Suction device controller

Abstract

This controller for a suction device, which is for carrying out an atomization process for heating and atomizing an aerosol source in response to receiving an atomization request from the aerosol source, comprises a processor for assessing whether a remaining capacity is insufficient for each of a plurality of elements used in the atomization process, and a display that is capable of displaying information for issuing notification that the remaining capacity is insufficient with respect to each of the plurality of elements, the display being configured such that, even when it is assessed by the processor that the remaining capacity is insufficient with respect to two or more elements among the plurality of elements, the display displays the information with respect to one element selected from among the two or more elements.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller for a suction device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inhaler equipped with a display (GUI). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0304567 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an aerosol generating device (controller for an inhaler), when information indicating a low remaining amount of each of multiple elements used in the atomization process of an aerosol source is displayed on a display, it is desirable from the perspective of user convenience to reduce power consumption while improving visibility.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler controller that is advantageous for achieving both reduced power consumption and improved visibility when displaying information indicating a low remaining amount on a display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a controller for an inhaler that performs an atomization process of heating and atomizing an aerosol source in response to receiving a request to atomize the aerosol source, and is equipped with a processor that determines whether each of a plurality of elements used in the atomization process is low in amount, and a display that can display information to notify each of the plurality of elements of a low amount, and the display is configured to display the information for one selected of the two or more elements, even if the processor determines that two or more of the plurality of elements are low in amount.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the processor determines that two or more of the plurality of elements are low on charge, it selects the one element from the two or more elements according to a predetermined condition regarding the priority of displaying the information on the display.

[0008] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that takes a long time to restore the remaining amount from among the two or more elements is preferentially selected as the one element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that is not visible to the user is preferentially selected as the one element from among the two or more elements.

[0010] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that has a greater influence on the flavor of the gas generated by the atomization process is preferentially selected as the one element from among the two or more elements.

[0011] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the element that was determined to be insufficient at the earliest timing among the two or more elements is to be preferentially selected as the one element.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the remaining capacity of one of the elements is restored, the processor displays the information about another element of the two or more elements on the display instead of the information about the one element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor determines whether the remaining amount is insufficient for each of the plurality of elements based on whether the number of times the atomization request can be satisfied with the current remaining amount is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0014] In one embodiment, the threshold is set to a different value for at least two of the plurality of elements.

[0015] In one embodiment, an atomizer is detachably attached to the inhaler controller, the atomizer comprising a container for holding the aerosol source and a heater for heating the aerosol source in the container, and the plurality of elements include a first element which is a power source for supplying power to the heater and a second element which is the aerosol source in the container, and the second threshold, which is the threshold for determining whether the second element has a low amount, is set to a value smaller than the first threshold, which is the threshold for determining whether the first element has a low amount.

[0016] In one embodiment, a capsule containing a flavor source is removably attached to the inhaler controller, and the plurality of elements further includes a third element that is the flavor source in the capsule, and the third threshold, which is the threshold for determining whether the third element is low in amount, is set to a value smaller than the second threshold.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inhaler controller has removably attached thereto an atomizer having a container for holding the aerosol source and a heater for heating the aerosol source in the container, and a capsule containing a flavor source, and the plurality of elements includes at least two of a first element which is a power source for supplying power to the heater, a second element which is the aerosol source in the container, and a third element which is the flavor source in the capsule.

[0018] In one embodiment, the display is electronic paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inhaler controller that is advantageous for achieving both reduced power consumption and improved visibility when displaying information indicating a low remaining amount on a display.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a configuration example of an aspirator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of an aspirator according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an aspirator according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller's electrical components [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information about a remaining capacity shortage on a second display; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processor operation mode. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control process related to display control of a second display. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control process related to display control of a second display. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control process related to display control of a second display. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of times suction can be performed and the threshold value for each element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of rewrite process #1 (exchange). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of rewriting process #2 (charging); [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of rewrite process #3 (remaining amount); [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of rewrite process #3 (remaining amount); [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the characteristics of each element [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a condition for selecting one element [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a first embodiment of rewriting the display content of the second display. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of rewriting the display content of the second display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0023] An aspirator 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 1 to 3 show an example of the configuration of aspirator 100. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of aspirator 100, and Figure 2 shows an external view of aspirator 100. Figure 2 shows a front view, a side view, and a perspective view of aspirator 100. Figure 3 also shows a schematic diagram of aspirator 100.

[0024] The inhaler 100 may be configured to provide a gas containing an aerosol, a gas containing an aerosol and a flavoring substance, or an aerosol, or an aerosol containing a flavoring substance, to a user through the mouthpiece 130 in response to an action requesting atomization of the aerosol source, such as a user inhaling (hereinafter also referred to as an atomization request). The inhaler 100 may include an inhaler controller 102 and an atomizer 104. The atomizer 104 may be removably held by a holder 103 provided on the inhaler controller 102 and configured to atomize the aerosol source under the control of the inhaler controller 102. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. Alternatively, the aerosol source may contain a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid, a solid, or a mixture of a liquid and a solid. A vapor source such as water may be used instead of the aerosol source. In the following description, the inhaler controller 102 may be simply referred to as the controller 102, and the atomizer 104 may be simply referred to as the cartridge 104.

[0025] The inhaler 100 may include a capsule holder 105 that detachably holds a capsule 106 containing a flavor source 131. The capsule holder 105 is configured to engage (screw) with a cylindrical holding portion 103, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3 , and is attached to the holding portion 103 with a cartridge 104 inserted therein. This prevents the cartridge 104 from falling off the holding portion 103 of the controller 102 and maintains contact between the electrical contacts of the controller 102 and the cartridge 104. That is, the capsule holder 105 may function as a locking mechanism for fixing the cartridge 104 to the holding portion 103 of the controller 102. The flavor source 131 may be, for example, a molded product made from tobacco material. Alternatively, the flavor source 131 may be made from a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, Chinese medicine, coffee beans, etc.). The flavor source 131 may be provided with a flavoring such as menthol. The flavor source 131 may be added to the aerosol source. In this embodiment, the cartridge 104 and the capsule holder 105 are configured as separate bodies, but they may also be configured as an integrated body.

