Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of more appropriately controlling the temperature for heating an aerosol source. [Solution] This aerosol generation system comprises a heating unit that heats an aerosol source and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit on the basis of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, wherein by repeatedly carrying out in sequence a first step for measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step for applying voltage to the heating unit in a mode determined on the basis of the parameter measured in the first step, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit and variably controls the duration of the second step.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure 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] In order to improve the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as "taste") that a user experiences when puffing, it is preferable to appropriately control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. In this regard, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for controlling the temperature of a heater by repeatedly applying a constant voltage to the heater to detect the resistance value of the heater and applying a voltage according to the detected resistance value to the heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-520322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can more appropriately control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. [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 and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step, and variably controls the duration of the second step.

[0008] The control unit may control the duration of the second step based on the parameter measured in the first step.

[0009] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a time series transition of the target value of the parameter, and may control the duration of the second step based on the control information.

[0010] The period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information includes, in order, a first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is increased or maintained from an initial temperature, a second period following the first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is decreased, and a third period following the second period, and the control unit may make the duration of the second step different between the first period and the third period.

[0011] The control unit may set a duration of the second step in the third period to be shorter than a duration of the second step in the first period.

[0012] The control unit may increase the duration of the second step as time passes during the third period.

[0013] The control unit may shorten the duration of the second step in the first period after the parameter measured in the first step reaches the specific target value.

[0014] The control unit may shorten the duration of the second step as time passes during the first period.

[0015] The control unit may control the duration of the second step based on a difference between the parameter measured in the first step and the target value defined in the control information.

[0016] The control unit may control a duration of the second step based on a mode of voltage application to the heating unit in the second step.

[0017] The control unit may control the duration of the second step based on a user operation.

[0018] The aerosol generation system may further include a notification unit that notifies information according to the duration of the second step.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system has a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, and the control method includes controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step, and variably controlling the duration of the second step.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, 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 has a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step, and variably controls the duration of the second step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that allows for more appropriate control of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [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]6 is a graph for explaining operation control of a heating unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed in the suction device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below 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 description will be omitted.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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 storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[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 Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), 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 an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The storage unit 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 storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 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 storage unit 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 includes 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 include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or water, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the housing 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 storage 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. As an 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 storage 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 storage 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 storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0039] As another example, the storage 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 storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0040] The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 generates an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. 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> (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 at which the aerosol source is heated (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 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 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 tastes 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 tastes 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 obtained by 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 pulse width or frequency of the power pulses to control the duty ratio in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops below the target temperature.

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

[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 the operation of 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 multiple 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 eight periods, STEP 0 to STEP 7. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP.

[0050] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 during each of the initial temperature rise period, intermediate temperature drop period, re-heating period, and heating end period. The initial temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from or is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and is an example of a first period. The initial temperature rise period consists of STEP 0 to STEP 2. The intermediate temperature drop period follows the initial temperature rise period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops, and is an example of a second period. The intermediate temperature drop period consists of STEP 3. The re-heating period follows the intermediate temperature drop period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises or is maintained, and is an example of a third period. The re-heating period consists of STEP 4 to STEP 6. The heating end period follows the re-heating period and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops. The heating end period consists of STEP 7. By having the heating session include an initial heating period, an intermediate cooling period, and a reheating period in sequence, it is possible to shorten the pre-heating period, prevent rapid consumption of the aerosol source, and optimize the smoking experience delivered to the user, as described below.

[0051] Time control may be performed in each step. Time control is a 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, the target temperature may be considered to change gradually throughout the entire step. 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. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is performed in steps 1, 2, and 4 to 7.

[0052] In some cases, time control is not performed in each step. 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 a step in which time control is not performed expands or contracts depending on the rate of temperature change. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is not performed in steps 0 and 3.

[0053] The temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 121. 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.

[0054] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 295°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 295°C, which is a trigger. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEPs 1 and 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 295°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2.

[0055] For users, a shorter preheating time is desirable. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered to the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 295°C in STEP 0 and ensure that STEPs 1 and 2 are continued for a certain period of time.

