Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of a user's experience. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls so that preheating, which is performed after the heating of the aerosol source is started, is to be performed during a first period of time until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and a second period of time that follows the first period of time and has a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols containing flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puffing action.

[0003] Typically, inhalation devices generate aerosols by heating a substrate. Because the quality of the user experience is significantly affected by the temperature at which the substrate is heated, technological developments are being conducted to achieve appropriate temperature control. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology for controlling power supply to a heater by dividing it into multiple phases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 186668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

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

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, to be performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature, and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit.

[0008] The control unit may set a longer time length of the second period as the initial temperature of the heating unit increases.

[0009] The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information selected from a plurality of pieces of control information, the control information being for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and sets the duration of the second period to a first duration when the initial temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and sets the duration of the second period to a second duration longer than the first duration when the initial temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined threshold, and may set the difference between the first duration and the second duration to a fixed value regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected.

[0010] The control unit may determine the end of the first period using the temperature of the heating unit reaching the first temperature as a trigger.

[0011] The control unit may set the length of the first period according to the initial temperature of the heating unit, and may determine the end of the first period using the elapse of the length of time set for the first period as a trigger.

[0012] The control unit may set a shorter time length of the first period as the initial temperature of the heating unit increases.

[0013] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit is maintained at the first temperature during the second period.

[0014] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit during the second period so that the temperature of the heating unit reaches a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0015] The control unit may set the first temperature based on the initial temperature of the heating unit.

[0016] The control unit may set the first temperature to be higher as the initial temperature of the heating unit is higher.

[0017] The aerosol generating system may further include a notification unit that notifies a user of information indicating when the preheating will end.

[0018] The aerosol generating system may further include a substrate containing the aerosol source that is heated by the heating section.

[0019] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the control method including controlling the operation of the heating unit so that pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature, and for a second period subsequent to the first period, having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit, until the elapse of the first period.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing the computer to function as a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature, and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit, until the elapse of the first period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121 when the temperature is controlled based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating part when the initial temperature of the heating part is 200°C. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0024] <1. Example of suction device configuration> An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0026] Power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of suction device 100 based on the control of control unit 116. Power supply unit 111 can be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0027] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0028] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, 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.

[0029] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0030] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as a standard using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0031] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0032] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding part 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0033] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid but may also be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0034] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0035] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0036] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0037] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0038] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0039] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contains an aerosol source and contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The aerosol is generated by combining the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0040] <2. Technical Features> 2.1. Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0041] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating, in which case the heating profile includes information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply parameters). The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. Turning power supply ON / OFF to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0042] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0043] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0044] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0045] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0046] An example of a 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 transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters may be specified in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of 10 periods, STEP 0 to STEP 9. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP.

[0049] The temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. An example of the heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0050] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 300°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. In STEP 0, time control is not performed. Here, time control is control that also determines the elapsed time until the target value (here, the target temperature) of the heating profile is reached. That is, in STEP 0, while the target value is set as the heating profile, the target elapsed time until the target value is reached does not have to be set. When time control is performed, the step ends when the duration elapses. Since time control is not performed in STEP 0, the step ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 0 ends after 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP 1 and STEP 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2. In addition, in STEP 0, the fact that time control is not performed does not prevent control such as determining that an error has occurred and stopping heating if a predetermined temperature is not reached within a predetermined time.

[0051] For users, a shorter preheating time is desirable. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered to the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 300°C in STEP 0 and ensure that STEP 1 continues for a certain period of time.

[0052] Here, in STEP 0 to STEP 2, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a high voltage. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach 300°C as quickly as possible and maintain the high temperature thereafter. In addition, the pre-heating period can be shortened.

[0053] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220°C. Time control is not performed in STEP 3. Therefore, STEP 3 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 3 ends in 20 seconds. In STEP 3, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a high voltage to a low voltage. Switching the voltage while power is being supplied to the heating unit 121 can reduce the accuracy of temperature control due to factors such as noise being introduced into the gain of PID control. Switching the voltage while power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121 can prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control due to the voltage switch.

[0054] As shown in Table 1 and Fig. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 then gradually increases to 270°C from STEP 4 to STEP 7. In this manner, control information may be defined across multiple STEPs. Thereafter, in STEP 8, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 270°C.

[0055] Here, in STEP 4 to STEP 8, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a low voltage. This is because in STEP 4 to STEP 8, there is no need to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 or to maintain it at a high temperature. By lowering the voltage in STEP 4 to STEP 8, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the entire heating session.

