Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provided a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of a user's experience. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a heating unit that heats an aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit on the basis of control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by performing a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, during a period in which the operation of the heating unit is controlled on the basis of the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Various technologies have been studied to improve the quality of the user experience when using an inhalation device. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for controlling the power supplied to a heater that heats an aerosol-generating substrate using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-512603 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

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

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: a heating unit that heats an aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit performs a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during a period in which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controls the operation of the heating unit.

[0008] As the correction process, the control unit may correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor based on a parameter corresponding to an initial temperature of the heating unit.

[0009] The control unit may correct the target temperature to be lower by a correction amount, and the correction amount may be larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature.

[0010] The control unit may correct the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor to be higher by a correction amount, and the correction amount may be larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature.

[0011] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on the control information selected from the plurality of pieces of control information, and may use a predetermined value as the correction amount regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected.

[0012] The control unit may switch the correction amount depending on the elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source based on the control information started.

[0013] The control information may include information on multiple unit periods with different temperature change trends of the heating unit, and the control unit may perform the correction process and determine the transition of the unit period when the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor reaches the target temperature set for the unit period as a trigger.

[0014] The control unit may perform the correction process during the unit period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases or decreases.

[0015] The aerosol generation system includes a power supply unit, and the heating unit heats the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit. The control unit may perform the correction process during the unit period in which power supply to the heating unit is stopped, and resume power supply to the heating unit when triggered by the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor dropping to the target temperature set for the unit period.

[0016] The control unit may perform the correction process in a first half of a period during which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the control information.

[0017] The period for controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the control information may include a period for controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit instead of the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor.

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

[0019] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a heating unit that heats an aerosol source and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit, and the control method includes controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information including parameters corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the control information includes performing a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during a period in which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controlling the operation of the heating unit.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system includes a heating unit that heats an aerosol source and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and the control unit performs a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during a period in which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controls the operation of the heating unit. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2]10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating unit when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of control based on thermistor temperature according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of control based on thermistor temperature according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 has a thermistor. The thermistor is an example of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 from outside the heating unit 121. The thermistor is disposed near the heating unit 121 and warms up due to the heat of the heating unit 121. The temperature of the thermistor is detected as the temperature of the heating unit 121. The thermistor is configured as, for example, an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor, or a CTR (critical temperature resistor) thermistor. Alternatively, a resistance temperature detector made of platinum or the like may be used as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 from outside the heating unit 121. A resistance temperature detector is sometimes also called an RTD (resistance temperature detector).

[0029] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0030] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0031] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as a standard using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0032] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0033] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding part 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid but may also be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0035] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0037] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0038] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0039] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0040] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contains an aerosol source and contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The aerosol is generated by combining the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0041] <2. Technical Features> 2.1. Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0042] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating, in which case the heating profile includes information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply parameters). The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. Turning power supply ON / OFF to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0043] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0044] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0045] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0046] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0047] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters may be specified in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of 10 periods, STEP 0 to STEP 9. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP. The STEPs specified in the heating profile are an example of a unit period in this embodiment.

[0050] Time control is performed in STEPs 1 and 2 and STEPs 4 to 9. Time control is control that ends a step when a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each step) has elapsed. When time control is performed, the rate of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, when time control is performed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature midway through the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration has elapsed.

[0051] On the other hand, time control is not performed in STEP 0 and STEP 3. When time control is not performed, the step ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). Therefore, the duration of STEP 0 is extended or shortened depending on the rate of temperature rise. The duration of STEP 3 is extended or shortened depending on the rate of temperature fall.

[0052] The temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph 20 showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 121. A line 21 shows the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. An example of the heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0053] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 280°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. Time control is not performed in STEP 0. Therefore, STEP 0 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280°C, which is used as a trigger. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP 1, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to 300°C, and in STEP 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2.

[0054] For users, a shorter preheating time is preferable. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered to the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 280°C in STEP 0 and ensure that STEP 1 continues for a certain period of time.

[0055] Here, in STEP 0 to STEP 2, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a high voltage. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach 280°C as quickly as possible and maintain the high temperature thereafter. In addition, it is possible to shorten the pre-heating period.

[0056] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220°C. In STEP 3, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a high voltage to a low voltage. If the voltage is switched while power is being supplied to the heating unit 121, the accuracy of the temperature control may decrease due to noise being introduced into the gain of PID control, for example. In this regard, by switching the voltage while power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the temperature control that occurs when the voltage is switched.