[0056] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 230°C. Time control is not performed in STEP 3. Therefore, STEP 3 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 230°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 3 ends in 20 seconds. In STEP 2, 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. In this way, by lowering the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the heating session, rapid consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from running out during the heating session.

[0057] 2, the temperature of the heating element 121 is then increased stepwise from STEP 4 to STEP 6 up to 260° C. In this way, by gradually increasing the temperature of the heating element 121, it is possible to reduce power consumption throughout the heating session while maintaining the amount of aerosol produced.

[0058] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 7, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 7, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. In STEP 7, the duration is specified, but the target temperature is not specified. Therefore, STEP 7 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 7, 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 7.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (2) Temperature measurement and PWM control The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit 121 in a manner determined based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 measured in the first step. More specifically, in the first step, the control unit 116 applies a voltage to the heating unit 121, measures the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121, and measures the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the measured electrical resistance of the heating unit 121. Then, based on the measured temperature of the heating unit 121 and a target temperature specified in the heating profile, the control unit 116 determines the duty ratio of the voltage to be applied to the heating unit 121 in the second step as the manner of voltage application to the heating unit 121 in the second step. Thereafter, in the second step following the first step, the control unit 116 controls the power supply unit 111 to apply to the heating unit 121 a voltage having a pulse width or frequency corresponding to the determined duty ratio. The control unit 116 repeatedly executes a control block consisting of a first step and a second step. This configuration makes it possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 as specified in the heating profile. In the following, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is measured in the first step unless otherwise specified. The control block will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining the operation control of the heating unit 121 according to this embodiment. Graph 30 shows the ON / OFF of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the control block. A unit control period is the period during which one control block is executed. The unit control period includes, in order, a measurement period during which a first process is executed and a heating period during which a second process is executed. Graph 30 includes graphs 31 and 32. Graph 31 shows the ON / OFF of the voltage application for the first process. Graph 32 shows the ON / OFF of the voltage application for the second process. As shown in graphs 31 and 32, after the voltage for the first process is applied in the measurement period, the voltage for the second process is applied in the heating period.

[0064] The voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the measurement period may be weaker than the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the heating period. The duty ratio during the measurement period may be set to a low value such as 1%. This prevents the temperature of the heating unit 121 from rising during the measurement period.

[0065] Conventionally, the lengths of the measurement period and the heating period were fixed. Therefore, it was sometimes difficult to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, even if the duty ratio during the heating period was set to 100%, the duty ratio during the entire unit control period would be reduced by the amount of the measurement period. As another example, since the temperature of the heating unit 121 was not measured during the heating period, the temperature tracking ability was reduced by the amount of the heating period. For example, when puffing was performed during the heating period, a long time lag occurred between the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreasing due to the puffing and returning to normal, corresponding to the heating period.

[0066] Therefore, the control unit 116 according to this embodiment variably controls the length of the heating period (i.e., the duration of the second step). With this configuration, it becomes possible to more appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0067] The control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on the heating profile. Specifically, the control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period according to progress based on the heating profile. With this configuration, it is possible to optimize the length of the heating period according to progress of control based on the heating profile.

[0068] In particular, the control unit 116 may set different lengths of the heating periods for the initial heating period and the reheating period. During the initial heating period, a rapid increase in the temperature of the heating unit 121 is required to shorten the preheating period. On the other hand, during the reheating period, high temperature tracking ability is required to quickly recover the temperature of the heating unit 121 that has decreased due to puffing. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to optimize the lengths of the heating periods for both the initial heating period and the reheating period.

[0069] Specifically, control unit 116 sets the length of the heating period in the re-heating period to be shorter than the length of the heating period in the initial heating period. As an example, control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period in the initial heating period to 196 ms. Then, control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period in the re-heating period to 46 ms.

[0070] In the following, the length of the measurement period is fixed at 4 ms. For ease of calculation, the duty ratio during the measurement period is assumed to be 0%. When the length of the heating period is set to 46 ms, even if the duty ratio during the heating period is 100%, the duty ratio during the entire unit control period remains at 92%. In contrast, when the length of the heating period during the initial heating period is set to 196 ms, the duty ratio during the entire unit control period can be increased to a maximum of 98%. As a result, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be rapidly increased during the initial heating period, thereby shortening the preheating period. Furthermore, with this configuration, the interval between one measurement period and the next can be shortened from 196 ms during the initial heating period to 46 ms during the reheating period. As a result, the temperature tracking ability of the heating unit 121 during the reheating period can be improved.

