Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism with which it is possible to further improve the quality of a user's experience using an inhalation device. [Solution] This aerosol generation system is provided with a housing unit capable of housing a base material that contains an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls a temperature at which the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing unit is heated. If a first puff in which a user inhales an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit controls the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, on the basis of information of a previous second puff.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, 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. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puff operation.

[0003] The temperature for heating the aerosol source may decrease with a puff. In this regard, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique of temporarily increasing the power supplied to a heating element when a puff is performed to prevent a decrease in the temperature of the heating element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 above did not consider at all the point that puffs can be continuously performed.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, there is provided an aerosol generation system including: a housing portion capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source; and a control portion that controls a temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing portion, wherein the control portion controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on a second puff performed last when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed.

[0008] The control portion may control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on an interval between the first puff and the second puff.

[0009] The control portion may increase the temperature for heating the aerosol source when the interval is less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0010] The control portion may increase the temperature for heating the aerosol source more as the interval is shorter.

[0011] The control portion may control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on an inhalation amount in the second puff.

[0012] The control portion may increase the temperature for heating the aerosol source more as the inhalation amount in the second puff is larger.

[0013] The control portion may control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on one or more third puffs performed before the second puff.

[0014] The control portion controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on control information defining a target value of the temperature for heating the aerosol source, and the control portion may control such that when the first puff is performed, the temperature for heating the aerosol source becomes a temperature increased by a temperature corresponding to the second puff information from the target value.

[0015] The control information includes information for controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source in each of a first period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source rises after the start of heating, a second period following the first period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source decreases, and a third period following the second period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source rises. When the first puff is performed in the third period, the control unit may control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of the second puff.

[0016] The control unit may further control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the ambient temperature.

[0017] The control unit may control the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on at least two of the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the suction amount in the second puff, the information of one or more third puffs performed prior to the second puff, or the ambient temperature.

[0018] The aerosol generation system further includes an electromagnetic induction source that generates a variable magnetic field and inductively heats a susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol source. As controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source, the control unit may control the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source.

[0019] The substrate may contain the susceptor.

[0020] The aerosol generation system may include the substrate.

[0021] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system having a housing portion capable of housing a substrate containing an aerosol source, the control method including controlling a temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate housed in the housing portion, and controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source includes controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information of a second puff performed last when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed.

[0022] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system having a housing portion capable of housing a substrate containing an aerosol source is caused to function as a control portion that controls a temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate housed in the housing portion, and when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control portion controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information of a second puff performed last. A program is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience using a suction device is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0026] <1. Configuration Example> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device 100 according to an embodiment. 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, an electromagnetic induction source 162, and a housing unit 140. Suction by the user is performed with the stick-shaped base material 150 housed in the housing unit 140. Hereinafter, each component will be described in order.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 accumulates electric power. Then, 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 a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, for example. The power supply unit 111 may be charged by being connected to an external power source by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Further, the power supply unit 111 may be charged in a state of not being connected to the power transmission side device by wireless power transmission technology. In addition, only the power supply unit 111 may be removable from the suction device 100, and it may be possible to replace it with a new power supply unit 111.

[0028] The sensor unit 112 detects various information regarding the suction device 100. Then, the sensor unit 112 outputs the detected information to the control unit 116. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor. And when the sensor unit 112 detects a numerical value associated with suction by the user, it outputs information indicating that suction by the user has been performed to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device that receives input of information from the user, such as a button or a switch. In particular, the sensor unit 112 may include a button for instructing the start / stop of aerosol generation. And the sensor unit 112 outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the susceptor 161. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source 162.

[0029] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113 is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In that case, when the state of the power supply unit 111 requires charging, when the power supply unit 111 is charging, and when an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100, etc., the notification unit 113 emits light in different light-emitting patterns. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept including color, lighting / extinguishing timing, etc. The notification unit 113 may be composed of a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc., together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113 may notify information indicating that suction by the user has become possible. Information indicating that suction by the user has become possible may be notified when the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 heated by electromagnetic induction reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0030] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information regarding the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100, such as the control content of various components by the control unit 116. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information regarding suction by the user, such as the number of suction times, suction time, and cumulative suction time.

[0031] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device 100 and other devices. The communication unit 115 performs communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, standards using wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) may be adopted. As an example, the communication unit 115 transmits information regarding suction by the user to the server. As another example, the communication unit 115 receives new OS information from the server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114.