[0057] As shown in Table 1 and Fig. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 then gradually increases to 270°C from STEP 4 to STEP 7. In this manner, control information may be defined across multiple STEPs. Thereafter, in STEP 8, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 270°C.

[0058] Here, in STEP 4 to STEP 8, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a low voltage. This is because in STEP 4 to STEP 8, there is no need to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 or to maintain it at a high temperature. By lowering the voltage in STEP 4 to STEP 8, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the entire heating session.

[0059] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 9, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 9, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a low voltage to a high voltage. This makes it possible to start the next heating session at a high voltage. Furthermore, by switching the voltage during a period when power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control due to the voltage switching. In STEP 9, while the duration is specified, the target temperature is not specified. Therefore, STEP 9 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated due to residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of STEP 9.

[0060] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information informing the user of the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0061] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0062] The heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. For example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate. As another example, in STEP 4, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be maintained at 220°C.

[0063] 2.2. Control based on thermistor temperature The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 while referring to the temperature of the heating unit 121. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be calculated based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, or can be detected by a thermistor included in the sensor unit 112. The temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is also referred to as the heater temperature. The temperature of the heating unit 121 detected by the thermistor included in the sensor unit 112 is also referred to as the thermistor temperature.

[0064] The heating session includes a period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heater temperature and a period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature. For example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the thermistor temperature in STEP 3 of the heating session shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 above. This is because power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off in STEP 3, making it difficult to detect the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heater temperature in periods other than STEP 3 of the heating session shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 above. This configuration makes it possible to achieve precise temperature control based on the heater temperature during most of the heating session, and also to achieve temperature control in accordance with the heating profile even during periods when it is difficult to calculate the heater temperature.

[0065] It is believed that the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the heater temperature are the same. However, there are cases where the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature differ. This is because the thermistor warms up with a delay due to the heat of the heating unit 121. That is, the thermistor temperature rises with a delay so as to follow the rise in the temperature of the heating unit 121. Also, the thermistor temperature drops with a delay so as to follow the drop in the temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, during the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature, the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not change as specified in the heating profile, which may result in a deterioration in the smoking taste delivered to the user.

[0066] Therefore, during the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature, the control unit 116 performs a correction process to correct the target temperature, and controls the operation of the heating unit 121. As an example, the control unit 116 corrects the target value set as the target temperature of the heating unit 121 to be lower. This is because the thermistor temperature is typically lower than the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the thermistor temperature matches the corrected target temperature, thereby allowing the temperature of the heating unit 121 to change as specified in the heating profile. This configuration makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature.

[0067] As described with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2, the heating profile includes information on multiple steps with different temperature change trends of the heating unit 121. For example, the heating profile includes a step in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, a step in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases, and a step in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained. The control unit 116 may perform a correction process during a period in which time control is not performed. That is, the control unit 116 may perform the correction process and determine whether to transition to a step when the thermistor temperature reaches the target temperature set for the step. Specifically, the control unit 116 may correct the target temperature set for the step and determine whether to transition to a step when the thermistor temperature reaches the corrected target temperature. This configuration can prevent a discrepancy in the timing of determining whether to transition to a step due to a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user.

[0068] The control unit 116 may perform correction processing in a step in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases or decreases. This is because the thermistor temperature increases or decreases with a delay so as to follow the increase or decrease in the temperature of the heating unit 121. With this configuration, correction can be performed effectively in a step in which the temperature change of the thermistor follows the temperature change of the heating unit 121 with a delay. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature.

[0069] The control unit 116 may resume power supply to the heating unit 121 while performing correction processing in a step in which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped, triggered by the thermistor temperature dropping to the target temperature set in that step. In more detail, the control unit 116 may correct the target temperature set in the step in which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped, and may resume power supply to the heating unit 121 triggered by the thermistor temperature reaching the corrected target temperature. ofIn particular, the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature tends to become large in timing. In this regard, with this configuration, it becomes possible to resume power supply to the heating unit 121 at an appropriate timing.

[0070] A heating profile for controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the thermistor temperature will be described with reference to Table 2 and Fig. 3. Table 2 above is a more detailed version of STEP 3 of the heating profile shown in Table 1. The other steps are the same as those in Table 1.