[0071] (3) Processing flow An example of the flow of processing executed in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0072] 4, first, the sensor unit 112 receives a user operation to instruct the start of heating (step S102). One example of a user operation to instruct 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 to instruct the start of heating is inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0073] Next, the control unit 116 sets the length of the measurement period to 4 ms, sets the length of the heating period to 196 ms, and starts heating based on the heating profile (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 controls the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the heating period based on the target temperature during the initial temperature rise period and the temperature of the heating unit 121 measured during the measurement period.

[0074] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the initial temperature rise period has ended (step S106). If it is determined that the initial temperature rise period has not ended (step S106: NO), the control unit 116 continues heating by the heating unit 121 until it is determined that the initial temperature rise period has ended.

[0075] If it is determined that the initial temperature rise period has ended (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 temporarily stops heating (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 stops the application of voltage to the heating unit 121 over the entire unit control period.

[0076] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the intermediate temperature-dropping period has ended (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines that the intermediate temperature-dropping period has ended when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has dropped to the target temperature of the intermediate temperature-dropping period. During the intermediate temperature-dropping period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be detected, for example, by a thermistor or the like disposed near the heating unit 121. If it is determined that the intermediate temperature-dropping period has not ended (step S110: NO), the control unit 116 continues to monitor the temperature of the heating unit 121 until it determines that the intermediate temperature-dropping period has ended.

[0077] If it is determined that the intermediate temperature decreasing period has ended (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 sets the length of the measurement period to 4 ms, sets the length of the heating period to 46 ms, and resumes heating (step S112).

[0078] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S114). One example of the termination condition is that the heating session has ended. Another example of the termination condition is that the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0079] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S114: NO), the control unit 116 continues heating by the heating unit 121 until it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (step S114: YES), the control unit 116 terminates the heating based on the heating profile (step S116), and then the process ends.

[0081] <3. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] (1) First Modification During the reheating period, the length of the further heating period may be controlled.

[0083] The higher the temperature of the heating element 121, the greater the difference between the temperature of the heating element 121 and the temperature of the outside air flowing into the inhalation device 100 due to puffing, and the greater the temperature of the heating element 121 drops due to puffing. After the temperature of the heating element 121 drops due to puffing, the longer the difference between the temperature of the heating element 121 and the target temperature continues, the more the smoking taste may deteriorate. Therefore, it is desirable to quickly recover from the temperature drop of the heating element 121 due to puffing.

[0084] Therefore, during the re-heating period, control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on the temperature of heating unit 121. Specifically, control unit 116 may lengthen the heating period as the temperature of heating unit 121 increases, and may shorten the heating period as the temperature of heating unit 121 decreases. With this configuration, during the re-heating period, it becomes possible to quickly recover the temperature of heating unit 121 that has decreased due to puffing.

[0085] Here, it is considered that the higher the target temperature, the higher the temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on the target temperature during the re-heating period. Specifically, the control unit 116 may increase the length of the heating period as the target temperature increases, and decrease the length of the heating period as the target temperature decreases. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period in STEP 4 to 46 ms, the length of the heating period in STEP 5 to 56 ms, and the length of the heating period in STEP 6 to 66 ms. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly recover the temperature of the heating unit 121 from a decrease caused by puffing during the re-heating period.

[0086] Alternatively, control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period during the reheating period based on the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature. Specifically, control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to be shorter the smaller the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature, and may set the length of the heating period to be longer the larger the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature. For example, control unit 116 may normally set the length of the heating period to 46 ms during the reheating period, but may set the length of the heating period to 96 ms only when the temperature of heating unit 121 has significantly dropped from the target temperature due to puffing. This configuration makes it possible to quickly recover the temperature of heating unit 121 from a drop caused by puffing during the reheating period.