[0032] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls all operations 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. In addition, the control unit 116 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. The suction device 100 executes various processes based on the control by the control unit 116. Power supply from the power supply unit 111 to other components, charging of the power supply unit 111, detection of information by the sensor unit 112, notification of information by the notification unit 113, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 114, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116. Other processes executed by the suction device 100, such as input of information to each component and processes based on the information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116.

[0033] The housing portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141. The housing portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 to the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing portion 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom portion 143 at both ends, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The housing portion 140 is configured such that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 150 at at least a part in the height direction of the cylindrical body, and can hold the stick-shaped base material 150 by pressing it from the outer periphery of the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141. The housing portion 140 also has a function of defining an air flow path through the stick-shaped base material 150. The air inlet hole, which is an entrance of air into such a flow path, is disposed, for example, at the bottom portion 143. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is an exit of air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

[0034] The stick-shaped base material 150 is a stick-shaped member. The stick-shaped base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a suction port portion 152.

[0035] The base material portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The base material portion 151 may further contain a flavor source that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol. The aerosol source may be, for example, a tobacco-derived product such as processed cut tobacco or a tobacco raw material formed into a granular, sheet-like, or powdery shape. Also, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco-derived products made from plants other than tobacco (such as mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain a flavor component such as menthol. When the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a drug for the patient to inhale. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. At least a part of the base material portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 of the accommodation portion 140 when the stick-shaped base material 150 is held in the accommodation portion 140.

[0036] The suction port portion 152 is a member that is held by the user during suction. At least a part of the suction port portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142 when the stick-shaped base material 150 is held in the accommodation portion 140. Then, when the user holds and suctions the suction port portion 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the accommodation portion 140 from an air inlet hole (not shown). The flowing-in air passes through the internal space 141 of the accommodation portion 140, that is, through the base material portion 151, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0037] Furthermore, the stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a susceptor 161. The susceptor 161 generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161 is made of a conductive material such as metal. As an example, the susceptor 161 is a metal piece. Here, the susceptor 161 is disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source. That the susceptor 161 is in thermal proximity to the aerosol source means that the susceptor 161 is disposed at a position where the heat generated in the susceptor 161 is transmitted to the aerosol source. For example, the susceptor 161 is contained in the substrate portion 151 together with the aerosol source and is surrounded by the aerosol source. With such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently use the heat generated from the susceptor 161 for heating the aerosol source. Note that the susceptor 161 may not be accessible from the outside of the stick-shaped substrate 150. For example, the susceptor 161 may be distributed in the central portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and may not be distributed near the outer periphery.

[0038] The electromagnetic induction source 162 inductively heats the susceptor 161. When an alternating current is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162, a fluctuating magnetic field (more specifically, an alternating magnetic field) is generated. The electromagnetic induction source 162 is disposed at a position where the internal space 141 of the housing portion 140 overlaps with the generated fluctuating magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source 162 is, for example, composed of a coiled wire and is disposed so as to wind around the outer periphery of the housing portion 140. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field is generated in a state where the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing portion 140, eddy currents are generated in the susceptor 161, and Joule heat is generated. Then, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated and atomized by such Joule heat, and an aerosol is generated. As an example, when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that a predetermined user input has been made, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated. Thereafter, when it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that a predetermined user input has been made, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during a period in which it is detected by the sensor unit 112 that suction by the user has been performed.

[0039] Note that the susceptor 161 is an example of a heat source for heating the aerosol source. By combining the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150, it becomes possible to generate an aerosol. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.

[0040] <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating Profile The control unit 116 controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, that is, the temperature of the susceptor 161. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source, that is, the temperature of the susceptor 161. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value of the temperature of the susceptor 161 (hereinafter, also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter, also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the content of power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162. The power supply parameters include, for example, ON / OFF of power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162.

[0041] The control unit 116 controls the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 so that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 (hereinafter, also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the time-series transition of the target temperature 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 (hereinafter, also referred to as the taste) that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150 is optimized. Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the heating profile, the taste can be optimized.