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of control based on thermistor temperature according to this embodiment. Graph 30A shown in Fig. 3 shows the temperature transition of heating unit 121 and thermistor temperature transition in the first half of STEP 0 to STEP 4 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 2 above. Line 31A shows the temperature transition of heating unit 121. Line 32A shows the thermistor temperature transition. Note that lines 31A and 32A in Fig. 3 show the temperature transition when chain smoking, which will be described later, is not performed.

[0073] As shown in Table 2 and line 31A, STEP 3 is divided into three periods: STEP 3-1, STEP 3-2, and STEP 3-3. After the duration of STEP 2 has elapsed, the control unit 116 interrupts the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in STEP 3-1. This causes the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop. However, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops too low, the smoking experience delivered to the user may deteriorate. Therefore, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls below 200°C, the control unit 116 determines to transition from STEP 3-1 to STEP 3-2. That is, the control unit 116 resumes the power supply to the heating unit 121 and resumes heating. Next, in STEP 3-2, the control unit 116 increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C. To prevent deterioration of the smoking experience, the control unit 116 does not perform time control in STEP 3-2. This is because it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121. Then, in STEP 3-3, the control unit 116 performs time control so that the total duration of STEP 3-1, STEP 3-2, and STEP 3-3 is 20 seconds. Therefore, the control unit 116 maintains the temperature of the heating unit 121 at 220°C until the 20-second duration ends.

[0074] As shown by line 32A, the thermistor temperature rises and falls with a delay, following the rise and fall of the temperature of the heating unit 121. However, it can be seen that the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature decreases as time passes from the start of heating. This is because the thermistor warms up as time passes from the start of heating. For example, in STEP 0 and STEP 1, the thermistor temperature rises with a delay from the rise in the temperature of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, in STEP 2, the thermistor temperature rises even during the period when the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained, and the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature decreases. Thereafter, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops in STEP 3-1, the thermistor temperature also drops accordingly. In STEP 3-1, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 200°C, the thermistor temperature is 170°C.

[0075] STEP 3-2 and STEP 3-3 correspond to periods for controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heater temperature. Therefore, the control unit 116 does not perform correction processing, but controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the target temperature, heater temperature, and duration.

[0076] On the other hand, STEP 3-1 corresponds to a period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature. That is, in STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121, performs a correction process to correct the target temperature, and determines whether to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121. For example, in STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 performs a correction to lower the target temperature by 30°C. Since the target temperature in STEP 3-1 is 200°C, the corrected target temperature becomes 170°C. Therefore, in STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 determines whether the thermistor temperature has dropped to the corrected target temperature of 170°C, and resumes supplying power to the heating unit 121 if it determines that the temperature has dropped to 170°C. This makes it possible to resume supplying power to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 200°C. That is, as shown by line 31A, it is possible to cause the temperature of the heating unit 121 to change as specified in the heating profile.

[0077] The control unit 116 performs the correction process in the first half of the heating session, such as STEP 3-1. This is because the thermistor is not sufficiently warmed in the first half of the heating session, and it is considered that there is a large discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. This configuration makes it possible to more effectively prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user.

[0078] Here, so-called chain smoking may be practiced, in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is replaced at short intervals while heating multiple times. When chain smoking is practiced, the thermistor temperature during the second and subsequent heatings is higher than the thermistor temperature during the first heating. This is because the thermistor remains warm during the previous heating and begins the second heating before it has completely cooled down. Therefore, if no countermeasure is taken, excessive correction may be performed in the correction process. In other words, during the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may not change as specified in the heating profile, which may result in a deterioration in the smoking taste delivered to the user.

[0079] Therefore, control unit 116 corrects the target temperature based on the initial temperature of heating unit 121 as a correction process during the period in which the operation of heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature. The initial temperature of heating unit 121 may be calculated based on the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 measured when power supply to heating unit 121 begins, or may be the thermistor temperature when power supply to heating unit 121 begins. This configuration makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to chain smoking. Note that detection of the initial temperature may be performed after a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected, or before or simultaneously with the start of heating.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the target temperature to be lower by the correction amount. However, the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, compared to when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is a first temperature. More simply, the correction amount is smaller the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, and larger the correction amount is larger the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. That is, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the smaller the correction amount the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature. This is because it is considered that the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the higher the thermistor temperature, and the smaller the deviation between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. On the other hand, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the more the control unit 116 lowers the target temperature. This is because it is considered that the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the lower the thermistor temperature, and the larger the deviation between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. Note that the control unit 116 may set the correction amount based on a threshold value, such as setting the correction amount to 30°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than a predetermined threshold value, or setting the correction amount to 10°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than the predetermined threshold value. Of course, any number of threshold values ​​greater than or equal to one may be set. This configuration makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to chain smoking.

