computer Controlling the terminal device to transmit operation settings, which are information for setting the operation of a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and correction information for correcting the operation settings according to the deterioration of the heating unit A program for causing the execution.

Explanation of Signs

[0197] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate part 152 Suction port part 11 Outer housing 11A Top housing 11B Bottom housing 12 Cover 13 Switch 14 Lid portion 15 Vent 16 Cap 200 Terminal device 210 Input section 220 Output section 230 Communication section 240 Memory section 250 Control section

Claims

1. An inhalation device, comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate with other devices; a heating unit configured to heat a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heating unit; a control unit configured to control the operation of the heating unit according to an operation setting of the inhalation device, the operation setting including a heating profile that defines a time-series transition of a target value of an actually measured value measured for the heating unit; wherein the communication unit receives the operation setting including a threshold value for determining a decrease in battery level, the threshold value being set as a value equal to or greater than the amount of power used for the heating unit to perform a process of heating the substrate to generate an aerosol a specified number of times; the control unit stops heating of the heating unit when the remaining power of the power supply unit falls below the threshold value for determining a decrease in battery level; an inhalation device.

2. further comprising a storage unit configured to store information; wherein the storage unit stores one or more of the operation settings that are information for setting the operation of the inhalation device; the inhalation device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit controls the operation of the inhalation device based on the operation setting to be used among the operation settings stored in the storage unit; the inhalation device according to claim 2.

4. the communication unit transmits information indicating the operation setting stored in the storage unit; the inhalation device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the communication unit receives information requesting to transmit information indicating the operation setting, and transmits the information indicating the operation setting requested to be transmitted in the received information; the inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the communication unit transmits information indicating the operation setting to be used; the inhalation device according to claim 3.

7. the communication unit transmits information indicating all of the operation settings stored in the storage unit; the inhalation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

8. the communication unit transmits identification information corresponding to the operation setting as the information indicating the operation setting; the inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the control unit is capable of switching the operation setting to be used from among the operation settings stored in the storage unit; the inhalation device according to claim 3.

10. the communication unit receives information instructing to switch the operation setting to be used, The control unit switches the operation setting of the target of use to the operation setting of the switching destination instructed by the information received by the communication unit. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The communication unit transmits information indicating that the switching of the operation setting of the target of use has been completed. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The suitable operation settings differ for each type of the base material. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The threshold value for determining the decrease in the remaining battery level is different for each heating profile. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. When the remaining power of the power supply unit falls below the threshold value for determining the decrease in the remaining battery level, the control unit stops executing the procedure for establishing a connection between the suction device and another device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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