[0042] The temperature of susceptor 161 can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of a drive circuit such as an LC circuit including electromagnetic induction source 162. This is because there is an extremely monotonic relationship between the electrical resistance value of the drive circuit and the temperature of susceptor 161. Therefore, control unit 116 estimates the electrical resistance value of the drive circuit based on information on the DC power supplied to the drive circuit. Then, control unit 116 estimates the temperature of susceptor 161 based on the electrical resistance value of the drive circuit. In other examples, the temperature of susceptor 161 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near housing portion 140.

[0043] The heating profile may include 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, control unit 116 controls the temperature of susceptor 161 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 susceptor 161 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control. In feedback control, control unit 116 may control the power supplied to electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature, etc. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Alternatively, control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, control unit 116 may supply power to electromagnetic induction source 162 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and interrupt the power supply to electromagnetic induction source 162 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0044] Control unit 116 can supply the power from power supply unit 111 to electromagnetic induction source 162 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, in feedback control, control unit 116 can control the temperature of susceptor 161 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0045] The time interval from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150, more specifically, the time interval during which the electromagnetic induction source 162 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 starts. 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 half preheating period and a second half 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 induction heating until the user can aspirate the aerosol, that is, until the puffable period starts. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0046] An example of the heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0047]

Table 1

[0048] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time-series change of the target temperature and the time-series change of the power supply parameters may be defined in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of 10 periods from STEP0 to STEP9. In each STEP, the time-series change of the target temperature and the time-series change of the power supply parameters are defined. The STEP defined in the heating profile is an example of the unit period in the present embodiment.

[0049] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes information for controlling the temperature of the susceptor 161 in each of the initial temperature rise period, the intermediate temperature drop period, the re-temperature rise period, and the heating end period. The initial temperature rise period is an example of the first period during which the temperature of the susceptor 161 rises after the start of heating. The initial temperature rise period is from STEP0 to STEPIt consists of 2. The intermediate temperature drop period follows the initial temperature rise period and is an example of a second period during which the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. The intermediate temperature drop period consists of STEP3. The re-temperature rise period follows the intermediate temperature drop period and is an example of a third period during which the temperature of the susceptor 161 rises. The re-temperature rise period consists of STEP4 to STEP8. The heating end period follows the re-temperature rise period and is a period during which the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. The heating end period consists of STEP9. By including the initial temperature rise period, the intermediate temperature drop period, and the re-temperature rise period in the heating session in this order, as will be described later, it becomes possible to shorten the preheating period, prevent rapid consumption of the aerosol source, and optimize the taste delivered to the user.

[0050] In STEP1 to STEP9, time control is implemented. Time control is control to end a STEP triggered by the elapse of a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each STEP). When time control is implemented, the rate of change of the temperature of the susceptor 161 may be controlled so that the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, when time control is implemented, the temperature of the susceptor 161 may be controlled so that the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches the target temperature during the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration elapses.

[0051] On the other hand, in STEP0, time control is not implemented. When time control is not implemented, the STEP ends triggered by the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaching a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each STEP). Therefore, the duration of STEP0 expands or contracts according to the heating rate.

[0052] The temperature change of the susceptor 161 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph 20 showing an example of the temperature change of the susceptor 161 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of the graph 20 is the temperature of the susceptor 161. The line 21 shows the temperature change of the susceptor 161. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as the change in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Hereinafter, an example of the heating profile will be described with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0053] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the susceptor 161 rises or is maintained. Specifically, in STEP0, the temperature of the susceptor 161 rises from the initial temperature to 350°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the susceptor 161 at the start of heating. In STEP0, time control is not implemented. Therefore, STEP0 ends triggered by the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaching 350°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP1 and STEP2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is maintained at 350°C. The end of STEP1 marks the end of the preheating period, and the start of STEP2 starts the puffable period. By rapidly raising the temperature of the susceptor 161 to a high temperature in the initial temperature rise period, it is possible to end the preheating early and start the puffable period early.

[0054] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in the intermediate temperature drop period, the temperature of the susceptor 161 drops. Specifically, in STEP3, the temperature of the susceptor 161 drops to 300°C. By temporarily lowering the temperature of the susceptor 161 in the intermediate temperature drop period, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as rapid consumption of the aerosol source and the taste delivered to the user being too strong, and to improve the quality of the user's puffing experience. In STEP3, the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to lower the temperature of the susceptor 161 at the fastest speed.