[0081] The correction process based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. of The details will be explained by comparison.

[0082] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of control based on thermistor temperature according to this embodiment. Graph 30B shown in Fig. 4 shows the transition of the temperature of heating unit 121 and the transition of thermistor temperature in the first half of STEP 0 to STEP 4 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 2 above during chain smoking. Line 31B shows the transition of the temperature of heating unit 121. Line 32B shows the transition of thermistor temperature.

[0083] Comparing line 31A in Fig. 3 with line 31B in Fig. 4, it can be seen that when chain smoking is performed, the initial temperature of heating unit 121 is higher than when chain smoking is not performed. Comparing line 32A in Fig. 3 with line 32B in Fig. 4, it can be seen that when chain smoking is performed, the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature is smaller than when chain smoking is not performed. For example, in STEP 3-1, when the temperature of heating unit 121 drops to 200°C, the thermistor temperature is 190°C.

[0084] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 116 performs a correction in STEP 3-1 to reduce the target temperature by 10°C. This correction amount of 10°C is smaller than the correction amount of 30°C in the example shown in FIG. 3. Since the target temperature in STEP 3-1 is 200°C, the corrected target temperature is 190°C. Therefore, in STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 determines whether the thermistor temperature has decreased to the corrected target temperature of 190°C, and resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 if it determines that the temperature has decreased to 190°C. This makes it possible to resume power supply to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to 200°C. That is, as shown by line 31B, it is possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 as specified in the heating profile.

[0085] The control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on one heating profile selected from multiple heating profiles. Multiple heating profiles available to the control unit 116 are stored in the storage unit 114, and the heating profile to be used is selected, for example, by the user. In this case, the control unit 116 may use a predetermined value as the correction amount regardless of which of the multiple heating profiles is selected. For example, the control unit 116 may set the correction amount to 30°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is low and set the correction amount to 10°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is high regardless of which of the multiple heating profiles is selected. This configuration enables appropriate correction even when the heating profile is switched and the target temperature of STEP 3-1 is accordingly switched. This configuration is particularly effective in an environment where new heating profiles can be downloaded and used, or where the user can customize the heating profile. This is because there is no need to predetermine and store the correction amount according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 for each heating profile.

[0086] The flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0087] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. This flow shows an example of the flow of processing when the temperature control shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is performed.

[0088] 5, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S102). One example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0089] If it is determined that a user operation to instruct the start of heating has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until a user operation to instruct the start of heating is detected.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that a user operation to instruct the start of heating has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 acquires the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S104). The initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is detected by a thermistor.

[0091] Next, the control unit 116 corrects the target temperature of STEP 3-1 based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S106). For example, if the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 sets the correction amount to 30°C, and if the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 sets the correction amount to 10°C. Then, the control unit 116 corrects the target temperature of STEP 3-1 to be lower by the correction amount. That is, if the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature of STEP 3-1 to 170°C. On the other hand, if the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature of STEP 3-1 to 190°C.

[0092] Next, the control unit 116 starts heating based on the corrected heating profile (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 based on the corrected heating profile. In particular, in STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the corrected target temperature. As an example, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 resumes supplying power to the heating unit 121, triggered by the thermistor temperature decreasing to the corrected target temperature of 170°C. The temperature transition in this case is as described above with reference to FIG. 3. As another example, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 resumes supplying power to the heating unit 121, triggered by the thermistor temperature decreasing to the corrected target temperature of 190°C. The temperature transition in this case is as described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0093] Thereafter, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S110). One example of the termination condition is that the duration of STEP 9 has elapsed. Another example of the termination condition is that the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0094] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S110: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the termination condition is satisfied.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (step S110: YES), control unit 116 terminates heating based on the heating profile (step S112), and then the process ends.

[0096] The above flow shows an example in which the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is detected by a thermistor when power supply to the heating unit 121 starts. Alternatively, the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be acquired based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when power supply to the heating unit 121 starts. In this case, the order of the processes in steps S102 to S108 is reversed to S102, S108, S104, and S106.

