Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generation device equipped with a heating unit for receiving a supply of power from a battery and heating an aerosol source, a display unit for displaying the status of said device, and a control unit for controlling in a manner such that an image which includes a first display element representing the remaining capacity of the aerosol source and a second display element representing the remaining capacity of the battery is displayed on the display unit, wherein the control unit controls in a manner such that when the remaining capacity of one component from among the aerosol source and the battery is not equal to or lower than a threshold and the remaining capacity of the other component therefrom is equal to or lower than the threshold, the display element representing the remaining capacity for the one component among the first and second display elements is displayed in a non-flashing state on the display unit, and the display element representing the remaining capacity for the other component is displayed thereon in a flashing state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Book Disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a non-combustion flavor inhaler that has a display unit that has an operation mode display area, a flavor source usage status display area, an aerosol source usage status display area, and a battery usage status display area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-5602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source. In this type of aerosol generating device, if the remaining battery charge or the remaining aerosol source charge is displayed separately, it is not possible to clearly notify the user that the remaining battery charge or the remaining aerosol source charge is below a threshold. Furthermore, if the remaining battery charge and the remaining aerosol source charge are displayed simultaneously, it is not possible to clearly notify the user that the remaining battery charge and the remaining aerosol source charge are below a threshold.

[0005] Book Disclosure The purpose of this is to make it possible to easily notify the user that at least one of the remaining battery charge and the remaining charge of the aerosol source has fallen below a threshold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosurean aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that receives power from a battery to heat an aerosol source; a display unit that displays the state of the device; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display an image including a first display element that represents the remaining amount of the aerosol source and a second display element that represents the remaining amount of the battery, wherein when the remaining amount of one of the aerosol source and the battery becomes equal to or less than a threshold value without the remaining amount of the other becoming equal to or less than a threshold value, the control unit controls the display unit to display the image including a first display element that represents the remaining amount of the aerosol source and a second display element that represents the remaining amount of the battery without blinking the first display element or the second display element. is provided.

[0007] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that receives power from a battery and heats an aerosol source; a display unit that displays the status of the device; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display an image including a first display element that indicates the remaining charge of the aerosol source and a second display element that indicates the remaining charge of the battery, wherein when the remaining charges of both the aerosol source and the battery fall below a threshold, the control unit controls the first display element and the second display element to flash in different flashing patterns and display them on the display unit. The blinking pattern may be the blinking cycle or the blinking phase. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Book Disclosure This allows the user to be informed in an easily understandable manner that at least one of the remaining battery charge and the remaining charge of the aerosol source has fallen below a threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining how to attach an aerosol source and the like to the device body assumed in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a normal mode and a high mode, in which (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. [Figure 5] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing remaining battery power screens when the battery power runs out in the high heating mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing remaining battery power screens when the battery power runs out in a normal heating mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing the remaining amount screen when the remaining amount of capsules is exhausted when the heating mode is the high mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing the remaining amount screen when the remaining amount of capsules is exhausted when the heating mode is the normal mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control of the display of the aerosol generation device when the remaining amount of the capsule or the remaining amount of the battery in embodiment 1 is exhausted. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control of the display of the aerosol generation device when the remaining amount of capsules or the remaining amount of battery in embodiment 1 is exhausted. [Figure 11] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing remaining battery power screens when the battery power runs out in the high heating mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing remaining battery power screens when the battery power runs out in the normal heating mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing the remaining amount screen when the remaining amount in the cartridge is empty when the heating mode is high mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 14]10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing the remaining amount screen when the remaining amount in the cartridge runs out in the case where the heating mode is the normal mode in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, Disclosure The embodiment will be described in detail.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] (overview) The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is called an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or other gas. The aerosol generating device assumed in the first embodiment is capable of generating aerosol without combustion. In the first embodiment, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device is simply referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing."

[0012] In the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device is assumed to be a device to which both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source can be attached. Hereinafter, a container that stores a liquid aerosol source will be referred to as a "cartridge," and a container that stores a solid aerosol source will be referred to as a "capsule." Both cartridges and capsules are consumables. For this reason, replacement guidelines are set for each cartridge and capsule. The replacement guidelines differ depending on the heating mode, which will be described later.

[0013] The aerosol generation device assumed in the first embodiment has a heater for heating a liquid aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a heater for heating a solid aerosol source to generate an aerosol. A liquid aerosol source is an example of a first aerosol source, and a solid aerosol source is an example of a second aerosol source.

[0014] (Example of appearance) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment. The external appearance example shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained by observing the front of the aerosol generation device 10 from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment has a size that can be held in one hand by a user. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 has a width of approximately 32 mm, a height of approximately 60 mm, and a depth of approximately 23 mm. These sizes are merely examples. Furthermore, the width, height, and depth dimensions will vary depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0015] 1 shows a state in which a capsule holder 12 is attached to a device main body 11 of the aerosol generation device 10. As will be described later, the capsule holder 12 is detachable from the device main body 11. A display 11A and operation buttons 11B are arranged on the top surface of the device body 11. The display 11A may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation buttons 11B are used for, for example, turning the power on or off, checking the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, checking the remaining battery level, and other operations. The display 11A is an example of a display unit.

[0016] (Example of attaching an aerosol source, etc.) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how to attach the aerosol source and the like to the device body 11 assumed in the first embodiment. An opening (not shown) is provided in the upper part of the device body 11. This opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the device body 11. The cartridge 20 is first inserted into the opening of the device body 11, and then the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0017] When attaching or detaching the capsule holder 12 to or from the opening of the device body 11, the user rotates the capsule holder 12 by, for example, 120° relative to the opening. The capsule holder 12 attached to the device body 11 functions as a retainer to prevent the cartridge 20 inserted into the device body 11 from jumping out. An opening is also provided in the capsule holder 12. The opening constitutes the end of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided inside the capsule holder 12. The capsule 30 is attached to this opening. The capsule 30 can be attached by pushing it into the opening of the capsule holder 12, and can be removed by pulling it out of the opening of the capsule holder 12. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 is attached through an opening provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body 11, but a configuration in which it is attached from the bottom surface side of the apparatus main body 11 may also be adopted.