[0056] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 9, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 9, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a low voltage to a high voltage. This makes it possible to start the next heating session at a high voltage. Furthermore, by switching the voltage during a period when power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control due to the voltage switching. In STEP 9, while the duration is specified, the target temperature is not specified. Therefore, STEP 9 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated due to residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of STEP 9.

[0057] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information informing the user of the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0058] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0059] The heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. For example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate. As another example, in STEP 4, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be maintained at 220°C.

[0060] 2.2. Control Based on Initial Temperature of Heating Unit 121 The control unit 116 controls the preheating, which is performed from the start of heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 until the user can inhale the aerosol, so that it is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a first temperature, and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a duration corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Note that "until the user can inhale" includes the duration until a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. In other words, "until the user can inhale the aerosol" includes the duration until the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a state suitable for the user to inhale the aerosol, and does not necessarily prohibit the user from inhaling the aerosol during the preheating. The first period is a period that begins with the start of heating based on the heating profile. The second period is a period that follows the first period. The first and second periods constitute a preheating period. In the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, STEP 0 corresponds to the first period, and STEP 1 corresponds to the second period. That is, the control unit 116 sets the duration of STEP 1 according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. In addition, setting the time length of STEP1 according to the initial temperature of the heating section 121 is a concept that includes setting the time length of STEP1 according to the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 at the start of heating, which is the basis for calculating the initial temperature of the heating section 121.

[0061] Here, the control unit 116 determines the end of STEP 0 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a first temperature, which is a trigger. The first temperature is a target temperature for STEP 0 and serves as an index for switching from STEP 0 to STEP 1. Then, in STEP 1, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the first temperature. In the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, the first temperature is 300°C.

[0062] In some cases, so-called chain smoking is practiced, in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is replaced at short intervals while heating multiple times. When chain smoking is practiced, the initial temperature of the heating section 121 during the second and subsequent heatings is higher than the initial temperature of the heating section 121 during the first heating. The higher the initial temperature, the faster the temperature of the heating section 121 reaches the first temperature, and therefore the shorter the first period. Therefore, unless any measures are taken, the preheating period will be uniformly shortened by the amount that the first period is shortened. In this regard, with this configuration, a preheating period (more specifically, STEP 1) of an appropriate length according to the initial temperature is ensured, making it possible to deliver an appropriate smoking taste to the user compared to when the preheating period is uniformly shortened by the amount that the first period is shortened.

[0063] Specifically, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the longer the time length of STEP 1 is set by the control unit 116. In other words, the shorter STEP 0 is, the longer STEP 1 is set by the control unit 116. With this configuration, even if STEP 0 is shortened, it is possible to sufficiently heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the preheating period. As a result, it is possible to evaporate the moisture present inside the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the preheating period and prevent the delivery of water vapor to the user. In particular, by lengthening the second period after the first temperature is reached (here, the time length of STEP 1), it is possible to lengthen the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than a predetermined temperature (e.g., a temperature at which moisture easily evaporates). As a result, it is possible to maintain a long period during which the moisture present inside the stick-shaped substrate 150 evaporates.

[0064] The control unit 116 may set the time length of STEP 1 to a first time length when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is below a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may set the time length of STEP 1 to a second time length, which is longer than the first time length, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. For example, the control unit 116 may set the time length of STEP 1 to 20 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is below 200°C, and may set the time length of STEP 1 to 22 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or higher than 200°C. With this configuration, the extension of STEP 1 is limited to cases where the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary extension of STEP 1 and shorten the preheating period, for example, when moisture inside the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be evaporated without extending STEP 1.

[0065] As an example, the control unit 116 may set predetermined values as the first time length and the second time length. For example, the first time length may be 20 seconds and the second time length may be 22 seconds, which may be stored in the storage unit 114.

[0066] As another example, the control unit 116 may set the first time length to the default time length for STEP 1, and may set the second time length to a time length obtained by adding a predetermined value to the default time length. For example, if the default time length is 20 seconds, the first time length may be 20 seconds, and the second time length may be 22 seconds, which is 20 seconds plus 2 seconds.

[0067] Here, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on one heating profile selected from multiple heating profiles. Multiple heating profiles available to the control unit 116 are stored in the storage unit 114, and the heating profile to be used is selected, for example, by the user. In this case, the control unit 116 may fix the difference between the first and second time lengths regardless of which of the multiple heating profiles is selected. For example, the control unit 116 may set the second time length to the first time length plus 2 seconds regardless of which of the multiple heating profiles is selected. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately set the difference between the first and second time lengths even when the heating profile is switched and the default time length of STEP 1 is accordingly changed. This configuration is particularly effective in an environment where new heating profiles can be downloaded and used, or where the user can customize the heating profile. This is because there is no need to predetermine and store the first and second time lengths for each heating profile.