[0097] <3. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] In the above embodiment, an example in which the target temperature is corrected in the correction process has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. In the correction process, the control unit 116 may correct the thermistor temperature. As an example, the control unit 116 corrects the detected thermistor temperature to be higher. This is because the thermistor temperature is typically lower than the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the corrected thermistor temperature matches the target temperature, thereby allowing the temperature of the heating unit 121 to change as specified in the heating profile. With this configuration, as in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may correct the thermistor temperature based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 as a correction process during the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature. Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the detected thermistor temperature to increase it by a correction amount. However, the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is a second temperature lower than the first temperature, compared to when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is a first temperature. More simply, the correction amount is smaller the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is, and larger the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is. That is, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the smaller the correction amount the control unit 116 increases the thermistor temperature. This is because it is considered that the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the higher the thermistor temperature, and the smaller the discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature becomes. On the other hand, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the larger the correction amount the control unit 116 increases the thermistor temperature. This is because it is believed that the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the lower the thermistor temperature, and the greater the discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. For example, the control unit 116 may set the correction amount based on a threshold, such as setting the correction amount to 30°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than a predetermined threshold, or setting the correction amount to 10°C when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is higher than the predetermined threshold. Of course, any number of thresholds greater than one may be set. This configuration makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user due to chain smoking.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 116 performs the correction process during a period in which time control is not performed, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may also perform the correction process during a period in which time control is performed. For example, the control unit 116 may correct the target temperature set for a step, cause the thermistor temperature to reach the corrected target temperature at the end of the duration, and determine whether to transition to a step using the passage of the duration as a trigger. This configuration can prevent a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature during a step transition, which is caused by a discrepancy between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the smoking taste delivered to the user.

[0101] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature and a correction process is performed in STEP 3-1, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The operation of the heating unit 121 may be controlled based on the thermistor temperature and a correction process may be performed during any period defined in the heating profile. For example, the operation of the heating unit 121 may be controlled based on the thermistor temperature and a correction process may be performed in STEP 0. Of course, the operation of the heating unit 121 may be controlled based on the thermistor temperature and a correction process may be performed during the entire period defined in the heating profile.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example in which one correction amount is used in one heating session has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. Multiple correction amounts may be used in one heating session. In this case, the control unit 116 may switch the correction amount depending on the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile began. For example, when control of the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the thermistor temperature and correction processing are performed in STEP 0 and STEP 3-1, the control unit 116 may use a first correction amount in STEP 0 and a second correction amount in STEP 3-1. In this case, it is desirable that the correction amount be smaller as time passes since heating based on the heating profile began. This is because, as time passes since heating began, the thermistor warms up and the deviation between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature becomes smaller. In other words, it is desirable that the second correction amount be smaller than the first correction amount. This configuration makes it possible to perform an appropriate correction processing in accordance with the change in the deviation between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the thermistor temperature.

[0103] In the above embodiment, an example in which the correction process is performed based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The correction process may be performed based on any parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. As one example, the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating or the electrical resistance value of a thermistor provided near the heating unit 121. As another example, the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the inhalation device 100. The parameter corresponding to the temperature of the inhalation device 100 may be, for example, a temperature detected by a thermistor provided at a position distant from the heating unit 121. The higher the temperature of the inhalation device 100 at the start of heating, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be, and the lower the temperature of the inhalation device 100 at the start of heating, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be. As another example, the elapsed time since the previous heating by the heating unit 121 ended, i.e., the chain smoking interval, may be used as the parameter corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. It may be considered that the shorter the interval between chain smokes, the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, and the longer the interval between chain smokes, the lower the initial temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating profile includes a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The heating profile may include target values ​​for parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121. Examples of parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself as described in the above embodiment, as well as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. With regard to the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature, the heating profile may include a target value for the electrical resistance value of the thermistor.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the heating unit 121 is configured as a heating resistor and generates heat through electrical resistance. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil, that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat through induction heating. The stick-shaped substrate 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and then causes the susceptor to heat by penetrating the alternating magnetic field. The susceptor that generates heat through induction heating is provided in the suction device 100. In this case, the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance of the susceptor, which is calculated from the impedance of a circuit including the electromagnetic induction source. In this case, the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121, described above as a parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121, may be the calculated electrical resistance of the susceptor.