[0026] The controller 102 may include electrical components 110 including a battery (power source) BAT. The battery BAT may be a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, or an electric double-layer capacitor such as a lithium-ion capacitor. The electrical components 110 may include a user interface 116. Alternatively, the controller 102 may be understood as including the electrical components 110 and the user interface 116. As shown in FIG. 2 , the controller 102 has a window W made of a light-transmitting member on its outer surface. This allows the user to visually check (confirm visually) the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 held by the holding portion 103 from the exterior of the controller 102 through the window W.

[0027] The user interface 116 may include, for example, an operation unit B that accepts user operations and provision units D1 to D2 that provide information to the user. The operation unit B is, for example, a button switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as button B), but other switches, a touch display, etc. may also be used.

[0028] The providing unit D1 is a display (display unit) for gradually displaying remaining charge information of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and / or the capsule 106, and may be referred to as the first display D1 below. As the first display D1, for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) may be used. Note that in this embodiment, the first display D1 is provided between the button B and the holding unit 103 on the outer surface of the controller 102 as shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto and may be provided at any position on the controller 102. Furthermore, the controller 102 does not necessarily have to have the first display D1.

[0029] The providing unit D2 is a display (display unit) for displaying information notifying the user of a low remaining amount of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and / or the capsule 106, and may be referred to as the second display D2 below. The second display D2 may be a display that consumes power only to rewrite the displayed content, such as electronic paper (e.g., e-ink (registered trademark)). In this embodiment, the second display D2 is provided on the front of the controller 102 as shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto and may be provided in any position on the controller 102.

[0030] The holder 103 of the controller 102 may include a first electrical contact 111 and a second electrical contact 112. When the cartridge 104 is held by the holder 103, the first electrical contact 111 of the holder 103 may contact a third electrical contact 113 of the cartridge 104, and the second electrical contact 112 of the holder 103 may contact a fourth electrical contact 114 of the cartridge 104. The controller 102 may supply power to the heater HT of the cartridge 104 through the first electrical contact 111 and the second electrical contact 112.

[0031] As described above, the cartridge 104 may include the third electrical contact 113 and the fourth electrical contact 114. The cartridge 104 may also include a heater HT for heating and atomizing the aerosol source, a container 125 for holding (accommodating) the aerosol source, and a transport unit (wick) 126 for transporting the aerosol source held by the container 125 to a region heated by the heater HT and for maintaining the aerosol source in the heated region. At least a portion of the heated region may be disposed in a flow path 128 provided within the cartridge 104. The first electrical contact 111, the third electrical contact 113, the heater HT, the fourth electrical contact 114, and the second electrical contact 112 form a current path for passing a current through the heater HT. The transport unit 126 may be made of, for example, a fiber material such as glass fiber, a porous material such as ceramic, or a combination of these. Note that the means for transporting the aerosol source held in the container 125 to the heated region is not limited to a wick; a sprayer or other transport means such as a pump may be used instead.

[0032] The capsule 106 is attached to the controller 102 (or the cartridge 104) so ​​that a portion of the capsule 106 is housed in a capsule holder 105 attached to the holding portion 103 of the controller 102, and another portion including the mouthpiece 130 is exposed. A user can hold the mouthpiece 130 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol-containing gas or the aerosol. By providing the mouthpiece 130 in the removable capsule 106 in this way, the inhaler 100 can be kept clean.

[0033] When a user holds mouthpiece 130 in their mouth and inhales, as illustrated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 3 , air flows into flow path 128 of cartridge 104 through an opening (not shown), and the heater HT heats the aerosol source, vaporizing and / or aerosolizing the aerosol source, which is then transported by the air toward mouthpiece 130. During the process of transport toward mouthpiece 130, the vaporized and / or aerosolized aerosol source is cooled, forming minute droplets, which can promote aerosolization. In a configuration in which flavor source 131 is provided, a flavor substance generated by flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol, transported to mouthpiece 130, and inhaled into the user's mouth. Because the flavor substance generated by flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol, the flavor substance is not retained in the user's mouth, but can be efficiently transported to the user's lungs.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the electrical component 110 of the controller 102 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration example of the electrical component 110 of the controller 102. FIG. 4 also shows the heater HT of the cartridge 104 attached to the controller 102, and the connection portion between the first electrical contact 111 of the controller 102 and the third electrical contact 113 of the cartridge 104 is "R C+ ", and the connection between the second electrical contact 112 of the controller 102 and the fourth electrical contact 114 of the cartridge 104 is "R C- In addition, in FIG. 4, the V BUS The V and GND terminals are also shown. BUS The terminals and GND terminals are indicated as "V BUS " and "GND" respectively.

[0035] The electric component 110 may include, for example, a battery BAT, a power supply unit that supplies power to the cartridge 104 (heater HT), a detection unit that detects the resistance value of the heater HT, and a current control unit that controls the current supply to the heater HT in accordance with information obtained using the detection unit. The electric component 110 may also include a detection unit that detects a user's operation and atomization request, and a notification control unit that controls the notification of information to the user. Here, the heater HT has a resistance value R that changes depending on the temperature of the heater HT. HTR The resistance value R HTR may have a positive temperature coefficient characteristic (so-called PTC characteristic) that increases as the temperature of the heater HT increases, or may have a negative temperature coefficient characteristic (so-called NTC characteristic) that increases as the temperature of the heater HT decreases.