[0055] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, during the re-heating period, the temperature of the susceptor 161 rises or is maintained. Specifically, from STEP4 to STEP7, the temperature of the susceptor 161 gradually rises to 320°C. Thus, control information spanning multiple STEPs may be defined. Thereafter, in STEP8, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is maintained at 320°C. By raising again in the re-heating period the temperature of the susceptor 161 that decreased during the intermediate cooling period, it is possible to prevent excessive cooling of the aerosol source and the accompanying deterioration of the taste delivered to the user, thereby improving the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0056] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, during the heating end period, the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. Specifically, in STEP9, the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. In STEP9, while the duration is defined, the target temperature is not defined. Therefore, STEP9 ends triggered by the end of the duration. In STEP9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated by the residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, with the end of STEP9, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends. Note that in STEP9, the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is turned off. By providing the heating end period at the end of the puffable period, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

[0057] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the pre-heating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information announcing the end of the pre-heating before the pre-heating ends, or may notify information indicating that the pre-heating has ended at the timing when the pre-heating has ended. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can puff immediately after the end of the pre-heating with reference to such notification.

[0058] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffable period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information that forewarns the end of the puffable period before the puffable period ends, or may notify information indicating that the puffable period has ended at the timing when the puffable period has ended. Notification to the user can be performed, for example, by lighting of an LED or vibration. The user can perform puffs until the puffable period ends with reference to such notification.

[0059] Note that the heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are conceivable. As an example, the number of STEPs, the duration of each STEP, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate. As another example, in STEP4, the temperature of the susceptor 161 may be maintained at 300°C.

[0060] (2) Technical problem With reference to FIG. 3, the technical problem of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining the technical problem of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph 30 is time. The vertical axis of the graph 30 is temperature. The graph 30 includes a line 31 showing the time-series change of the temperature of the susceptor 161 and a line 32 showing the time-series change of the temperature of the aerosol source. The user performs a second puff (hereinafter also referred to as the previous puff) from time t 2S to time t 2E and then performs a first puff (hereinafter also referred to as the current puff) from time t 1S to time t 1E . Temperature h T is the target temperature of the susceptor 161. Note that in this specification, when there is no temperature drop associated with the puff, it is assumed that the temperature of the aerosol source and the temperature of the susceptor 161 are the same. That is, as shown by the lines 31 and 32, until the puff is performed, the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source maintain the target temperature h T of the susceptor 161.

[0062] As shown by line 32, when the user takes a puff, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150, particularly the temperature of the aerosol source, drops significantly. This is because the warmed air in the internal space 141 is inhaled by the user together with the aerosol, and new cold air flows into the internal space 141 to cool the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0063] When the user takes a puff, not only the temperature of the aerosol source but also the temperature of the susceptor 161 may drop. However, the susceptor 161 has the property of being less affected by disturbances. That is, the susceptor 161 has the property of being easy to warm up and difficult to cool down. Therefore, as shown by line 31, even when the user takes a puff, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can maintain the target temperature h T That is, as shown by lines 31 and 32, when the user takes a puff, a divergence will occur between the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source.

[0064] As shown by line 32, when puffs are continuously taken at short intervals, a puff can be started before the temperature of the aerosol source returns to its original state. For example, the previous puff was started when the temperature of the aerosol source was not decreasing, while the current puff is started when the temperature of the aerosol source has decreased. Therefore, as shown by line 32, the temperature of the aerosol source during the period t 1S ~t 1E corresponding to the current puff is lower than the temperature of the aerosol source during the period t 2S ~t 2E corresponding to the previous puff. As a result, the taste delivered to the user in the current puff may deteriorate compared to the taste delivered to the user in the previous puff. This is because when the temperature of the aerosol source drops, the amount of aerosol generated may decrease or the flavor imparted to the aerosol may decrease. Thus, excessive decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source during continuous puffing may cause deterioration of the taste during continuous puffing.

[0065] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is temporarily increased during continuous puffing. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an excessive temperature drop of the aerosol source during continuous puffing and to prevent deterioration of the taste during continuous puffing.

[0066] (3) Temperature control during continuous puffing With reference to FIG. 4, the temperature control during continuous puffing by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining the temperature control during continuous puffing by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph 40 is time. The vertical axis of the graph 40 is temperature. The graph 40 includes a line 41 showing the time-series change in the temperature of the susceptor 161 and a line 42 showing the time-series change in the temperature of the aerosol source. The user performs a second puff (hereinafter also referred to as the previous puff) from time t 2S to time t 2E , and then performs a first puff (hereinafter also referred to as the current puff) from time t 1S to time t 1E . The temperature h T is the target temperature of the susceptor 161.