[0018] (Internal configuration of the device) 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the embodiment 1. The internal configuration here includes a cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) and a capsule 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the device main body 11. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 3 is intended to explain the components provided inside the device main body 11 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 3 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0019] The aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 3 has a power supply unit 111L, a sensor unit 112L, a notification unit 113L, a memory unit 114L, a communication unit 115L, a control unit 116L, a liquid guide unit 122L, a liquid storage unit 123L, a heating unit 121L-1, a heating unit 121L-2, a holding unit 140L, and an insulating unit 144L. An air flow path 180L is formed inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L functions as a passage for transporting the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123L to the capsule-type container 130L filled with the solid aerosol source.

[0020] The liquid storage section 123L corresponds to the cartridge 20 described above, and the capsule-type container 130L corresponds to the capsule 30 described above. In this embodiment, the user inhales with the capsule-type container 130L attached to the holder 140L. The holder 140L corresponds to the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2) and the cylindrical body on the device main body 11 side to which the capsule holder 12 is attached.

[0021] Each part constituting the device main body 11 will be described below. The power supply unit 111L is a device that stores power and supplies power to each component that constitutes the device main body 11. A rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 111L. If the power supply unit 111L is a rechargeable battery, it can be charged any number of times via an external power supply connected via a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0022] However, if the apparatus main body 11 is compatible with wireless power transmission, it is possible to charge the power supply unit 111L in a state where it is not in contact with an external device that is the power transmitting side. If the power supply unit 111L is removable from the device main body 11, it is possible to replace a worn-out power supply unit 111L with a new power supply unit 111L.

[0023] The sensor unit 112L is a device that detects information relating to each part of the apparatus main body 11. The sensor unit 112L outputs the detected information to the control unit 116L. The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, and a temperature sensor. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to detect inhalation by the user.

[0024] The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes an input device that accepts user operations on, for example, buttons, switches, etc. The buttons here include the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) described above. This type of sensor unit 112L is used, for example, to accept user operations.

[0025] The sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 includes, for example, a voltmeter that measures the voltage between both terminals of a battery. The battery here is an example of the power supply unit 111L. In this embodiment, the voltmeter is used to calculate the remaining capacity and charge level of the battery.

[0026] The notification unit 113L is a device that notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 is, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). When the notification unit 113L is a light-emitting device, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in a pattern according to the content of the information to be notified. For example, the light-emitting device is controlled to emit light in different patterns when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L needs to be charged, when notifying the user that the power supply unit 111L is being charged, and when notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred.

[0027] The different light emission patterns are a concept that includes differences in color, differences in timing of turning on and off the light, differences in brightness when turned on, and the like. In addition, the notification unit 113L provided in the device main body 11 may include, for example, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates. These devices may be used alone or in combination, and may be used together with the light-emitting device described above or in place of the light-emitting device. An example of the display device here is the display 11A (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The storage unit 114L stores various types of information relating to the operation of the device main body 11. The storage unit 114L is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, programs executed by the control unit 116L. The programs include an OS (Operating System), firmware, and application programs.

[0029] In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 114L includes, for example, information required by the control unit 116L to control each unit. The information here includes information on each component detected by the sensor 112L. For example, it also includes information on the heating mode currently being executed, information on the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source, and the remaining amount and charge of the battery. The information on the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source includes, in addition to the remaining amount itself, information for calculating the remaining amount, such as the number of suctions and the cumulative suction time.

[0030] The communication unit 115L is a communication interface used to send and receive information to and from other devices, and conforms to wired or wireless communication standards. Communication standards include, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, and mobile communication systems such as 4G and 5G. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are used.

[0031] The communication unit 115L is used to display, for example, information relating to the user's suction on a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. In addition, the communication unit 115L is used to receive, for example, update data for a program stored in the storage unit 114L from a server.

[0032] The control unit 116L functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the device main body 11 through the execution of a program. The control unit 116L is provided with electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. Additionally, the control unit 116L may be provided with a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

[0033] The control unit 116L controls, for example, power supply from the power supply unit 111L to each unit, charging of the power supply unit 111L, detection of information by the sensor unit 112L, notification of information by the notification unit 113L, storage and reading of information by the memory unit 114L, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115L. The control unit 116L also performs processing such as accepting information from user operations and processing based on information output from each unit. In particular, the control unit 116L controls the display 11A to display a screen.

[0034] Liquid storage unit 123L is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The liquid aerosol source may include a tobacco material or an extract derived from a tobacco material that releases a flavor component when heated, and may also include a nicotine component.

[0035] The liquid guide 122L is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage 123L from the liquid storage 123L. The liquid guide 122L has a structure in which a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick. Both ends of the liquid guide portion 122L are connected to the inside of the liquid storage portion 123L. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123L spreads throughout the entire liquid guide portion 122L due to the capillary effect.

[0036] The heating section 121L-1 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding section 122L to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121L-1 is not limited to a coil shape as shown in Fig. 3, but may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shapes. The shape of the heating unit 121L-1 varies depending on the heating method, etc. The heating unit 121L-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

[0037] The heating unit 121L-1 is disposed adjacent to the liquid guiding unit 122L. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 121L-1 is a metal coil wound around the outer circumferential surface of the liquid guiding unit 122L. Heating unit 121L-1 generates heat when power is supplied from power supply unit 111L, and heats the aerosol source held in liquid guiding unit 122L to a vaporization temperature. The aerosol source that has reached the vaporization temperature is released as a gas from liquid guiding unit 122L into the air, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized, becoming an aerosol.

[0038] In this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source is linked to the user's inhalation. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 121L-1 from the start of inhalation by the user to the end of inhalation, and when the user's inhalation ends, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 is stopped.

[0039] In addition, power supply to the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the liquid aerosol source may start, for example, when a specific button is pressed when no aerosol is being generated, and may stop when a specific button is pressed when aerosol is being generated. The button for instructing the start of aerosol generation and the button for instructing the stop of aerosol generation may be the same physical button or may be different buttons.