[0036] The power supply unit that supplies power to the heater HT may include a power supply circuit 11, a voltage converter 12, and a switch SW that are arranged on a power supply line from the positive terminal of the battery BAT to the heater HT. The power supply circuit 11 includes, for example, a charge IC, and outputs the voltage supplied from the positive terminal of the battery BAT from an output terminal. When an external power supply is connected, the power supply circuit 11 outputs V BUS The voltage converter 12 may be configured to supply a voltage supplied from an external power source via the terminal to the battery BAT. The voltage converter 12 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, and converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 11 into a heater drive voltage and outputs it. The heater drive voltage output from the voltage converter 12 is connected to a connection R C+ (first electrical contact 111, third electrical contact 113). C- Since the second electrical contact 112 and the fourth electrical contact 114 are electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery BAT, a current path for passing a current to the heater HT can be formed between the output terminal of the voltage converter 12 and the negative terminal of the battery BAT. The switch SW includes, for example, a field effect transistor (FET), and the opening and closing (off / on) of the switch SW can be controlled by the processor 10. The switch SW is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage converter 12 and the heater HT (connection R C+) and the heater HT (connection part R C- ) and the negative terminal of the battery BAT. Note that the diode attached to the switch SW in FIG. 4 represents the body (parasitic) diode of the field effect transistor.

[0037] Heater HT resistance R HTR The detection section for detecting this is the shunt resistor R shunt and an amplifier 13. A shunt resistor R shunt is the shunt resistance R shunt The amplifier 13 has a characteristic that its resistance value hardly changes even when the temperature changes. The amplifier 13 may include, for example, an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal. The positive power supply terminal of the amplifier 13 is connected to the output terminal of the voltage converter 12 through a switch SW and a shunt resistor R shunt The non-inverting input terminal of amplifier 13 is connected via connection R C+ (first electrical contact 111), and the inverting input terminal is connected to connection part R C- (second electrical contact 112). Therefore, the amplifier 13 is connected to the connection R C+ and connection part R C- The potential difference between the heater HT and the heater V HTR is amplified and the output voltage V AMP As a result, the processor 10 can output the output voltage V of the amplifier 13. AMP Based on this, the temperature T of the heater HT HTR Specifically, the processor 10 calculates the output voltage V of the amplifier 13. AMP and the amplification factor of the amplifier 13, the resistance value R of the heater HT is calculated. HTR Calculate the resistance value R based on the temperature coefficient [ppm / ℃] of the heater HT. HTR The temperature T of the heater HT HTR can be converted into

[0038] The power supply control unit that controls the power supply to the heater HT may include a processor 10. The processor 10 may be configured, for example, by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), but may also be configured by an MCU and an analog circuit. The power supply terminal of the processor 10 is supplied with the output voltage of a voltage conversion circuit 14 such as an LDO (Low Drop Out). The voltage conversion circuit 14 is a circuit that converts the output voltage of the power supply circuit 11 into a power supply voltage for the processor 10, etc. As described above, the processor 10 converts the output voltage V of the amplifier 13 into AMP Based on the heater HT temperature T HTR Calculate the temperature T of the heater HT HTR By controlling the opening and closing of the switch SW based on the above, it is possible to control the energization of the heater HT.

[0039] The detection unit that detects the user operation and the atomization request may include button B and puff sensor 15. The output voltage of the voltage conversion circuit 14 is supplied to button B and puff sensor 15. As described above, button B is provided on the outer surface of controller 102 as part of the user interface 116, and when it detects a user operation (pressing button B), it supplies a detection signal to processor 10. Furthermore, puff sensor 15 includes, for example, a pressure sensor and a microphone capacitor, and when it detects a user puffing operation (inhalation operation), it supplies a detection signal to processor 10. Detection of a user operation (pressing operation) using button B and / or detection of a puffing operation using puff sensor 15 is a specific example of the above-mentioned atomization request.

[0040] The detection unit may also include a first sensor 26 that detects the presence or absence of the cartridge 104 and a second sensor 27 that detects the presence or absence of the capsule 106. The first sensor 26 and the second sensor 27 may be supplied with the output voltage of the voltage conversion circuit 14. The first sensor 26 and the second sensor 27 may be, for example, a photointerrupter, a proximity sensor, an RFID system, or a switch. The switch that detects the presence or absence of the cartridge 104 may be turned on (or off) by insertion of the cartridge 104 into the holding unit 103, and turned off (or on) by removal of the cartridge 104 from the holding unit 103. The switch that detects the presence or absence of the capsule 106 may be turned on (or off) by insertion of the capsule 106 into the holding unit 103 (capsule holder 105), and turned off (or on) by removal of the capsule 106 from the holding unit 103 (capsule holder 105).

[0041] The notification control unit that controls the notification of information to the user may include a first display D1, a second display D2, a vibration motor 16, and a light-emitting element 17. As described above, the first display D1 is, for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and displays information about the remaining charge of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and / or the capsule 106 in stages. The first display D1 is supplied with the output voltage of a voltage converter 18 such as a DC / DC converter. As described above, the second display D2 is, for example, an electronic paper display that consumes power only to rewrite the displayed content and displays information to notify the user that the remaining charge of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and / or the capsule 106 is low. The vibration motor 16 vibrates the controller 102 by rotating a shaft to which a vibrator is attached. The light-emitting element 17 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and notifies the user of information by lighting up or flashing. The light-emitting element 17 may be provided, for example, around the button B or in the window W. The notification control unit may include a first drive circuit 21 (first driver) that drives the first display D1, a second drive circuit 22 (second driver) that drives the second display D2, a third drive circuit 23 (third driver) that drives the vibration motor 16, and a fourth drive circuit 24 (fourth driver) that drives the light-emitting element 17. The first drive circuit 21 to the fourth drive circuit 24 operate using the output voltage of the voltage conversion circuit 14 and may be controlled by the processor 10.