[0068] When a puff is detected, the control unit 116 records the time when the puff is detected in the storage unit 114, and controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the recorded time. The control unit 116 can detect a puff based on, for example, a change in the flow rate of the air flowing into the storage unit 140 detected by the flow rate sensor, a change in the power supply amount to the electromagnetic induction source 162, or a change in the temperature of the susceptor 161. The control unit 116 controls the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 to control the temperature of the susceptor 161. For example, the control unit 116 adjusts the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162.

[0069] When a puff (i.e., the current puff) in which the user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the information of the puff performed previously (i.e., the previous puff). For example, when the current puff is performed, the control unit 116 performs control to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the information of the previous puff. In particular, the control unit 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 at least in part during the period in which the current puff is detected. As shown by line 41, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 from the start time t 1S to the end time t 1E of the current puff. Of course, the start time t 1S of the current puff may be different from the start time of the period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased. Also, the end time t 1E of the current puff may be different from the end time of the period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased. The control unit 116 increases the power supply amount to the electromagnetic induction source 162 in order to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161. At that time, the control unit 116 may increase the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162. Comparing line 32 shown in FIG. 3 and line 42 shown in FIG. 4, by performing the above control, an excessive decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source during the period t 1S ~t 1E corresponding to the current puff is suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the taste during continuous puffing, more specifically, deterioration of the taste in the current puff performed at a short interval from the previous puff.

[0070] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff. For example, the control unit 116 performs control to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff. An example of the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is the interval from the end time t 2E of the previous puff to the start time t 1S of the current puff. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases with the puff and rises back to the original as time elapses after the puff ends. Therefore, the shorter the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff, the earlier the start time t 1SThe target temperature h of the aerosol source temperature at T The decrease from is large. On the other hand, the longer the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff, the starting period t of the current puff 1S The target temperature h of the aerosol source temperature at T The decrease from is small. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the starting period t of the current puff 1S The target temperature h of the aerosol source temperature at T According to the decrease from, it is possible to raise the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 116 may raise the temperature of the susceptor 161 when the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is less than a predetermined threshold. An example of the predetermined threshold is the time assumed to be required for the temperature of the aerosol source that has decreased with the puff to return to its original value. In that case, the control unit 116 limits the temperature increase of the susceptor 161 to raise the temperature of the aerosol source only when the temperature of the aerosol source at the starting period t 1S of the current puff has decreased due to the influence of the previous puff. On the other hand, the control unit 116 does not raise the temperature of the susceptor 161 when the temperature of the aerosol source at the starting period t 1S of the current puff has not decreased due to the influence of the previous puff. According to such a configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be raised only when continuous puffs are performed at intervals so narrow that taste deterioration occurs. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

[0072] Also, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 more as the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is shorter. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 less as the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is longer. According to such a configuration, it is possible to raise the temperature of the susceptor 161 without excess or deficiency.

[0073] As described above, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the heating profile. However, as shown in line 41, when the current puff is performed, the control unit 116 ensures that the temperature of the susceptor 161 is the target temperature hT is raised by a temperature Δh corresponding to the previous puff information to a temperature h T ´. Specifically, when the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 to reach the target temperature h T raised by Δh to a temperature h T ´. However, the control unit 116 sets Δh to be larger as the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is shorter, and sets Δh to be smaller as the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is longer. According to such a configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be made to reach a temperature h T higher than the target temperature h T ´, and accordingly, an excessive temperature drop of the aerosol source during continuous puffing can be prevented. According to such a configuration, while providing the user with an optimal taste according to the heating profile, it is possible to prevent taste deterioration during continuous puffing.

[0074] The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the information of the previous puff, especially when a puff is performed during the rewarming period. In other words, the control unit 116 may not perform the control of the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the information of the previous puff even when a puff is performed during the initial heating period and the intermediate cooling period. Since the initial heating period is a period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 rapidly rises and is maintained at a high temperature, the temperature drop width of the aerosol source due to a puff is small. Also, since the intermediate cooling period is a period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source are lowered, there is little need to prevent the temperature drop of the aerosol source due to a puff. On the other hand, during the rewarming period, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is relatively low and the temperature drop width of the aerosol source due to a puff is relatively large, so the taste may deteriorate significantly during continuous puffing. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently prevent taste deterioration during continuous puffing, limited to the rewarming period in which the taste may deteriorate significantly during continuous puffing.