[0040] The capsule-type container 130L is a container filled with a solid aerosol source. The solid aerosol source may include a processed product, such as cut tobacco or a tobacco raw material formed into granules, sheets, or powder, which releases a flavor component when heated. That is, the solid aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived substance. The solid aerosol source may also include, for example, a nicotine component. However, the solid aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances extracted from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). Additionally, the solid aerosol source may include flavoring ingredients such as menthol.

[0041] The holding part 140L corresponds to, for example, the capsule holder 12 (see FIG. 2), and has an internal space 141L in which the capsule-type container 130L is attached. The holding part 140L is a cylindrical body having a bottom 143L, and defines the columnar internal space 141L. A part of the capsule-type container 130L is held in the holding portion 140L, and the rest is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 140L. The part of the capsule-type container 130L that is exposed from the holding portion 140L is used as a mouthpiece 124L. The mouthpiece 124L is held in the mouth by a user who inhales the aerosol.

[0042] An air inlet (i.e., an air inlet hole) for the holding part 140L is provided, for example, in the bottom part 143L. A hole through which air can flow is formed in the bottom part of the capsule-type container 130L. Therefore, the air flowing in from the bottom part 143L passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and reaches the mouthpiece 124L. In other words, the mouthpiece 124L serves as an air outlet (i.e., an air outlet hole). Incidentally, the bottom 143L is in communication with an air outlet hole 182L of an air flow path 180L formed inside the device body 11. Through this air outlet hole 182L, the internal space 141L of the holder 140L and the air flow path 180L are in communication with each other.

[0043] The heating unit 121L-2 heats the solid aerosol source filled in the capsule-type container 130L. The heating part 121L-2 is made of metal, polyimide, etc. The heating part 121L-2 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the metal part of the holding part 140L. The heating unit 121L-2 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111L, and heats the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-type container 130L that is in contact with the metal portion of the holding unit 140L.

[0044] Therefore, the position close to the outer circumferential surface of the capsule-shaped container 130L is heated first, and then the heated area spreads toward the center. When the aerosol source reaches the vaporization temperature, it is vaporized, but when cooled by the surrounding air, it atomizes and becomes an aerosol. The power supply to the heating unit 121L-2 and the heating that accompanies the power supply are controlled by the control unit 116L.

[0045] The heat insulating portion 144L is a member that prevents heat from being transmitted from the heating portion 121L-2 to other components of the apparatus body 11. The heat insulating portion 144L covers at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating portion 121L-2. The heat insulating section 144L is made of, for example, a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material. A vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which glass wool, silica (silicon powder), or the like is wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gas to as close to zero as possible.

[0046] As described above, the air flow path 180L is an air flow path provided inside the device body 11. The air flow path 180L has a tubular structure having, at both ends, an air inlet hole 181L which is an air inlet to the air flow path 180L and an air outlet hole 182L which is an air outlet from the air flow path 180L. When the user inhales, air flows into the air flow path 180L from the air inlet hole 181L, and the air flows out to the bottom 143L of the holder 140L from the air outlet hole 182L.

[0047] A liquid guide section 122L is disposed midway along the air flow path 180L. The liquid-derived aerosol generated by heating in the heating section 121L-1 is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181L. The mixture of the liquid-derived aerosol and air then passes through the inside of the capsule-type container 130L and is output from the mouthpiece 124L into the user's oral cavity. In FIG. 3, this flow path is indicated by an arrow 190L.

[0048] Aerosol derived from solid matter is added to the mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air as it passes through the capsule-shaped container 130L. The concentration of the aerosol derived from the solid matter increases by combining the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2. However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, a heating mode that is not combined with the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is also provided.

[0049] When the heating control of the heating unit 121L-2 is not combined, the aerosol derived from the liquid is generated by heating the aerosol source of the solid material when the aerosol derived from the liquid passes through the capsule container 130L. However, the amount of solid-derived aerosol generated by heating the liquid-derived aerosol is smaller than when combined with heating control of the heating unit 121L-2.

[0050] (heating mode) The aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment is provided with two types of heating modes. The first heating mode is a first mode in which only the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 2) is used. That is, this is a heating mode in which only the cartridge 20 is heated. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “normal mode.” In the normal mode, the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the solid aerosol source is always controlled to be off.

[0051] The second heating mode is a second mode that uses both the heating unit 121L-1 that heats the aerosol source stored in the cartridge 20 and the heating unit 121L-2 that heats the aerosol source filled in the capsule 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, this is a heating mode that heats both the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30. Hereinafter, this heating mode will be referred to as the “high mode.” In the high mode, heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 and heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2 are alternately performed.

[0052] The heating mode can be switched by, for example, pressing and holding the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) for two seconds or more. For example, if operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in high mode, the heating mode switches to normal mode. On the other hand, if operation button 11B is pressed for two seconds or more in normal mode, the heating mode switches to high mode.

[0053] In the high mode, the heating of the cartridge 20 by the heating unit 121L-1 takes priority over the heating of the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2. That is, while heating is being performed by the heating unit 121L-1, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop. Also, if an event occurs that starts heating the cartridge 20 while heating the capsule 30 by the heating unit 121L-2, heating by the heating unit 121L-2 is controlled to stop.

[0054] In the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in the first embodiment, the heating units 121L-1 and 121L-2 are controlled not to heat simultaneously so as not to exceed the upper limit of the output current of the battery used as the power supply unit 111L. In other words, the heating period of the heating unit 121L-1 and the heating period of the heating unit 121L-2 are separated. The term "simultaneous" here does not mean that the heating timings do not overlap at all, so overlaps caused by errors in operation timing, for example, are allowed.

[0055] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the normal mode and the high mode, where (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the normal mode, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of heating in the high mode. FIG. 4(A1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the normal mode, and FIG. 4(A2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the normal mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(A1) and (A2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. During periods when heating is present, power is supplied to the corresponding heating section, and during periods when heating is not present, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating section.

[0056] Heating control in normal mode is started when the locked state is released. The locked state is a state in which control by control unit 116L is stopped, and therefore, even if the user holds mouthpiece 124L (see FIG. 3) between their mouths and inhales, no aerosol is generated. The locked state can be released, for example, by pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds. The number of presses, the button to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples. When the heating control in the normal mode starts, as shown in FIG. 4(A1), the cartridge 20 is heated in conjunction with the suction period. "Linked to the period of suction" means linked to the detection of suction by sensor unit 112L.