[0042] The second display D2 of this embodiment is configured to display information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "low-amount information") notifying a user of a low-amount state for one selected element among multiple elements used in the atomization process of the aerosol source. Specifically, even if it is determined that two or more elements among the multiple elements are low-amount, the second display D2 is configured to display only the low-amount information for the selected element among the two or more elements. This configuration can reduce (suppress) the area of ​​the second display D2, thereby reducing the power consumption of the second display D2 when rewriting (changing) the display content. Furthermore, because only the low-amount information for the selected element is displayed large on the second display D2, user visibility can be ensured even if the area of ​​the second display D2 is reduced. In other words, the configuration of the second display D2 of this embodiment can achieve both reduced power consumption and improved visibility when displaying the low-amount information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0043] Here, the multiple elements used in the atomization process may include at least two of, for example, a first element which is (the remaining amount of) the battery BAT for supplying power to the heater HT, a second element which is (the remaining amount of) the aerosol source in the container 125 of the cartridge 104, and a third element which is (the remaining amount of) the flavor source in the capsule 106. In the following, the multiple elements will be described as including the first element to the third element. In addition, in the following, the first element may be referred to as the remaining amount of the battery, the second element may be referred to as the remaining amount of the cartridge, and the third element may be referred to as the remaining amount of the capsule.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying low-amount information on the second display D2. Rewriting of the display on the second display D2 can be performed by the second drive circuit 22 under the control of the processor 10. Display example 5a of FIG. 5 shows an example of display when the remaining amounts of all of the multiple elements are sufficient (above a threshold). In this case, nothing is displayed on the second display D2. Display example 5b of FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying information about low amounts of the capsule 106 (flavor source). Display example 5c of FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying information about low amounts of the cartridge 104 (aerosol source). Display example 5d of FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying information about low amounts of the battery BAT. The second display D2 may also be configured to display information that the battery BAT is being charged by an external power source. Display example 5e of FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying information indicating that the battery BAT is being charged.

[0045] Next, the operating modes of the processor 10 will be described. FIG. 6 shows examples of the operating modes of the processor 10. The processor 10 may include, for example, an active mode 31, a sleep mode 32, an aerosol generation mode 33, and a charging mode 34 as its operating modes. The active mode 31 is a mode in which, in response to a user's atomization request, the heater HT can perform an atomization process (also called a heating process) to heat and atomize the aerosol source. Specifically, the active mode 31 may be a mode in which the processor waits until it receives an atomization request so that it can start the atomization process when the user's atomization request begins. In the active mode 31 state, for example, when the user starts inhaling through the mouthpiece 130 and starts receiving a detection signal from the puff sensor 15, the processor 10 transitions from the active mode 31 to the aerosol generation mode 33, assuming that the atomization request has begun. The aerosol generation mode 33 is a mode in which the heater HT is powered to perform the atomization process to generate aerosol. When the user's inhalation operation ends and the reception of the detection signal from the puff sensor 15 ends, the processor 10 determines that the atomization request has ended and transitions from the aerosol generation mode 33 to the active mode 31.

[0046] When a period of no operation in active mode 31 reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 6 minutes), processor 10 transitions from active mode 31 to sleep mode 32. Sleep mode 32 is a mode in which power consumption is lower than that in active mode 31. For example, when a user's operation (pressing) of button B is detected, processor 10 transitions from sleep mode 32 to active mode 31. Furthermore, when connection of an external power source (charger) is detected in active mode 31 and / or sleep mode 32, processor 10 transitions to charging mode 34. Charging mode 34 is a mode in which battery BAT is charged. When removal of the external power source is detected, processor 10 transitions from charging mode 34 to sleep mode 32. Note that processor 10 may also transition from charging mode 34 to sleep mode 32 when charging of battery BAT is completed.

[0047] Next, display control of the second display D2 will be described in relation to the operation modes of the processor 10. Figures 7, 8A, and 8B show display control processes related to display control of the second display D2. The display control processes shown in Figures 7, 8A, and 8B are assumed to be started when the processor 10 is in sleep mode 32, and can be executed by the processor 10.

[0048] 7, the processor 10 determines whether or not charging of the battery BAT by an external power supply (charger) is to be started. For example, the processor 10 may BUSWhen an external power source is connected to the second display D2 (terminal, GND terminal), the processor 10 can determine that charging of the battery BAT will start. If it determines that charging will start, the processor 10 proceeds to step S102, transitions from sleep mode 32 to charge mode 34, and starts charging of the battery BAT, and then executes rewrite process #2 (charging) in step S103. Then, the processor 10 transitions from charge mode 34 to sleep mode 32 in step S104, and then proceeds to step S101. Rewrite process #2 (charging) is a process of rewriting the display content of the second display D2, and details of this will be described later.

[0049] If it is determined in step S101 that charging will not be started, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the processor 10 determines whether to start up in response to a user operation (manual). For example, the processor 10 can determine that startup will be performed when the user operates (presses) button B. If it is determined that startup will be performed, the process proceeds to step S106, where the process transitions from sleep mode 32 to active mode 31, and then the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 8A. On the other hand, if it is determined that manual startup will not be performed, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0050] In step S107, the processor 10 determines whether to automatically start up. For example, the processor 10 may determine to automatically start up at a predetermined interval, such as every few hours or every day, or may determine to automatically start up when a predetermined time has passed since the previous start (manual or automatic). If it is determined to start up automatically, the process proceeds to step S108, where the processor 10 transitions from sleep mode 32 to active mode 31. The processor 10 then executes rewrite process #1 (replacement) in step S109, rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) in step S110, transitions from active mode 31 to sleep mode 32 in step S111, and then proceeds to step S101. The rewrite process #1 (replacement) and the rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) are processes for rewriting the display content of the second display D2, and their details will be described later. The order of steps S109 and S110 may be reversed.