[0106] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0107] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0108] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during a period in which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controls the operation of the heating unit. Aerosol generation systems. (2) the control unit corrects the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor based on a parameter corresponding to an initial temperature of the heating unit, as the correction process. The aerosol generating system described in (1) above. (3) the control unit corrects the target temperature to be lower by a correction amount, the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature; The aerosol generating system described in (2) above. (4) the control unit corrects the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor so as to increase the temperature by an amount of correction; the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature; The aerosol generating system described in (2) above. (5) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the control information selected from the plurality of pieces of control information, and uses a predetermined value as the correction amount regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected. The aerosol generating system according to (3) or (4). (6) the control unit switches the correction amount depending on the elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source based on the control information is started. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (3) to (5) above. (7) the control information includes information on a plurality of unit periods with different temperature change trends of the heating unit, the control unit performs the correction process, and determines a transition of the unit period when the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor reaches the target temperature set for the unit period. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) the control unit performs the correction process during the unit period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases or decreases. The aerosol generating system described in (7) above. (9) The aerosol generating system includes a power supply unit, the heating unit heats the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply unit; the control unit performs the correction process during the unit period in which power supply to the heating unit is stopped, and resumes power supply to the heating unit when a temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor drops to the target temperature set for the unit period is used as a trigger. The aerosol generating system described in (8) above. (10) the control unit performs the correction process in the first half of a period in which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the control information. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) a period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information includes a period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on an electrical resistance value of the heating unit instead of the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor; The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The aerosol generating system further includes a substrate containing the aerosol source, the substrate being heated by the heating unit. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising: The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; Including, The control method includes: controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the control information includes, during a period in which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, performing a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controlling the operation of the heating unit. Control method. (14) A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system, The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; Including, The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; It functions as the control unit performs a correction process to correct the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during a period in which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor, and controls the operation of the heating unit. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece

Claims

1. a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with a period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information includes a plurality of unit periods including at least a first unit period and a second unit period controlled under different conditions; The control unit controlling an operation of the heating unit based on an electrical resistance value of the heating unit during the first unit period, and controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period; performing a correction process for correcting the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period, and controlling the operation of the heating unit; In the first unit period, the operation of the heating unit is controlled without performing the correction process. Aerosol generation systems.

2. the control unit corrects the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor based on a parameter corresponding to an initial temperature of the heating unit, as the correction process.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. the control unit corrects the target temperature to be lower by a correction amount, the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature; 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

4. the control unit corrects the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor so as to increase the temperature by an amount of correction; the correction amount is larger when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature than when the initial temperature of the heating unit is a first temperature; 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

5. the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the control information selected from the plurality of pieces of control information, and uses a predetermined value as the correction amount regardless of which of the plurality of pieces of control information is selected.

5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the control unit switches the correction amount depending on the elapsed time since heating of the aerosol source based on the control information is started.

6. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the control information includes information on a plurality of unit periods each having a different temperature change tendency of the heating unit, the control unit performs the correction process, and determines a transition of the unit period when the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor reaches the target temperature set for the unit period. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the control unit performs the correction process during the unit period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases or decreases.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7.

9. The aerosol generating system includes a power supply unit, the heating unit heats the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply unit; the control unit performs the correction process during the unit period in which power supply to the heating unit is stopped, and resumes power supply to the heating unit when a temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor drops to the target temperature set for the unit period is used as a trigger.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8.

10. the control unit performs the correction process in the first half of a period in which the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the control information. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aerosol generating system includes a power supply unit, the control unit supplies power from the power supply unit to the heating unit during the first unit period, and stops supplying power from the power supply unit to the heating unit during the second unit period; An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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

13. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising: The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; Including, The control method includes: controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, a period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information includes a plurality of unit periods including at least a first unit period and a second unit period controlled under different conditions; Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the control information controlling an operation of the heating unit based on an electrical resistance value of the heating unit during the first unit period, and controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period; performing a correction process for correcting the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period, and controlling the operation of the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit without performing the correction process during the first unit period; Including, Control method.

14. A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system, The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit from outside the heating unit; Including, The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information including a parameter corresponding to a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; It functions as a period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information includes a plurality of unit periods including at least a first unit period and a second unit period controlled under different conditions; The control unit controlling an operation of the heating unit based on an electrical resistance value of the heating unit during the first unit period, and controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period; performing a correction process for correcting the target temperature or the temperature of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor during the second unit period, and controlling the operation of the heating unit; In the first unit period, the operation of the heating unit is controlled without performing the correction process. program.

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