[0087] Here, the duty ratio during the heating period is determined based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 measured during the measurement period and the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period during the reheating period based on the duty ratio during the heating period. Specifically, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to be shorter as the duty ratio is smaller, and may set the length of the heating period to be longer as the duty ratio is larger. This configuration also makes it possible to quickly recover the temperature of the heating unit 121 from a decrease caused by puffing during the reheating period.

[0088] From another perspective, the longer the time that passes since heating started, the more the heating unit 121 warms up to its core, and the greater the degree of temperature drop in the heating unit 121 due to puffing can be. Therefore, the control unit 116 may increase the length of the heating period during the re-heating period as time passes. For example, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period during the re-heating period according to the following mathematical formula (1). Note that T1 is the length of the heating period during the re-heating period, α is an arbitrary coefficient, and t1 is the time elapsed since the start of the re-heating period. This configuration also makes it possible to quickly recover the temperature of the heating unit 121 that has dropped due to puffing during the re-heating period. T1 = 46 [ms] + α × t1 [ms] … (1)

[0089] (2) Second Modification During the initial temperature rise period, the length of the further heating period may be controlled.

[0090] During the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating section 121 rises rapidly, which may cause the temperature of the heating section 121 to exceed the target temperature, i.e., an overshoot. If an overshoot occurs, the smoking taste may deteriorate. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the overshoot from occurring.

[0091] Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the initial temperature rise period. Specifically, the control unit 116 may shorten the length of the heating period during the initial temperature rise period after the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a specific target temperature. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to 196 ms in STEP 0 until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280°C, which is close to the target temperature of 295°C. Then, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to 96 ms in STEP 0 after the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 280°C. This configuration makes it possible to prevent overshoot from occurring during the initial temperature rise period.

[0092] Additionally, during the initial temperature rise period, control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature. Specifically, control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to be shorter the smaller the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature, and may set the length of the heating period to be longer the larger the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121 and the target temperature. With this configuration, the temperature tracking ability improves as the temperature of heating unit 121 approaches the target temperature of 295°C, making it possible to prevent overshoot from occurring during the initial temperature rise period.

[0093] Here, the duty ratio during the heating period is determined based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 measured during the measurement period and the target temperature specified in the heating profile. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period during the initial heating period based on the duty ratio during the heating period. Specifically, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period to be shorter as the duty ratio is smaller, and may set the length of the heating period to be longer as the duty ratio is larger. This configuration also makes it possible to prevent overshoot during the initial heating period.

[0094] As a simpler control method, the control unit 116 may shorten the length of the heating period during the initial heating period as time passes. For example, the control unit 116 may set the length of the heating period during the initial heating period according to the following equation (2). Note that T2 is the length of the heating period during the initial heating period, β is an arbitrary coefficient, and t2 is the time elapsed since the start of the initial heating period. This configuration makes it possible to prevent overshoot from occurring during the initial heating period. T2 = 196 [ms] - β × t2 [ms] ... (2)

[0095] (3) Third Modification The control unit 116 may control the length of the heating period based on a user operation. For example, the inhalation device 100 may operate in either a normal mode, in which the length of the heating period is set based on the above embodiment or the various modified examples, or a boost mode, in which the length of the heating period is extended by 100 ms from the normal mode. The control unit 116 may then switch the operating mode based on a user operation. For example, when the operating mode is switched from the normal mode to the boost mode during the initial heating period, the control unit 116 changes the length of the heating period from 196 ms to 296 ms. In this way, the user can switch the operating mode from the normal mode to the boost mode when a high heating rate is required, such as when the user particularly wants to shorten the preheating period or when performing continuous puffs in a short period of time. This configuration makes it possible to provide a user experience that better meets the user's needs. Note that various user operations for switching the operating mode are conceivable, such as pressing a button on the inhalation device 100, a gesture operation such as shaking the inhalation device 100, or an operation via an external device such as a smartphone.

[0096] The notification unit 113 may notify information according to the length of the heating period. For example, the notification unit 113 may cause the LED to emit green light in the normal mode and the LED to emit red light in the boost mode. The information according to the length of the heating period may be notified by a light emission pattern defined by the light emission color or the number of emitting LEDs, or by vibration, sound, or the like.