[0057] Thus, if suction for one second is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for one second, and if suction for two seconds is detected, cartridge 20 is heated for two seconds. As shown in FIG. 4(A2), in the normal mode, the capsule 30 is not heated regardless of whether or not inhalation is performed. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of suction, control unit 116L transitions to the locked state. The heating mode will not change even if the device is locked. The heating mode will not change even when the device is released from the locked state.

[0058] In this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 6 minutes (i.e., 360 seconds). This time is an example. If 6 minutes have passed since the last inhalation, it is highly likely that the user has stopped inhaling aerosol. Therefore, in this embodiment, the device main body 11 (see FIG. 2) is shifted to a locked state in order to reduce the power consumed by the device main body 11. The same applies to the high mode. That is, when six minutes have passed since the last suction, the aerosol generation device 10 is controlled to a locked state.

[0059] The device also transitions to the locked state when the user instructs it to do so. The user can manually transition to the locked state by, for example, pressing operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) three times in succession within two seconds before six minutes have elapsed since the last suction. The number of presses, the buttons to be operated, and the time required for the operation are all examples.

[0060] FIG. 4(B1) shows the heating timing of the cartridge 20 in the high mode, and FIG. 4(B2) shows the heating timing of the capsule 30 in the high mode. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(B1) and (B2) represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of heating. As described above, in this embodiment, simultaneous heating of the cartridge 20 and the capsule 30 is prohibited. Therefore, the heating timing of the cartridge 20 and the heating timing of the capsule 30 do not overlap. During a period indicating heating, power is supplied to the corresponding heating unit, and during a period indicating no heating, power is not supplied to the corresponding heating unit.

[0061] The heating control in the high mode is started when the locked state is released or when the normal mode is switched to the high mode. When the high mode heating control starts, as shown in Fig. 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 starts. This heating basically continues until inhalation is detected, and heating of the capsule 30 is stopped during the period in which inhalation is detected. 4(B1) and 4(B2), heating of the capsule 30 is stopped at the timing when heating of the cartridge 20 is started. The initial temperature of the capsule 30 is, for example, the air temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generation device 10 is used, for example, room temperature.

[0062] In the case of the aerosol generation device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 (B1) and (B2), when 30 seconds have passed since the last detection of inhalation, heating of the capsule 30 is forcibly stopped to reduce power consumption. That is, the device enters a sleep state. In the sleep state, the temperature of the capsule 30 gradually decreases.

[0063] In the sleep state, heating of the capsule 30 is stopped, but the sensor unit 112L that detects inhalation is operating. Therefore, when inhalation by the user is detected in the sleep state, heating of the cartridge 20 is performed as shown in Fig. 4(B1). Furthermore, when heating of the cartridge 20 is completed, heating of the capsule 30 is started as shown in Fig. 4(B2).

[0064] In the present embodiment, the user is not notified of the transition to the sleep state, but the user may be notified. If the device remains in sleep mode for another 5 minutes and 30 seconds, it will transition to the locked state described above.

[0065] (Display contents) 5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a remaining amount screen 200 displayed on the display 11A in the first embodiment. The remaining amount screen 200 is a screen that shows the remaining amount of the capsule 30 and the remaining amount of the battery, and is displayed when the remaining amount runs out. The sensor unit 112L detects that the remaining amount runs out. The remaining amount screen 200 is displayed for, for example, six seconds.

[0066] 5 to 8, a heating mode icon 201, a capsule icon 202, and a battery icon 203 are arranged. However, the capsule icon 202 and the battery icon 203 may be turned off and not visible. The heating mode icon 201 is an icon indicating the current heating mode. The capsule icon 202 is an icon indicating the remaining amount of the solid aerosol source in the capsule 30. The battery icon 203 is an icon indicating the remaining amount of the battery. The capsule icon 202 is an example of a first display element, and the battery icon 203 is an example of a second display element. The remaining amount screen 200 is an example of an image including a first display element and a second display element.

[0067] 5 to 8, the capsule icon 202 is represented by a rectangle, and the mark of the capsule 30 is placed in the second section from the top, but the design of the capsule icon 202 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a design of the capsule 30. In this case, the design of the capsule 30 is an example of a design of a container that contains the aerosol source. 5 to 8, the battery icon 203 is a battery design so that it is clear that it represents the remaining battery power, but the design of the battery icon 203 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a rectangular design.

[0068] 5 to 8, the capsule icon 202 and the battery icon 203 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 201 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0069] Figure 5 shows the remaining battery level screen 200 when the battery is depleted in the high heating mode. Figure 6 shows the remaining battery level screen 200 when the battery is depleted in the normal heating mode. In the case of Fig. 5, the heating mode icon 201 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 6, the heating mode icon 201 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0070] The capsule icon 202 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 represents the remaining amount of aerosol source in the capsule 30 with five compartments. Each compartment represents 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time 20% of the aerosol source is consumed, the number of lit compartments decreases. That is, the number of lit compartments decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, only one compartment remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 5 and 6, all five compartments are lit, indicating that more than 80% of the aerosol source remains.

[0071] The battery icon 203 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 represents the remaining battery charge using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% of the full charge. Each time the consumed power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to four, three, two, and so on. When the remaining charge falls below 25%, only one section remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 5 and 6, all four sections are off, so the remaining charge is 0%. Note that in FIGS. 5 and 6, all four sections of the battery icon 203 are off, so the boundaries between the sections are not visible.

[0072] In this embodiment, on such remaining charge screen 200, the battery icon 203 flashes to indicate that the battery is depleted. That is, when the heating mode is high mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the battery icon 203 is lit as shown in Fig. 5(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of the battery icon 203 is unlit as shown in Fig. 5(B) are alternately displayed. When the heating mode is normal mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the battery icon 203 is lit as shown in Fig. 6(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of the battery icon 203 is unlit as shown in Fig. 6(B) are alternately displayed. On the other hand, the capsule icon 202 does not flash if the remaining amount of capsules 30 is not exhausted.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows the remaining amount screen 200 when the heating mode is high and there are no more capsules 30. Fig. 8 shows the remaining amount screen 200 when the heating mode is normal and there are no more capsules 30. In the case of Fig. 7, the heating mode icon 201 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 8, the heating mode icon 201 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0074] The capsule icon 202 shown in Figures 7 and 8 represents the remaining amount of aerosol source in the capsule 30 using five compartments. One compartment corresponds to 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time the consumed aerosol source reaches 20% equivalent, the number of lit compartments decreases. That is, the number of lit compartments decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, only one compartment remains lit. For example, in Figures 7 and 8, all five compartments are unlit, so the remaining amount is 0%. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, all five compartments of the capsule icon 202 are unlit, so the boundaries between the compartments are not visible.