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of the process according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the control unit 116 determines whether a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected (step S102). An example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0077] If it is determined that a user operation instructing the start of heating has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 controls the duty ratio of the power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 so that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as the time series change of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0079] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether it has shifted to the reheating period (step S106). If it is determined that it has not shifted to the reheating period (step S106: NO), the control unit 116 waits until it shifts to the reheating period.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that it has shifted to the reheating period (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 determines whether a puff has been performed (step S108).

[0081] If it is determined that a puff has been performed (step S108), the control unit 116 determines whether the interval between the previously detected puff (i.e., the previous puff) and the puff detected in step S108 (i.e., the current puff) is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S110).

[0082] When it is determined that the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is less than a predetermined threshold (step S110 : YES), the control unit 116 temporarily raises the temperature of the susceptor 161 (step S112). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 116 raises the temperature of the susceptor 161 from the start time t 1S to the end time t 1E of the current puff. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0083] When it is determined in step S108 that no puff is being performed (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S114. When it is determined in step S110 that the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S110: NO), the process also proceeds to step S114.

[0084] In step S114, the control unit 116 determines whether the end condition is satisfied (step S114). An example of the end condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating. Another example of the end condition is that the number of puffs from the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0085] When it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S108.

[0086] On the other hand, when it is determined that the end condition is satisfied (step S114: YES), the control unit 116 ends the heating based on the heating profile (step S116). Thereafter, the process ends.

[0087] <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.

[0088] (1) First Modification Example The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the suction amount in the previous puff. The suction amount is the total amount of fluid that the user sucks during a puff. The suction amount is calculated or estimated, for example, based on the air flow rate detected by a flow sensor. Alternatively, the length of the puff (e.g., from the start time t 2S to the end time t 2E ) may be simply used as the suction amount. The larger the suction amount in the previous puff, the more the stick-shaped substrate 150 is cooled by a large amount of air. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol source at the start time t 1S of this puff, the target temperature h T has a large decrease width. On the other hand, the smaller the suction amount in the previous puff, the less the stick-shaped substrate 150 is cooled by a small amount of air. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol source at the start time t 1S of this puff, the target temperature h T has a small decrease width. In this regard, according to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source according to the decrease width from the target temperature h 1S of the aerosol source at the start time t T of this puff.

[0089] Specifically, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 more as the suction amount in the previous puff is larger. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 less as the suction amount in the previous puff is smaller. According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 without excess or deficiency.

[0090] Further, the control unit 116 may set the predetermined threshold value to be compared with the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff based on the suction amount in the previous puff. For example, the control unit 116 may increase the predetermined threshold value as the suction amount in the previous puff increases, and decrease the predetermined threshold value as the suction amount in the previous puff decreases. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases more as the suction amount increases, and the time until it rises back to the original state becomes longer. Therefore, even if the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is the same, if the suction amount in the previous puff is different, the target temperature h of the aerosol source at the start time t of the current puff 1S of the aerosol source at the start time t of the current puff T will have a different decrease width from. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased only when the deterioration of the taste in the current puff is assumed based on the suction amount in the previous puff.

[0091] (2) Second modification example The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the environmental temperature. The environmental temperature is the temperature of the environment in which the suction device 100 operates. An example of the environmental temperature is the air temperature. The environmental temperature can be detected by, for example, a temperature sensor. When the environmental temperature is low, since the temperature of the new air flowing into the internal space 141 with each puff is low, it is considered that the temperature decrease width of the aerosol source accompanying the puff is large. On the other hand, when the environmental temperature is high, since the temperature of the new air flowing into the internal space 141 with each puff is high, it is considered that the temperature decrease width of the aerosol source accompanying the puff is small. Therefore, the control unit 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 as the environmental temperature decreases. On the other hand, the control unit 116 decreases the temperature of the susceptor 161 as the environmental temperature increases. According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately prevent the deterioration of the taste during continuous puffing according to the temperature decrease width of the aerosol source corresponding to the environmental temperature.