[0097] (4) Other supplementary information As explained in the above modification, the length of the additional heating period may be controlled during at least one of the initial heating period and the reheating period. However, regardless of the type of control, it is desirable that the length of the heating period during the reheating period be shorter than the length of the heating period during the initial heating period.

[0098] Although an example in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The operation of the heating unit 121 may be controlled based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. Similarly, the heating profile may include a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 is the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.

[0099] Although the example in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases stepwise during the reheating period has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. During the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may temporarily decrease.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a control unit that controls an operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step; Aerosol generation systems. (2) The control unit controls the duration of the second step based on the parameter measured in the first step. The aerosol generating system described in (1) above. (3) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a time series transition of the target value of the parameter, and controls the duration of the second step based on the control information. The aerosol generating system according to (1) or (2). (4) The period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information is: a first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from or maintained at an initial temperature; a second period following the first period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases; a third period following the second period; in order, The control unit causes the duration of the second step to differ between the first period and the third period. The aerosol generating system described in (3) above. (5) the control unit makes the duration of the second step in the third period shorter than the duration of the second step in the first period. The aerosol generating system described in (4) above. (6) The control unit extends the duration of the second step as time passes during the third period. The aerosol generating system described in (5) above. (7) the control unit shortens the duration of the second step in the first period after the parameter measured in the first step reaches the specific target value; The aerosol generating system according to any one of (4) to (6) above. (8) The control unit shortens the duration of the second step as time passes during the first period. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (4) to (6) above. (9) the control unit controls the duration of the second step based on a difference between the parameter measured in the first step and the target value defined in the control information. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (3) to (8) above. (10) The control unit controls the duration of the second step based on the manner of voltage application to the heating unit in the second step. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) The control unit controls the duration of the second step based on a user operation. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The aerosol generating system further includes a notification unit that notifies information according to the duration of the second step. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The aerosol generating system further comprises a substrate containing the aerosol source. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) 1. A computer-implemented control method for controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising: The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; The control method includes: controlling operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit; Controlling the operation of the heating unit Controlling the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameters of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameters measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step; A control method comprising: (15) 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; The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; It functions as the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step; program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 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 Storage unit 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 control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a time-series transition of a target value of the parameter; Equipped with The period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information is: a first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from or maintained at an initial temperature; a second period following the first period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases; a third period following the second period; in order, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step based on the control information, and making the duration of the second step different between the first period and the third period; Aerosol generation systems.

2. The control unit controls the duration of the second step based on the parameter measured in the first step.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. the control unit sets the duration of the second step in the third period to be shorter than the duration of the second step in the first period.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

4. The control unit extends the duration of the second step as time passes during the third period. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit shortens the duration of the second step after the parameter measured in the first step reaches the specific target value in the first period; 5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the control unit shortens the duration of the second step as time passes during the first period.

5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. the control unit controls the duration of the second step based on a difference between the parameter measured in the first step and the target value defined in the control information.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

8. the control unit controls the duration of the second step based on the manner of voltage application to the heating unit in the second step.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

9. The control unit controls the duration of the second step based on a user operation.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

10. The aerosol generating system further includes a notification unit that notifies information according to the duration of the second step.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

11. The aerosol generating system further comprises a substrate containing the aerosol source.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

12. 1. A computer-implemented control method for controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising: The aerosol generating system comprises: a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; The control method includes: controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a time-series transition of a target value of the parameter; The period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information is: a first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from or maintained at an initial temperature; a second period following the first period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases; a third period following the second period; in order, Controlling the operation of the heating unit controlling the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameters of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameters measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step based on the control information, and making the duration of the second step different between the first period and the third period; A control method comprising:

13. 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; The program causes the computer to: a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a time-series transition of a target value of the parameter; It functions as The period during which the operation of the heating unit is controlled based on the control information is: a first period during which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from or maintained at an initial temperature; a second period following the first period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases; a third period following the second period; in order, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by sequentially repeating a first step of measuring the parameter of the heating unit and a second step of applying a voltage to the heating unit in a manner determined based on the parameter measured in the first step; variably controlling the duration of the second step based on the control information, and making the duration of the second step different between the first period and the third period; program.

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