[0075] The battery icon 203 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 represents the remaining battery power with four sections. One section corresponds to 25% of the battery when fully charged. Each time the consumed power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to four, three, two, and so on. When the remaining power falls below 25%, only one section remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 7 and 8, all four sections are lit, so the remaining power is more than 75%.

[0076] In this embodiment, on such remaining amount screen 200, the capsule icon 202 flashes to indicate that the remaining amount of capsules 30 has run out. That is, when the heating mode is high mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the capsule icon 202 shown in Fig. 7(A) is lit and a screen in which the outer frame of the capsule icon 202 shown in Fig. 7(B) is unlit are alternately displayed. When the heating mode is normal mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the capsule icon 202 shown in Fig. 8(A) is lit and a screen in which the outer frame of the capsule icon 202 shown in Fig. 8(B) is unlit are alternately displayed. On the other hand, the battery icon 203 does not blink unless the battery is completely depleted.

[0077] 5 to 8, the remaining charge screen 200 when both the battery and the capsule 30 are depleted is not mentioned. In this case, the battery icon 203 may be made to flash in a first flashing pattern, and the capsule icon 202 may be made to flash in a second flashing pattern different from the first flashing pattern. The flashing pattern may have various flashing timings, such as a flashing cycle and a flashing phase. The flashing cycles of two icons are different when the length from the brightest point of one icon to the next brightest point is different from that of the other icon. The flashing phases of two icons are different when the brightest point of one icon is different from the brightest point of the other icon, even if the flashing cycles of the two icons are the same.

[0078] (Display control) 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating the display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 according to the first embodiment. The symbol S in the figure means step. 9 and 10 are realized through the execution of a program. The program here is stored in the storage unit 114L (see FIG. 3) and executed by the control unit 116L (see FIG. 3).

[0079] Fig. 9 shows a first display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 when the remaining amount of the capsule 30 or the remaining amount of the battery is depleted. Here, a case will be described in which the blinking pattern of the battery icon 203 is fixed to a first blinking pattern, and the blinking pattern of the capsule icon 202 is fixed to a second blinking pattern different from the first blinking pattern. Furthermore, the display control of Fig. 9 is executed repeatedly in an extremely short cycle.

[0080] First, the control unit 116L acquires the remaining amount of the capsule 30 (step 301). The remaining amount of the capsule 30 is a value calculated based on the number of suctions, the cumulative suction time, etc., and is stored in the memory unit 114L, so the control unit 116L acquires this value. Next, control unit 116L acquires the remaining battery power (step 302). Since the remaining battery power is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Here, the remaining amount of the capsule 30 and the remaining amount of the battery are acquired in that order, but this is merely an example, and the remaining amount of the battery and the remaining amount of the capsule 30 may be acquired in that order.

[0081] Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not there is any remaining amount of capsules 30 based on the remaining amount of capsules 30 acquired in step 301 (step 303). For example, if the remaining amount of the capsule 30 exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 303. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the capsule 30 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 303.

[0082] First, the case where a positive result is obtained in step 303 will be described. In this case, the control unit 116L determines whether or not there is any remaining battery power based on the remaining battery power acquired in step 302 (step 304). For example, if the remaining battery power exceeds the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 304 . On the other hand, if the remaining battery power is equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 304 .

[0083] If a positive result is obtained in step 304, both the battery and the capsule 30 have remaining power, and there is no need to blink either the battery icon 203 or the capsule icon 202, so the control unit 116L ends the process.

[0084] If a negative result is obtained in step 304, control unit 116L acquires the current heating mode (step 305). Since the current heating mode is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Next, control unit 116L sets heating mode icon 201, which represents the heating mode acquired in step 305, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 306). If the heating mode acquired in step 305 is the high mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE HIGH." If the heating mode acquired in step 305 is the normal mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0085] Next, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202, which indicates the remaining amount of capsules 30 acquired in step 301, in the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 307). If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 301 is more than 80%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting five compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 301 is more than 60% but less than or equal to 80%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting four compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 301 is more than 40% but less than or equal to 60%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 301 is more than 20% but less than or equal to 40%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 301 is less than or equal to 20%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting one compartment.

[0086] Next, control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in RAM so that battery icon 203 blinks in the first blinking pattern (step 308). For example, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for blinking battery icon 203 in a first blinking pattern. The blinking pattern is, as described above, the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, and the like.

[0087] Thereafter, control unit 116L displays remaining amount screen 200, which is obtained by setting heating mode icon 201, capsule icon 202, and battery icon 203 in the screen data in steps 306 to 308, on display 11A (step 309). For example, control unit 116L outputs the data of remaining amount screen 200 to notification unit 113L, and notification unit 113L outputs this data to display 11A, whereby remaining amount screen 200 is displayed on display 11A.

[0088] Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 303 will be described. In this case, control unit 116L acquires the current heating mode (step 310). Since the current heating mode is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Next, control unit 116L sets heating mode icon 201, which represents the heating mode acquired in step 310, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 311). If the heating mode acquired in step 310 is the high mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE HIGH." If the heating mode acquired in step 310 is the normal mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0089] Next, the control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in the RAM so that the capsule icon 202 blinks in the second blinking pattern (step 312). For example, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for blinking battery icon 203 in a second blinking pattern. The blinking pattern is, as described above, the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, and the like.

[0090] Next, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203, which indicates the remaining battery power obtained in step 302, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 313). If the remaining battery power acquired in step 302 is greater than 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting four compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 302 is greater than 50% and less than or equal to 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 302 is greater than 25% and less than or equal to 50%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 302 is less than or equal to 25%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting one compartment.