[0051] Figure 8A Step S In 201, the processor 10 determines whether charging of the battery BAT by an external power supply (charger) is started. For example, the processor 10 may BUS When an external power supply is connected to the active terminal 31, the processor 10 can determine that charging of the battery BAT will start. If it is determined that charging will start, the processor 10 proceeds to step S202, transitions from the active mode 31 to the charging mode 34, starts charging of the battery BAT, and then executes the rewrite process #2 (charging). On the other hand, if it is determined that charging will not start, the processor 10 proceeds to step S203.

[0052] In step S203, the processor 10 determines whether or not replacement of the cartridge 104 and / or the capsule 106 has been detected. For example, the processor 10 can detect replacement of the cartridge 104 and / or the capsule 106 based on the detection results of the first sensor 26 and / or the second sensor 27. The processor 10 also determines whether or not the output voltage V of the amplifier 13 has been detected. AMPIt is also possible to detect replacement of the cartridge 104 and / or capsule 106 based on the output voltage V of the amplifier 13 when the cartridge 104 is removed or installed. AMP Therefore, the processor 10 determines whether the output voltage V of the amplifier 13 is AMP When the cartridge 104 is installed, the amplifier 13 detects that the cartridge 104 has been replaced by a shunt resistor R shunt The heater drive voltage divided by the heater HT is output voltage V AMP When the cartridge 104 is removed, the amplifier 13 outputs the heater driving voltage as an output voltage V AMP In the same manner, replacement of the capsule 106 can be detected. In more detail, when the capsule 106 is replaced, stress is generated between the first electrical contact 111 and the third electrical contact 113 and between the second electrical contact 112 and the fourth electrical contact 114, and therefore, the connection part R C+ and connection part R C- The electrical resistance value of the amplifier 13 varies. AMP This causes a predetermined change in the amount of the cartridge 104 and / or capsule 106. If replacement of the cartridge 104 and / or capsule 106 is detected, rewrite process #1 (replacement) is executed in step S204, and rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) is executed in step S205, after which the process proceeds to step S201. The order of steps S204 and S205 may be reversed. On the other hand, if replacement of the cartridge 104 and / or capsule 106 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0053] In step S206, the processor 10 acquires the remaining amount of each element used in the atomization process (remaining battery amount, remaining cartridge amount, remaining capsule amount). For example, the processor 10 can obtain the remaining battery amount, remaining cartridge amount, and remaining capsule amount as the number of times a puffing action (inhalation action) can be performed with each remaining amount (hereinafter, referred to as the number of inhalations that can be performed). The number of inhalations that can be performed may be understood as the number of times an atomization request can be satisfied with the current remaining amount. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the processor 10 can set the number of inhalations that can be performed with the remaining amount of a fully charged battery BAT (100% remaining battery amount) as a reference number (e.g., 250 times), and subtract the number of puffing actions that have been performed from that value to calculate the number of inhalations that can be performed with the current remaining battery amount. Furthermore, the processor 10 can set the number of inhalations possible with the remaining amount of the cartridge 104 immediately after replacement (100% remaining amount of cartridge) as a reference number (e.g., 250 times), and calculate the value obtained by subtracting the number of puffing operations from that as the number of inhalations possible with the current remaining amount of cartridge. Similarly, the processor 10 can set the number of inhalations possible with the remaining amount of the capsule 106 immediately after replacement (100% remaining amount of capsule) as a reference number (e.g., 50 times), and calculate the value obtained by subtracting the number of puffing operations from that as the number of inhalations possible with the current remaining amount of capsule. Next, in step S207, the processor 10 executes rewrite process #3 (remaining amount).

[0054] In step S208, the processor 10 acquires the remaining charge of the battery BAT as a voltage value using a power management circuit (not shown). Next, in step S209, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining charge (voltage value) of the battery BAT acquired in step S208 exceeds a lower limit. The lower limit is, for example, the lower limit of the voltage at which the battery BAT can be discharged (dischargeable voltage) or the lower limit of the voltage at which the heater HT can be heated, and is sometimes called the discharge end voltage. If the remaining charge (voltage value) of the battery BAT is equal to or less than the lower limit, the process proceeds to step S210, where the process transitions to sleep mode 32, and then proceeds to step S101 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if the remaining charge (voltage value) of the battery BAT exceeds the lower limit, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0055] In step S211, the processor 10 determines whether a user's atomization request has been initiated based on the detection of a user operation using button B and / or the detection of a puffing operation (inhalation operation) using the puff sensor 15. One atomization request may correspond to one press of button B, in which case it begins when the user starts pressing button B and ends when the pressing ends. Alternatively, one atomization request may be deemed to have ended when a certain time has passed since the user started pressing button B. Also, one atomization request may correspond to one puffing operation (inhalation operation), in which case it begins when the puffing operation starts and ends when the puffing operation ends. If an atomization request has not been initiated, the process proceeds to step S212, where the processor 10 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the transition to sleep mode 32, i.e., whether the non-operation period has reached a predetermined time (e.g., 6 minutes). If the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S213. S If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if an atomization request is initiated in step S211, the process proceeds to step S213 in FIG. 8B.