[0068] A specific example of the above control will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0069] The default time length for STEP 1 is 20 seconds, as shown in Table 1. The control unit 116 sets the time length for STEP 1 to 20 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than 200° C., and sets the time length for STEP 1 to 22 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200° C. or higher. An example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200° C. or higher is shown in FIG. 3.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C. The horizontal axis of this graph represents time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph represents the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 3, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature of 200°C to 300°C. In the example shown in FIG. 3, 10 seconds after the start of heating, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C, STEP 0 ends, and STEP 1 begins. Because the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C or higher, the control unit 116 determines that STEP 1 has ended, i.e., that preheating has ended, 22 seconds after the start of STEP 1, and causes the notification unit 113 to notify information indicating the end of preheating. The processing from STEP 2 onwards is the same as the processing described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0071] The flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0072] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. This flow shows an example of the flow of processing when the temperature control shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is performed.

[0073] 4, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S102). One example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0074] If it is determined that a user operation to instruct the start of heating has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until a user operation to instruct the start of heating is detected.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that a user operation to instruct 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 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121.

[0076] Next, the control unit 116 acquires the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S106). As an example, the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 can be acquired based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when power supply to the heating unit 121 starts. Note that the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121. In this case, the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be acquired before heating starts.

[0077] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200° C. or higher (step S108).

[0078] If it is determined that the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C or higher (step S108: YES), the control unit 116 extends the time length of STEP1 by 2 seconds to 22 seconds (step S110). On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than 200°C (step S108: NO), the control unit 116 sets the time length of STEP1 to the default of 20 seconds. In either case, heating is performed based on a heating profile that reflects the set time length of STEP1.

[0079] Thereafter, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S112). One example of the termination condition is that the duration of STEP 9 has elapsed. Another example of the termination condition is that the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0080] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S112: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the termination condition is satisfied.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (step S112: YES), control unit 116 terminates heating based on the heating profile (step S114), and then the process ends.

[0082] If it is determined in step S102 that a user operation to instruct the start of heating has been detected, the control unit 116 may acquire the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 by supplying power to the heating unit 121 for acquiring the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 before performing step S104. Then, the control unit 116 may execute step S104 after executing step S108 and step S110. Thereafter, the control unit 116 executes step S112 and step S114 as described above.

[0083] <4. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0084] (1) First Modification In the above embodiment, an example in which time control is not performed in STEP 0 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may perform time control in STEP 0. For example, in STEP 0, the temperature rise speed may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C at the end of the duration of STEP 0.

[0085] In particular, the control unit 116 may set the time length of STEP0 according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, and determine the end of STEP0 using the elapse of the time length set for STEP0 as a trigger. In this case, the control unit 116 sets the time length of STEP0 to be shorter the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, the control unit 116 sets the time length of STEP0 to 10 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C or higher, and sets the time length of STEP0 to 20 seconds when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than 200°C. With this configuration, even when time control is performed, it is possible to shorten the time length of STEP0 according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0086] (2) Second Modification In the above embodiment, an example was described in which STEP 0 is the period until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first temperature, and STEP 1 is the period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the first temperature, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

[0087] In STEP 1, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a second temperature higher than the first temperature. For example, the control unit 116 may control the heating unit 121 so that, after the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the second temperature during STEP 1, the second temperature is maintained until the duration of STEP 1 has elapsed. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may control the temperature rise speed so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the second temperature at the end of the duration of STEP 1. In this manner, the target temperature of STEP 0 and the target temperature of STEP 1 may be different. For example, the first temperature may be set to 290°C, and the second temperature may be set to 300°C. This configuration ensures a buffer against overshoot that may occur in STEP 0. This prevents excessive heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and enables the user to enjoy an appropriate smoking experience.

[0088] Here, the control unit 116 may set the first temperature based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control unit 116 may set the first temperature higher as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher. For example, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than 200°C, the control unit 116 sets the first temperature to 90% of the second temperature, and when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C or higher, the control unit 116 sets the first temperature to 95% of the second temperature. By setting the first temperature higher as the initial temperature is higher, the time for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 at a high temperature can be extended in STEP 0. This makes it possible to evaporate moisture present inside the stick-shaped substrate 150 during the pre-heating period and prevent water vapor from being delivered to the user.