[0091] Thereafter, control unit 116L displays remaining amount screen 200, which is obtained by setting heating mode icon 201, capsule icon 202, and battery icon 203 in the screen data in steps 311 to 313, on display 11A (step 309). For example, control unit 116L outputs the data of remaining amount screen 200 to notification unit 113L, and notification unit 113L outputs this data to display 11A, whereby remaining amount screen 200 is displayed on display 11A.

[0092] In the above description, the control unit 116L repeatedly executes the display control at extremely short intervals, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 116L may execute the above display control when it detects an operation requesting the display of the remaining amount. An operation requesting the display of the remaining amount is, for example, an operation of pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) once. In this case, if a positive result is obtained in step 304, that is, if there is remaining amount in both the battery and the capsule 30, a remaining amount screen 200 may be displayed, which includes a battery icon 203 representing the remaining amount of the battery and a capsule icon 202 representing the remaining amount of the capsule 30.

[0093] In the above description, when the remaining amount of capsules 30 is exhausted, the control unit 116L causes the capsule icon 202 to flash in step 309 and ends the process, but this is not limited to this. After causing the capsule icon 202 to flash, the control unit 116L may display a capsule replacement screen on the display 11A indicating that the capsule 30 should be replaced.

[0094] Figure 10 shows a second display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 when the remaining power of the capsule 30 or the remaining power of the battery is exhausted. Note that here, the blinking patterns of the battery icon 203 and the capsule icon 202 are not fixed, and a case will be described in which these icons are made to blink in different blinking patterns when the remaining power of both the battery and the capsule 30 is exhausted. Furthermore, the display control of Figure 10 is executed repeatedly in an extremely short cycle.

[0095] First, the control unit 116L acquires the remaining amount of the capsule 30 (step 321). The remaining amount of the capsule 30 is a value calculated based on the number of suctions, the cumulative suction time, etc., and is stored in the memory unit 114L, so the control unit 116L acquires this value. Next, control unit 116L acquires the remaining battery power (step 322). Since the remaining battery power is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires this.

[0096] Next, the control unit 116L determines whether or not there is any remaining amount of capsules 30 based on the remaining amount of capsules 30 acquired in step 321 (step 323). For example, if the remaining amount of the capsule 30 exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 323. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the capsule 30 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 323.

[0097] First, the case where a positive result is obtained in step 323 will be described. In this case, the control unit 116L determines whether or not there is any remaining battery power based on the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 (step 324). For example, if the remaining battery power exceeds the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 324. On the other hand, if the remaining battery power is equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 324 .

[0098] If a positive result is obtained in step 324, both the battery and the capsule 30 have remaining power, and there is no need to blink either the battery icon 203 or the capsule icon 202, so the control unit 116L ends the process.

[0099] If a negative result is obtained in step 324, control unit 116L acquires the current heating mode (step 325). Since the current heating mode is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Next, control unit 116L sets heating mode icon 201, which represents the heating mode acquired in step 325, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 326). If the heating mode acquired in step 325 is the high mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE HIGH." If the heating mode acquired in step 325 is the normal mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0100] Next, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202, which indicates the remaining amount of capsules 30 acquired in step 321, in the screen data prepared in the RAM (step 327). If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 321 is more than 80%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting five compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 321 is more than 60% but less than or equal to 80%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting four compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 321 is more than 40% but less than or equal to 60%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 321 is more than 20% but less than or equal to 40%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the remaining amount of the capsule 30 acquired in step 321 is less than or equal to 20%, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 including control data for lighting one compartment.

[0101] Next, control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in RAM to make battery icon 203 blink (step 328). For example, the control unit 116L sets the battery icon 203 to include control data for blinking the battery icon 203. The blinking pattern here is not particularly limited. As described above, the blinking pattern refers to the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, etc.

[0102] Thereafter, control unit 116L displays remaining amount screen 200, which is obtained by setting heating mode icon 201, capsule icon 202, and battery icon 203 in the screen data in steps 326 to 328, on display 11A (step 329). For example, control unit 116L outputs the data of remaining amount screen 200 to notification unit 113L, and notification unit 113L outputs this data to display 11A, whereby remaining amount screen 200 is displayed on display 11A.

[0103] Next, a case where a negative result is obtained in step 323 will be described. In this case, control unit 116L acquires the current heating mode (step 330). Since the current heating mode is stored in memory unit 114L, control unit 116L acquires it. Next, control unit 116L sets heating mode icon 201, which represents the heating mode acquired in step 330, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 331). If the heating mode acquired in step 330 is the high mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE HIGH." If the heating mode acquired in step 330 is the normal mode, the control unit 116L sets the heating mode icon 201 to include the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0104] Next, control unit 116L determines whether or not there is any remaining battery power based on the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 (step 332). For example, if the remaining battery power exceeds the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a positive result in step 332. On the other hand, if the remaining battery power is equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 116L obtains a negative result in step 332.

[0105] If a positive result is obtained in step 332, the control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in the RAM to make the capsule icon 202 blink (step 333). For example, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 to include control data for causing the capsule icon 202 to blink. The blinking pattern here is not particularly limited. For example, the blinking pattern here may be the blinking pattern used in step 328. As described above, the blinking pattern refers to the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, etc.

[0106] Next, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203, which indicates the remaining battery power obtained in step 322, in the screen data prepared in RAM (step 334). If the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 is greater than 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting four compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 is greater than 50% and equal to or less than 75%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting three compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 is greater than 25% and equal to or less than 50%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting two compartments. If the remaining battery power acquired in step 322 is equal to or less than 25%, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for lighting one compartment.

[0107] Thereafter, the control unit 116L displays the remaining amount screen 200, which is obtained by setting the heating mode icon 201, the capsule icon 202, and the battery icon 203 in the screen data in steps 331, 333, and 334, on the display 11A (step 329). For example, the control unit 116L outputs the data of the remaining amount screen 200 to the notification unit 113L, and the notification unit 113L outputs this data to the display 11A, whereby the remaining amount screen 200 is displayed on the display 11A.