[0056] In step S213, the processor 10 starts supplying power to the heater HT by controlling the opening and closing of the switch SW. In step S214, the processor 10 determines whether the user's atomization request has ended. If the atomization request has not ended, step S214 is repeated, and if the atomization request has ended, the process proceeds to step S215. Note that while step S214 is being repeated, power supply to the heater HT continues. In step S215, the processor 10 stops (ends) power supply to the heater HT by controlling the opening and closing of the switch SW. Next, in step S216, the processor 10 obtains the remaining amount of each element used in the atomization process (remaining battery amount, remaining cartridge amount, remaining capsule amount), and in step S217, executes rewrite process #3 (remaining amount). Step S216 is the same process as step S206, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0057] In step S218, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining battery capacity calculated in step S216 (i.e., the number of times suction can be performed with the remaining battery capacity) is equal to or exceeds a threshold TH B (first threshold) is used to determine whether the remaining battery charge is less than the threshold TH B If the remaining battery capacity is less than the threshold value TH, the battery BAT is considered to be insufficient, and the process proceeds to step S210, where the process shifts to sleep mode 32, and then proceeds to step S101 in FIG. B If it is equal to or greater than this, the process proceeds to step S219. In step S219, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining amount in the cartridge calculated in step S216 (i.e., the number of times that suction can be performed with this remaining amount in the cartridge) is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH CT (second threshold value) is used to determine whether the remaining amount in the cartridge is less than the threshold value TH CT If the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 is less than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step S210, the process shifts to sleep mode 32, and then the process proceeds to step S101 in FIG. CT If the number is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step S220. In step S220, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining amount of capsules calculated in step S216 (i.e., the number of times that can be inhaled with the remaining amount of capsules) is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH CP (third threshold) is used to determine whether the remaining amount of capsules is less than the threshold TH CP If the remaining amount of the flavor source in the capsule 106 is less than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step S210, the process shifts to sleep mode 32, and the process proceeds to step S101 in FIG. CP If so, the process proceeds to step S201. Note that steps S218 to S220 may be performed in any order.

[0058] Here, the threshold value TH B , cartridge remaining amount threshold TH CT , and the capsule remaining amount threshold TH CPare defined as thresholds for the number of times that suction can be performed, and can be set to values ​​according to the respective characteristics, i.e., different values, as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, with regard to the battery BAT, if the remaining battery charge is too low, the performance of the battery BAT may be deteriorated. Therefore, the threshold TH B can be set to a relatively high value (for example, 30 suction times). In addition, since it is desirable to use the cartridge 104 as many times as possible, the threshold value TH CT is the battery remaining capacity threshold TH B For the capsule 106, it is desirable to use it as many times as possible compared to the cartridge 104, so the threshold value TH CP is the cartridge remaining amount threshold TH CT It may be set to a smaller value (eg, 10 puffs).

[0059] Next, rewrite process #1 (replacement) will be described. Rewrite process #1 (replacement) is shown in Figure 10. As described above, rewrite process #1 (replacement) is a process for rewriting the display content on the second display D2, and can be performed by the processor 10 controlling the second drive circuit 22.

[0060] In step S301, the processor 10 determines whether or not the user has started replacing the capsule 106. As described above, the processor 10 may determine whether or not the user has started replacing the capsule 106 based on the detection result of the second sensor 27, or based on the output voltage V AMP If replacement of the capsule 106 has started, the process proceeds to step S302, and if replacement of the capsule 106 has not started, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0061] In step S302, the processor 10 prohibits the supply of power to the heater HT. Next, in step S303, the processor 10 determines whether or not the user has finished replacing the capsule 106. As described above, the processor 10 may determine whether or not the user has finished replacing the capsule 106 based on the detection result of the second sensor 27, or based on the output voltage V of the amplifier 13. AMP If the processor 10 determines that the replacement of the capsule 106 has been completed, the processor 10 proceeds to step S304, where it rewrites the display content of the second display D2 so as to erase the display notifying that the remaining amount of the capsule 106 is insufficient, and then in step S305 it cancels the prohibition on the supply of power to the heater HT. Thereafter, the processor 10 ends the flow.

[0062] In step S306, the processor 10 determines whether or not the user has started replacing the cartridge 104. As described above, the processor 10 may determine whether or not the user has started replacing the cartridge 104 based on the detection result of the first sensor 26, or may determine whether or not the user has started replacing the cartridge 104 based on the output voltage V AMP If the replacement of the cartridge 104 has started, the process proceeds to step S307. Cartridge 104 If the exchange has not started, the flow ends.

[0063] In step S307, the processor 10 prohibits the supply of power to the heater HT. Next, in step S308, the processor 10 determines whether or not the user has finished replacing the cartridge 104. As described above, the processor 10 may determine whether or not the user has finished replacing the cartridge 104 based on the detection result of the first sensor 26, or may determine whether or not the user has finished replacing the cartridge 104 based on the output voltage V of the amplifier 13. AMP If the processor 10 determines that replacement of the cartridge 104 has been completed, the processor 10 proceeds to step S309, where it rewrites the display content of the second display D2 so as to erase the display notifying that the remaining amount of the cartridge 104 is low, and then in step S310 it cancels the prohibition on power supply to the heater HT. Thereafter, the processor 10 ends the flow.

[0064] Next, rewrite process #2 (charging) will be described. Rewrite process #2 (charging) is shown in Figure 11. As described above, rewrite process #2 (charging) is a process for rewriting the display content of the second display D2, and can be performed by the processor 10 controlling the second drive circuit 22.

[0065] In step S401, the processor 10 rewrites the display content of the second display D2 to notify that the battery BAT is being charged, as shown in the display example 5e of FIG. 5. Next, in step S402, the processor 10 determines whether charging of the battery BAT by the external power source (charger) has been completed. For example, the processor 10 may BUS When the external power source is removed from the GND terminal (terminal), it can be determined that charging of the battery BAT has finished. If charging of the battery BAT has not finished, step S402 is repeated, and if charging of the battery BAT has finished, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0066] In step S403, the processor 10 rewrites the display content of the second display D2 so as to erase the notification that the battery BAT is being charged. Next, in step S404, the processor 10 acquires the remaining battery capacity. The method of acquiring the remaining battery capacity is as described above in step S206. In step S405, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining battery capacity is equal to or lower than the threshold TH based on the remaining battery capacity acquired in step S404. B It is determined whether the remaining battery capacity is less than the threshold value TH B If the remaining battery charge is less than the threshold TH, the process proceeds to step S406, where the processor 10 rewrites the display content of the second display D2 to notify the user that the remaining battery charge is insufficient, as shown in the display example 5d of FIG. BIf the above is the case, the process proceeds to step S407, where the processor 10 rewrites the display content of the second display D2 so as to erase the display notifying the user that the remaining amount of the battery BAT is insufficient, and then ends the process. Note that if the notification of the remaining amount of the battery BAT is not displayed on the second display D2, step S407 does not need to be performed.