[0089] (3) Other variations In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which there is one predetermined threshold value to be compared with the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. A plurality of predetermined threshold values to be compared with the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be set. For example, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is less than a first threshold value, the time length of STEP 1 may be set to a first time length. Furthermore, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the time length of STEP 1 may be set to a second time length. Furthermore, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the time length of STEP 1 may be set to a third time length that is longer than the second time length.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating profile includes a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The heating profile may include target values for parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121. Examples of parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself as described in the above embodiment, as well as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat through electrical resistance. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil, that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat through induction heating, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and then causes the susceptor to heat by penetrating the alternating magnetic field. The susceptor that generates heat through induction heating is provided in the suction device 100. In this case, the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance of the susceptor, which is calculated from the impedance of a circuit including the electromagnetic induction source.

[0092] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0093] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0094] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a heating section for heating the aerosol source to generate the aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit controls pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, to be performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature, and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit. Aerosol generation systems. (2) the control unit sets a time length of the second period to be longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit is higher; The aerosol generating system described in (1) above. (3) The control unit controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, the control information being selected from a plurality of pieces of control information; When the initial temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a first time length, and when the initial temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a second time length that is longer than the first time length; Regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected, the difference between the first duration and the second duration is set to a fixed value. The aerosol generating system described in (2) above. (4) the control unit determines the end of the first period when the temperature of the heating unit reaches the first temperature as a trigger. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) the control unit sets a time length of the first period in accordance with the initial temperature of the heating unit, and determines the end of the first period when the time length set for the first period has elapsed as a trigger. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (6) the control unit sets a time length of the first period to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit is higher; The aerosol generating system described in (5) above. (7) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit maintains the first temperature during the second period. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit during the second period so that the temperature of the heating unit reaches a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (9) the control unit sets the first temperature based on the initial temperature of the heating unit. The aerosol generating system described in (8) above. (10) the control unit sets the first temperature higher as the initial temperature of the heating unit increases; The aerosol generating system described in (9) above. (11) The aerosol generating system further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of information indicating a timing at which the preheating is to end. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The aerosol generating system further includes a substrate containing the aerosol source, the substrate being heated by the heating unit. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) 1. A control method for controlling an aerosol generating system including a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: controlling the operation of the heating unit so that pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit; A control method comprising: (14) A program executed by a computer to control an aerosol generating system including a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that preheating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and for a second period subsequent to the first period and having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit; A program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece

Claims

1. a heating section for heating the aerosol source to generate the aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit controls preheating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, to be performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit; the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit is maintained at the first temperature or a second temperature higher than the first temperature during the second period, regardless of the initial temperature of the heating unit. Aerosol generation systems.

2. the control unit sets a time length of the second period to be longer as the initial temperature of the heating unit is higher; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. The control unit controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, the control information being selected from a plurality of pieces of control information; When the initial temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a first time length, and when the initial temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a second time length that is longer than the first time length; a difference between the first duration and the second duration being a fixed value regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected; 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

4. The control unit When the initial temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a first time length, and when the initial temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the time length of the second period is set to a second time length that is longer than the first time length; a difference between the first time length and the second time length is a fixed value; without performing time control during the first period, determining the end of the first period when the temperature of the heating unit reaches the first temperature as a trigger.

4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

5. the control unit sets a time length of the first period in accordance with the initial temperature of the heating unit, and determines the end of the first period using the elapse of the time length set for the first period as a trigger.

4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

6. the control unit sets a time length of the first period to be shorter as the initial temperature of the heating unit is higher; 6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5.

7. the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit so as to maintain the second temperature after the temperature of the heating unit reaches the second temperature from the first temperature during the second period. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the control unit sets the first temperature based on the initial temperature of the heating unit.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7.

9. the control unit sets the first temperature higher as the initial temperature of the heating unit increases; 9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8.

10. The aerosol generating system further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of information indicating a timing at which the preheating is to end. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aerosol generating system further includes a substrate containing the aerosol source, the substrate being heated by the heating unit. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 1. A control method for controlling an aerosol generating system including a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: controlling the operation of the heating unit so that pre-heating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and for a second period subsequent to the first period, the second period having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit; Including, controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit is maintained at the first temperature or a second temperature higher than the first temperature during the second period, regardless of the initial temperature of the heating unit. Control method.

13. A program executed by a computer to control an aerosol generating system including a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that preheating, which is performed after starting heating of the aerosol source, is performed for a first period until the temperature of the heating unit reaches a first temperature and for a second period subsequent to the first period and having a time length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit; It functions as The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit is maintained at the first temperature or a second temperature higher than the first temperature during the second period, regardless of the initial temperature of the heating unit. program.

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