[0092] Further, the control unit 116 may set the predetermined threshold value to be compared with the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff based on the environmental temperature. For example, the control unit 116 may increase the predetermined threshold value as the environmental temperature is lower, and decrease the predetermined threshold value as the environmental temperature is higher. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases more as the environmental temperature is lower, and the time until it rises back to the original state becomes longer. Therefore, even if the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is the same, if the environmental temperatures are different, the temperature drop width of the aerosol source at the start time t 1S of the current puff from the target temperature h T is different. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased only when the taste deterioration in the current puff is assumed based on the environmental temperature.

[0093] (3) Third modification example The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the information of one or more third puffs performed prior to the previous puff. An example of the information of the third puff is the time when the third puff is performed, the interval between the third puff and the previous puff or the current puff, or the suction amount in the third puff, etc. For example, the more times the puff is performed at short intervals, the more the temperature of the aerosol source decreases cumulatively. Therefore, for example, the control unit 116 may increase the temperature rise width of the susceptor 161 when the current puff is detected as the number of puffs performed in the past at intervals less than the predetermined threshold value is larger. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the taste deterioration in the current puff in consideration of the cumulative effect of the temperature drop of the aerosol source due to the puffs performed multiple times at short intervals.

[0094] (4) Other modification examples The temperature control of the susceptor 161 described in the above embodiments and modification examples may be appropriately combined. For example, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 during the current puff based on at least two of the interval between the previous puff and the current puff, the suction amount in the previous puff, information on one or more third puffs performed prior to the previous puff, or the environmental temperature. As a specific example, even if the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is less than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 116 may not increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 during the current puff when the suction amount in the previous puff is small. According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing deterioration of the taste during continuous puffing as compared with the case where the above temperature control is performed alone.

[0095] In the above embodiment, an example in which the control unit 116 uses the interval from the end time t of the previous puff to the start time t of the current puff as the interval between the current puff and the previous puff has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may use the interval from the start time t of the previous puff to the start time t of the current puff as the interval between the current puff and the previous puff. 2E to the start time t of the current puff 1S has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may use, as the interval between the current puff and the previous puff, the interval from the start time t of the previous puff 2S to the start time t of the current puff 1S may also be used.

[0096] In the above embodiment, an example in which the susceptor 161 is contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The susceptor 161 may be provided in the suction device 100. As an example, the suction device 100 may have a susceptor 161 disposed outside the internal space 141. Specifically, the housing portion 140 may be made of a material having conductivity and magnetism and function as the susceptor 161. Since the housing portion 140 as the susceptor 161 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the base material portion 151, it can be in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material portion 151. As another example, the suction device 100 may have a susceptor 161 disposed inside the internal space 141. Specifically, the susceptor 161 configured in a blade shape may be disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing portion 140 into the internal space 141. When the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 of the housing portion 140, the blade-shaped susceptor 161 is inserted into the stick-shaped base material 150 so as to pierce the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150. Thereby, the blade-shaped susceptor 161 can be in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material portion 151.

[0097] In the above embodiment, an example in which the aerosol source is heated by the susceptor 161 heated by induction heating has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may have a heating resistor that generates heat due to electrical resistance when energized, and the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 may be heated by the heating resistor. In this case, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating resistor based on a heating profile. Further, the suction device 100 performs control to increase the temperature of the heating resistor at the current puff based on the information on the previous puff.

[0098] In addition, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be implemented using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The program constituting the software is stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Further, the above computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. Further, the above computer may be a specific application integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. In addition, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be processed in a distributed manner by a plurality of computers.

[0099] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0100] Note that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a housing portion capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source; a control unit that controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing portion; and when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on a second puff performed previously. An aerosol generation system. (2) The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the distance between the first puff and the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to (1) above. (3) When the distance is less than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit raises the temperature for heating the aerosol source. The aerosol generation system according to (2) above. (4) The shorter the distance, the greater the increase in the temperature for heating the aerosol source by the control unit. The aerosol generation system according to (2) or (3) above. (5) The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the suction amount in the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The greater the suction amount in the second puff, the greater the increase in the temperature for heating the aerosol source by the control unit. The aerosol generation system according to (5) above. (7) The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of one or more third puffs performed prior to the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on control information defining a target value of the temperature for heating the aerosol source. When the first puff is performed, the control unit controls such that the temperature for heating the aerosol source becomes a temperature increased by a temperature corresponding to the second puff information from the target value. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) The control information is a first period during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source rises after the start of heating, A second period that follows the first period and during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source decreases, a third period that follows the second period and during which the temperature for heating the aerosol source increases, each including information for controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source, when the first puff is performed during the third period, the control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of the second puff, The aerosol generation system according to (8) above. (10) The control unit further controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the ambient temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on at least two of the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the suction amount during the second puff, the information of one or more third puffs performed prior to the second puff, or the ambient temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The aerosol generation system further includes an electromagnetic induction source that generates a variable magnetic field and inductively heats a susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol source. As controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source, the control unit controls the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The base material contains the susceptor. The aerosol generation system according to (12) above. (14) The aerosol generation system includes the base material. The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system having a housing portion capable of housing a substrate containing an aerosol source, The control method includes: controlling a temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate housed in the housing portion, Controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source includes controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on a second puff performed previously when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed. Control method. (16) A computer that controls an aerosol generation system having a housing portion capable of housing a substrate containing an aerosol source, is caused to function as a control unit that controls a temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate housed in the housing portion, and when a first puff in which a user sucks an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on a second puff performed previously. Program.