[0067] Next, rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) will be described. Rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) is shown in Figures 12A and 12B. As described above, rewrite process #3 (remaining amount) is a process for rewriting the display content on second display D2, and can be performed by processor 10 controlling second drive circuit 22.

[0068] In step S501, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining battery charge is greater than or equal to a threshold TH B It is determined whether the remaining battery capacity is less than the threshold value TH B If the remaining battery capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold TH, the process proceeds to step S502, where the processor 10 sets the value of the element in the notification array for notifying the battery BAT of a lack of remaining capacity (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the battery element of the notification array) to "FALSE." B If it is less than the battery capacity, the process proceeds to step S503, where the processor 10 sets the value of the battery element in the notification array to "TRUE."

[0069] In step S504, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining amount of capsules is greater than or equal to a threshold value TH CP It is determined whether the remaining amount of capsules is less than the threshold value TH CP If the remaining amount of the flavor source in the capsule 106 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step S505, where the processor 10 sets the value of the element in the notification array for notifying the remaining amount of the flavor source in the capsule 106 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the capsule element in the notification array) to "FALSE." CP If it is less than the limit, the process proceeds to step S506, where the processor 10 sets the value of the capsule element of the notification array to "TRUE."

[0070] In step S507, the processor 10 determines whether the remaining amount of the cartridge is greater than or equal to a threshold TH CT It is determined whether the remaining amount in the cartridge is less than the threshold value TH CT If the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step S508, where the processor 10 sets the value of the element in the notification array for notifying the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the cartridge element in the notification array) to "FALSE." CT If it is less than the limit, the process proceeds to step S509, where the processor 10 sets the value of the cartridge element of the notification array to "TRUE."

[0071] In step S510, the processor 10 determines whether or not there is one or more elements for which the notification array value is set to "TRUE" among the multiple elements used in the atomization process (the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 106). If there is less than one element for which the value "TRUE" is set, the process ends; if there is one or more elements, the process proceeds to step S511.

[0072] In step S511, processor 10 determines whether there is one element in the notification array whose value is set to "TRUE." If there is one element whose value is set to "TRUE," the process proceeds to step S512, where processor 10 rewrites the display content of second display D2 based on the notification array so as to notify the user of the insufficient remaining amount for the element whose value is set to "TRUE." On the other hand, if there are two or more elements whose value is set to "TRUE," the process proceeds to step S513.

[0073] In step S513, the processor 10 selects one element from two or more elements set to "TRUE" in accordance with a predetermined condition. Next, in step S514, the processor 10 rewrites the display content of the second display D2 based on the notification array so as to notify the user of a low remaining amount for the one element selected in step S513. Here, the predetermined condition used to select one element in step S513 is a condition related to the priority for selecting one element (hereinafter referred to as the "target element") from among multiple elements for which to notify the second display D2 of a low remaining amount. The predetermined condition will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 shows, for each of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 106, the "number of puffs possible from 100% remaining," the "time required to recover from 0% remaining to 100% remaining," and "whether or not the remaining amount is visually confirmed." Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows the priority for each example of the predetermined condition for the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 106. Any one of the examples of conditions given in FIG. 14 may be used, or two or more of the examples of conditions may be used in combination.

[0074] As shown in condition example 1 of FIG. 14, the predetermined condition may include a condition that, among two or more elements for which a value of "TRUE" is set, the element requiring the longest (longest) time to restore the remaining charge is preferentially selected as the target element. In the following description, the time required to restore the remaining charge of the battery BAT, the cartridge 104, and the capsule 106 is used as a reference to compare the time required to restore the remaining charge of each of them. As shown in FIG. 13, the remaining charge of the battery BAT is restored by charging using an external power source, and the time required to restore the remaining charge from 0% to 100% (restoration time) is approximately 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the remaining charge of the cartridge 104 is restored by the user replacing the cartridge 104, and this restoration time is approximately 1 minute. Similarly, the remaining charge of the capsule 106 is restored by the user replacing the capsule 106, and this restoration time is approximately 1 minute. Therefore, in the condition regarding the restoration time of the remaining charge, the priority order may be set as follows: battery BAT, cartridge 104, capsule 106. In condition example 1 of FIG. 14, the cartridge 104 is given a higher priority than the capsule 106, taking into consideration ease of replacement and the like.

[0075] The predetermined condition may include a condition that, among two or more elements for which a value of "TRUE" is set, an element whose remaining amount is not visible to the user from the exterior of the controller 102 is preferentially selected as a target element, as shown in condition example 2 of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 13 , for the cartridge 104, the user can visually confirm (check) the remaining amount of the aerosol source through a window W provided on the outer surface of the controller 102. Therefore, in the condition regarding whether or not visibility is possible, a high priority may be set for elements other than the cartridge 104 (the battery BAT, the capsule 106) whose remaining amount is visible to the user through the window W. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be a combination of condition example 1 regarding the recovery time of the remaining amount and condition example 2 regarding whether or not visibility is possible. In this case, as shown in condition example 3 of FIG. 14 , the priority may be set in the order of the battery BAT, the capsule 106, and the cartridge 104.

[0076] As shown in condition example 4 of FIG. 14, the predetermined condition may include a condition that, among two or more elements for which a value of "TRUE" is set, the element that has the highest (highest) impact on the flavor of the gas generated by the atomization process is preferentially selected as the target element. For example, the impact on the flavor of the gas generated by the atomization process is greatest for a lack of aerosol source in the cartridge 104, followed by a lack of flavor source in the capsule 106. Therefore, in the condition regarding the impact on the flavor, the priority may be set in the order of cartridge 104, capsule 106, and battery BAT. Furthermore, as shown in condition example 5 of FIG. 14, the predetermined condition may include a condition that, among two or more elements for which a value of "TRUE" is set, the element that is determined to be insufficient at the earliest (earliest) timing is preferentially selected as the target element. In condition example 5, the priority varies depending on the timing at which the remaining amount is determined to be insufficient, so the order of the elements is indicated by "?" in FIG. 14 for convenience. For example, if a shortage of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 is determined first, a shortage of the flavor source in the capsule 106 is determined next, and a shortage of the battery BAT is determined last, and further, at the time when a shortage of the battery BAT is determined, a shortage of the aerosol source in the cartridge 104 and a shortage of the flavor source in the capsule 106 continue to be determined, the priority can be set in the order of cartridge 104, capsule 106, and battery BAT.