[0108] If a negative result is obtained in step 332, control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in RAM to make battery icon 203 blink in the first blinking pattern (step 335). For example, control unit 116L sets battery icon 203 including control data for blinking battery icon 203 in a first blinking pattern. The blinking pattern is, as described above, the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, and the like.

[0109] Next, the control unit 116L sets the screen data prepared in the RAM so that the capsule icon 202 blinks in the second blinking pattern (step 336). For example, the control unit 116L sets the capsule icon 202 to include control data for blinking the capsule icon 202. The blinking pattern here is different from the blinking pattern used in step 335. As described above, the blinking pattern refers to the blinking cycle, the blinking phase, etc.

[0110] Thereafter, the control unit 116L displays the remaining amount screen 200, which is obtained by setting the heating mode icon 201, the capsule icon 202, and the battery icon 203 in the screen data in steps 331, 335, and 336, on the display 11A (step 329). For example, the control unit 116L outputs the data of the remaining amount screen 200 to the notification unit 113L, and the notification unit 113L outputs this data to the display 11A, whereby the remaining amount screen 200 is displayed on the display 11A.

[0111] In the above description, the control unit 116L repeatedly executes the display control at extremely short intervals, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 116L may execute the above display control when it detects an operation requesting the display of the remaining amount. An operation requesting the display of the remaining amount is, for example, an operation of pressing the operation button 11B (see FIG. 1) once. In this case, if a positive result is obtained in step 324, that is, if there is remaining amount in both the battery and the capsule 30, a remaining amount screen 200 may be displayed that includes a battery icon 203 representing the remaining amount of the battery and a capsule icon 202 representing the remaining amount of the capsule 30.

[0112] In the above description, when the remaining amount of capsules 30 is exhausted, the control unit 116L causes the capsule icon 202 to flash in step 329 and ends the processing, but this is not limited to this. After causing the capsule icon 202 to flash, the control unit 116L may display a capsule replacement screen on the display 11A indicating that the capsule 30 should be replaced.

[0113] (summary) In the aerosol generation device 10 of the first embodiment, when the remaining charge of either the capsule 30 or the battery falls below a threshold without the remaining charge of the other falling below a threshold, the capsule icon 202 and the battery icon 203, which represent the remaining charge of either one of them, do not blink, but blink the icon representing the remaining charge of the other. Also, when the remaining charges of both the capsule 30 and the battery fall below a threshold, the capsule icon 202 and the battery icon 203 blink in different blinking patterns. This makes it possible to clearly notify the user that at least one of the remaining charge of the capsule 30 and the remaining charge of the battery has fallen below a threshold.

[0114] [Embodiment 2] (Overview, etc.) In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the remaining amount of the cartridge 20 is displayed on the display 11A instead of the remaining amount of the capsule 30. The external appearance and internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 10 assumed in this embodiment are the same as those of the aerosol generation device 10 described in the first embodiment. However, the sensor unit 112L provided in the device main body 11 also includes a liquid level sensor that detects the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20. The liquid level sensor may be one that optically detects the liquid level, such as one that detects the liquid level position using reflected light from the liquid surface. In addition, the memory unit 114L provided in the device main body 11 also stores information on the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20 as information detected by the sensor unit 112L.

[0115] (Display contents) 11 to 14 are diagrams illustrating a remaining amount screen 400 displayed on the display 11A in the second embodiment. The remaining amount screen 400 is a screen that shows the remaining amount of the cartridge 20 and the remaining amount of the battery, and is displayed when the remaining amount runs out. The sensor unit 112L detects that the remaining amount runs out. The remaining amount screen 400 is displayed for, for example, six seconds.

[0116] 11 to 14, a heating mode icon 401, a cartridge icon 402, and a battery icon 403 are arranged. However, the cartridge icon 402 and the battery icon 403 may be turned off and not visible. The heating mode icon 401 is an icon that indicates the current heating mode. The cartridge icon 402 is an icon that indicates the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source in the cartridge 20. The battery icon 403 is an icon that indicates the remaining amount of the battery. The cartridge icon 402 is an example of a first display element, and the battery icon 403 is an example of a second display element. The remaining amount screen 400 is an example of an image that includes a first display element and a second display element.

[0117] 11 to 14, the cartridge icon 402 is represented by a rectangle, and the mark of the cartridge 20 is placed in the second section from the top, but the design of the cartridge icon 402 is not limited to this. For example, the design may be that of the cartridge 20. In this case, the design of the cartridge 20 is an example of the design of a container that contains the aerosol source. 11 to 14, the battery icon 403 is a battery design so that it is clear that it represents the remaining battery power, but the design of the battery icon 403 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a rectangular design.

[0118] 11 to 14, the cartridge icon 402 and the battery icon 403 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, thereby ensuring space for arranging the heating mode icon 401 and providing an easy-to-see display.

[0119] Figure 11 shows the remaining battery level screen 400 when the battery is depleted in the high heating mode. Figure 12 shows the remaining battery level screen 400 when the battery is depleted in the normal heating mode. In the case of Fig. 11, the heating mode icon 401 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 12, the heating mode icon 201 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0120] The cartridge icon 402 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 represents the remaining amount of aerosol source in the cartridge 20 using five compartments. Each compartment represents 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time 20% of the aerosol source is consumed, the number of lit compartments decreases. That is, the number of lit compartments decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, only one compartment remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 11 and 12, all five compartments are lit, indicating that more than 80% of the aerosol source remains.

[0121] The battery icon 403 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 represents the remaining battery charge using four sections. One section corresponds to 25% when fully charged. Each time the consumed power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of sections that are lit decreases to four, three, two, and so on. When the remaining charge falls below 25%, only one section remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 11 and 12, all four sections are off, so the remaining charge is 0%. Note that in FIGS. 11 and 12, all four sections of the battery icon 403 are off, so the boundaries between the sections are not visible.

[0122] In this embodiment, on such remaining charge screen 400, to indicate that the battery is out of charge, battery icon 403 flashes. That is, when the heating mode is high mode, a screen in which the outer frame of battery icon 403 is lit as shown in Fig. 11(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of battery icon 403 is unlit as shown in Fig. 11(B) are alternately displayed. When the heating mode is normal mode, a screen in which the outer frame of battery icon 403 is lit as shown in Fig. 12(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of battery icon 403 is unlit as shown in Fig. 12(B) are alternately displayed. On the other hand, the cartridge icon 402 does not blink if the cartridge 20 is not empty.