Explanation of Signs

[0101] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 140 Housing portion 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 150 Stick-shaped substrate 161 Susceptor 162 Electromagnetic induction source

Claims

1. a housing portion capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source and a susceptor; an electromagnetic induction source that generates a variable magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol source; a control unit that controls the temperature of heating the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing portion by controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source; comprising: when a first puff in which a user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit controls the temperature of heating the aerosol source based on information on a second puff performed previously; when the control unit controls the temperature of heating the aerosol source based on the information on the second puff, when the first puff is performed, if the interval between the first puff and the second puff is less than a predetermined threshold, the temperature of the susceptor is increased during the period from the start to the end of the first puff, and if the interval is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the temperature of the susceptor is maintained during the period from the start to the end of the first puff; an aerosol generation system.

2. When the interval between the first puff and the second puff is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit decreases the temperature of heating the aerosol source to a target value of the temperature of heating the aerosol source when the first puff ends. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 1.

3. When a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected, the control unit starts heating the aerosol source to start a heating session, and based on the information on the second puff performed in the same heating session as the first puff, controls the temperature of heating the aerosol source during the period from the start to the end of the first puff. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 2.

4. The shorter the interval, the greater the increase in the temperature of heating the aerosol source by the control unit. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit controls the temperature of heating the aerosol source based on the inhalation amount in the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The greater the inhalation amount in the second puff, the greater the increase in the temperature of heating the aerosol source by the control unit. The aerosol generation system according to Claim 5.

7. The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information on one or more third puffs performed prior to the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on control information defining a target value of the temperature for heating the aerosol source. When the first puff is performed, the control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source such that the temperature becomes a temperature obtained by increasing the target value by a temperature corresponding to the information of the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control information is a first period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source rises after the start of heating, a second period following the first period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source decreases, a third period following the second period in which the temperature for heating the aerosol source rises, and includes information for controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source in each of them. When the first puff is performed in the third period, the control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of the second puff. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8.

10. The control unit further controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the ambient temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control unit controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on at least two of the interval between the first puff and the second puff, the suction amount in the second puff, information on one or more third puffs performed prior to the second puff, or the ambient temperature. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The aerosol generation system includes the base material. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system includes a housing unit capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source and a susceptor, an electromagnetic induction source that generates a variable magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol source, and has The control method includes controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing unit by controlling the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source. Controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source includes, when a first puff in which a user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information of a previously performed second puff, wherein controlling the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of the second puff includes, when the first puff is performed, increasing the temperature of the susceptor during a period from the start to the end of the first puff when the interval between the first puff and the second puff is less than a predetermined threshold value, and maintaining the temperature of the susceptor during a period from the start to the end of the first puff when the interval is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, a control method.

14. A program executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes, a housing portion capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source and a susceptor, an electromagnetic induction source that generates a variable magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor that is thermally close to the aerosol source, and has, the program causes the computer to, function as a control portion that controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing portion by controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source, and, when a first puff in which a user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control portion controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on information of a previously performed second puff, wherein the control portion controls the temperature for heating the aerosol source based on the information of the second puff, and when the first puff is performed, increases the temperature of the susceptor during a period from the start to the end of the first puff when the interval between the first puff and the second puff is less than a predetermined threshold value, and maintains the temperature of the susceptor during a period from the start to the end of the first puff when the interval is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, a program.

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