[0077] FIG. 15 shows Example 1 regarding rewriting of the display contents of the second display D2. In Example 1 shown in FIG. 15, the initial state shows a state in which all elements (battery BAT, cartridge 104, capsule 106) have sufficient remaining amounts, i.e., the remaining amount of each element is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In this initial state, the values ​​of the notification array for all elements are set to "FALSE", and nothing is displayed on the second display D2. Thereafter, when only the remaining amount of the capsule 106 is insufficient, i.e., when the remaining amount of the capsule falls below the threshold value TH CP If the remaining amount of capsule 106 is less than the limit, the value of the capsule element in the notification array is set to "TRUE", and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to notify that the remaining amount of capsule 106 is insufficient.

[0078] By replacing the capsule 106, the remaining amount of the capsule 106 becomes sufficient (threshold TH CP If the remaining capacity of the battery BAT is insufficient, that is, if the remaining capacity of the battery BAT is equal to or greater than the threshold TH, the flag of the capsule element in the notification array is set to "FALSE", and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to erase the notification of the insufficient remaining capacity of the capsule 106. B If the remaining charge of the battery BAT is less than 100%, the value of the battery element in the notification array is set to "TRUE", and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to notify that the remaining charge of the battery BAT is low.

[0079] FIG. 16 shows a second embodiment relating to rewriting of the display contents of the second display D2. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the initial state shows a state in which all elements (battery BAT, cartridge 104, capsule 106) have sufficient remaining power, i.e., the remaining power of each element is equal to or greater than the threshold. In this initial state, the values ​​of the notification array for all elements are set to "FALSE", and nothing is displayed on the second display D2. Thereafter, when the remaining power of the battery BAT and the remaining power of the capsule 106 are insufficient, i.e., when the remaining power of the battery falls below the threshold TH B When the remaining capsule amount is less than the threshold value TH CP If the remaining charge is less than the predetermined value, both the values ​​of the battery element and the capsule element in the notification array are set to "TRUE." In this case, one of the battery BAT and the capsule 106 is selected as the target element according to the predetermined condition described above. As an example, if the condition regarding the remaining charge recovery time (condition example 1 in FIG. 14) is adopted, the battery BAT is selected as the target element, and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to notify that the remaining charge of the battery BAT is low.

[0080] By charging the battery BAT, the remaining battery power is sufficient (threshold TH BIf the remaining amount of the capsule 106 becomes sufficient (below the threshold TH), the value of the battery element in the notification array is set to "FALSE", so that the notification of the insufficient remaining amount of the battery BAT is erased and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to notify the insufficient remaining amount of the capsule 106. CP or more), the value of the capsule element in the notification array is set to "FALSE," and the display content of the second display D2 is rewritten to erase the notification of the shortage of the remaining amount of capsule 106.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims

1. a controller for an inhaler for performing an atomization process of heating and atomizing an aerosol source in response to receiving a request to atomize the aerosol source, the controller comprising: a processor that determines whether or not each of a plurality of different elements used in the atomization process is insufficient; a display capable of displaying information for notifying a user of a shortage of remaining amounts of each of the plurality of elements; Equipped with The inhaler controller is provided with an atomizer including a container for holding the aerosol source and a heater for heating the aerosol source in the container, and a capsule containing a flavor source is detachably attached thereto; the plurality of elements includes at least two of a first element being a power source for powering the heater, a second element being the aerosol source within the container, and a third element being the flavor source within the capsule; the display is configured to display the information about one selected element from the two or more elements even when the processor determines that two or more elements from the plurality of elements are low in amount.

2. 2. The inhaler controller according to claim 1, wherein, when the processor determines that two or more of the plurality of elements are low in amount, the processor selects the one element from the two or more elements in accordance with a predetermined condition regarding the priority of displaying the information on the display.

3. 3. The inhaler controller according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that takes a long time to restore a remaining amount from among the two or more elements is preferentially selected as the one element.

4. 4. The inhaler controller according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that cannot be visually recognized by a user is preferentially selected as the one element from among the two or more elements.

5. The controller for an inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that has a greater impact on the flavor of the gas generated by the nebulization process is preferentially selected as the one element from among the two or more elements.

6. 6. The inhaler controller according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that an element that is determined to be insufficient at an earlier timing than the other of the two or more elements is preferentially selected as the one element.

7. 7. The inhaler controller according to claim 2, wherein when the remaining amount of the one element is recovered, the processor displays on the display, instead of the information about the one element, the information about another element among the two or more elements.

8. The inhaler controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor determines whether the remaining amount is insufficient for each of the plurality of elements based on whether the number of times the atomization request can be satisfied with the current remaining amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

9. The inhaler controller according to claim 8 , wherein the threshold values ​​are set to different values ​​for at least two of the plurality of elements.

10. A controller for an aspirator as described in Claim 9, characterized in that the second threshold value, which is the threshold value for determining whether or not there is a remaining amount of the second element, is set to a value smaller than the first threshold value, which is the threshold value for determining whether or not there is a remaining amount of the first element.

11. A controller for an aspirator as described in Claim 10, characterized in that the third threshold value, which is the threshold value for determining whether or not there is a remaining amount of the third element, is set to a value smaller than the second threshold value.

12. The inhaler controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display is electronic paper.

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