[0123] Fig. 13 shows the remaining amount screen 400 when the cartridge 20 runs out when the heating mode is high mode. Fig. 14 shows the remaining amount screen 400 when the cartridge 20 runs out when the heating mode is normal mode. In the case of Fig. 13, the heating mode icon 401 indicates that the current heating mode is high mode with the character string "MODE HIGH." In the case of Fig. 14, the heating mode icon 401 indicates that the current heating mode is normal mode with the character string "MODE NORMAL."

[0124] The cartridge icon 402 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 represents the remaining amount of aerosol source in the cartridge 20 using five sections. One section corresponds to 20% of the total remaining amount of the aerosol source when unused. Each time the consumed aerosol source reaches 20%, the number of lit sections decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to five, four, three, and so on. When the remaining amount falls below 20%, only one section remains lit. For example, in FIGS. 13 and 14, all five sections are unlit, so the remaining amount is 0%. Note that in FIGS. 13 and 14, all five sections of the cartridge icon 402 are unlit, so the boundaries between the sections are not visible.

[0125] The battery icon 403 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 represents the remaining battery charge with four sections. One section corresponds to 25% when fully charged. Each time the consumed power reaches 25%, the number of sections that are lit decreases. That is, the number of lit sections decreases to four, three, two, and so on. When the remaining charge falls below 25%, only one section remains lit. For example, in the case of FIGS. 13 and 14, all four sections are lit, so the remaining charge is more than 75%.

[0126] In this embodiment, on such remaining amount screen 400, the cartridge icon 402 flashes to indicate that the remaining amount of cartridge 20 has run out. That is, when the heating mode is the high mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the cartridge icon 402 is lit as shown in Fig. 13(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of the cartridge icon 402 is unlit as shown in Fig. 13(B) are alternately displayed. When the heating mode is the normal mode, a screen in which the outer frame of the cartridge icon 402 is lit as shown in Fig. 14(A) and a screen in which the outer frame of the cartridge icon 402 is unlit as shown in Fig. 14(B) are alternately displayed. On the other hand, the battery icon 403 does not blink unless the battery is completely depleted.

[0127] 11 to 14, there is no mention of the remaining charge screen 400 when both the battery and cartridge 20 are depleted. In this case, it is preferable to make the battery icon 403 blink in a first blinking pattern and make the cartridge icon 402 blink in a second blinking pattern different from the first blinking pattern. The blinking pattern includes various patterns related to the blinking timing, such as the blinking cycle and the blinking phase. The blinking cycles of two icons are different when the length from the brightest point of one icon to the next brightest point is different from that of the other icon. The blinking phases of two icons are different when the blinking cycles of two icons are the same, but the brightest point of one icon is different from the brightest point of the other icon.

[0128] (Display control) The display control of the display 11A of the aerosol generation device 10 in the second embodiment is achieved by replacing the processing related to the capsule 30 in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0129] (summary) In the aerosol generation device 10 of the second embodiment, when the remaining charge of either the cartridge 20 or the battery falls below a threshold without the remaining charge of the other falling below a threshold, the icon representing the remaining charge of either the cartridge icon 402 or the battery icon 403 does not blink, but the icon representing the remaining charge of the other blinks. Furthermore, when the remaining charges of both the cartridge 20 and the battery fall below a threshold, the cartridge icon 402 and the battery icon 403 blink in different blinking patterns. This makes it possible to clearly notify the user that at least one of the remaining charge of the cartridge 20 and the remaining charge of the battery has fallen below a threshold.

[0130] [Other embodiments] That's all, this Disclosure Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, Disclosure The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiment. Various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiment are also included in the present invention. Disclosure It is clear from the description of the claims that the present invention falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the aerosol is generated by heating the liquid aerosol source with the heating unit 121L-1, but the aerosol may be generated by vibrating the liquid aerosol source with an oscillator. Alternatively, the heating unit 121L-1 may be configured as a susceptor made of a conductive material such as metal, and the susceptor may be induction-heated with an electromagnetic induction source to generate the aerosol.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the aerosol generation device 10 (see FIG. 1) is an electronic cigarette, but it may also be a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer. When the aerosol generation device 10 is a nebulizer, the liquid aerosol source or solid aerosol source may contain a drug for inhalation by a patient. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10... aerosol generating device, 11A... display, 11B... operation button, 20... cartridge, 30... capsule, 116L... control unit, 121L-1, 121L-2... heating unit, 200, 400... remaining amount screen, 201, 401... heating mode icon, 202... capsule icon, 203, 403... battery icon, 402... cartridge icon

Claims

1. a heating unit that receives power from the battery and heats the aerosol source; a display unit for displaying the status of the device itself; a control unit that controls the display unit to display an image including a first display element that indicates the remaining amount of the aerosol source and a second display element that indicates the remaining amount of the battery; Equipped with The control unit When the remaining charge of the battery becomes equal to or less than a threshold without the remaining charge of the aerosol source becoming equal to or less than a threshold, the display unit is controlled so as to blink the second display element in a first blinking manner without blinking the first display element; When the remaining charge of the aerosol source becomes equal to or less than a threshold without the remaining charge of the battery becoming equal to or less than a threshold, the second display element is not flashed, and the first display element is flashed in a second flashing manner different from the first flashing manner, and the display is controlled so as to display the second display element on the display unit; When the remaining amounts of both the aerosol source and the battery become equal to or less than a threshold, the first display element is caused to blink in the second blinking manner, and the second display element is caused to blink in the first blinking manner, and the display unit is controlled to display the first and second display elements. Aerosol generator.

2. the first display element is a design of a container that contains the aerosol source; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second display element is a design of the battery.

3. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the image in which the first display element and the second display element are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the first display element and the longitudinal direction of the second display element are parallel.

4. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the first display element to flash in the second flashing pattern without flashing the second display element, and then controls the display unit to display an image indicating that the aerosol source should be replaced.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein the first flashing pattern and the second flashing pattern have different flashing periods.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein the first flashing pattern and the second flashing pattern have different flashing phases.

Images